Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Atlantic International College

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Atlantic International College (AIC) is a postgraduate management program affiliated with Pokhara University. Offered at AIC in Samakhushi, Kathmandu, the program carries 60 credit hours and is completed over two years through six trimesters. AIC has 30 seats for MBA.

The curriculum combines managerial foundations, analytical courses, functional management, concentration study, electives, practical modules, project or research work, and internship. Students may choose an industry pathway or research pathway during the later stage of the program.

MBA at AIC: Quick facts

Each trimester consists of 12 teaching weeks excluding examinations. The normal completion period is 24 months, while the program may be completed within a maximum of four years from registration.

Academic focus of the MBA

The MBA is structured for graduate-level study across the main areas of management. Its academic emphasis includes managerial decision-making, quantitative analysis, economics, finance, human resource management, operations, marketing, research, entrepreneurship, information systems, strategy, leadership, governance, and communication.

The curriculum requires 60 credits distributed across:

• foundation and analytical courses – 16 credits;

• management core and functional courses – 20 credits;

• concentration courses – 8 credits;

• elective courses – 4 credits;

• capstone project and experiential learning or Graduate Thesis – 6 credits; and

• internship – 6 credits.

Classroom learning is supported by discussions, presentations, group work, case analysis, guest lectures, simulations, project work, and online instruction.

MBA curriculum by trimester

The first three trimesters establish the analytical and functional management base. Concentration and elective courses become prominent in Term IV, while Term V introduces the industry or research pathway. Term VI is assigned to internship.

The curriculum requires 25 courses when electives, concentration courses, and practica are included.

Concentration areas

Students select four courses carrying a total of eight credits from one concentration area. Pokhara University provides five concentration areas within the MBA curriculum.

Students also complete two elective courses worth four credits. Elective options include subjects in sustainability, economics, banking, technology management, taxation, project management, multinational management, social entrepreneurship, service-sector management, rural marketing, and microfinance.

Industry Pathway and Research Pathway

Term V gives students two ways to complete the six-credit capstone and experiential-learning requirement.

Industry Pathway

Students complete:

• Consulting Project or New Venture Creation – 3 credits; and

• Doing Business in Nepal – 3 credits.

Research Pathway

Students complete:

• Graduate Thesis – 6 credits.

This arrangement allows students to choose between applied project work and a research-oriented academic route within the same MBA degree.

MBA eligibility at Atlantic International College

Eligibility: Applicants must have completed at least 15 years of formal education, comprising 12 years of schooling followed by a minimum three-year bachelor's degree.

Graduates from all disciplines are eligible to apply. Applicants must have secured at least:

• CGPA 2.0 at bachelor's level; or

• 45 percent at bachelor's level.

Admission process

Eligible applicants take an admission test. Candidates are shortlisted for a personal interview according to their written-test performance.

Final selection considers:

• entrance test performance;

• personal interview; and

• previous academic records.

Applicants are required to submit a completed and signed MBA application form and official transcripts from academic institutions previously attended. Degree certificates are submitted as properly attested photocopies.

AIC has 30 seats for the MBA program.

Attendance and evaluation

Students must attend at least 80 percent of the classes actually held in each course to be eligible for the trimester-end examination.

Academic performance is assessed through both term evaluation and trimester-end evaluation.

Students must pass both components separately. The pass requirement for each is 60 percent.

Pokhara University uses a four-point letter-grade system for the MBA. To earn the degree, students must complete all course requirements, the selected industry or research pathway, and internship within the permitted study period. A minimum C grade is required in each course, along with a CGPA of at least 3.0 on the 4.0 scale.

Internship

Internship forms the entire sixth trimester and carries six credits. Students complete the internship under faculty and workplace supervision and submit an internship report followed by a presentation.

The internship assessment is divided between:

• confidential evaluation by the host organization – 40 percent; and

• seminar presentation of the Internship Project Report – 60 percent.

The internship adds an organizational learning component after students have completed the main management courses, concentrations, electives, and their selected Term V pathway.

Scholarships and student support at AIC

Pokhara University provides full scholarships to 10 percent of AIC students. The college also provides a full tuition fee waiver to the semester topper.

AIC's wider student environment includes career counseling, research opportunities, field visits and tours, student clubs, extracurricular activities, personality development training, alumni engagement, and non-credit courses.

Who may consider the MBA?

The MBA may suit graduates from different academic disciplines who want postgraduate study across multiple management functions rather than a degree centered entirely on one specialization.

The program may be particularly relevant to students interested in managerial analysis, organizational decision-making, finance, marketing, human resource management, operations, entrepreneurship, strategy, business research, or technology-related management. Concentration courses allow students to develop a more focused area within the broader MBA structure.

Graduates may explore managerial, administrative, business-development, analytical, consultancy, entrepreneurial, and related organizational roles. Career outcomes depend on individual skills, academic performance, experience, chosen concentration, and available opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the duration of the MBA at Atlantic International College?

The MBA is a two-year program organized into six trimesters. Each trimester includes 12 teaching weeks excluding examinations.

How many credits are required for the MBA?

Students must complete 60 credit hours covering foundation and analytical courses, core and functional courses, concentration courses, electives, capstone or thesis work, and internship.

How many MBA seats are available at AIC?

Atlantic International College has 30 seats for the MBA program.

Can students from any bachelor's discipline apply for MBA?

Yes. Graduates from all disciplines may apply, provided they meet the minimum academic and formal education requirements.

What is the minimum bachelor's result required for MBA admission?

Applicants need a minimum CGPA of 2.0 or 45 percent at bachelor's level, together with at least 15 years of formal education.

Does the MBA include specialization options?

Yes. Students choose four courses from one concentration area. Available areas are Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, Information Technology and Business Analytics, and Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

Does the MBA include an internship?

Yes. The sixth trimester consists of a six-credit internship that includes organizational work, an internship report, and presentation.

What CGPA is required to earn the MBA degree?

Students must maintain a minimum CGPA of 3.0 on the 4.0 scale and earn at least a C grade in each required course.