Your Comprehensive Guide to Pursuing a Cyber Security Course in Nepal
You can study cyber security in Nepal through a national degree or through a UK-awarded degree at an affiliated college.
On the national side, Kathmandu University's School of Engineering, working with the Ullens Education Foundation, launched a four-year BTech in Cybersecurity in 2025.
On the UK side, The British College (TBC) in Thapathali, Kathmandu, offers the BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Digital Forensics.
That degree is awarded by the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), takes three years, and has two intakes a year, in January/February and August/September.
This guide compares your options and sets out entry requirements, what you'll study, fees and realistic salaries, so you can decide which route suits you.
Key takeaways
- You can study cyber security in Nepal through a national degree, such as Kathmandu University's four-year BTech in Cybersecurity, or a three-year UK-awarded degree at an affiliated college.
- TBC's BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Digital Forensics is awarded by UWE Bristol, accredited by BCS and the Engineering Council, and has intakes in January/February and August/September.
- Direct entry to Year 1 at TBC requires 75% overall with 70% in English, plus IELTS 6.0 (no band below 5.5). Students with 60% (GPA 2.4) can enter through the foundation programme.
- Entry-level roles typically pay NPR 25,000 to 50,000 a month, rising to NPR 60,000 to 120,000 within two to five years.
- A degree gives you the foundations, while certifications such as Security+, CEH and OSCP prove job-ready skills. Employers value both together.
Which cyber security degrees can you study in Nepal?
| TBC: BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Digital Forensics | KU: BTech in Cybersecurity | Other UK-affiliated colleges | TU general IT degrees (BSc CSIT, BIT) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarded by | UWE Bristol, UK | Kathmandu University | Varies by UK partner | Tribhuvan University |
| Duration | 3 years | 4 years | Usually 3 years | 4 years |
| Delivered at | Thapathali, Kathmandu | Ullens College, Khumaltar, Lalitpur | Various, Kathmandu | Affiliated colleges |
| Focus | Cyber security plus digital forensics | Dedicated cyber security | Varies (networking, ethical hacking) | General computing, with security modules |
| Entrance exam | Not required on published criteria | KUCAT | Varies | Yes |
| Fees | Confirm with college | Check with KU | Check with each college | Check with each college |
KU's entry criteria ask for Mathematics and Computer Science from either the Science or Management stream in both Class XI and XII, with a minimum aggregate GPA of 2.0 or 50%, plus the KUCAT entrance test. TBC's requirements are set out in full below.
Why cyber security skills matter in Nepal right now
Demand is being driven by a real, measurable problem. Nepal Police recorded 20,526 cybercrime complaints between mid-July 2025 and mid-July 2026, up from 18,926 the year before. Of those, 744 involved eSewa, Khalti, bank accounts or SMS, which is why banks, fintech firms and payment providers are building security teams.
Fraud is the biggest single category. In the previous fiscal year, financial scams and fraud accounted for 7,723 cases, about 41% of all reported cybercrime, almost double the year before.
Government policy points the same way. The Cabinet endorsed the National Cyber Security Policy 2080 BS (2023) on 8 August 2023, and one of its stated goals is to build cyber-focused human resources and their competence.
Employers who hire security graduates in Nepal include:
- banks, insurers and digital wallet providers
- telecoms and internet service providers
- IT services and software companies, including those serving overseas clients
- audit and consultancy firms
- law enforcement, where digital evidence now features in a growing share of investigations
What you study at TBC: the UWE Bristol curriculum
The degree combines two disciplines. Cyber security protects systems, and digital forensics investigates what happened after an attack. You'll study the same modules as students on the UWE programme in Bristol.
| Year | Core modules | Optional modules |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (Level 4) | Computer and Network Systems; Computer Crime and Digital Evidence; Introduction to Databases; Programming in C++ | None |
| Year 2 (Level 5) | Data Science for Cyber Security; Operating Systems; Secure Computer Networks; Security and Forensic Tools | Internet of Things; Secured Embedded Systems |
| Year 3 (Level 6) | Forensic Computing Practice; Cyber Security Project; Global Landscapes of Cyber Security and Adversaries; Security Management in Practice | Security Data Analytics and Visualisations; Cyber Security Engineering; Cyber Security Consultancy; Digital Evidence: Crime Scene to Courtroom |
Assessment leans heavily on applied work. In Year 1, 58% of marks come from coursework and 30% from practical assessment, with 12% from written exams. Exams carry more weight later, rising to 36% in Year 3.
Data skills are built into the degree rather than bolted on. Data Science for Cyber Security and Security Data Analytics and Visualisations teach you to analyse security logs and spot attack patterns. That work sits at the heart of security operations centre (SOC) roles.
The Forensics and Security Lab
Much of the practical teaching happens in TBC's Forensics and Security Lab, which students often call the "Hacker Lab". It has 34 dedicated student workstations and a dedicated server with isolated network layers and multiple operating systems.
Because that environment is isolated, students can practise attacks and investigations safely. Students learn to carry out forensic examinations of computer systems, uncovering hidden files and capturing digital evidence.
The lab also runs industry forensic software, including EnCase and Cellebrite, and students can use a separate Internet of Things lab.
