Kathmandu University (KU) is holding the first phase of its 31st Convocation Ceremony today at Dhulikhel, Kavrepalanchok, where a total of 2,209 students are graduating. Among them are 196 international students from 17 countries, reflecting the university’s continued global appeal.
The ceremony is being presided over by Prime Minister and University Chancellor Sushila Karki, alongside the Minister of Education, Science and Technology and Co-Chancellor Mahabir Pun. Professor Dhulipudi Pandit, Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, is attending as the chief guest and will deliver the convocation address, according to KU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Achyut Wagle.
Graduate Distribution and International Participation
This year, graduates represent all academic levels, including 7 from PhD, DM, and MCh programs, 397 from postgraduate programs, 50 from the PGD level, and 1,728 from the undergraduate level.
Distribution across KU’s schools is as follows:
• School of Arts: 83
• School of Education: 294
• School of Engineering: 340
• School of Law: 36
• School of Management: 378
• School of Medical Sciences: 881
• School of Science: 197
The gender distribution is 1,154 males (52.24 percent) and 1,055 females (47.76 percent).
A total of 196 foreign nationals, about 9 percent of today’s graduates, are from 17 countries including Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the UK, India, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Namibia, Russia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, the USA, and Vietnam. Various academic medals are also being awarded during the ceremony.
With this convocation, the total number of KU graduates has reached 50,040, including 5,860 international students representing approximately 12 percent of all graduates in KU’s 30-year history. The largest group is from India, with 4,976 graduates to date. Other international graduates include 399 from Sri Lanka, 85 from the USA, 75 from the Maldives, 33 from Germany, 25 from Bangladesh, 21 from the UK, 21 from Canada, 20 from Bhutan, 19 from China, 18 from Zambia, 14 from South Africa, 13 from Pakistan, and 10 each from Australia and Russia. Students from a total of 58 countries have graduated from KU so far.
Rising Enrolments Amid National Decline
While Nepali universities are struggling with declining enrolments due to economic uncertainty, the appeal of foreign universities, and private sector expansion, KU has recorded strong growth.
In the academic year 2082/083, the university’s constituent undergraduate programs saw an 18 percent rise in total student enrolment, and seats in affiliated programs increased by around 5 percent. Notable enrolment growth was observed in the Schools of Engineering, Education, Arts, and Science.
The School of Engineering recorded the highest surge with about 70 percent growth compared to last year, attributed to high market demand, expanding programs, and increased confidence in KU’s technical education.
The School of Education posted steady double-digit growth over the past two years, increasing from 703 students in 2081/82 to 804 in 2082/83, driven by rising national interest in teacher-training, STEAM, inclusive education, language education, and school transformation programs.
The School of Arts is gaining traction through programs that integrate education, the arts, and research, with significant increases in Economics and Psychology. Master’s programs such as Music and Translation & Philology have also seen growth. Enrolment in PhD programs increased notably this year, rising to 35 students.
Growing International Interest and Faculty Expansion
KU’s efforts toward internationalization have intensified. Under its newly launched Teach-In Program, the university now offers foreign faculty an additional allowance of more than 50 percent, resulting in over 450 applications from global academics. Contracts have already been finalized with eight international faculty members from Brazil, the US, the UK, South Korea, Germany, and China, with more in progress.
International student interest is also rising. This year alone, KU enrolled 34 international students in various PhD and master's programs across the Schools of Science, Engineering, Arts, and Education.
KU ranks 703rd globally in the International Outlook Indicator (Times Higher Education 2025), reflecting its expanding global footprint.
Deepening Global Ties
Kathmandu University now collaborates with 300 academic and research institutions across 41 countries, many of which support joint degrees, shared research, and educational exchange.
Its active collaborations include joint PhD programs with universities in Norway and Australia, as well as joint master’s and PhD programs with IIT Madras and IIT Hyderabad.
University officials say the rise in enrolment is the outcome of deliberate reforms, including updated curricula, new market-responsive programs, and strengthened global partnerships. Post-pandemic initiatives focusing on school restructuring, capacity expansion, foreign faculty recruitment, and international collaborations have helped the university regain strong momentum.
