Securing a scholarship to study in Nepal or abroad can open life-changing opportunities, but many students miss out simply because they don't know where to start. Whether you're aiming for a scholarship to study in Nepal or abroad, this guide will walk you through practical steps, tips, and resources to help you fund your education in 2025 and beyond.
Table of Contents
What Is a Scholarship and Why Does It Matter?
Scholarship Opportunities for Nepali Students in Nepal
Scholarship Opportunities for Nepali Students Abroad
University Scholarships
Conclusion
FAQs
What Is a Scholarship and Why Does It Matter?
Scholarships are funding for your studies that can be both full and partial. It’s a reward for working hard, having special skills, or sometimes just because you need help. Scholarships make it easier to pay for school without keeping the monetary aspects in mind.
A scholarship allows students to focus on what truly matters to them, which can be learning, personal growth, building valuable skills, and working toward their long-term ambitions and goals without the constant stress of financial pressure. It also opens the door to new opportunities, from advanced studies and specialized training to international exposure and real-world experiences that can shape their future success.
Scholarship Opportunities for Nepalese Students in Nepal
Wondering how to afford your studies as a student in Nepal, you’re not alone. There are plenty of scholarships out there that can help you, which can be sourced through the government, universities, or private groups.
Some scholarships are provided to students with higher grades or special talents, while some are there to help those who need financial assistance. There's probably a suitable scholarship for you based on your skills and needs.
1. Government Scholarships
Government scholarships play an important role in providing access to higher education, to students from underprivileged or marginalized communities. Popular and easily available government scholarships to help students are:
1. Ministry of Education (MOE) Scholarships
Scholarships are available for both Bachelor’s and Master’s levels. The selection process is based on entrance exams and academic performance and the interested students can apply through open or reserved quotas.
Such scholarships are available for fields mainly like Medicine, Engineering, Information Technology, Science, and Education. Benefits include full or partial tuition fees, a monthly allowance, and opportunities to study abroad through exchange programs
B. University Grants Commission (UGC) Scholarships
Scholarships are offered for both Bachelor’s and Master’s levels through UGC. They are available based on merit, financial need, or inclusive group categories.
Students studying at recognized institutions like Tribhuvan University (TU), Pokhara University (PU), Kathmandu University (KU), and others are eligible. Benefits for selected student includes tuition support, research and thesis writing grants and commision, and monthly stipends for selected students.
Scholarship Opportunities for Nepali Students Studying Abroad
1. Foreign Government Scholarships via MOEST
Scholarships for international studies through MOEST are available for both Bachelor’s and Master’s level programs. These opportunities are available to Nepali citizens who are selected through the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MOEST) based on their academic performance, entrance exams or interviews, and inclusive background considerations. Countries such as China, India, Bangladesh, Russia, Pakistan, and several others through bilateral aid agreements offer this scholarship. Students receive fully funded financial support covering their tuition fees, accommodation charges, airfare, living expenses, and a monthly stipend, allowing them to focus entirely on their studies abroad after they are selected.
2. International & Corporate Foundations
A.World Bank Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)
This scholarship program aims to provide support to master’s level studies at selected global universities in development-related fields. The program provides tuition fees waivers, a monthly stipend, round-trip airfare, and health insurance to its recipients.
The program is open to applicants who have gained relevant professional experience and show a strong commitment towards contributing to development work.
B. Australia Awards Scholarships
This scholarship program aims to support and fund undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Australia. The program provides benefits such as tuition fees waivers, living expenses, and health insurance coverage to its recipients.
The selection process focuses on academic merit, work experience, and contribution to Nepal’s development gained by the student.
C. Other University-Based International Scholarships
Global universities like the University of Florida, USA, the University of Edinburgh,UK and others provide scholarships to Nepali students, with benefits like tuition fee waivers, living stipends, mentoring, and career development opportunities.
The selection process focuses on academic merit, skills as well as work experience gained by the student, as there is high competition.
University Scholarships
University scholarships are directly funded by colleges and universities themselves in the context of most countries. It is a beneficial resource for students seeking financial help for higher education.
1. Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit based scholarships are awarded to students with exceptional academic achievement often based on +2(higher secondary) or entrance exam scores. Colleges provide full or partial fee waivers based on the applicants rank and percentile.
PGS offers merit-based scholarships on the basis of academic excellence, where students with top ranks or high percentiles in entrance exams or previous qualifications are eligible for full or partial tuition fee waivers.
2. Need-Based Scholarships
Need-Based Scholarships are targeted towards students from economic and socially disadvantaged groups. Family income, proof of financial hardship, as well as required documents should be provided to be eligible for this scholarship.
PGS offers need-based scholarships to support students from financially challenged or socially disadvantaged backgrounds. Eligible students must provide proof of family income and other necessary documents to receive partial or full tuition assistance.
3. Quota and Reserved Scholarships
Quota and Reserved Scholarships are specifically designed for students from specific backgrounds or communities (Dalit, disabled, marginalised, underprivileged group. Certain percentages of total intakes are often set aside to facilitate this provision.
PGS offers such scholarships to ensure equal access to education by reserving a certain percentage of seats for students from Dalit, disabled, marginalized, and other underprivileged communities, providing them with tuition support and other educational benefits.
4. Sports and Extra-Curricular Scholarships
Sports and Extra-Curricular Scholarships are awarded to students who have remarkable achievements at the state or national level in sports or other extra curricular activities for encouraging students to continue persuing their education.
5. Special Category Scholarships
Special Category Scholarships are designed for special needs children, children of martyrs, single-parent families, orphans, or those with disabilities.These scholarships aim to provide vulnerable and disadvantaged students equal access to education and opportunities for personal growth.
Conclusion
Securing a scholarship to study Bachelors and Masters in Nepal or abroad requires early preparation, strong academic performance, and a proactive approach
Researching available opportunities, highlighting your achievements, financial need, or unique skills through government programs, universities, private organizations, and international foundations can help a student stay organized, meet deadlines for your applications by highlighting your achievements, financial need, or unique skills in technology.
FAQ’s
1. Are there scholarships for IT students in Nepal or abroad?
Yes! Many colleges in Nepal and international universities offer scholarships for IT students based on grades, others on financial need or talent.
2. What do I need to apply for an IT scholarship abroad ?
Good academic results, English tests like IELTS,TOEFL, GRE with Application letter, Cover Letter, SOP and a short write-up about your goals or past work in tech.
3. How can I improve my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Starting your research early, keeping your grades strong, building some hands-on experience (like coding or internships), and telling your story clearly when applying can improve the chances of getting a scholarship.