Nepal Open University

Nepal Open University (NOU), established by an act of parliament in 2073 BS (2016), is the first of its kind in Nepal. This premier institution holds the same legal status as other universities in the country. The Vice-Chancellor (VC) is the academic and administrative head, while the Registrar oversees personnel and financial administration.

Purpose and Mission

Nepal Open University aims to expand access to higher education for those who cannot attend conventional institutions. It strives to create inclusive programs that meet national needs and prepare students for local and global job markets. The university focuses on providing flexible learning opportunities through innovative technology and distance learning modes.

Educational Philosophy

NOU believes in the transformative power of education for human development and growth. Despite advancements in knowledge and technology, challenges like poverty and stress persist. Therefore, NOU is dedicated to improving education to develop capable and sensitive human resources.

Accessibility and Reach

NOU addresses the limited access to higher education in Nepal, estimated at only 17% for the relevant age group. By offering distance and online learning, the university aims to retain students within the country and provide them with quality education and training.

Regional Support Centers

NOU operates Regional Study Centers and Support Centers to serve students in their communities and workplaces. These centers, connected to a central IT system, allow students to access learning resources and participate in educational activities using their devices.

Programs and Courses

NOU offers various programs focusing on science, technology, technical and vocational education, and interdisciplinary courses. The university also provides general and professional education programs in humanities, social sciences, management, public administration, education, law, and more.

Flexible Learning

NOU's programs are designed to be flexible regarding time, place, and academic level, catering to students' diverse needs. The university validates students' experiences through certification based on established quality standards.

Vision, Mission, and Objectives

Vision

To become a leading higher education institution in Nepal, providing accessible and affordable education through open and distance learning.

Mission

To use modern technology to increase access to education across all sectors, preparing qualified and competent human resources for social development and inspiring positive thinking and action.

Objectives

• Inclusive Education: Provide inclusive higher education opportunities based on place, time, and pace.

• Sustainable Development: Produce knowledgeable and skilled citizens ready to contribute to sustainable development.

• Research and Learning: Establish e-libraries, museums, and laboratories for research and learning.

• Collaboration: Collaborate with national and international organizations for quality education.

• Lifelong Learning: Support lifelong learning opportunities for all.

• Authentic Learning: Ensure authentic learning experiences through collaboration with industries and businesses.

• Flexible Entry: Develop flexible entry requirements for higher education and training.

Courses Offered

Certificate / Diploma Level

Diploma in Library and Information Management — 1 Year / 2 Semesters: This program is built for anyone who wants to work behind the scenes of a library or information center. Students learn how to organize, preserve, and retrieve information, and how to run the day-to-day systems and services that keep academic, public, and institutional libraries running smoothly.

Bachelor Level

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) — 4 Years / 8 Semesters A well-rounded introduction to the business world, covering management, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and organizational behavior. Students come out of it able to think critically about how businesses actually make decisions.

Bachelor of Law (LLB) — 3 Years For students heading toward legal and justice-related careers. The program builds a solid grounding in legal principles, the structure of legal systems, and how rights, responsibilities, and the law shape everyday society.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) — 4 Years / 8 Semesters A flexible humanities and social sciences degree. Sociology runs as the common major, and students can also choose from English, Nepali, Economics, Media Studies, Library and Information Science, Political Science, Islamic Studies, Newa: Studies, Kirat Studies, Magar Studies, or Tamang Studies.

Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) — 3+1 Years A more practice-oriented take on business education, with an emphasis on accounting, finance, marketing, and the operational side of running an organization. It's a good fit for students aiming at careers in banking, administration, or entrepreneurship.

One Year Bachelor of Education — 1 Year / 2 Semesters Designed for people looking to move into teaching or build on an existing academic background. Covers teaching methods, classroom practice, and the basics of educational psychology and pedagogy.

One Year B.Ed. Pedagogical Science — 1 Year / 2 Semesters A focused look at pedagogy — how learning happens, how classrooms are managed, and how instruction is designed. Ideal for students who want to sharpen their teaching skills within a structured program.

Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) — 4 Years / 8 Semesters Covers the technical ground students need for a career in IT: programming, databases, networking, software development, and information systems, along with exposure to newer digital technologies.

Bachelor of Educational Science (BES) — 4 Years / 8 Semesters Lets students specialize early in English Education, Mathematics Education, or Social Studies Education, building both subject expertise and teaching skills.

Master's Level

Master in Pedagogical Sciences: A deeper dive into teaching methods, curriculum development, and learning theory — meant for those who already have some background in education and want to sharpen their practice and research skills.

Master's Degree in Media and Communication: Prepares students for journalism, media production, digital content, and public relations by combining communication theory with hands-on practical skills.

MS in Development Management and Governance: Focuses on how development work actually gets done — planning, governance, public policy, and project and institutional leadership. A strong fit for students headed into public administration or development-sector careers.

Master's Degree in Natural Resources Development Centers on the sustainable use and management of natural resources, useful for students interested in environmental management, resource governance, and sustainability more broadly.

Master in Geoinformatics: Covers geographic information systems, remote sensing, and spatial data analysis — skills that open doors in urban planning, environmental monitoring, disaster management, and mapping.

Master of Educational Science (MES) — specializations in Education Governance and Leadership, Instructional Design, and Technology Built for students aiming at leadership or specialist roles in education, whether that's academic planning, policy work, or technology-driven learning environments.

MSc in Environmental and Occupational Health: Looks at environmental health, workplace safety, and preventive health practices, preparing students for careers across health, safety, and public health sectors.

Master in e-Governance: Explores how digital tools and information systems are reshaping public administration — improving service delivery, transparency, and how institutions run.

Master of Business Administration (MBA): An advanced program in management, leadership, and strategy, meant to prepare students for leadership roles across business, development organizations, and public or private institutions.

Master in Information Technology (MIT): A two-year graduate program with specialization tracks in Data Science and Cyber Security, offering 50 seats in each track every year.

MPhil Programs

MPhil in English Education — Advanced study and research into English language teaching, pedagogy, and curriculum.

MPhil in Sociology — Research-driven study of sociological theory, social structures, and social change.

MPhil in Nepali Education — Advanced work in Nepali language education, teaching methods, and curriculum within Nepal's academic context.

MPhil in Information and Communication Technology — Focuses on ICT, digital learning, and educational technology.

MPhil in Political Science — Advanced study of political theory, governance, and public policy.

MPhil in Health Education — Research and practice in public health education and community health promotion.

MPhil in Educational Studies — A broad, research-focused look at educational theory, policy, and institutional development.

MPhil in Mathematics Education — Advanced study of how mathematics is taught, learned, and assessed.

MPhil in Economics — Research-based study of economic theory, policy, and development economics.

MPhil in Social Sciences Education — Advanced research into the teaching and learning of social science subjects.

MPhil in Social Science (Political Science and Economics) — Combines political science and economics for a broader view of governance and policy.

Doctorate

PhD in Education: An advanced research degree for scholars and professionals who want to push the field forward — whether that's through work on educational theory, policy, leadership, curriculum, or pedagogy.

Nepal Open University is committed to developing knowledgeable, skilled, and responsible human resources, fostering a positive impact on society. For more information, visit the university's website or contact the administration.

Contact Nepal Open University's administrative office for detailed information on the course, admissions, location, fees, scholarships, facilities, counseling, or eligibility.

Manbhawan, Lalitpur - info@nou.edu.np - 015008047

Faculty of Management & Law -  015008048, foml@nou.edu.np

Faculty of Social Sciences and Education - 015424108, fosed@nou.edu.np

Faculty of Science, Health and Technology - 015424309, fosht@nou.edu.np