Pokhara University (PU or PoKU Nepali: पोखरा विश्वविद्यालय) was established in 1997 as Nepal's fifth university. Pokhara University is located in Pokhara Metropolitan City, Ward No. 30, Lekhnath of Kaski district, Gandaki Province, 13 kilometers East of Pokhara City. Pokhara University was formed as part of the government's policy for improved access to higher education. The prime minister is the university chancellor and the minister for education is the pro-chancellor. The vice chancellor is the principal administrator of the university.