KATHMANDU, JULY 25
Kathmandu University and Madhes University today signed a memorandum of understanding to begin joint academic programmes at bachelor's and master's degree levels to foster academic exchange and cooperation between the two institutions.
The joint programmes identified by the universities include Bachelor of Public Administration and Management and Masters in Federal Governance andPublic Administration. The collaboration is aimed at strengthening academic and research excellence in both institutions and fostering mutual cooperation.
During a programme organised to mark the signing of the understanding on Kathmandu University Central Campus premises in Dhulikhel, Kavre, KU Vice-chancellor Professor Bhola Thapa and MU Vice-chancellor Professor Deepak Shakya also agreed to conduct joint research, exchange of faculty, students and staff, and exchange of materials, publication and information, among other academic activities.
Speaking at the programme, Thapa said the signing of the MoU was a win-win for both universities.
"There is a huge scope for the exchange of indigenous knowledge considering how these universities are located in different cultural and geographical spaces.
The understanding has opened the way for collaborations across various schools," Thapa added.
Shakya said the understanding between a new university like MU and an established university like KU is a huge achievement. "The way KU has taken the lead in fostering academic excellence in collaboration with new universities is commendable," Shakya added.
The twin universities will conduct a common entrance exam to select students for the joint programmes.
Courses will be offered at MU campuses. Students will have access to various virtual or in-person sessions at KU and will visit KU for specialised courses or field activities. Upon completion of the course, the students will receive joint degrees from both universities at a special convocation ceremony. KU, established in December 1991, is an autonomous, not-for-profit, self-funding public university known for its academic and research excellence. The university has signed MoUs with 255 higher education institutions and universities in 40 countries globally.
MU, a skill-based academic and research university, was founded by Madhes Province Government in 2022.
A version of this article appears in the print on July 26, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.
