Pokhara University was established in 1997 as the fifth University in  the Country under the government's policy of adopting a multi-University system in the country with aims to expand the access to higher education. The Prime Minister is the Chancellor of the University and the Pro-Chancellor is the Minister of Education. The Vice Chancellor is the Principal Administrator of the University. The central office of the university is located in Pokhara, Kaski district, Western Development Region of Nepal.

Although Pokhara University is an independent institution for higher education, its budget is supported mainly by the His Majesty's Government of Nepal through the University Grant Commission of Nepal. 

1. Provide the quality of education
2. Expand the opportunity of higher education in the country
3. Supply skilled human resources necessary for national development
4. Enhance academic freedom in the University
5. Increase private participation in higher education

Pokhara university has started its academic activities as guided by the Government's act since 1996. Its main function is to produce skilled human resources necessary for the national development by providing quality education. In order to achieve such objectives, Semester system based curriculum and evaluation were carried out with high priority to practical knowledge and researches

1. Pokhara University developed its three constituent academic institutions where Bachelor's and Master's Degrees programs are running.
2. Pokhara University has started its programs with private participation. At present, there are 23 academic institutions under its affiliation where Bachelor, Master, M.Phil and Ph.D.degrees programs are running.
3. Pokhara University has already constructed Central office building, Examination office building, and Academic building in Pokhara. Other physical infrastructure are in the process of development.

Pokhara University has adopted Semester system. All Bachelor's degrees are of four years course extended in eight semester and Master's degrees are of two years extended in four semesters. M. Phil degree is of one and half years extended in three semesters.  There are three Faculties such as :

1. Faculty of Sciences and Technology
2. Faculty of Management Studies
3. Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

There are about 5000 students altogether in 37 programs. In the Fourth Convocation of Pokhara University, 792 students were graduated held on January 20, 2005. This number will increase each year since Pokhara University is aiming to Graduate about 1000 students per year.