LALITPUR, June 23: Kathmandu University (KU), in collaboration with the Southasia Institute for History and Philosophy (SiHP), has launched a two-year Master of Arts in History and Philosophy (MAHP) program. The course is designed for aspiring scholars and practitioners from Nepal and abroad. Applications are now open for cohorts beginning in October 2025 and April 2026.
Speaking at the launch event held on June 19, which brought together faculty and scholars from various institutions, KU Vice Chancellor Professor Achyut Wagle said: “The new MA program is geared toward understanding these turbulent times, which challenge both people and the planet. This course marks a milestone in Nepal’s higher education, and we look forward to welcoming national and international students for two years of rigorous learning aimed at producing future thinkers grounded in humanism.”
KU and Southasia Institute for History and Philosophy ink a dea...
Historian Yogesh Raj, Academic Director at SiHP, noted: “The MA program seeks to consolidate the emancipatory ideals of the humanities while challenging dominant anthropocentric perspectives. Its structure promotes historically grounded and philosophically informed research, policy, and advocacy inquiries. It aims to foster plural notions of Southasia among the public and promote inclusive approaches to Southasian studies in academia.”
According to SiHP, the MA program is well-suited for those pursuing careers in humanities research and teaching, as well as for diverse fields such as policy analysis, diplomacy, public service, media, and social activism. The course is designed to cultivate scholars capable of addressing pressing challenges and proposing solutions from local, national, and Subcontinental perspectives.
The 60-credit MAHP curriculum is tailored to the socio-ecological realities and aspirations of the Himalayan and Southasian regions. It includes core and advanced courses in History and Philosophy, along with electives in Society, Technology, and Environment.
Prospective candidates from various academic backgrounds are eligible to apply. Applicants must take SiHP’s Advanced Level Test for Humanities in Southasia (ALT-HuS). The tuition fee is NPR 6 lakh for Nepali nationals, NPR 9 lakh for applicants from SAARC countries, and NPR 12 lakh for those from other countries. Full and partial fellowships are available to Nepali students based on merit, inclusion, and financial need.
The application deadline for the October 2025 intake is July 25, 2025.