Kathmandu Academy of Tourism and Hospitality (KATH)

Overview

Kathmandu Academy of Tourism and Hospitality (KATH) is Nepal's pioneer institution for tourism education at the graduate and postgraduate level, established in March 2002 and affiliated with Purbanchal University. Located near the Chinese Embassy, Hattisar, Kathmandu, KATH was founded with the guiding maxim: "Tourism for Prosperity and Peace."

KATH was established to address the urgent demand for trained human resources in Nepal's rapidly growing tourism sector. It holds the distinction of being the only institution in Nepal to offer both graduate (BTTS) and postgraduate (MTS) degree programs exclusively in tourism management. Beyond degree programs, KATH also delivers tailor-made short-term training programs for both the private and public tourism sectors.

The academy has conducted training for the Government of Nepal's Department of Immigration, TRPAP, Austrian INGO Eco-Himal, the National Examination Board, and travel trade operators across all regions of Nepal. It has received the WWF Prince Bernhard Scholarship for BTTS students and a Gold Medal from the Pasang Lhamu Mountaineering Foundation for BTTS graduates for excellence in tourism studies.

Programs Offered — Purbanchal University

• BTTS — Bachelor of Travel and Tourism Studies (40 seats, 4 years)
• MTS — Master of Tourism Studies (30 seats, 2 years)

Short-Term Courses

KATH organizes demand-based short-term courses for private and public sector professionals in: Basics of Tourism Management, Travel and Tour Operations, Airlines Ticketing, Customer Care, Tourism Marketing, Tourism Development Planning, Tourism Measurement, Sustainable Tourism, Hotel and Travel Trade Accounts, and Financial Management.

Admissions

KATH follows Purbanchal University's admission process for its degree programs. Admissions are announced at the beginning of each academic session.

BTTS (Bachelor of Travel and Tourism Studies)

• Completed NEB +2 or equivalent in any stream from a recognized board
• Minimum second division or equivalent
• Selection based on academic merit and college evaluation
• 40 seats available

MTS (Master of Tourism Studies)

• Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university
• Minimum second division
• Selection based on Purbanchal University's entrance process and academic record
• 30 seats available

Special Provision for Remote Area Students

Special discounts are available for students from touristically potential remote areas of Nepal, based on academic record at +2 level and economic condition — in both BTTS and MTS programs.

For current admission dates, fee structure, and application forms, contact KATH at +977-01-4031695 / 01-5301204, mobile +977-9705300996, or email info@kathtourism.edu.np.

Campus Life

KATH provides a focused, industry-connected academic environment designed specifically around Nepal's tourism sector, with facilities and activities tailored to developing professional tourism practitioners.

Facilities

• Classrooms: Spacious and bright learning spaces equipped with audio-visual aids including LCD projectors and video systems
• Computer Lab: Computers with multimedia capabilities and high-speed internet access
• Library: Well-stocked with tourism course books, references, and national and international magazines and journals
• Cafeteria: Meals and light refreshments available at reasonable cost

Teaching Methodology

KATH uses a multi-modal teaching approach combining classroom lectures, tutorials, case studies with assignments, industrial orientation visits, internships, field trips to tourism establishments, and regular workshops, seminars, and talk programs with industry leaders.

Industry Partnership

KATH maintains active industry relationships — tourism entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and public sector tourism officials regularly serve as guest faculty. The academy is a member of key national travel trade associations:

• Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA)
• Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN)
• Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN)
• Nepal Association of Rafting Agents (NARA)

Extracurricular Activities

• Sports activities
• In-house magazine and newsletter publication
• Debates and cultural programs
• Student-organized events and workshops

Government & International Training Projects

KATH has conducted training programs for the Government of Nepal (Department of Immigration), TRPAP (Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Programme), Austrian INGO Eco-Himal, and UN/MEDEP (Tourism-based Micro Enterprise Development) projects in Baglung and Surkhet.

Scholarships

KATH offers two types of financial support to eligible students:

Remote Area Discount

Special fee discounts are available for students from touristically potential remote areas of Nepal, awarded based on +2 academic performance and economic condition. Available for both BTTS and MTS programs.

Academic Excellence Scholarship (50% Tuition Waiver)

Awarded each semester to top-performing students:

• BTTS: Two students (one female and one male) receive a 50% tuition fee exemption for one semester
• MTS: One student receives a 50% tuition fee exemption for one semester

Scholarships are valid for one semester only and are renewable based on continued academic excellence and good conduct at the academy.

External Scholarships

KATH students have also been awarded the WWF Prince Bernhard Scholarship, and BTTS graduates have received the Gold Medal from the Pasang Lhamu Mountaineering Foundation for excellence in tourism studies.

For current scholarship details and eligibility, contact +977-01-4031695 or email info@kathtourism.edu.np.