Bachelor in Environmental Studies (BES)

A four-year interdisciplinary degree examining environmental issues through scientific, social, cultural, and policy lenses.

Description

The Bachelor in Environmental Studies (BES) at Kathmandu University integrates natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and applied environmental fields to build broad problem-solving capacity for environmental challenges.
Jointly offered by the School of Science and School of Arts, the program provides scientific grounding alongside socio-cultural analysis, enabling students to address environmental problems holistically.
Hands-on learning is embedded through field studies, practicals, workshops, conferences, and project-based work. Graduates develop the analytical, technical, and policy skills needed for professional roles in sustainability, conservation, environmental governance, and development sectors.

Curricular Structure (table)
Key components represented as thematic areas

Features

• Interdisciplinary learning combining science, humanities, arts, and social sciences
• Joint program from two KU schools: Science + Arts
• Strong practical orientation: field trips, labs, workshops, conferences, project work
• Multiple scholarship pathways and financial aid opportunities
• Eligibility open to students from all streams
• Curriculum aligned with global environmental and sustainability priorities
• Training positioned for professional work or further academic study

Fee

• Approx. NPR 924,000 (tentative total program fee)

Admission process (point form)

• Complete 10+2 or equivalent with minimum 1.60 CGPA or 40% aggregate
• A-Level students must have passed at least three subjects in A level and one in AS level with 40% FUM aggregate
• Open to all academic backgrounds (Science, Management, Humanities, Computer, etc.)
• Submit application through KU’s admission portal
• Sit for entrance screening as required by KU
• Selection based on merit and seat availability
• Complete registration and fee processing after acceptance

Job prospects

• Environmental inspector or compliance officer
• Environmental resource manager
• Climate, sustainability, or environmental policy officer
• Ecologist or conservation specialist
• Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) officer
• GESI (Gender Equity and Social Inclusion) officer
• Sustainable and climate finance officer
• EE/EIA (Environmental Education / Environmental Impact Assessment) officer
• Environmental educator, consultant, lawyer, journalist, or reporter
• Roles across climate change, development, natural resources, and sustainability sectors