Accreditation
The programme is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) and the Engineering Council, the UK regulator for the engineering profession. Professional accreditation matters if you plan to work abroad or pursue chartered status later in your career.
What are the entry requirements for a cyber security course in Nepal?
Foundation programme. You need one of the following:
- 10+2, CBSE or equivalent, with 60% (GPA 2.4) or above aggregate
- A Levels with a minimum of 3.5 credits, including 3 full credits
Other qualifications must be approved by the Programme Leader.
Direct entry to Year 1. You need one of the following academic routes, plus English:
- a pass in the TBC Foundation Programme
- 75% or above overall, with at least 70% in English
- 120 UCAS points, with at least 96 points from three A Level subjects (excluding General Studies)
For English, you need IELTS 6.0 or equivalent, with no band below 5.5.
Entry requirements elsewhere
Requirements differ between institutions. National universities usually require an entrance exam, and some specify which +2 streams and subjects they accept. Always check each college's current criteria before applying.
How much does a cyber security course cost in Nepal?
The fees and cost of cybersecurity courses in Nepal can vary based on numerous factors such as location, affiliation and infrastructure.
- In Public Universities the bachelor programs can range from 4-6 lakhs while the master’s programs can range from 5-8 lakhs.
- In Private Colleges (UK-affiliated programs), the bachelor's and master's programs can range from 10-20lakhs.
- For short-term Cybersecurity certifications, the price can range from 50,000 to 2 lakhs.
What jobs can you get after a cyber security degree?
TBC graduates go into roles such as:
- Penetration Tester
- Security Analyst or SOC Analyst
- Incident Responder
- Digital Forensics Investigator
- Information Security Officer
- Security Auditor
- Vulnerability Assessor
- Security Architect (with experience)
Realistic salaries in Nepal
Salary data in Nepal comes mainly from job portals and training providers, so treat any single figure with caution. Across current 2025 and 2026 sources, the picture is broadly consistent:
| Level | Typical monthly salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0 to 2 years) | About NPR 25,000 to 50,000, for roles such as Junior Security Analyst and Junior SOC Analyst |
| Mid-level (2 to 5 years) | About NPR 60,000 to 120,000 |
| Senior (5+ years) | About NPR 150,000 to 300,000 or more |
Pay rises fastest for people who add certifications and hands-on project work to their degree. Security professionals with strong skills can also take remote work for overseas clients, which often pays well above local rates.
Degree or certifications: which comes first?
You'll often hear that certifications matter more than degrees in cyber security. The truth is that they do different jobs.
A degree gives you the foundations that certifications assume you already have: networking, operating systems, programming and forensic methods. It is also usually required for graduate schemes, government roles, overseas work visas and master's study.
Certifications prove specific, current skills to employers. The common path looks like this:
- CompTIA Security+: a solid first certification, often taken during or just after a degree
- CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), from EC-Council: widely listed in Nepali job adverts for penetration testing and security analyst roles
- OSCP, from OffSec: a demanding hands-on penetration testing exam that employers respect
- CISSP, from ISC2: a senior certification that requires several years of professional experience
The strongest candidates combine both: a degree, one or two certifications, and a portfolio of lab work or competition results.
Is a UK-awarded degree worth it in Nepal?
It depends on your goals. A national degree costs less and is well recognised by employers in Nepal. A UK-awarded degree makes most sense if you want international mobility or may study or work abroad later.
At TBC, you graduate with the same UWE Bristol degree as students in the UK. TBC students also have the option to transfer to UWE or Leeds Beckett after completing their foundation year, first year or bachelor's degree.
The UK Graduate Route work visa is available to students who complete their degree in
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best cyber security course in Nepal?
The best course depends on your goals. Look at who awards the degree, the duration, lab facilities, professional accreditation and cost. If you want a UK degree with a forensics specialism.
TBC's BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Digital Forensics is awarded by UWE Bristol, accredited by BCS and the Engineering Council, and takes three years. If you prefer a national degree, Kathmandu University's BTech in Cybersecurity runs for four years.
How long does a cyber security degree take in Nepal?
A UK-awarded BSc (Hons) such as TBC's takes three years; students entering via the foundation programme complete it first. National university degrees, including KU's BTech in Cybersecurity and TU's BSc CSIT, take four years.
Can management students study cyber security?
Often, yes. KU's BTech in Cybersecurity accepts Science or Management students who studied Mathematics and Computer Science in Class XI and XII. TBC's published criteria set grade thresholds rather than a specific stream. Contact TBC admissions to confirm your eligibility.
What is the starting salary for cyber security jobs in Nepal?
Most current salary sources place entry-level roles at about NPR 25,000 to 50,000 per month. Pay typically rises to NPR 60,000 to 120,000 within two to five years, faster with certifications such as CEH or OSCP.
What are the intake dates at TBC?
TBC runs two intakes a year for the BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Digital Forensics, in January/February and August/September.
Do I need IELTS to study cyber security at TBC?
Direct entry to Year 1 requires IELTS 6.0 or equivalent, with no band below 5.5. Students who don't yet meet this can enter through the foundation programme.
Can I work in the UK after studying at TBC?
TBC students can transfer to UWE Bristol
