Top 10 Scholarships for Nepali Students Studying Abroad in 2026

Unlock Your Global Dreams: Top 10 Scholarships for Nepali Students Abroad

Studying abroad is a transformative experience, offering unparalleled academic opportunities, cultural immersion, and career advancement. For many Nepali students, the dream of pursuing higher education in world-renowned institutions in Australia, Canada, the UK, Japan, or Europe is often accompanied by concerns about funding. The good news? Numerous prestigious scholarships exist to support bright and ambitious students from Nepal.

At [Consultancy Name], we believe financial constraints shouldn’t hinder your aspirations. We’ve compiled a detailed list of 10 prominent scholarships that Nepali students can apply for. Remember, eligibility criteria and deadlines can be competitive and change annually, so always verify the latest information on the official scholarship websites.

1. Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)

Funded by the Australian Government, these highly competitive scholarships support Master’s and PhD-level studies, aiming to contribute to Nepal’s long-term development.

Eligibility: Nepali citizen, minimum 18 years of age, meet academic and English language proficiency requirements, and commitment to return to Nepal for a minimum of two years after completing the scholarship. Specific work experience and leadership potential are often considered.
Amount: Fully funded, covering full tuition fees, return air travel, establishment allowance, living expenses (fortnightly stipend), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and supplementary academic support.
Application Deadline: Typically opens in February and closes in late April/early May each year for the following academic year.

2. Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom)

The UK Government’s international awards programme, Chevening offers fully funded Master’s degrees at any UK university, aiming to develop global leaders.

Eligibility: Nepali citizen, have an undergraduate degree, at least two years of work experience (paid, unpaid, or volunteering), meet English language requirements, and demonstrate leadership potential. Applicants must apply to three different eligible UK university courses.
Amount: Fully funded, including tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, return airfare, and additional grants to cover essential expenditures.
Application Deadline: Usually opens in August and closes in early November each year.

3. MEXT Scholarship (Japan)

Offered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), this comprehensive scholarship supports various levels of study (undergraduate, graduate, research) in Japan.

Eligibility: Nepali citizen, specific age limits (e.g., typically under 35 for research/graduate students), strong academic record, meet English or Japanese language proficiency requirements (depending on the program).
Amount: Fully funded, covering full tuition fees, a monthly stipend, and round-trip airfare to Japan.
Application Deadline: Varies. Embassy recommended applications typically open in April/May, while university recommended applications have later deadlines set by individual universities.

4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (Europe)

Prestigious, integrated international Master’s programmes jointly delivered by consortia of universities across Europe. Students typically study in at least two different European countries.

Eligibility: Holds a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), strong academic record, English language proficiency, and typically applies to students who have not resided in EU countries for more than 12 months in the last five years (for Category A scholarships, which are for non-EU students).
Amount: Fully funded, including participation costs (tuition fees), travel and installation costs, and a monthly living allowance for the duration of the study program.
Application Deadline: Generally runs from October to January each year, varying by specific Master’s programme.

5. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Canada)

Canada’s premier doctoral scholarship program, Vanier CGS attracts and retains world-class PhD students, establishing Canada as a research excellence hub.

Eligibility: Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada, or an international student. Must be nominated by a single Canadian university, be pursuing your first doctoral degree, and demonstrate high achievement in academics, research potential, and leadership skills.
Amount: $50,000 CAD per year for three years of doctoral studies.
Application Deadline: University internal nomination deadlines are typically in September-October, with the national deadline usually in early November.

6. Commonwealth Scholarships (United Kingdom)

Funded by the UK FCDO, these scholarships enable talented individuals from Commonwealth countries (like Nepal) to pursue Master’s or PhD studies in the UK, who might otherwise not afford it.

Eligibility: Nepali citizen, have an undergraduate degree, academically strong, and unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship. Commitment to sustainable development impact is also a key criterion.
Amount: Fully funded, covering tuition fees, approved airfare, living allowance, and a study travel grant.
Application Deadline: Usually opens in August and closes in October each year.

7. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers numerous scholarships for international students pursuing Master’s and PhD studies or research in Germany, especially for Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS).

Eligibility: Nepali citizen, Bachelor’s degree (usually 4-year), at least two years of professional experience (for EPOS programs), English or German language proficiency depending on the course.
Amount: Includes a monthly stipend, travel allowance, health insurance, and sometimes tuition fees (public universities in Germany generally do not charge tuition fees).
Application Deadline: Varies significantly by program and university; many EPOS program deadlines are between August and October for the following academic year.

8. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto, Canada)

A prestigious University of Toronto scholarship for outstanding international high school students, recognizing exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential.

Eligibility: International student (not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident), currently in your final year of secondary school or have graduated no earlier than June of the preceding academic year, demonstrating exceptional academic achievement and creativity, and nominated by your school.
Amount: Covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.
Application Deadline: Nomination deadline typically in late November, application deadline in mid-January.

9. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program (France)

A program by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Eiffel Scholarship attracts top foreign students to Master’s and PhD programs in France’s higher education institutions.

Eligibility: International students (non-French nationality), maximum age of 25 for Master’s, 30 for PhD. Must be applying to specific fields of study (Science and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences). Applicants are nominated by French institutions.
Amount: Provides a monthly allowance (€1,181 for Master’s, €1,700 for PhD), international return trip, health insurance, and cultural activities. Tuition fees are generally not covered as public universities in France do not charge them.
Application Deadline: Typically runs from October to early January each year.

10. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (United Kingdom)

Established by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this highly selective scholarship supports outstanding postgraduate students from outside the UK to pursue degrees at the University of Cambridge.

Eligibility: Citizen of any country outside the UK, applying to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge (Master’s or PhD). Applicants are selected based on outstanding intellectual ability, leadership potential, a commitment to improving the lives of others, and a good fit between the applicant’s qualifications and aspirations and the Cambridge program.
Amount: Fully funded, covering the full cost of studying at Cambridge, including university composition fees, maintenance allowance, airfare, and inbound visa costs.
Application Deadline: Varies depending on your course, but generally falls in early October (for US citizens) or early December (for all other eligible applicants).

Your Journey Starts Here

Securing a scholarship requires meticulous preparation, strong academic records, compelling essays, and timely applications. Don’t be discouraged by the competition; instead, let it fuel your determination. Each scholarship represents a unique opportunity to achieve your academic and professional goals on a global stage.

At [Consultancy Name], we specialize in guiding Nepali students through the complex application process for international universities and scholarships. From identifying the right programs to refining your essays and preparing for interviews, our expert counsellors are here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to turn your international study dreams into reality!