For decades, the name Institute of Medicine (IOM), Tribhuvan University, has been synonymous with excellence, prestige, and opportunity in Nepal’s healthcare education landscape. Aspiring doctors, nurses, and public health professionals across the nation and beyond set their sights on this premier institution, dreaming of walking its hallowed corridors. However, the journey begins with two critical, practical questions: “How do I get in?” and, perhaps more pressingly, “What will it cost?”
This comprehensive, 4000-word guide is designed to be your definitive roadmap. We will not only dissect the Institute of Medicine Tribhuvan University fees structure in granular detail but also navigate the entire ecosystem—from the rigorous admission process and available scholarships to campus life and future prospects. Let’s embark on this detailed exploration of your potential future at Nepal’s leading medical institute.
Part 1: Introduction to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) – A Legacy of Leadership
Nestled primarily in the academic hub of Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) stands as the oldest and most prestigious medical school under the umbrella of Tribhuvan University, Nepal’s largest and most esteemed university. Established in 1972, its mission was clear: to produce competent, compassionate, and ethical healthcare professionals to serve the nation’s needs.
Over the years, IOM has expanded beyond its central campus to include multiple affiliated teaching hospitals and campuses across Nepal, creating a vast network of clinical training and community outreach. Its graduates are found leading healthcare initiatives, conducting groundbreaking research, and providing care at the highest levels both within Nepal and internationally. An IOM degree is more than a qualification; it’s a mark of rigorous training and recognized capability.
Part 2: Academic Programs Offered – Charting Your Path
Before delving into costs, understanding what you’re investing in is crucial. IOM offers a spectrum of programs catering to various interests in the health sector.
1. Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS): The flagship program, a 5.5-year course (including a one-year compulsory internship), is the dream for most medical aspirants.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc Nursing): A four-year program producing highly skilled nursing professionals, critical to the healthcare system.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm): A four-year program focusing on pharmaceutical sciences.
- Bachelor of Public Health (BPH): A four-year program dedicated to community health, epidemiology, and health policy.
- Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Technology (BMLT): A vital four-year program for diagnostic specialists.
2. Postgraduate Programs (MD/MS):
IOM offers numerous specializations (Doctor of Medicine/Master of Surgery) in fields like General Practice, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Gynecology & Obstetrics, and many more. These are typically three-year residency programs following MBBS.
3. Other Diplomas and Certificates: Including Staff Nurse, ANM, and various health science diplomas.
Part 3: The Institute of Medicine Tribhuvan University Fees Structure – A Detailed Breakdown (2024-25 Projection)
This is the core of our guide. The IOM TU fees structure is notably subsidized compared to private medical colleges, making it highly sought-after. However, it’s essential to view the total cost, not just tuition. Fees are subject to periodic revision by the university.
Important Note: The following is a detailed projection based on recent years’ data. IOM’s Examination Controller’s Division officially publishes the exact fee payment schedule and amounts for the upcoming academic year during the admission notice. Always refer to the official IOM website for the final, authoritative figure.
A. MBBS Program Fee Breakdown (5.5 Years) – Maharajgunj Campus
The MBBS fee structure at IOM is a multi-component model. The total cost for the complete program can be projected in the range of NPR 35-45 Lakhs, spread over the years.
- Admission/Registration Fee: A one-time, non-refundable fee payable during admission (approx. NPR 50,000 – 1,00,000).
- Tuition Fee: The core academic fee, paid annually or per semester. At the subsidized rate for regular seats, this is approximately NPR 3-5 Lakhs per year.
- Security Deposit: A refundable amount (approx. NPR 25,000 – 50,000) held by the institute for the duration of your study.
- Student Welfare Fund: A mandatory annual contribution (approx. NPR 5,000 – 10,000).
- Examination Fee: Paid per semester or year for internal and university exams (approx. NPR 15,000 – 25,000 per annum).
- Library and Laboratory Fee: Covers access to journals, books, and lab materials (approx. NPR 20,000 – 40,000 per annum).
- Hostel and Mess Charges (Optional but common):
- Hostel Fee: IOM provides limited hostel facilities, especially for female and out-of-valley students. Fees are nominal, around NPR 10,000 – 20,000 per year.
- Mess/Food Charges: Typically ranges from NPR 8,000 – 12,000 per month, depending on dietary choices.
- Other Incidental Costs: These include expenses for books, dissection kits, uniforms, stethoscopes, and other medical instruments, which can amount to NPR 1-2 Lakhs over the course. Transportation, personal expenses, and project work add to this.
B. BSc Nursing Program Fee Breakdown (4 Years)
The BSc Nursing fees at IOM follow a similar pattern but are generally lower than the MBBS program. The total projected cost ranges from NPR 15-25 Lakhs.
- Admission, tuition, security, and other institutional fees are structured similarly but at reduced amounts. Tuition may be around NPR 1.5-2.5 Lakhs per year.
- Hostel and mess charges are comparable.
- Instrument costs are specific to nursing kits and uniforms.
C. Postgraduate (MD/MS) Program Fees
Fees for specialty programs vary widely by discipline. They are higher than undergraduate fees but remain subsidized. Expect a total program cost ranging from NPR 10-30 Lakhs depending on the specialization, with clinical branches often at the higher end.
D. Fee Structure for Affiliated Campuses
Several campuses outside Kathmandu—such as those in Pokhara, Chitwan, and Biratnagar—affiliate with IOM for certain programs like Nursing. Their individual campus managements set the fee structure for these IOM‑affiliated colleges, but they regulate the fees and generally align them with IOM’s central philosophy of affordability. It’s vital to check the specific notice from the campus you are applying to.
