Introduction
Tucked thirteen kilometres east of Pokhara city — within sight of Mount Machhapuchre and the Annapurna massif — Pokhara University (PU) stands as Nepal’s fifth university and one of its most dynamic institutions. Since its establishment in 1997 under the Pokhara University Act, it has transformed from a regional initiative into a nationally recognised institution serving more than 34,000 students across four faculties and dozens of affiliated colleges.
Unlike many urban universities, PU occupies a thousand-acre campus in Lekhnath Municipality, Kaski District, where Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake are practically within walking distance — making it one of the most scenically unique university campuses in all of South Asia.
Quick Facts at a Glance
- Official Name: Pokhara University (PU) — पोखरा विश्वविद्यालय
- Type: Public, Autonomous, Non-Profit University
- Established: 1997 (2054 B.S.)
- Location: Lekhnath, Kaski District, Gandaki Province, Nepal
- Campus Size: ~1,000 acres (400 hectares)
- Chancellor: Prime Minister of Nepal
- Pro-Chancellor: Minister of Education, Nepal
- Vice-Chancellor: Bishnuraj Tiwari
- Total Students: 34,151+
- Academic Programs: 63
- Affiliated Colleges: 57+
- Global Partners: 70+ institutions
- Annual Budget: Rs. 1.54 billion (~USD $10.3 million) (2025–26)
- Academic System: Semester-based
- Official Website: www.pu.edu.np
History & Background
Nepal adopted the multi-university concept in 1983. The idea for Pokhara University was first conceived in 1986, but it took more than a decade of planning and political will before it was formally established under the Pokhara University Act of 1997.
The Prime Minister of Nepal serves as Chancellor of the university, with the Minister of Education as Pro-Chancellor — a governance structure that reflects the institution’s deep ties to national development priorities.
As a non-profit, autonomous institution, PU is funded partly by Government of Nepal grants and partly by revenues from students and affiliated colleges. Over the decades, the university has steadily reduced its reliance on government funding, aligning with Nepal’s broader policy of cost-sharing with the private sector, while retaining full government support for capital infrastructure.
“To become a leader in the promotion of education across the globe and contribute to raising the living standard and improving the quality of life of the people — bringing about permanent peace, prosperity, and well-being in the country.” — Vision of Pokhara University
Faculties & Academic Programs
Pokhara University organises its academic offerings across four core faculties. Together, they run 63 academic programs spanning Bachelor’s, Post-Graduate Diploma, Master’s, MPhil, and PhD levels — offered through constituent schools and 57+ affiliated colleges throughout Nepal.
1. Faculty of Science & Technology Covers engineering, information technology, environmental sciences, and applied sciences programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. This faculty is one of the most sought-after in western Nepal.
2. Faculty of Management Studies Home to the PU School of Business (PUSOB), this faculty offers BBA, MBA, and entrepreneurship programs designed to produce job-market-ready graduates with practical business skills.
3. Faculty of Health Sciences Offers MBBS, nursing, and allied health sciences programs with strong hospital affiliations. MBBS graduates from PU are eligible to practice in both Nepal and India.
4. Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences (FHSS) Dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across languages, development studies, social engineering, law, and education — with a focus on sustainable development and social progress.
The university uses a flexible semester system that allows students to progress at a pace suited to their individual abilities. Continuous evaluation is built into the academic process, reducing dependence on single high-stakes examinations.
Campus Life & Environment
PU’s campus is among the most scenic of any university in South Asia. The core schools — including the School of Engineering, the School of Health & Allied Sciences, the School of Business, and the School of Development and Social Engineering — are situated along the banks of the Khudi River.
The surrounding landscape features forested ridgelines, rolling hills, and the constant panorama of the Himalayan peaks to the north. Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake are within walking distance of the university headquarters.
Reliable and affordable local bus services connect the campus to central Pokhara city. The university offers spacious sports grounds, recreational areas, and a peaceful, distraction-free atmosphere that genuinely supports focused academic work.
Research & International Collaboration
Research sits at the heart of PU’s academic mission. The university treats research not as an optional extra but as the core mechanism through which education becomes relevant and practically useful to society. Faculty and students are actively encouraged to engage in applied research that contributes to Nepal’s national development.
On the international front, PU has established partnerships with over 70 institutions worldwide. Through these collaborations, the university offers more than 1,000 full scholarships annually to students across Nepal — providing access to high-quality education that would otherwise be out of reach for many.
The university also runs an MBBS exchange program that allows medical students to study at partner institutions abroad, strengthening clinical skills and international research capabilities. Foreign students from around the world also join PU through this program, adding a multicultural dimension to campus life.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Pokhara University has outlined several ambitious development goals:
- Centre for Medicinal Herbs: PU plans to establish a dedicated research centre leveraging the region’s extraordinary biodiversity, building stronger links between academic research and the natural medicine industry.
- Extended Mountain Campuses: New campuses in Nepal’s mountainous regions will bring agriculture and environment-related programs directly to the communities that need them most.
- Expanding Global Partnerships: The university continues to grow its international network, aiming to increase scholarship opportunities and student exchange programs.
- Stronger Industry Links: PU is committed to ensuring its graduates are job-ready and that its research contributes meaningfully to Nepal’s economy and society.
With a growing budget, expanding international reach, and a clear development roadmap, Pokhara University is well on its way to fulfilling its founding vision of becoming a world-class centre of excellence — rooted firmly in the service of Nepal’s people.
Why Choose Pokhara University?
- One of Nepal’s largest universities by student enrollment
- Affordable, semester-based education with continuous assessment
- 63 programs across science, management, health, and humanities
- Over 1,000 full scholarships offered every year
- Partnerships with 70+ universities and institutions worldwide
- A stunning 1,000-acre campus near lakes and Himalayan peaks
- Strong industry and community linkages across Nepal
For admissions, programs, and scholarship information, visit the official website at www.pu.edu.np