Quick answer
Nepali students can win scholarships to study abroad at three levels: fully funded government awards such as Chevening for the UK, partial university merit scholarships, and small automatic discounts. For India, the Embassy of India in Kathmandu and ICCR offer schemes. Commonwealth Scholarships are generally closed to Nepali citizens because Nepal is not a Commonwealth member, so apply across several types at once.
- Chevening runs in Nepal through the British Embassy in Kathmandu and usually asks for work experience.
- Check whether Nepal is on the current eligible-country list for the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship.
- Many fully funded deadlines fall about a year before the course starts, so start 9 to 12 months ahead.
- Visa officers need to see funds you actually have, not a scholarship you have not won.
Scholarships for Nepali students are not only for toppers. Funding comes at very different levels: fully funded government awards, partial university scholarships, and small automatic discounts that many applicants qualify for without a separate essay. The realistic strategy is to apply across all three.
Types of scholarships
| Type | Who funds it | Typical value | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fully funded government awards | Governments and foundations | Tuition, living stipend, sometimes flights | Very high |
| University merit scholarships | The university | A percentage or fixed amount off tuition | Moderate |
| Early-bird and automatic discounts | The university | Small fee reductions for early payment or strong grades | Low |
| Country- or region-specific awards | University or government | Partial to full | Moderate to high |
Which scholarships can Nepali students apply for?
Ireland
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship offers a stipend and a fee waiver for one year, for nationals of an eligible-country list that changes; check whether Nepal is on the current list. Most Irish universities also offer merit scholarships for non-EU students, often a percentage of tuition, and some run South Asia awards or early-acceptance discounts.
United Kingdom
Chevening runs in Nepal through the British Embassy in Kathmandu and is the best-known fully funded award for a one-year UK masters; it usually asks for work experience. Nepal is not a Commonwealth member, so Commonwealth Scholarships are generally not open to Nepali citizens. Many UK universities offer international merit scholarships, some with South Asia or Nepal eligibility.
India
The Embassy of India in Kathmandu runs several scholarship schemes for Nepali students, from school level to postgraduate and professional courses. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) also offers scholarships through its A2A portal. Windows are short, so watch the embassy's notices.
Other options
- Erasmus Mundus joint masters scholarships in Europe, open to applicants worldwide.
- Fulbright for the United States, administered in Nepal by USEF Nepal.
- Government scholarships from Japan (MEXT) and Korea (GKS), often applied for through their embassies in Kathmandu.
- Australia Awards, where Nepal is on the eligible list for the cycle.
How to apply strategically
- 1Start 9 to 12 months before your intended intake. Many fully funded deadlines fall about a year before the course starts.
- 2Shortlist universities where your grades sit above the typical entry level for Nepal. Merit awards go to applicants the university wants to attract.
- 3Apply early in the admissions cycle, because university scholarship budgets are allocated as offers are made.
- 4Answer the selection criteria directly with specific examples and results.
- 5Ask referees early and tell them what to highlight.
- 6Apply to several awards at once, mixing competitive and achievable schemes.
A realistic plan: layer your applications
Most funded students do not rely on one big award. A Nepali student applying for a masters in Ireland might apply for a national scheme if eligible, merit scholarships at three or four universities, and the early-acceptance discount at the university they choose.
| Layer | Example | When to apply |
|---|---|---|
| Fully funded award | Chevening (UK) or a national scheme you are eligible for | Usually about a year before the course starts |
| University merit scholarship | Non-EU merit award at your chosen university | With or soon after your admission application |
| Automatic discount | Early acceptance or early payment discount | When you accept your offer |
Common mistakes
- Waiting for an offer before looking at scholarships, when many deadlines have passed.
- Ignoring partial scholarships. A 25 percent tuition discount is real money in rupees and often easier to win.
- Planning finances around a scholarship you have not won. Visa officers need to see funds you actually have.
- Reusing one essay for every scheme without tailoring it.
On Admission Bravo, universities that offer scholarships are marked on their course and university pages, so you can filter your shortlist for funding before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
Can Nepali students get fully funded scholarships abroad?
Yes, but they are very competitive. Options include Chevening for the UK, Embassy of India and ICCR scholarships for India, Erasmus Mundus, Fulbright through USEF Nepal, and MEXT or GKS. Most students apply for these alongside university merit scholarships.
Are Nepali students eligible for Commonwealth Scholarships?
Generally no, because Nepal is not a member of the Commonwealth. Chevening and university merit scholarships are the main UK options for Nepali students.
What scholarships are there in Ireland for Nepali students?
Most Irish universities offer merit scholarships and early-acceptance discounts for non-EU students. Check whether Nepal is on the current eligible-country list for the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship.
Are there scholarships to study in India for Nepali students?
Yes. The Embassy of India in Kathmandu runs several schemes for Nepali students, and ICCR scholarships are offered through the A2A portal. Details change each year.
Do I still need proof of funds if I have a scholarship?
Usually yes, for any costs the scholarship does not cover. A scholarship letter can reduce the amount you must show, but the visa office will still check the rest is funded.
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