About Kathmandu Forestry College (KAFCOL)

College Overview

Kathmandu Forestry College (KAFCOL) stands as a premier educational landmark in Nepal, dedicated to the advancement of forestry, natural resource management, and geospatial sciences. Established in 2005 AD by a visionary group of forestry professionals and academics, KAFCOL was founded as a public limited company to bridge the gap between academic theory and field-based conservation practices.

Over the past two decades, the institution has evolved into a multi-disciplinary hub, fostering a new generation of environmental leaders. The college is driven by a mission to produce highly competent human resources capable of addressing contemporary environmental challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable landscape management. With a vision to become a center of excellence in South Asia, KAFCOL integrates rigorous academic coursework with hands-on research and international collaborations.

Academic Excellence

KAFCOL is renowned for its B.Sc. Forestry and specialized M.Sc. programs, maintaining high pass rates and research output.

International Outlook

As a partner of Salzburg University, Austria, it offers world-class GIS education with European accreditation standards.

Community Impact

The college actively engages in community forestry projects, contributing to Nepal's globally recognized conservation model.

University Affiliations & Recognition

Tribhuvan University (TU)

Affiliated

Affiliated with the Institute of Forestry (IOF), TU, providing nationally recognized undergraduate and graduate degrees in forestry and natural resources.

University of Salzburg, Austria

Collaborative Partner

Offers the internationally acclaimed UNIGIS program, providing an M.Sc. in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) with European standards.

CTEVT

Affiliated

Recognized by the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training for producing skilled mid-level forestry technicians.

Programs Offered by University

B.Sc. Forestry

4 Years | 8 Semesters

  • Eligibility: 10+2 Science (Biology) with minimum 2nd division.
  • Focus: Silviculture, Wildlife, Watershed Management, Agroforestry.
  • Career: Ranger, Forest Officer, NGO Researcher, Conservationist.
M.Sc. Natural Resources Management & Rural Development

2 Years | 4 Semesters

  • Eligibility: B.Sc. in Forestry, Agriculture, or Environmental Science.
  • Focus: Sustainable development, policy analysis, resource economics.
  • Career: Policy Maker, Program Manager, International Consultant.

M.Sc. in Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

2-Year Modular Program

  • Eligibility: Any Bachelor's degree with interest in spatial data.
  • Focus: Remote Sensing, Spatial Analysis, Web GIS, Cartography.
  • Career: GIS Specialist, Mapping Expert, Urban Planner, Disaster Management Officer.

Diploma in Forestry

3 Years

  • Eligibility: SEE/SLC with minimum C Grade in Science/Math.
  • Focus: Practical field skills, plant identification, forest survey.
  • Career: Forester, Assistant Ranger, Nursery Supervisor.

Estimated Fee Structure

Program NameUniversityDurationAdmission Fee (Approx)Total Fee (Approx)
B.Sc. ForestryTU4 YearsRs. 60,000Rs. 5,50,000 - 6,50,000
M.Sc. GISSalzburg2 YearsEuro 500 (Base)Rs. 4,50,000 - 5,50,000
M.Sc. NRM & RDTU2 YearsRs. 50,000Rs. 3,50,000 - 4,00,000
Diploma in ForestryCTEVT3 YearsRs. 25,000Rs. 2,50,000 - 3,00,000
Note: Fees are subject to change per university regulations. Other charges include field trips, library deposits, and examination fees.

Facilities & Campus Infrastructure

GIS & IT Lab

State-of-the-art computer labs equipped with ArcGIS, QGIS, and remote sensing software for high-precision spatial analysis.

Specialized Library

Extensive collection of forestry journals, rare books on Himalayan ecology, and access to digital research repositories.

Science Laboratories

Fully equipped labs for Soil Science, Botany, Zoology, and Wood Science for practical experimentation.

Smart Classrooms

Integrated multimedia systems and Wi-Fi connectivity to facilitate interactive learning and international webinars.

Cafeteria

Hygenic campus canteen providing nutritious meals and snacks tailored for students and faculty.

Research Facilities

Dedicated research units supporting climate change studies and sustainable forest management initiatives.

