Mid-West University (MU)

Mid-West University (MU), established in 2010 through a Parliament Act by the Government of Nepal, is a public and autonomous institution located in Birendranagar, Surkhet. MU has been designed to address regional disparities in access to higher education and has emerged as a vibrant hub for academic exploration and social transformation.

Mid-West University (MU) offers UG, PG, MPhil, and PhD programs in Education, Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences, Management, Science and Technology, Law, Agriculture, and Forestry streams.

With an enrollment of around 12,000 students and the capacity to accommodate up to 30,000, the University is a key driver of educational development in Nepal’s mid-western region.

MU’s academic environment is grounded in accessibility, inclusiveness, and interdisciplinary collaboration. It reflects Nepal’s national priorities and adapts to global educational standards. The institution serves a wide demographic, including students from underserved areas, promoting equity through affordable education and extensive outreach.

Vision and Mission

Vision

To become a respected center for higher education that nurtures learning, drives innovation, and promotes civic responsibility and academic excellence.

Mission

To deliver accessible and relevant education, support meaningful research initiatives, and foster inclusive community partnerships that contribute to local and global development goals.

Core Values and Institutional Goals

Core Values

• Upholding academic integrity and freedom

• Encouraging inclusion and equity

• Promoting lifelong learning and open inquiry

• Supporting sustainable development

• Strengthening research for societal benefit

Institutional Goals

• Ensure teaching and research quality across all levels

• Expand infrastructure to meet evolving academic needs

• Build partnerships with institutions worldwide

• Incorporate sustainability and community engagement in governance

• Align education and training with employment sectors

MU Purposes

• Mid-West University is committed to achieving high standards in teaching and learning. We emphasize interdisciplinary education and research that solves real-world challenges.

• We offer education, research, training, and public engagement aligned with the evolving needs of industry, government, and society.

• We are developing cutting-edge facilities that support innovative teaching, advanced research, and sustainable operations.

• Digital technologies are fully integrated into the University's systems to improve accessibility, efficiency, and connectivity across all functions.

• By expanding collaborations with international institutions, we enhance academic programs, research opportunities, and cultural exchange.

• We promote environmental sustainability, social equity, and financial resilience throughout all University operations.

Academic Organization and Program Highlights

MU offers undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs through seven graduate schools, a network of constituent campuses, and one affiliated institution. Its multidisciplinary offerings reflect both academic rigor and practical relevance.

Undergraduate Programs

Our four-year undergraduate programs follow a semester system and span 120 credit hours, with the option for additional credits in specialized areas. Students progress through foundation, core, and integration courses in the initial semesters. Specialization and electives are introduced later, culminating in a field-based internship and project work in the final semester.

From 2025, all undergraduate programs will be redesigned under a labor market-driven STEM-focused model to produce highly skilled professionals.

• Typically four years (eight semesters) and worth 120 credit hours

• Include foundation, core, specialization, and practicum courses

• Fields of study: Agriculture, Education, Engineering, Humanities, Law, Management, Science, and Technology

• The final year includes fieldwork, internships, and guided projects

Graduate Programs

These two-year programs consist of 65 credit hours and follow a semester structure. The first three semesters offer core, cross-cutting, and specialized courses, while the final semester is dedicated to thesis research and guided projects.

In 2025, graduate programs will adopt a labor market-driven approach to develop industry-ready experts.

Postgraduate Programs

Postgraduate offerings include MPhil, PhD, and Post-Doctoral programs, with tailored pathways across graduate schools. MPhil degrees can be completed in as little as 18 months, while PhD programs require a minimum of three years of intensive research.

Infrastructure and Campus Reach

MU’s infrastructure is designed to support dynamic learning experiences:

• Graduate Schools: 7

• Central Departments: 21

• Autonomous Institutions: 2

• Community/Constituent Campuses: 10

• Affiliated Institutions: 1

• Academic Programs: 80

• Coverage: 11 districts across 3 provinces

• Land Area: 54 hectares

• Campus Buildings: 101

• Student Capacity: 30,000

• Current Enrollment: 12,000

Technological Integration

The University runs a proprietary digital ecosystem—MU Digitalization and Automation System (MU-DAS). This suite ensures hybrid academic and administrative operations through:

• Education Management Information System (EMIS)

• Learning Management System (LMS)

• Enterprise Resource Planning System (ERPS)

• Content Management System (CMS)

• Dedicated mobile applications

This infrastructure enhances academic tracking, digital teaching tools, automated records, and e-resource management.

Research Culture and Output

MU champions a research-intensive environment supported by:

• Research and Development Directorate: Coordinates institution-wide research efforts

• Research Management Cells: Operate within graduate schools

• Research Units: At the campus level

• Faculty Research Funding: Mini and major grants provided by MU and UGC

• Annual Research Events: Conferences, workshops, and publication programs

Research Contributions

• Peer-reviewed NEPJOL journals: 16

• International journal publications: 150

• National journal publications: 1,100

• University-published textbooks: 810

• Reference materials and online resources: Over 470

Student Life and Engagement

The Free Students’ Union and Student Welfare Council represent and support student interests across the University.

