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Government of Nepal

Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation

Nepal Mountain Academy

NMA

The Master of Adventure Tourism Studies (MATS) is a 4 semester (2 years) course of 73 credits. The course focuses on imparting professional skills and knowledge to the students and enable them to advance their careers in mountain and adventure tourism fields. It specifies on the knowledge of mountain and adventure tourism management to meet professional standards and compete in the national and international arena. It focuses on:

  • to build up professional skills and integrated knowledge of the dynamics of adventure tourism. mountain and mountaineering tourism management. cultural diversity and creativity for innovation and sustainability in tourism industry;
  • to fulfill the need of skilled and expert manpower to meet the scope in mountain and adventure tourism sectors;
  • to enhance and strengthen the graduates to pursue entrepreneurial values in the adventure tourism and leadership development in mountain tourism;
  • to build up professionalism in adventure and mountain research studies, and enable them for leadership in the study and research in national and international sectors of adventure and mountain tourism management.

Scopes of MATS
This course has been specifically designed to enable the graduates:

  • to handle the tourism industry through their professional skills and integrated knowledge;
  • to develop the tourism destination, planning and operate the adventure and mountain tourism;
  • to be an innovator of adventure, mountain and mountaineering tourism management;
  • to exhibit their skills, competence, and willingness to work in governmental and non-governmental organizations, research institutions, tourism and hospitality industries, rural and mountain development institutes, academia, and other tourism-related organizations;
  • to build up professionalism in adventure and mountain studies research, and innovation, and enable them for leadership in the study and research in national and international sectors of adventure and mountain tourism management.

As tourism is a growing industry in Nepal and also globally, the scope of the graduates after the successful completion of the course definitely goes beyond the national level and fetches and international prospect in the field of adventure, mountain, and mountaineering tourism management.

MATS course establishes you as:

Tourism is a mounting industry in Nepal and globally, the scope of the graduates after the successful completion of the course categorically goes beyond the national level and fetches and international prospect in the field of adventure, mountain, and mountaineering tourism management. The new course brings new opportunities and qualifies you to stand ahead with the inventive understanding of adventure tourism in Nepal.

Additional information about the course

Class Timings The classes for MATS start from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM in the evening on weekdays.
 (Note: Classes can be arranged on Saturdays or any other holidays as and when needed.)
Attendance and Evaluations It is compulsory for all the students to maintain an attendance record of 80% in each subject in order to be eligible to appear for the final board examination. Further, the 40 marks shall be allocated to each student from internal evaluation (assessments and VIVA VOCE) and 60 marks from the final board examination for each subject.

Grading System

The Grading system followed in the MATS program is based on the absolute performance of a student in the in-semester (40%) evaluations and semester-end examinations (60%) conducted by TU.

Here’s the breakdown of the grading system of 40% :

  • Class Assignment: 10
  • Group Discussion: 10
  • In-class Presentation: 10
  • Attendance: 10
  • Internal Examination (Mid-term & Pre-board) : 20
  • Project Work/research Work/Practical Field Work (with Presentation): 40
  • Total: 100 marks to be converted to 40 marks

Note: Out of the 40 marks, an individual student must score 30 marks to be eligible and qualified to appear in the final semester examination.

S.N. Course code Subjects Credit Hours
First semester
1 MAT 501 Corporate Communication 3
2 MAT 601 Adventure Tourism Operations and Management 3
3 MAT 503 Contemporary Tourism Development 3
4 MAT 603 Global Mountains and Mountaineering 3
5 MAT 506 Economics of Tourism 3
6 MAT 608 Managing Protected Areas of Nepal 3
Second semester
7 MAT 502 Accounting for Tourism 3
8 MAT 602 Adventure Tourism and Risk Recreation 3
9 MAT 504 E-tourism 3
10 MAT 505 Human Resource Management 3
11 MAT 607 Destination Planning, Development and Management 3
12 MAT 507 Tourism Marketing 3
Third Semester
13 MAT 508 Financial Management in Tourism 3
14 MAT 510 Tourism Entrepreneurship 3
15 MAT 512 Statistics 3
16 MAT 609 Cultural Heritage Tourism 3
17 MAT 606 Sustainable Mountain Tourism Development 3
18 MAT 801 Field Visit (with below 6000m mountain research) 1
19 MAT 701/2/3 Elective- I 3
Fourth semester
20 MAT 509 Tourism Research Methodology 3
21 MAT 511 Strategic Tourism Management 3
22 MAT 604 Health and Safety in Adventure Tourism 3
23 MAT 605 Mountaineering Management 3
24 MAT 704/5 Elective- II 3
25 MAT 802 Thesis 3

Elective - I
MAT 701: Tourism Crisis and Disaster Management
MAT 702: Tourism Innovation
MAT 703: Event Tourism Management

Elective - II
MAT 704: Pilgrimage Tourism
MAT 705: Logistic and Supply Chain Management

Student intake
Student intake for the MATS program will begin from Jan - Feb for the new semester.

