Nepal is known for its incredible natural wonders and its rich culture. This country is full of mountainous regions that include many of the tallest mountains in the world, like Mt. Everest. This is why it is a popular destination for those who enjoy adventurous sports. It is also the place where Buddha was born, so the number of temples and different religions that coexist within its borders is very high. But if we set all of this aside, have you ever considered studying at a university in Nepal? In this article, we will be looking at the cheapest universities in Nepal.
Although the first higher education institution in Nepal was originally opened in 1919, universities only started to appear until the decade of the 50s, after democracy was established. There currently are around 10 universities and over 60 colleges and schools.
Affordable Schools in Nepal for International Students
1. Kantipur Engineering College
Located in the Latipur district, Kantipur Engineering College (KEC) is a private institution established in 1998. It is one of the best higher education institutions in Nepal. KAC has three departments that offer bachelor’s degree programs. These are computer and electronic engineering, civil engineering, and sciences and humanities engineering. Each department has its own club.
The institute organizes different exhibitions and conferences each year and has ongoing partnerships with Asian and European universities. Domestically, it is affiliated with Tribhuvan University which is the biggest and main university in Nepal. Aspiring students who want to study at KEC will have to take the entrance exam at the university’s Institute of Engineering (IOE). As for international students, admissions will be decided by a special committee.
You’ll have to contact them to learn more about tuition fees, but in previous years, KEC has charged between $3,000 and $6,000.
2. The British College
Established less than 15 years ago, in 2012, The British College (TBC) is a higher institution that offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees that are both accredited in Nepal and the U.K.
Degrees offered at TBC are granted in affiliation with Leeds Beckett University and the University of West England. Bachelor programs available are business and management, hospitality business management, and computing. Master’s degree programs are in business administration (executive and graduate modalities) and international business management. TBC also offers other short courses to prepare students for English proficiency tests like PTE or IELTS, or to obtain accounting certificates.
Applications are done online by submitting a form and the required documents. Tuition fees here usually go from 7,000 USD to 13,000 USD. However, this will depend on your country of origin. If you are from a country that belongs to SAARC, you will be charged 25% more than local students. For the rest of the international students, fees increase by 50%.
TBC also offers accommodation for students. The monthly rent is 20,000 NPR (around 175 USD) if you choose the vegetarian meal package and 21,000 NPR (around 182 USD) if you choose the non-vegetarian package. This includes three meals a day and services.
3. Ace Institute of Management
Established a little over 20 years ago, the Ace Institute of Management (ACE) is a private institution that offers undergraduate and graduate programs.
It offers bachelor’s degree programs in business administration and IT while master’s degrees offer MBA programs. Some of the degree programs will require students to complete an internship, choose a specialization path, and/or complete a project.
ACE is affiliated with Pokhara University. Students who wish to study at ACE must take the Centralized Management Admission Test. After that, students who have successfully passed will have to go to an interview at ACE.
4. Islington College
Islington College is a cheap university in Nepal that was founded in 1996 and specializes in the fields of business and technology.
In the area of technology, it offers bachelor’s degrees in computing, multimedia technologies, and computer networking & IT security, and a master’s degree in IT and applied security.
In the business area, it offers bachelor degrees in business administration (BBA) with international business. There’s also a finance BBA, a marketing BBA, and a master’s in business administration.
Admissions consist of submitting the required documents. An admissions committee will review all applications and choose accepted students. You’ll have to pay an application fee. In general, tuition is usually 1,000,000 NPR (around 8,700 USD) approximately.
5. Khwopa Engineering College
Founded in 2001, Khwopa Engineering College (KhEC) is located in the ancient area of Bhaktapur. It is the first community college in Nepal that specializes in the area of engineering.
This affordable university in Nepal has seven departments: computer engineering, electronics and communication engineering, urban design and conservation, science and humanities, computer engineering, civil engineering, earthquake engineering, and architecture.
KhEC has a research center with its own journal that develops projects in the areas of communication, computers, electronics, civil engineering, and architecture.
KhEC is affiliated with Purbanchal University. Admissions are done through the entrance exam of that university. Applicants must submit the application form and then take the exam. Those who will pass will be invited for an interview.
Tuition fees depend on the major, it may go from 196,000 NPR.
6. Xavier International College
Established in 2001, Xavier International College is located in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. It is a higher institution that’s part of the Xavier International frame, which also has a school in Nepal that provides secondary education.
This college offers bachelor’s degree programs in computer application, business management, business studies, microbiology, environmental sciences, and social work. They also offer a master’s degree in business studies.
Most of the programs at this affordable university in Nepal are offered in affiliation with Tribhuvan University. Depending on the chosen major, the duration varies between two and four years.
