UEA International UG Merit Scholarship

Overview

The UEA International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship is one of the most accessible international scholarships available to Nepali students, because it requires no separate application. Every eligible international student — including Nepali citizens — who receives an offer to study an undergraduate degree at the University of East Anglia (UEA) in Norwich, UK, is automatically considered and awarded this scholarship.

UEA is a leading UK research university ranked in the global top 250, located in Norwich, England. It is particularly well known for Environmental Sciences, Creative Writing, Pharmacy, Law, and Business. Norwich offers a lower cost of living than London while maintaining full access to UK career pathways, including the Graduate Route visa (2 years post-study work).

• Nepal is an explicitly named priority country — Nepali students receive £5,000 per year, higher than the standard rest-of-world rate of £4,000 per year
• Awarded automatically — no essay, no separate form, no deadline to chase
• Renewable every year for the full duration of your degree (3–4 years)
• Applicable to Engineering, Physics, and Environmental Sciences programmes at a higher rate (£10,000/year) — check the official page for the latest faculty-specific amounts
• Can be combined with UEA's International Early Payment Award for additional savings

⚠️ Stacking limitation: This scholarship cannot be combined with most other UEA scholarships. If you are eligible for a higher-value UEA scholarship, it will automatically replace this one. This is a beneficial rule — you always receive the highest applicable award.

How This Compares to Other UEA Scholarships for Nepali Students

UEA also offers the International PG Merit Scholarship for postgraduate students from Nepal, worth £6,500 for students with the equivalent of a UK 2:1 degree. Like the undergraduate scholarship, this is an automatic award. Nepali students considering a master's degree at UEA should check the PG Merit Scholarship B page for the latest values and eligibility.

Eligibility

Who is Eligible

• Nepali citizenship or domicile: Nepal is explicitly listed as a priority country. You must be a national of, or domiciled in, Nepal to qualify for the £5,000 per year tier.
• International (overseas) fee-paying student: Must be classified as an international student for fee purposes at UEA — Nepali students qualify.
• Undergraduate entry in September 2026: Must be joining the first or second year of an eligible undergraduate Bachelor's degree programme at UEA.
• Conditional or unconditional offer from UEA: You must already hold an offer to study at UEA. The scholarship is confirmed automatically shortly after your offer is made.
• Full-time enrolment in an eligible programme: The scholarship covers most Bachelor's degree programmes at UEA. Engineering, Physics, and Environmental Sciences programmes may qualify for a higher annual award — check the official scholarship page.

Who is Not Eligible

• Students who are not classified as international (overseas fee-paying) — e.g., those with UK settlement or pre-settled status.
• Students on placement years, years in industry, years abroad, or any period where they are not paying full overseas tuition fees — the scholarship is paused in those years.
• Students joining from the UEA International Study Centre (UCIC) into Year 2 — a different scholarship tier applies to them.
• Students receiving full sponsorship from a government body or outside organisation covering all fees (self-funded loan repayments do not affect eligibility).
• Students already receiving a higher-value UEA scholarship — in that case, the higher award replaces this one (a good thing).

How to Apply

1. No separate scholarship application is required. The UEA International UG Merit Scholarship is awarded automatically. Your primary task is to apply for admission to UEA and receive your offer — the scholarship follows.
2. Choose your undergraduate programme at UEA. Browse UEA's courses at uea.ac.uk. Check that your intended programme is an eligible Bachelor's degree. Note that some specialist programmes may have different scholarship arrangements.
3. Meet UEA's academic entry requirements. UEA accepts Nepal's NEB Grade 12 results. Standard entry requires strong A-level equivalent grades. English proficiency is required — typically IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall (no individual band below 5.5 for most programmes).
4. Apply to UEA through UCAS. UK undergraduate applications are submitted through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). The main UCAS deadline for equal consideration is typically 29 January each year, though UEA accepts applications after this date while places remain.
5. Receive your offer — the scholarship is confirmed automatically. Shortly after your conditional or unconditional offer is issued, UEA will confirm your scholarship award. No action is needed from you at this stage.
6. Optionally apply for the International Early Payment Award. UEA offers an additional early payment discount for international students who pay their fees by a specific date. This can be combined with the Merit Scholarship for extra savings. Check the UEA scholarships finder for the current amount and deadline.
7. Accept your offer and apply for your UK Student Visa. Once you have confirmed your place, apply for a UK Student Visa. You will need to demonstrate sufficient funds for living costs (approximately £1,334/month in London, or £1,023/month outside London, per UK Visas and Immigration guidance). The scholarship amount reduces your outstanding tuition balance, which also reduces the funds you need to show.