Intake capacity: 35 students per intake

Eligibility
Bachelor-degree graduates with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 or second division marks.
Or
Successfully completed bachelor degree (+2 or 12 years higher level and minimum 3 years Bachelor level) in any academic discipline with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 or second division marks from universities recognized by Tribhuvan University (TU).

Documents Required:

1. CMAT score sheet

2. Duly filled application form for MATS 

3. Certificates and testimonials of all examinations passed.

4. Two recent passport-sized photographs

5. Equivalency certificate (if the students have their bachelor degree from foreign boards)

6. Updated CV/bio-data

7. Citizenship certificate

Admission Test
Academy shall conduct admission test tests for appropriate screening of applicants. The applicants shall be screened in each of the stages.

1. Group Discussion
Group Discussion on a given topic. A panel of judges will judge the applicants’ performance based on leadership, logic, and overall presentation.

2. Personal Interview
Personal interview is to measure applicants' motivational level, attitude, and capability to handle the pressure and rigors of the programs.
(NMA has the final authority in selecting the students for the program.)

*In the case of international students, their admission-related procedure will follow the university (TU’s) guidelines.

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Nationals/ semester

Admission and 1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Grand Total

Nepali

1,50,000

1,00,000

75,000

75,000

NRs. 4,00,000

SAARC

2,00,000

1,50,000

1,50,000

1,00,000

NRs. 6,00,000

Foreign

3,00,000

2,00,000

2,00,000

1,00,000

NRs. 8,00,000

MATS fee structure covers:

  • Tuition fees
  • Library-computer lab fees
  • Several ECAs
  • Bouldering wall fees
  • Frequent intra- and international seminars and visiting lectures
  • A peak climbing of below 6,000 meters including transportation, experts, permit fees, and combined climbing gears (personal gears, food & accommodation expenses are not included).

Scholarship for MATS

1. University scholarship

Three (3) students are granted up to 100% scholarship in tuition fees.

2. Performance scholarship

The student with the highest score in a semester board examination shall be rewarded with Rs. 20,000/- (fee waiver in the next semester)

3. Thesis/Research grant

The student with the highest aggregate score in a batch shall be rewarded with a Thesis/Research Grant of up to Rs. 100,000/-

4. Privilege scholarship

Two scholarships of 25% in tuition fees are offered to eligible students (1 male and 1 female) who are permanent residents of Solududhkunda Municipality -7, Garma, Solukhumbu

5. Contribution scholarship

A total of 25% scholarship in tuition fees is offered to 4 students (2 males and 2 females) who must be:

  • the child of a mountain climber who has lost his/her life or has been physically impaired while mountain climbing.
  • the child of a mountain climber who has successfully submitted 8000-meter peaks more than 5 times including Mount Everest (8848.86 meters).
  • the child of a certified and licensed IMFGA guide who has a minimum work experience of 7 years.

Additional opportunities:

  • Tutorial classes
  • Academic and research paper writing workshop
  • Seminar paper writing workshop
  • National and international seminar paper presentations
  • International guest lectures

Currently, Nepal Mountain Academy possesses a pleasing academic facility located in Bijulibazar, Kathmandu and a highly equipped Training cum Research Center spread in 3000 Ropani in Garma, Solukhumbu. The facility incorporates seminar halls, classrooms, library, computer lab, a climbing wall, and other high-tech gadgets.

a. Classrooms
Highly furnished classrooms with digital learning appliances, stereo sound system, and comfortable seating arrangement in a peaceful environment.

b. Library
More than 3500 national and international hard-copy books, journals, and research papers are available for students. Academy library also has the provision of conveying any books upon students’ request.

c. Computer lab
The computer lab, equipped with unlimited internet facility and modern computers, is available for students. Regardless of the Academy’s class timing, the lab stands open for students at any time during office hours.

d. Climbing wall
Since, adventure tourism studies empirical learning with experimental verification, the Academy has built a bouldering wall to enhance the students’ physical abilities as well as techniques/ art of climbing.

e. Organized outdoor sports
Academy, in request of students also organizes several other communal sports such as Futsal, Badminton, Trail running, Hiking, and so on.

