Tribhuvan University (TU)

Tribhuvan University (TU) is Nepal’s oldest and largest public university, established in 1959. Located in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, TU has played a central role in the development of higher education, research and professional human resources in Nepal. Its academic network extends across the country through constituent campuses, affiliated colleges, central departments, faculties and institutes.

TU at a Glance

The figures above are from TU's current official profile and recent institutional publications; campus and affiliation numbers may change as new institutions are added or reorganised.

A Brief History

Tribhuvan University was established under the Tribhuvan University Act, 1959, as Nepal’s first university. Although established in 1959, its academic programmes began in 1961. During the 1970s, the university expanded significantly as colleges across the country were brought into the TU system under the National Education System Plan.

Over the decades, TU developed specialised institutes and faculties covering medicine, engineering, science and technology, agriculture, forestry, management, education, law, humanities and social sciences.

Faculties and Institutes

TU currently operates through four faculties and five institutes, covering a wide range of academic and professional disciplines.

Four Faculties

• Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

• Faculty of Education

• Faculty of Management

• Faculty of Law

These faculties cover disciplines ranging from English, Nepali, economics, sociology and journalism to education, management and legal studies.

Five Institutes

• Institute of Engineering (IOE)

• Institute of Medicine (IOM)

• Institute of Science and Technology (IoST)

• Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS)

• Institute of Forestry (IOF)

The institutes primarily oversee specialised and professional education in areas such as engineering, medicine, science, agriculture and forestry.

Academic Programmes

TU offers programmes from undergraduate to doctoral level. Depending on the faculty or institute, students can pursue bachelor's, master's, MPhil and PhD programmes.

Its academic portfolio includes:

• Humanities and Social Sciences

• Education

• Management

• Law

• Science and Technology

• Engineering

• Medicine and health sciences

• Agriculture and animal science

• Forestry

The university's central departments also conduct specialised postgraduate and research programmes in subjects including economics, English, history, geography, journalism and mass communication, mathematics, science and other disciplines.

Research and Innovation

Research is one of the major functions of TU. The university operates four research centres:

• Centre for Economic Development and Administration (CEDA)

• Centre for Nepal and Asian Studies (CNAS)

• Research Centre for Applied Science and Technology (RECAST)

• Research Centre for Educational Innovation and Development (CERID)

Research is also conducted through central departments, campuses, the Research Directorate and research-management structures.

Constituent and Affiliated Campuses

One of TU's defining features is its extensive nationwide academic network. Students do not necessarily study at the central campus in Kirtipur; TU programmes are delivered through its constituent campuses and affiliated colleges across Nepal.

The University Campus, Kirtipur houses numerous central departments and offers postgraduate and research programmes in several disciplines. Its facilities include classrooms, laboratories, library services, hostels, sports facilities and other student-support infrastructure.

Admission to Tribhuvan University

Admission procedures differ according to the programme, faculty, institute and campus. Professional programmes such as engineering, medicine and some science-based programmes generally have specific entrance requirements, while other programmes follow admission procedures determined by the concerned faculty or campus.

Students should therefore check the latest admission notice, eligibility requirements, entrance examination information and application deadlines issued by the relevant TU faculty, institute or campus.

Why TU Remains Important

More than six decades after its establishment, Tribhuvan University remains a major part of Nepal's higher-education system. Its significance comes not only from its size but also from the breadth of disciplines it covers—from literature and social sciences to medicine, engineering, management, law and technology.

For students, TU offers a particularly broad academic ecosystem, with opportunities to study through constituent campuses or affiliated colleges and to progress from undergraduate study into postgraduate and research-level education.

Who Should Consider TU?

TU can be relevant to students looking for programmes in:

• Humanities, languages and social sciences

• Education and teaching

• Management and business

• Law

• Science and technology

• Engineering

• Medicine and health sciences

• Agriculture and veterinary-related fields

• Forestry and environmental studies

• Academic research

Because programmes, admission rules and fees vary considerably across faculties and campuses, students should evaluate the specific programme and campus rather than treating TU as a single uniform college.

Tribhuvan University: At a Glance

Official information: Tribhuvan University