MBA Scholarships

MBA is expensive in Nepal — ranging from NPR 5 lakh to NPR 10 lakh or more for a full programme at a private college. But there are genuine scholarship options both within Nepal and abroad, and the domestic scholarship exams in particular are underutilised because many students don’t know they exist or miss the application window.

This guide covers both: scholarships to study MBA in Nepal, and scholarships to study MBA abroad for Nepali students.

MBA Scholarships in Nepal — Domestic Options

1. Pokhara University (PU) MBA Scholarship

PU runs the largest and most accessible MBA scholarship programme in Nepal. Scholarships are offered across constituent and affiliated colleges through a written entrance examination.

• Total seats (2025 cycle): 116
  • MBA: 80 seats
  • MBA Finance: 9 seats
  • MBA Global Business: 3 seats
  • MCIS (Computer Information Systems): 9 seats
  • MHCM (Healthcare Management): 15 seats
• Category breakdown: 60% open category, 40% reserved (Dalit, Janajati, Madhesi, women, disability, economically disadvantaged, conflict victims)
• Exam format: Written entrance examination, 3 hours
• Exam centres: Pokhara and Kathmandu
• Eligibility: Nepali citizens with a bachelor’s degree (minimum CGPA 2.0 or 45%) in any discipline
• Application: Online through the PU Scholarship Portal. Two intakes per year — March session and August session
• Official portal: pu.edu.np

⚠️ Seat numbers change each cycle — always check the official PU notice for the current intake’s exact quota. The number above reflects 2025 figures.

2. Kathmandu University (KU) Scholarships

KU’s School of Management (KUSOM) offers a limited number of scholarships for its MBA programme through a merit-based selection process. KU MBA is one of Nepal’s most competitive and internationally oriented programmes — scholarships here are highly sought after.

• Selection based on entrance exam performance, academic record, and interview
• Contact KUSOM directly for current scholarship seats and criteria: som.ku.edu.np

3. Tribhuvan University (TU) — Faculty of Management Scholarship

TU’s Faculty of Management conducts entrance examinations for MBA and MBS (Master of Business Studies) programmes at affiliated colleges. Scholarship seats are allocated within government quota and reserved category quota.

• TU MBS is the more accessible option — available at a large number of affiliated colleges nationwide
• MBA under TU is offered at fewer colleges with higher standards
• Monitor TU’s Faculty of Management notices at tudoms.org

4. UGC (University Grants Commission) Scholarships

The University Grants Commission of Nepal provides scholarships specifically targeting access and equity — for students with disabilities, Dalit students, economically disadvantaged students, children of martyrs and conflict victims, Mukta Kamlari, and Muslim women. If you fall into any of these categories, UGC scholarships are worth applying for alongside university-specific exams.

• Apply through your enrolled university — UGC works through institutional channels
• Check: ugcnepal.edu.np

How the PU MBA Scholarship Exam Works

Since PU has the most seats and the clearest process, here’s how to approach it:

1. Monitor PU’s scholarship portal — applications typically open in Shrawan (July) for August session and Magh-Falgun (January-February) for March session
2. Apply online through the PU Scholarship Portal within the application window — typically 2–3 weeks
3. Appear for the written exam at Pokhara or Kathmandu exam centre. The 3-hour exam covers management concepts, quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, and general knowledge
4. College and programme preference — rank holders choose from available colleges and programmes based on merit position and quota category
5. Scholarship covers tuition — the scholarship typically covers full tuition fees at the allocated college. Living costs are the student’s own responsibility

MBA Scholarships Abroad for Nepali Students

If you want to study MBA or a management-focused master’s degree outside Nepal, several globally competitive scholarships are open to Nepali applicants:

• Chevening Scholarships (UK) — fully funded master’s including MBA at UK universities. Nepal has an active Chevening constituency. Applications open August annually.
• Fulbright Foreign Student Programme (USA) — fully funded master’s at US universities for Nepali students with strong academic and professional record. MBA programmes at US universities qualify.
• DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme (Germany) — fully funded master’s in Public Policy and Good Governance including Development and Governance, Management in Non-Profit Organisations. Deadline: July 31 each year.
• Australia Awards Scholarships — fully funded postgraduate study in Australia. Nepal is a priority country. Management and business programmes qualify.
• Schwarzman Scholars (China) — fully funded one-year Master of Global Affairs at Tsinghua University, Beijing. Strong management/leadership profile required. Deadline: September annually.

Each of these has its own page on EduNepal with full details on eligibility, documents, and application process. Use the scholarships section to find the one that matches your profile.

Which MBA Scholarship Is Right for You?