In a landmark achievement that underscores Nepal's growing footprint in global technology and engineering, twenty-one graduates from the Institute of Engineering (IOE) at Tribhuvan University's Pulchowk Campus have officially joined Airbus, one of the world's premier aerospace manufacturers. These young professionals have begun their international careers at the company's state-of-the-art facility in Bangalore, India, marking yet another milestone for Nepal's nascent but promising aerospace sector.
This year's cohort brings the total number of Pulchowk alumni recruited by Airbus to approximately 44 over the past three years. The program, launched in 2018 as Nepal's first Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering initiative, has steadily gained international recognition despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic disruptions.
A Structured Path to Global Success
According to Sudip Bhattarai, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Pulchowk Campus, the selected graduates are currently undergoing comprehensive orientation and initial training in Bangalore. Airbus strategically uses its Indian hub as an entry point for new Asian recruits, allowing Nepali engineers to acclimate before potential assignments to projects across the globe.
"This year, 21 students have been selected. They have already arrived in Bangalore and started work," Bhattarai shared. "Graduates from our programme have been joining Airbus regularly in recent years."
Program Background and Growth
The Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering program at Pulchowk admits 48 students annually, including 12 on full scholarships. Currently, around 250 students are enrolled across multiple batches, a testament to rising interest in the field. The first batch graduated in 2023 after pandemic-related delays, with six joining Airbus in 2024, 17 in 2025, and now 21 this year.
A key development came on June 11, 2026, when Airbus and Tribhuvan University signed a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen collaboration in curriculum development, research, training, digital technologies, AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, internships, and student placements.
Broader Implications for Nepal
This achievement highlights Nepal's potential to produce world-class technical talent. Greater investment could further amplify these gains, positioning Nepali youth competitively in the global aerospace industry.
"International companies have begun recognising the calibre of our students. Sustaining that momentum will require greater investment in human resources, research and infrastructure." — Sudip Bhattarai