As for admissions, as with the other universities, applicants will have to take an entrance exam, and if eligible, they’ll have to attend an interview.
7. Nepal Open University
Nepal Open University (NOU) was opened just a few years ago, in 2016, and is the first of its kind in the country. It is located in one of the biggest cities in Nepal, Lalitpur.
It has three faculties: management and law, science health and technology, and social sciences and education. They offer both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. It also has a research unit.
This university is part of Open Education Resource Universitas (OERu). This is a program made by the foundation of OER in New Zealand. Through this program, NOU students can study courses online at no cost.
Admissions depend on the program, which may only consist of submitting documents or include tests. Tuition fees also depend on the program. For example, for the master’s in business administration, credits cost 4,000 NPR (around 35 USD) each. Contact them to learn more about admissions and fees for international students.
8. King’s College
King’s College was established to provide education focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, and practical solutions.
It offers bachelor’s degree programs in business administration with different specializations, like investment and economics or digital marketing. It also offers four different master’s in business administration. Besides the classic MBA program, there are other three programs focused on entrepreneurship, agricultural businesses, and nonprofit organizations.
This cheap college in Nepal has other centers which include a social business center, an empowerment academy, a mentorship program, a research and development unit, and a program to bring together companies and students.
In order to be admitted, students have to write an essay, submit the required documents, and attend an interview. Different scholarships are given based on academic performance, economic needs, and participation in extra-curricular activities.
FAQs: Studying in Nepal
What is the Higher Education System Like in Nepal?
Nepal’s higher education system started slow but after the 1950s, it rapidly grew and changed. Even if there are around 10 universities, each has affiliations with several institutes and colleges. This way, these colleges will still manage their own admission procedures, and dictate tuition fees. Though Nepal has many colleges and schools, the majority of them specialize in one specific area. You’ll notice that most colleges concentrate on either engineering, medicine, or management.
Bachelor’s degree programs last three years, except for certain majors like engineering or medicine, which last from 4 to 5 years. Master’s degree programs can be completed in two years. Students can take the Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) or the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
What is the Admission Process at Universities in Nepal?
When students graduate from high school, they have to take an exam to obtain the School Leaving Certificate (SLC). It is similar to the GCSE that schools have in England.
Besides asking for this (or an equivalent in the case of international students), the admission process at many universities includes entrance exams and interviews. Interviews are usually the only extra step for international students, but for some faculties, like engineering, it is possible that you’ll have to take more than one exam to be admitted.
The admission process in every university in Nepal may differ from each other, so make sure to check the university’s admission.
How Much are the Tuition Fees at Universities in Nepal?
Some universities in Nepal can be very, very expensive. Tuition fees may go up to 40,000 USD for local students. And international students are usually charged double, having to pay 80,000 USD per year.
One of the reasons why this happens is that many universities have very modern facilities and are constantly incorporating new buildings and centers. Also, they usually include extra things on the costs, like giving expensive laptops to students. This is especially true for technical majors.
What is the Language of Instruction at Universities in Nepal?
Most degree programs at universities in Nepal are taught in Nepali, which is the official language of the country. You will be warmly welcomed at their language programs in case you want to take the challenge and learn the language before starting your major.
Fortunately, many private colleges offer programs in English and there are international campuses of foreign universities in Nepal that also give the option of studying in English, although it may depend on your degree and program.
What are the Living Costs in Nepal?
The Nepalese Rupee (NPR) is the country’s official currency. 10,000 NPR is around 86 USD. You may also hear the word “lakh”, which is a unit that represents one hundred thousand. It is written “1,00,000”. This means that 2 lakhs are 200,000 NPR or 2,00,000.
Renting a one-bedroom apartment can cost around 150 USD per month. This will vary depending on whether you go to the city or the mountains. However, most universities have dormitories or student hostels available.
You’ll spend around 15 USD per month on transportation if you don’t take taxis. As for food, between 100 USD and 150 USD will do the job. If you decide to go out, there are affordable options that cost between 3 USD to 10 USD.
Does Nepal Offer Scholarships to International Students?
Yes, but they are very limited. Some scholarships here are made for a specific nationality and if it’s academic-based, it’s very competitive.
Nepal has cheap universities for international students. If you are unable to secure a scholarship, you can consider enrolling in an affordable university.
Nepal is a growing nation that has been constantly improving especially in the education sector. With its intention to build modern facilities, advanced technologies, and provide affordable tuition, the country will in time becoming a powerhouse in Asia.
We hope that this article on cheap universities in Nepal was helpful. If you are interested in studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students!
