Kathmandu University (KU) — Research-Focused Excellence

Kathmandu University (KU), established in 1991 as an autonomous, not-for-profit public institution, is located in Dhulikhel, Kavrepalanchok — about 30 km east of Kathmandu. KU has earned a reputation as Nepal's most research-oriented university and consistently ranks among the top in academic quality.

Seven Schools of Excellence
KU is organized into 7 schools:
1. School of Engineering (SOE): Offers BE, ME, and Ph.D. in civil, computer, electrical, geomatics, and mechanical engineering.
2. School of Science (SOS): BSc, MSc, Ph.D. in physics, chemistry, mathematics, biotechnology, environmental science, and pharmacy.
3. School of Management (KUSOM/KSOM): BBA, EMBA, MBA programs known for quality management education. Graduates often pursue career options after BBA.
4. School of Medical Sciences (KUSMS): MBBS, BDS, nursing, public health, and allied health programs.
5. School of Arts (SOA): Bachelor's and master's programs in music, culture, and liberal arts.
6. School of Education (SOEd): BEd, MEd, and Ph.D. in education sciences.
7. School of Law (SOL): LLB program established in 2018.

Semester System and GPA
KU was a pioneer in adopting the semester-based credit hour system in Nepal. All programs use a 4.0 absolute GPA scale. This system allows for flexible course selection, regular assessments, and faster degree completion compared to annual systems. The grading system guide explains KU's GPA structure in detail.

Entrance Exams and Admission
KU conducts its own entrance examinations for most programs. The entrance-exams/kuumat" class="text-blue-600 hover:underline">KUUMAT (KU Undergraduate Management Admission Test) is required for BBA and other management programs. Engineering and medical programs have separate entrance tests. KU entrance exams are typically held in July–August.

Affiliated Colleges
KU has 22 affiliated colleges across Nepal. Unlike TU's large affiliation network, KU maintains stricter quality control over its affiliates. Students can colleges" class="text-blue-600 hover:underline">browse colleges affiliated to KU on our platform.

Research and Innovation
KU leads Nepal's universities in research output. The university has strong international partnerships with universities in Norway, Denmark, South Korea, and Japan. KU's research centers focus on renewable energy, nanotechnology, geomatics, and public health. This research focus makes KU degrees highly valued both domestically and internationally.

Campus Life
KU's main campus in Dhulikhel offers a residential university experience — relatively uncommon in Nepal. The campus provides hostels, sports facilities, a library, and a teaching hospital (Dhulikhel Hospital). The semi-rural setting provides a focused academic environment away from Kathmandu's urban congestion.