Faculty & Teaching Methodology

Kathmandu Forestry College boasts a faculty team comprising seasoned PhD holders, retired senior government officials from the Ministry of Forests, and active researchers. The teaching philosophy at KAFCOL transcends traditional lectures, emphasizing a 'Learning by Doing' approach.

  • Field-Based Learning: Regular visits to community forests, national parks, and protected areas across Nepal.
  • Case Studies: Analyzing real-world environmental conflicts and management success stories.
  • Research Integration: Students are encouraged to publish findings in the college's journal and international publications.
  • Guest Lectures: Frequent sessions with international experts from Salzburg University and environmental NGOs.

Student Life & Extracurricular Activities

Life at KAFCOL is a blend of academic rigor and vibrant social engagement. Students are not just learners but active members of a conservation community.

  • Nature & Environment ClubActive
  • Sports Week (Football, Cricket, Table Tennis)Annual
  • Hiking & Trekking ExpeditionsFrequent

The college organizes annual cultural festivals, tree plantation drives on World Environment Day, and quiz competitions focusing on global biodiversity issues. These activities build leadership skills and foster a sense of responsibility toward the planet.

Career Support & Placement Assistance

KAFCOL has a dedicated placement cell that bridges the gap between academia and the professional world. Our graduates are highly sought after by:

  • Government Bodies: Department of Forests and Soil Conservation, National Park Authorities.
  • INGOs/NGOs: WWF, ICIMOD, NTNC, IUCN, and various REDD+ projects.
  • Private Sector: Geospatial companies, environmental consultancies, and hydropower developers.
  • Academia: Many alumni pursue PhDs in the USA, Europe, and Australia with full scholarships.

Admission Process

Joining KAFCOL requires a commitment to environmental stewardship. The process varies by program:

  1. Application: Submit the application form available at the college or online with academic transcripts.
  2. Entrance Exams: Candidates for TU programs must pass the IOF Entrance Examination. Salzburg M.Sc. GIS applicants undergo a background review.
  3. Interview: Shortlisted candidates are called for a personal interview to assess their motivation.
  4. Required Documents: Character certificates, citizenship copy, passport photos, and migration certificates.

Scholarships & Financial Assistance

KAFCOL believes that financial constraints should not hinder quality education. We offer several scholarship schemes:

Merit Scholarships

Awarded to top performers in the entrance examinations and university-level semester results.

Targeted Group Support

Scholarships for students from marginalized communities, remote districts, and female students.

Research Grants

Financial support for Master's thesis field work and data collection.

CTEVT Free Studentship

As per government norms for Diploma students based on merit and quota.

Frequently Asked Questions

B.Sc. Forestry graduates have excellent job prospects in the civil service (Forestry Cadre), development sector (NGO/INGO), and as consultants for environmental impact assessments.

Yes, the degree is recognized by the Curriculum Development Centre of Tribhuvan University as equivalent to a Master's degree in Nepal.

The college is located in Chandragiri, Kathmandu, offering a serene and academically conducive environment away from city congestion.

Yes, the college facilitates hostel accommodations for students coming from outside the Kathmandu Valley.

Applicants must have completed SEE with at least a C grade in Science, Mathematics, and English, and must pass the CTEVT entrance exam.

Absolutely. Forestry is a field-based subject. KAFCOL organizes multiple field trips every year to various ecological zones of Nepal.

Fees range from approximately 2.5 lakhs for Diploma to 6.5 lakhs for the B.Sc. Forestry program, depending on the academic year and affiliation.

Yes, if you have a Bachelor's degree and can demonstrate an interest or professional need for GIS technology, you can apply for the UNIGIS program.

While KAFCOL focuses on the degree programs, it provides guidance and materials to prospective students for the IOF and CTEVT entrance exams.

KAFCOL maintains small class sizes, typically between 30 to 50 students, to ensure personalized attention and better lab access.

The library is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on all working days, with extended hours during examination periods.

The M.Sc. GIS program follows a blended learning model (modular), while B.Sc. Forestry is primarily physical with online support during emergencies.

KAFCOL maintains an impressive graduation rate exceeding 90%, thanks to its rigorous academic monitoring system.

Yes, internships and project work are integral parts of the final year for both undergraduate and graduate students.

You can call +977-01-5147211 or email info@kafcol.edu.np. Visiting the campus in Chandragiri for a tour is also highly encouraged.