Agreement of Kathmandu University School of Engineering and Crown Institute of Higher Education to launch a Double Degree Program in BIT

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EDUCAST, The School of Engineering, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Nepal, and the Crown Institute of Higher Education (CIHE), Sydney, Australia, have signed a Letter of Agreement (LOA) on 26 January 2024 to launch a double degree program in Bachelor of Information Technology. The agreement provides the guidelines for the initiation and administration of the double degree program in Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) as conceived by the Definitive Agreement signed between the two institutions on 1 August 2023. The LOA outlines the fee structures, and scholarships for student intake in 2024.

Earlier on the 1st of August 2023, Kathmandu University School of Engineering and Crown Institute of Higher Education (CIHE) had entered into Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Definitive Agreement for the launch of the Double Degree Program in Bachelor of Information Technology. The MoU aimed at establishing the way for a multifaceted partnership aimed at enhancing international cooperation in academia encompassing various collaborative initiatives, including Staff as well as Student Exchange Programs, and the Exchange of Academic Materials between the two esteemed institutions. 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 program in Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT). The BIT program, a collaborative undergraduate offering, spans four years, with the first two years administered by Kathmandu University (KU) in Nepal and the subsequent two years overseen by Crown Institute of Higher Education (CIHE) in Australia.

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 Kathmandu University and Australia within the dynamic field of information technology. For the program, the Crown Institute of Higher Education (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 program for the first two years study period.

With regard to the Scholarships, Kathmandu University (KU) offers a comprehensive scholarship scheme, awarding a full 100% scholarship to the highest achiever, 50% to the second highest, and 25% to the third-highest performer in each semester, applicable towards the tuition fees for the subsequent semester at KU. Similarly, Crown Institute of Higher Education (CIHE) extends additional scholarship opportunities, providing a 15% scholarship to students maintaining a High Distinction average and 10% to those achieving a Distinction average while studying at CIHE. Additionally, CIHE also grants 50% tuition fee waiver to the student topping the batch during their studies at KU with the highest CGPA for 3-semester.

In the event that students either 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 programs at Kathmandu University. If 50% or more of the students face such circumstances, the Department will provide a full-fledged BIT program for the remaining two years, ensuring continuity in their academic journey and the possibility of graduating as a BIT graduate from Kathmandu University itself.

For students opting to pursue their studies at CIHE, this collaborative initiative allows them to receive degrees from both institutions simultaneously. This not only presents a cost- effective fee structure compared to standard programs but also opens doors to various scholarship opportunities, thereby enhancing accessibility and affordability for the participating students.

The collaboration between the School of Engineering, Kathmandu University, and Crown Institute of Higher Education marks a milestone in global education, promoting cross- cultural learning and facilitating a seamless exchange of knowledge and expertise between Nepal and Australia.