Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology (MBUST) is a newly established national-level public university in Nepal. It is named in honor of the late Madan Kumar Bhandari, a visionary political leader and advocate for inclusive development and technological empowerment.

Planned as a world-class center for science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship, MBUST reflects the government’s aim to modernize higher education and drive national transformation through applied research and advanced technology education.

Key Information About MBUST

Background and Founding Vision

MBUST was established under the Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology Act 2075, passed by the Federal Parliament of Nepal. The university was created in memory of Madan Bhandari, a reformist leader who envisioned a technologically advanced and socially just Nepal.

The university aims to:

• Deliver cutting-edge STEM education in Nepal

• Promote research, innovation, and startup culture

• Address national needs in technology, agriculture, environment, and energy

• Become a regional academic leader in South Asia

Strategic Location – Chitlang Campus

The main campus is under construction in Chitlang, a historically and environmentally rich region in Makwanpur District, just southwest of Kathmandu.

Advantages of the Chitlang location:

• Tranquil, pollution-free, and close to Kathmandu

• Opportunity for green campus development

• Strong potential for research in rural tech, agriculture, and environment

Temporary operations are currently running from Lalitpur, while campus infrastructure is being developed.

Planned Academic Faculties and Programs

As of 2025, MBUST is in its institution-building phase, but it has laid out plans for the following future faculties:

Planned Faculties:

1. School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

2. School of Information Technology and Computing

3. School of Environmental and Agricultural Sciences

4. School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology

5. School of Management and Innovation

6. School of Space and Aerospace Studies (long-term vision)

Expected Degree Programs:

• BE in Civil, Mechanical, AI & Robotics, Electrical

• BSc in Computer Science, Environmental Science

• MSc in Data Science, Renewable Energy, AI, Biotechnology

• MTech and PhD in various high-tech and interdisciplinary areas

These programs will be research-led, technology-integrated, and globally benchmarked.

International Collaboration and Research Focus

MBUST plans to develop international partnerships with universities and research institutions worldwide. The university’s strategic plan includes:

• Dual-degree programs

• Faculty and student exchange

• Joint research in AI, space science, biotech, clean energy

• Collaboration with Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), and European tech universities

Core Research Themes:

• Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

• Climate-smart Agriculture

• Sustainable Infrastructure

• Cybersecurity and Data Analytics

• Space and Aeronautical Technology

Campus Development and Innovation Ecosystem

The permanent campus is being designed as a “green smart campus”. Features will include:

• Renewable energy infrastructure (solar, hydro integration)

• Smart classrooms and IoT labs

• Research parks and tech incubators

• On-campus innovation hub and entrepreneurship center

• Residential housing for students, staff, and researchers

The university is being developed with support from the Government of Nepal, and potential funding from international partners.

Tuition, Scholarships, and Accessibility

While specific fee structures are yet to be published, MBUST is envisioned to be:

• Affordable for Nepali students

• Supported by scholarships for disadvantaged, talented, and rural students

• Focused on gender inclusion, STEM access for women, and marginalized communities

Scholarships will be offered in partnership with government programs, donor agencies, and research grants.

Admission Timeline and Opportunities

MBUST is expected to begin student admissions once foundational academic structures are in place (potentially by 2025–2026 academic year).

Tentative Process:

1. Application via the official portal

2. Entrance exams for competitive programs

3. Interviews for research programs (MSc, PhD)

Stay updated via: https://mbust.edu.np

Future Impact and National Relevance

MBUST aims to:

• Fill the STEM education gap in Nepal

• Build home-grown tech innovation

• Reduce dependency on foreign universities

• Contribute to “Digital Nepal Framework” and economic modernization

It is aligned with the government’s strategic development goals and Nepal’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy.

Interesting Facts About MBUST

• Named after Madan Bhandari, the architect of the People’s Multiparty Democracy movement in Nepal.

• MBUST is the first university in Nepal with a dedicated mission to develop AI, robotics, and aerospace studies.

• Planned as a fully residential research university, a first of its kind in Nepal.

• Envisions developing a Science City in Chitlang with schools, hospitals, and innovation centers.

Why MBUST Will Matter

• First futuristic science and tech university in Nepal

•  Global-standard curriculum and research outlook

•  Focus on STEM talent development and entrepreneurship

•  Eco-friendly campus in a peaceful rural setting

•  Engine of national transformation through innovation

Conclusion

Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology (MBUST) represents the future of higher education in Nepal. With a strong commitment to science, technology, and inclusive development, MBUST is poised to become a beacon of research, innovation, and global collaboration.

As its infrastructure and academic programs take shape, MBUST will offer unprecedented opportunities for students who dream of working in cutting-edge tech fields—from AI to space exploration—while contributing to Nepal’s sustainable development.