KU and an Australian institute agree for double degree programme in BIT

Kathmandu, Jan. 27

The School of Engineering at Kathmandu University of Nepal and the Crown Institute of Higher Education (CIHE) of Australia have signed a Letter of Agreement (LoA) on 26 January to launch a double degree programme in Bachelor of Information Technology.

The agreement provides the guidelines for the initiation and administration of the double degree programme in Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) as conceived by the Definitive Agreement signed between the two institutions on August 1, 2023.

The LoA outlines the fee structures and scholarships for student intake in 2024, informed Dr. Bal Krishna Bal, Programme Coordinator of Bachelor of Information Technology at the KU.

"The MoU aimed at establishing the way for a multifaceted partnership aimed at enhancing international cooperation in academia encompassing various collaborative initiatives, including Staff Exchanges, Student Exchange Programmes, and the Exchange of Academic Materials between the two esteemed institutions," said Dr. Bal.

Furthermore, the MoU also envisioned joint efforts to establish and implement innovative joint degree courses, demonstrating a commitment to shared academic pursuits.

The Definitive Agreement (DA) was also signed on the same day, outlining the commencement of a Double Degree Programme in Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT).

This unique academic collaboration allows for a maximum intake of 30 students per cycle, offering them a remarkable opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich academic environments of both KU and Australia within the dynamic field of information technology.

For the programme, the CIHE will be providing a discounted fee arrangement setting the tuition fee at AUS$ 7200 per semester, in contrast to the regular AUS$ 9000 per semester. KU, on the other hand, will be adopting the same fee structure for its Bachelor in Computer Science programme for the first two years study period.

The KU offers a comprehensive scholarship scheme, awarding100 per cent scholarship to the highest achiever, 50 per cent to the second highest, and 25 per cent to the third-highest performer in each semester, applicable to the tuition fees for the subsequent semester at KU. Similarly, the Crown Institute of Higher Education (CIHE) extends additional scholarship opportunities, providing a 15 per cent scholarship to students maintaining a High Distinction average and 10 per cent to those achieving a Distinction average while studying at CIHE.

Additionally, CIHE also grants 50 per cent tuition fee waiver to the student topping the batch during their studies at KU with the highest CGPA for three semesters.

If students choose to continue their studies in Nepal or face challenges securing an Australian visa, they have the flexibility to transition seamlessly to either the Bachelor of Computer Science or the Bachelor of Technology in Artificial Intelligence programmes at Kathmandu University. If 50 per cent or more of the students face such circumstances, the Department will provide a full-fledged BIT programme for the remaining two years, ensuring continuity in their academic journey and the possibility of graduating as a BIT graduate from Kathmandu University itself.

Registrar of the KU, Prof. Dr. Achyut Wagle, said that the collaboration was about creating alliance with foreign educational institutions. "Governments of both countries are positive about this collaboration. Australian ambassador to Nepal was present during the agreement signing programme," he said. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 28 January 2024.