Academics Oriented

1. Publications

The academy in-home has published:

a. Textbook of tourism, adventure tourism, mountaineering, mountain science as well as academic requirements of BMS and MATS courses;

b. International peer-reviewed journal: Journal of Tourism and Himalayan Adventures (JTHA). DOI: 

c. Annual academic magazine: Voice of Himalaya (VOH)

d. Adventure Tourism Resource Manual (Trainers Guide)

e. Annual primary research compilation/ publication and peak profile of 14 eight-thousanders

2. Counseling from experts

The academy is home to 70+ masterminds of several academic and practical disciplines. The experts from several tourism associations such as NNMGA, NMIA, TAAN, PATA, NMA, NTB, MoCTCA, and many other nationally and internationally acclaimed areas offer advice, information, guidance, and supervision to aspirants.

3. Research facilitation

The academy motivates students to conduct and take part in diverse tourism researches. In possible cases, the academy provides literary and financial help for innovative research plans as well and offers opportunities for the articles to be included in the Journal of Tourism and Himalayan Adventures.

4. Involvement in nationally recognized events and activities

The academy actively takes part in almost every national tourism happenings and celebration and encourages students to volunteer and facilitate in them. This not only helps the students to understand the Nepalese tourism scenario but also develops their ability to manage and organize nationally recognized events. The academy's organizing of discussion sessions with acclaimed national and international mountaineers on the development of peak profiles of 14 Eight-Thousanders is a model initiative of international event organization, where students get to take part.

5. Research grants and incentives

The academy on an annual basis has been opening research grants to students and experts aiming at exploring the diverse science, culture, heritage, and adventure facets of the Himalayas. The research grants have also helped students of the academy cultivate their capacity of organizing and executing primary fieldwork and compiling them into discernable academic work.

The CMAT (Central Management Admission Test) is a compulsory entrance test taken by Tribhuvan University (TU) for the enrollment in management stream. MATS, being affiliated with the Faculty of Management, TU, should comply with the CMAT entrance test.

The CMAT is a 100 marks examination of 3 hours comprised of 100 questions of 1-mark each. There's no negative marking and students must score a minimum of 40 marks to apply for the BMS course.

Here's the break-down of CMAT exam pattern:

Sections Number of Questions Total Marks
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation 20 20
General Awareness 20 20
Logical Reasoning 20 20
Language Comprehension 20 20
Business and Economics 20 20
Total 100 100

Nepal Mountain Academy organizes 'Free CMAT Crash Course' where the students can learn techniques to crack the entrance exam in a short period of time. Follow the academy's Facebook page (https://facebook.com/nepalmountainacademy) for the exact date and time of the preparation classes.

Click here to view the:
MATS CMAT Model Question

MATS stands for Master of Adventure Tourism Studies.

MATS course is the very first course in Nepal introduced by Nepal Mountain Academy under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Government of Nepal and affiliated to Tribhuvan University.

MATS course offers all basic management skills of MBA education and takes pride in embedding adventure tourism management skills. Thus, MATS stands atop on modern management education.

BMS, BBM, BBA, BHM, and BTTM with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 or second division marks.

Or

Successfully completed a Bachelor's Degree (12 years higher level and minimum 3 years Bachelor level) in any academic discipline with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 or second division marks from universities recognized by Tribhuvan University.

Or

Students who are waiting for the results of the bachelor level may also apply. However, they have to submit passed certificates/ credentials at the time of admission.

Note: For non-Nepali/ International students refer to question

The admission process for MATS has been mentioned stepwise as follows:

  • Step I: Fill up the Entrance Test form at the Academy.
  • Step II: Appear at the Entrance Test exam (Exam center will be designated after filling up the form).
  • Step III: After completion of the Entrance Test exam with at least 40 marks, fill up the college form for MATS at the Academy.
  • Step IV: Submit all the documents along with the MATS form. (See question number 5 for details)
  • Step V: Participate in the group discussion and personal interview for MATS as scheduled.
  • Step VI: Pay the first installment of the course fee after being selected to study the course.

The following documents must be submitted by each applicant in order to complete the process of admission:

  • Copies of Transcripts/Mark sheets of Bachelor Degree
  • Copies of Character Certificate of Bachelor Degree
  • Equivalency Certificate for Bachelor Degree (if the students have their Bachelor Degree from foreign boards)
  • Medical certificate
  • Updated CV/Bio-data
  • Copy of Citizenship Certificate

The entire course is divided into 4 semesters to be completed within 2 years that will enable the students to earn 73 credits after the successful completion of the course.