Key Takeaway: The IOM TU fees structure is a sum of many parts. When budgeting, prospective students must account for the full five-and-a-half years (for MBBS), including the one-year internship (which usually carries a small stipend, not a cost).
Part 4: The Institute of Medicine Admission Process – Your Gateway
Gaining a seat at IOM is highly competitive. Understanding the IOM admission process is the first step to success.
1. Eligibility Criteria:
- For MBBS/BSc Nursing: Completion of 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) with a minimum aggregate (usually 50% for general, 45% for reserved categories). Specific GPA requirements are detailed in the annual admission notice.
- For PG Programs: MBBS/BDS degree from a recognized university, completion of internship, and registration with the Nepal Medical Council.
2. The IOM Entrance Examination:
This is the defining hurdle. The IOM entrance exam pattern is notoriously challenging.
- For Undergraduate (MBBS, BSc Nursing, etc.): A single, comprehensive test covering Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English. It is multiple-choice based, negative-marking may apply, and the level is at par with international standards. Tens of thousands compete for a few hundred seats.
- The Postgraduate (MD/MS) admissions process requires separate subject-specific entrance exams for each specialization.
3. Application Procedure:
- Notices are published in major national dailies and the official IOM website.
- The IOM application form fee must be paid (usually NPR 3,000 – 5,000).
- Forms are submitted online or physically as specified, and you must include all required academic and personal documents.
4. Selection and Counseling:
- Selection is purely merit-based on the entrance exam rank.
- Successful candidates undergo a centralized counseling process where they choose their available seat (program and campus) based on their rank.
Part 5: Financing Your Dream: Scholarships and Financial Aid
Recognizing the financial burden, IOM and associated bodies offer several avenues for support.
- Government Scholarships: The Nepal Government provides full and partial scholarships based on merit, economic background, and quota (gender, ethnicity, region). Securing a scholarship can drastically reduce or even eliminate tuition fees.
- IOM-specific Financial Aid: The institute itself may have limited funds or tie-ups with donor agencies to support needy and deserving students.
- External Scholarships: Organizations like the Nick Simons Institute (NSI) offer generous scholarships for students committed to working in rural Nepal after graduation, particularly for MBBS and Nursing.
- Educational Loans: Almost all major banks in Nepal offer educational loans at competitive rates for medical studies, especially for institutions like IOM. Collateral and a guarantor are usually required.
Pro Tip: Diligently research and apply for every scholarship you are eligible for. The competition for seats is matched by the competition for financial aid.
Part 6: Life at Institute of Medicine: Beyond the Classroom and Fees
Your investment yields an immersive experience.
- Campus and Facilities: The Maharajgunj campus houses a modern library, well-equipped labs, and anatomy halls. It also integrates with the TU Teaching Hospital (TUTH), which gives students unparalleled clinical exposure from their early years.
- Faculty: You learn from nationally and internationally renowned clinicians, surgeons, and researchers.
- Student Life: A vibrant community with numerous clubs, sports events, cultural programs, and student-led initiatives. The pressure is immense, but the camaraderie among peers is legendary.
- Clinical Training: The rotation through TUTH and other affiliated hospitals exposes students to a vast and complex patient load, honing clinical skills under pressure—a defining feature of an IOM education.
Part 7: Career Prospects and ROI: The Institute of Medicine Advantage
An IOM degree commands immense respect.
- In Nepal: Graduates are preferentially recruited in government hospitals, academia, and research institutions. It opens doors to leadership positions in the public health sector.
- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) MBBS degree holds recognition from major medical councils, such as the Nepal Medical Council (NMC). It also appears in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), which creates pathways for graduates to take the USMLE, PLAB, and other international licensing exams.
- Further Studies: IOM alumni have an excellent track record of securing seats and scholarships for postgraduate training abroad.
- Entrepreneurship: Many graduates establish successful private clinics, nursing homes, diagnostic centers, and public health consultancies.
Part 8: Comparative Analysis: IOM vs. Private Medical Colleges
Why is IOM so coveted? Let’s compare.
- Cost: This is the most stark difference. The total cost of an MBBS at a private college in Nepal can range from NPR 80 Lakhs to over 4 Crores. IOM’s fees are a fraction of this.
- Prestige and Alumni Network: IOM’s decades-long legacy and powerful alumni network are unmatched.
- Exposure: The patient volume and diversity at a public teaching hospital like TUTH are often greater than in many private settings.
- Competition: The entrance competition for IOM is arguably the toughest in the country, making its student body exceptionally high-achieving.
Conclusion: Is IOM the Right Choice for You?
Choosing the Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, is a decision that blends passion with pragmatism. It offers a world-class medical education at a cost that is, relatively, within reach for the dedicated middle-class student. However, it demands extreme academic dedication to first secure a seat and then to thrive in its rigorous environment.
The Institute of Medicine Tribhuvan University fees structure, while detailed and multi-faceted, represents an investment in a future of not just personal success, but of societal service. It is the gateway to becoming part of a legacy that has shaped Nepali healthcare.
Eduwisor always guides students toward the right path with an unbiased approach. You can follow us on Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Linkedin. Stay tuned for regular updates.
Interested in applying? Contact authorized Eduwisor consultant for a smooth admission process!
Act NOW—limited seats for 2026 intake! Call/WhatsApp: 9326395883/ 9076036383
