Kathmandu University, Nepal's leading non-profit educational institution, has experienced a 15% increase in student enrollments during the ongoing academic year of 2023-24. The university reports an overall admission rate of 87%, reaching a substantial portion of its intake capacity for the current academic cycle.
Comparatively, the university witnessed a student admission rate of 72% in the 2022-23 academic year and 70% the year before. This year's growth in admission rates extends across all seven schools of the university, with Arts seeing a 19% increase, Education 34%, Engineering 13%, Law 11%, Management 4%, Medical Sciences 6%, and Science 28%, compared to the previous academic year.
The university's total admission capacity has expanded from 5,898 students in the prior academic year to 6,186 in the current year. This surge in enrollment marks a notable recovery for the university, which experienced two consecutive years with admission rates hovering around 70%. This positive trend comes at a time when concerns are raised about declining student numbers in universities across Nepal due to a significant number of students leaving the country annually.
Professor Dr. Bhola Thapa, Vice-Chancellor of the university, attributes the increase in student admissions to recent efforts by various departments to retain students in Nepal. Thapa emphasizes the university's outreach efforts, including the introduction of new programs and initiatives, highlighting the international quality and recognition of their education.
The university has launched 15 new academic programs in the current academic year, spanning undergraduate courses in areas such as Craft and Design, Yogic Science and Wellbeing, Psychology, Mining Engineering, Bioinformatics, and Aviation Management. Additionally, postgraduate programs introduced include Development Studies-International, Indigenous Education and Development, Writing and Literacy Studies, Education in School Counseling, Health Informatics, Energy and Infrastructure Law, Executive MBA-International, and Economics.
Thapa emphasizes the university's adaptability to global competition, tailoring publicity strategies accordingly. The institution has restructured courses to align with dual degrees and international collaboration requirements. Notably, Kathmandu University has achieved internationalization milestones this year with the launch of new academic programs abroad, including collaborative efforts with institutions in India, Australia, and Hong Kong.
With over 18,000 students in its constituent and affiliated campuses, the university has seen a total of 43,123 graduates. Importantly, certain schools within the university exhibit higher admission rates for female students than males. The School of Law, in particular, boasts the highest admission rate for female students at 71%, with other schools like Arts (55%), Management (53%), and Medical Sciences (54%) also showing higher admission rates for female students. The overall student gender ratio stands at 51% male and 49% female.
