Scholarships in Nepal : Complete Guide for Nepali Students (2082/2083)
This page is your starting point for every scholarship available to Nepali students — whether you want to study in Nepal at low cost or go abroad on a fully funded award. Use the subject and destination guides below to find the most relevant scholarships for your situation.
How Scholarships Work in Nepal — The One Thing Most Students Miss
The most valuable scholarships for Nepali students at bachelor level are not separate applications — they are built into the university entrance exam system. Getting into a government university campus is worth NPR 5 lakh to NPR 70 lakh in saved fees depending on the programme. Understanding this before your entrance exam preparation is more important than any named scholarship application.
For named scholarships — reserved categories, bilateral government awards, and international programmes — the guides below cover every pathway.
Scholarships by Level
- Bachelor Level Scholarships in Nepal — Government university seats, Nijamati Karmachari (400 seats), UGC scholarships, PU scholarship exam (1,328 seats), bilateral scholarships abroad, reserved categories
- MBA Scholarships in Nepal — PU MBA scholarship exam (116 seats), KU, TU, and international MBA scholarships
- PhD Scholarships for Nepali Students — DAAD research grants, Flinders AGRTPS, Commonwealth Split-site, MEXT Japan, Korean GKS
Scholarships by Subject
- Engineering Scholarships — IOE entrance, Pulchowk Campus (240 scholarship seats), KU, PU, reserved categories
- Medical Scholarships — MBBS (691 seats), BSc Nursing (711 seats), BDS, CEE-based selection, bilateral scholarships (Pakistan, China, Bangladesh)
- Management Scholarships — BBA, BBS, BHM, CMAT, PU scholarship exam (788 management seats)
- IT Scholarships — BSc CSIT, BCA, BIT, BE Computer, government campus quotas
Scholarships to Study Abroad
- Scholarships in Europe — Chevening (UK, 10–15 Nepal seats), GREAT Scholarships (£10,000 for Nepal), Commonwealth, DAAD Germany, Erasmus Mundus, Sciences Po France
- Scholarships in India — ICCR (1,500 seats/year), ABVGSS, COMPEX, AYUSH, no visa required
- Australia Awards, MEXT Japan, Korean GKS — see individual scholarship pages in the scholarships section
Top International Scholarships Open to Nepali Students
- DAAD EPOS (Germany) — Fully funded for working professionals with 2+ years experience. Multiple disciplines.
- DAAD Helmut Schmidt (Germany) — Fully funded master’s in public policy and governance. Deadline: July 31 annually.
- Schwarzman Scholars (China) — Fully funded master’s at Tsinghua University. Deadline: September annually.
- Émile Boutmy Scholarship (France) — €9,500–€18,500/year at Sciences Po. Must apply during admissions.
- Flinders AGRTPS (Australia) — Fully funded PhD. Deadline: June 18, 2026. Open now.
- UEA Merit Scholarship (UK) — £5,000/year automatic for Nepali students. Nepal is explicitly named priority country.
Key Scholarships by Deadline — Currently Active
| Scholarship | Destination | Deadline | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flinders AGRTPS | Australia | June 18, 2026 | PhD |
| DAAD Helmut Schmidt | Germany | July 31, 2026 | Master’s |
| Schwarzman Scholars | China | September 9, 2026 | Master’s |
| Chevening (UK) | UK | October 2026 | Master’s |
| AYUSH Scholarship (India) | India | May 31, 2026 | UG/PG |
| PU Scholarship Exam | Nepal | Bhadra (August) annually | Bachelor’s |
Understanding Reserved Category Scholarships in Nepal
Approximately 40–45% of government university scholarship seats in Nepal are reserved for specific groups. If you qualify, you compete in a separate pool — significantly improving your chances. Reserved categories typically include:
- Dalit
- Adibasi/Janajati (Indigenous groups)
- Madhesi
- Women (10% quota at technical faculties)
- Persons with disabilities
- Government school students (Grades 6/8–12)
- Children of martyrs and conflict victims
- Remote/backward districts
Prepare all reserved category documents before entrance exams. Community certificates, government school certificates, and disability certificates take time to obtain. Start collecting them as soon as +2 results are published.