This course has been specifically designed to enable the post-graduates:

  • To handle the tourism industry through their professional skills and integrated knowledge;
  • To develop the tourism destination, planning and operate the adventure and mountain tourism;
  • To be an innovator of adventure, mountain, and mountaineering tourism management;
  • To display professional efficiency, in using the promotional technique, marketing, and measurement of adventure and mountain tourism; 
  • To show the charismatic leadership through the skilled and expert of adventure and mountain tourism;
  • To input expertise for the nature conservation, protection of biodiversity and cultural preservation; 
  • To exhibit their skills, competence, and willingness to work in governmental and non-governmental organizations, research institutions, tourism and hospitality industries, rural and mountain development institutes, academia, and other tourism-related organizations. 
  • To build up professionalism in adventure and mountain studies research, and innovation, and enable them for leadership in the study and research in national and international sectors of adventure and mountain tourism management.

As tourism is a growing industry in Nepal and also globally, the scope of the post-graduates after the successful completion of the course definitely goes beyond the national level and fetches and international prospects in the field of adventure, mountain, and mountaineering tourism management.

Master of Adventure Tourism Studies (MATS) is to impart professional skills and knowledge to the students and enable them to advance their careers in mountain and adventure tourism. It will academically build up the knowledge of mountain and adventure tourism management to meet professional standards and compete in the national and international arena through:

  • Adventure Tourism Manager
  • Adventure Tourism Innovator
  • Adventure Tourism Planner
  • Adventure Tourism Explorer
  • Adventure Tourism Leader
  • Adventure Tourism Entrepreneur
  • Adventure Tourism Academician
  • Adventure Tourism Researcher

International students who have passed Bachelor Degree and are interested to apply for the post-graduate course on Adventure Tourism Studies may submit:

  • Updated CV and a statement of the proposal (SOP) of no more than 1000 words send at isd@man.gov.np.
  • A proof document of taking English as a compulsory subject until a Bachelor's Degree along with the application.

For students who are not familiar with English as a working language must submit:

  • The score of IELTS (with a minimum score of 6.0), TOEFL (with a minimum score of 72)

The course starts at January/February intake where the student will enroll for Foundation classes of two months before the intake commence.

Students will study GMAT, Basic Nepali language, and Fundamentals of Adventure and Mountain Tourism.

Students shall attend the GMAT examination to start their semester course. GMAT is a 180 minutes (3 hours) computer-based online entrance exam for admission into programs offered by Faculty of Management (FOM) Tribhuvan University. GMAT will be conducted to evaluate the candidate’s ability across various academic segments.

The total cost (tuition and other* fees) is NRs. 4,00,000 for Nepali nationals, NRs. 6,00,000 for SAARC nationals and NRs. 8,00,000 for others all of which are payable in 4 installments. For details about the breakdown of the fee structure:

Semester/Nationals 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
Nepali 1,50,000 1,00,000 75,000 75,000 4,00,000
SAARC 2,00,000 1,50,000 1,50,000 1,00,000 6,00,000
Foreign 3,00,000 2,00,000 2,00,000 1,00,000 8,00,000

The total amount paid by the students will include the following services and facilities:

  • Tuition fees
  • Library- Computer Lab fees
  • Several ECAs
  • Bouldering Wall fees
  • Frequent Intra and Inter National Seminars and Visiting Lectures
  • A Peak Climbing of 6,000 meters including gears, equipment and permit fees.

The students have to bear the practical related expenses of MATS. The practical related expenses shall be covered by the academy except for the personal expenses of the students. The amount of practical expenses (Food, Accommodation, and souvenirs) varies as per the nature of the field trip. However, there will only two practical trips: one is a peak climbing up to 6000m with a research report and another adventure related to assignment paper.

Note: Personal Gears Expenses are not included.

The students who will have passed the semester exam taken by the Faculty of Management, Tribhuvan University regularly having minimum CGPA of 3.7 or in merits, the list could apply for the research grant of Nepal Mountain Academy. The research grant will be provided not extended up to NRs 1, 00,000/- as an academic scholarship for research.

The students of Master of Adventure Tourism Studies (MATS) will get the following opportunities:

  • Tutorial classes;
  • Academic writing workshop;
  • Research paper writing workshop;
  • Seminar paper writing and workshop;
  • National and international seminar paper presentation; and
  • Opportunity to publish an article in the international peer-reviewed journal.

Nepal Mountain Academy highly encourages researchers and academicians to visit the academy's library for learning and research related purposes as the academy's library is fully equipped with Adventure, Mountain and Mountaineering related books and digital resources that are otherwise very difficult to avail with. The library is also equipped with library software in order to track the library activities. The library also includes computers lab for the convenience of the students. Along with it, the Academy provides various recreational facilities for the physical as well as mental well-being of the students.

Academics