The application call for 2021 is now closed
Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) has funded the NORHED II project, Research Based Education for the Development of Hydropower Professionals (Hydro-Himalaya). The project aims to strengthen the research-based education at KU in the field of hydropower engineering by producing high-quality research, higher-quality graduates, and a better qualified workforce. The project has three thematic areas: Effective Production of Hydro Energy, Effective Transmission of Hydro Energy, and Effective End-use of Hydro Energy.
The Master’s, PhD, and Post-doctorate programs at Hydro-Himalaya Project (HHP) attract individuals who share a deep aspiration to continue their career as Hydropower Professionals in Himalayan Region.
Academic Details
The Masters, Ph.D. and Post-Doc program of Hydro-Himalaya at Kathmandu University is a research-intensive graduate program primarily focused on conducting active research in the several domains of Hydropower Engineering.
Masters Degree
The Program is distributed over the period of two years in which the students engage in finding solutions to research questions under the guidance of designated supervisors. The Masters degree is offered by KU upon successful completion of Masters by Research.
PhD Degree
The program is distributed over three years period in which the students engage in finding solutions to PhD research questions. KU provides the PhD degree upon the completion of the study program.
Double Degree PhD
The study program will award PhD degrees from both KU and the partner university jointly after fulfilling the requirements at both universities. The Double Degree PhD is also three years long.
Post-Doc
The Postdoc position has been planned with an aim to train the faculty members and researchers for strengthening research competence at KU.
Program Details 2021-2026
| Thematic Area | Specific Area | Research Domain | Degrees | Total |
| Effective Production of Hydroelectricity | Sediment Erosion in hydro turbine | Basic research, Design, Production, Operation and Maintenance | Post Doc PhD Masters Double-Degree PhD |
1 3 10 2 |
| Effective Transmission of Hydroelectricity | Electrical Control, and Effective Transmission | Quality and reliability of power, Surveillance, VFD Control and grid stability | PhD Double- Degree PhD Masters |
1 2 6 |
| Effective End-use of Hydroelectricity | Green Hydrogen | H2H: Feasibility, Design cases, develop research facilities, prototype, safety, process control | Post Doc PhD Double- Degree PhD Masters |
1 1 1 4 |
| Total | 32 | |||
Hydro-Himalaya project welcomes applications for the Fall term of 2021. Eight positions are open for Masters by Research and four positions are open for Doctorate (PhD) Degree.
Details of Available Positions for 2021
| Research Degree | Code | Research Domain | No. | Study Period* | Location | Start Date* | End Date* |
| Ph.D. (KU) | P1-21 | Fundamental study on sediment erosion | 1 | Sept 2021- Aug 2024 | WHU, China | Aug 2022 | July 2023 |
| Ph.D. Double degree (KU-NTNU) | P2-21 | Design of sediment resistant turbines | 1 | Sept 2021-Aug 2024 | NTNU, Norway | Jan 2022 | Aug 2023 |
| Ph.D. Double degree (KU-NTNU) | P3-21 | Green Hydrogen: Feasibility, Design cases for H2H | 1 | Sept 2021- Aug 2024 | NTNU, Norway | Aug 2022 | Dec 2023 |
| Ph.D. Double degree (KU-USN) | P4-21 | Quality and reliability of power and effective transmission | 1 | Sept 2021- Aug 2024 | USN, Norway | Jan 2022 | Jan 2023 |
| Masters by Research (KU) | M1.1-21 and M1.2-21 | Fundamental study on sediment erosion | 2 | Sept 2021- Aug 2023 | WHU, China | Aug 2022 | Dec 2022 |
| Masters by Research (KU) | M2.1-21 and M2.2-21 | Operation, maintenance of sediment resistant turbines | 2 | Sept 2021- Aug 2023 | NTNU, Norway | Aug 2022 | Dec 2022 |
| Masters by Research (KU) | M3.1-21 and M3.2-21 | Green Hydrogen: Feasibility, Design cases for H2H | 2 | Sept 2021- Aug 2023 | NTNU, Norway | Aug 2022 | Dec 2022 |
| Masters by research (KU) | M4.1-21 and M4.2-21 | Quality and reliability of power and grid management | 2 | Sept 2021- Aug 2023 | USN, Norway | Aug 2022 | Dec 2022 |
Application must be submitted via email: hydro.himalaya@ku.edu.np