Nepal College Admission Guide 2026: How to Apply to Universities
Complete guide to Nepal college admission 2026. How to apply to TU, KU, PU, PoU universities, admission requirements, entrance exams, deadlines, and best colleges in Nepal.
Jul 13, 2026 11 min read 36 views
Nepal College Admission Guide 2026: How to Apply to Universities
Navigating the college admission process in Nepal can be overwhelming for students and parents. With multiple universities (TU, KU, PU, PoU, NAFU), hundreds of affiliated colleges, various entrance exams, and different admission timelines — it's easy to get confused. This comprehensive Nepal college admission guide explains everything you need to know: how to apply to universities, admission requirements, entrance exams, deadlines, and how to choose the best college for your career goals.
Overview of Nepal's Higher Education System
Nepal has 10 universities recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC):
Tribhuvan University (TU) — largest, 1,000+ affiliated colleges
Kathmandu University (KU) — autonomous, international recognition
Pokhara University (PoU) — modern, growing
Purbanchal University (PU) — Eastern Nepal focus
Nepal Agriculture and Forestry University (NAFU) — specialized
Lumbini Buddhist University (LBU) — Buddhist studies
Mid-Western University (MU) — Mid-Western Nepal
Far-Western University (FU) — Far-Western Nepal
Nepal Sanskrit University (NSU) — Sanskrit studies
Rajarshi Janak University (RJU) — Janakpur
Most students apply to TU, KU, PU, or PoU for mainstream programs.
How to Apply to Nepal University — Step by Step
Step 1: Choose Your Program
Decide your career path first:
| Interest | Program | Top Universities |
|----------|---------|-----------------|
| Engineering | BE/B.Tech | TU (IOE), KU, PU, PoU |
| Medicine | MBBS/BDS | TU (IOM), KU (KUSMS), BPKIHS |
| Management | BBA/BBS/BIM | TU (FOM), KU, PU |
| IT/Computer Science | BSc CSIT/BCA/BIT | TU (IOST), KU, private |
| Science | BSc | TU, KU |
| Humanities | BA | TU, KU |
| Law | LLB | TU, KU |
| Education | B.Ed | TU (Faculty of Education) |
| Agriculture | BSc Ag | NAFU, TU (IAAS) |
Step 2: Check Eligibility
Each program has specific eligibility:
Engineering (BE): +2 Science with PCM, minimum 45% (C grade)
Medicine (MBBS): +2 Science with PCB, minimum 50%
Management (BBA): +2 in any stream, minimum 45% (some require 50%)
IT (BSc CSIT): +2 Science with PCM, minimum 45%
BSc: +2 Science, minimum 45%
BA/BA.LL.B: +2 in any stream, minimum 45%
Step 3: Take Entrance Exams
Most professional programs require entrance exams:
| Program | Entrance Exam | Conducted By |
|---------|--------------|-------------|
| Engineering (BE) | IOE Entrance | TU (IOE) |
| Medicine (MBBS) | CEE | Medical Education Commission |
| MBA/MBS | CMAT | TU (FOM) |
| BBA/BIM | CMAT (UG) or college-specific | TU (FOM) |
| BSc CSIT | TU IOST Entrance | TU (IOST) |
| BE (KU) | KU Entrance | KU |
| BSc CS (KU) | KU Entrance | KU |
Prepare for entrance exams with Khojney's free mock tests:
Your entrance exam rank determines which colleges you can get into:
Top 200 (IOE): Pulchowk Campus (any program)
Top 600 (IOE): Pulchowk (Civil), Thapathali
Top 1,200 (IOE): Chitwan, Pashchimanchal, private top colleges
Top 100 (CEE): IOM (TUTH) government seat
Top 300 (CEE): BPKIHS, NAIHS
Top 1,000 (CEE): Private medical colleges
Common Admission Mistakes to Avoid
Not researching colleges — apply based on facts, not rumors
Missing deadlines — admission closes quickly for top colleges
Not having backup options — apply to 5–8 colleges, not just 1–2
Ignoring fees — make sure your family can afford the full 4 years
Choosing based on friends — pick what's right for YOU
Not visiting the campus — visit before deciding
Forgetting documents — keep all originals + photocopies ready
Late entrance exam registration — register early to avoid last-minute rush
FAQ
How do I apply to colleges in Nepal?
For TU constituent campuses: appear for entrance exam → register for counseling → fill preferences → report to allotted college. For private colleges: apply directly with +2 transcripts and entrance score.
When does college admission start in Nepal?
For bachelor's: entrance exams in Bhadra–Ashwin (September–October), admission in Kartik–Mangsir (November–December). For +2: admission in Bhadra–Ashwin (August–October).
What documents are needed for college admission in Nepal?
+2 transcript and character certificate, SEE transcript, citizenship certificate, migration certificate, entrance exam score card, passport photos, and category certificate (if applicable).
Which is the best college in Nepal?
For engineering: Pulchowk Campus. For medical: IOM (TUTH). For management: Shanker Dev Campus. For +2: St. Xavier's College.
How much does college cost in Nepal?
Government colleges: NPR 2–7 lakh for 4 years. Private colleges: NPR 8–15 lakh. Medical colleges: NPR 3–50 lakh. KU: NPR 12–18 lakh.
Can I get direct admission without entrance exam?
Some private colleges offer direct admission based on +2 percentage for non-professional programs (BBS, BA, BSc general). Professional programs (BE, MBBS, BBA) require entrance exams.
What if I don't get into my preferred college?
Apply to backup colleges. You can also: take a drop year and reappear for entrance exam, or start at a different college and transfer after 1st year (limited options).
How can I apply to KU (Kathmandu University)?
KU conducts its own entrance exam (separate from TU). Apply through KU's website when applications open (usually Bhadra). KU admission is at KU's own schools — no affiliated colleges for most programs.