Students actively participate in:

• Field visits, study tours, and community-based projects

• Local to international sports and recreation events

• University-wide annual competitions and cultural programs

Support for student well-being includes:

• General healthcare and emergency services

• Counseling and career placement through academic departments

Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations

Formal Agreements

• 33 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with national and global universities

• Engagement in joint research, curriculum enrichment, faculty exchanges, and dual-degree discussions

Community and Industry Relations

• Regular consultations with policymakers, industries, civil organizations, and academic peers

• Partnerships aimed at skill development, innovation hubs, and applied research initiatives

• Sectoral roundtables and feedback-driven planning for policy input and infrastructure upgrades

MU has also created an endowment fund to mobilize philanthropic contributions, helping ensure long-term growth and sustainability.

Advancing Innovation and Academic Excellence

Guided by the University’s Vision '35, Mid-West University is broadening its academic scope to meet global trends and national needs. New disciplines—such as medicine, nursing, public health, biotechnology, engineering, and digital technologies—will be introduced to prepare students for emerging fields.

Future programs will emphasize interdisciplinary learning and digital integration, with curriculum elements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Big Data Analytics. The University is also developing superspecialty centers and advanced research labs to drive innovation and industry partnerships.

Our initiatives are focused on evidence-based policymaking, technological solutions, and sustainable development, ensuring long-term impact and global relevance.

Faculty Positions and Research

Faculty Positions

Academic ranks include Teaching Assistant, Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor.

Research Initiatives

The University operates a dedicated Research and Development Center under its Research Directorate. Specialized labs support engineering, science, climate, environment, and IT research across local and international platforms.

Each Graduate School maintains a Research Management Cell, while affiliated campuses may set up their units. Funding opportunities are available for:

• Mini-research projects

• Faculty-led research

• Collaborative studies

• Laboratory development

Academic Engagement and Publications

Research findings are shared through seminars, webinars, workshops, and conferences. Faculty are encouraged to publish their work, with financial incentives for national and international publications.

Schools and Departments

Graduate School of Agriculture and Forestry

• Focus: Agricultural sciences, sustainable farming practices, agroforestry

Graduate School of Education

• Programs: BEd, MEd, and MPhil to PhD

• Areas: Curriculum studies, special needs education, educational leadership

Graduate School of Engineering

• Degrees: BE and MSc in key engineering disciplines

• Practical labs and internships are integrated into the curriculum

Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences

• Programs: BA, MA, MPhil, and PhD

• Fields: Social work, conflict resolution, journalism, sociology, and public policy

Graduate School of Law

• Program: Integrated 5-year BA-LLB

• Focus: Constitutional law, human rights, legal theory

Graduate School of Management

• Degrees: BBA, BBS, MBA, MBS, MPhil, PhD, MPA (2025 onward)

• Topics: Public management, finance, entrepreneurship, strategic planning

Graduate School of Science and Technology

• Programs: BSc, BIT, BSc-CSIT, MSc, MSc by Research to PhD

• Research areas: Environmental science, IT, climate change, and computing

Human Resources and Training

Academic Staff

• Professors: 3

• Associate Professors: 18

• Assistant Professors: 284

• Teaching Assistants: 69

• Instructors: 14

Administrative Staff

• Officers: 33

• Head Assistants: 39

• Assistants: 45

• Non-ranked Staff: 90

Executive Members: 11

Development Programs

• Faculty training in six cohorts: 175 trained

• Master Trainer preparation: 40 certified

• ICT Sub-unit Training: 30 participants

• Short-term staff development: 50

• Market-linked student training: Over 500 beneficiaries

• Business incubation and entrepreneurship events: 10 conducted

Cultural and Athletic Achievements

MU places a high value on holistic development. The University has seen notable achievements in sports and community service:

• Champion in the Inter-University T20 Cricket Championship (Jay Nepal Cup)

• Third overall in national university sports performance rankings

• Gold medal wins in volleyball and track events

• Active participation in youth conferences and leadership summits

Governance and Legislative Foundation

The University operates under a well-defined legislative framework:

• Mid-Western University Act (2010)

• Rules and Regulations (2012)

• Operational Guidelines (2024)

The institution adheres to participatory governance, focusing on transparency, inclusiveness, and policy responsiveness.

Learning Resources and Library System

• Central library with over 45,000 books and 240 journals

• Department and campus libraries: 18

• Total book collection across all locations: Over 95,000

• Journals and open-access resources: More than 20 platforms

MU also supports digital libraries and e-learning portals, enabling remote access to knowledge materials.

Digital Ecosystem and Hybrid Education

MU’s digitalization strategy integrates its operations with the national higher education policy. MU-DAS supports:

• Learning and classroom management

• Online assessments and digital grading

• Research archiving and project documentation

• Human resource and finance automation

• Communication and outreach systems

Future Directions and Academic Vision 2035

Under its long-term vision plan, MU is preparing to launch new programs and academic centers. Disciplines under consideration include:

• Health sciences and nursing

• Public health and policy studies

• Biotechnology and environmental engineering

• Data science, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics

The aim is to align programs with emerging careers and regional development goals. Strategic priorities include:

• Building interdisciplinary laboratories and research hubs

• Strengthening links with regional industries

• Incorporating environmental and societal challenges into research agendas

• Expanding postgraduate research fellowships and funding mechanisms

Conclusion

Mid-West University is a growing force in Nepal’s academic landscape, rooted in public service, knowledge creation, and human-centered education. Its integrated systems, regional outreach, digital adaptation, and research orientation make it a responsive and forward-looking institution. With a clear roadmap and engaged leadership, MU is shaping future-ready graduates and contributing to national progress through meaningful, inclusive, and transformative education.

For further information:

Website: www.mu.edu.np

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +977 83-524581 / 525444 / 525333

Location: Birendranagar, Surkhet, Nepal