Scholarships Available in Nepal
Nepal offers a wide range of scholarships for students at different academic levels. From government-funded merit scholarships to international opportunities, Nepali students have many options to fund their education.
1. Government of Nepal Merit Scholarship
The most prestigious scholarship in Nepal, this is provided by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) based on SEE and NEB results.
- Eligibility: Top-ranked students in SEE or NEB exams
- Coverage: Full tuition fee, monthly stipend of NPR 1,500
- How to Apply: Through your school after result publication
2. Prime Minister Education Fund Scholarship
Targeted at economically disadvantaged but academically bright students.
- Eligibility: Students with GPA 3.0+ and family income below NPR 40,000/month
- Coverage: Up to NPR 75,000 per year
- Apply: Through PMEF official website
3. Tribhuvan University (TU) Scholarship
TU offers internal scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students based on merit and need.
- Types: Merit-based, need-based, and sports scholarship
- Coverage: Full or partial tuition waiver
- Apply: Campus office during admission period
4. IOE Entrance Scholarship
The Institute of Engineering awards scholarships to top performers in the IOE entrance examination.
- Eligibility: Top 10% scorers in IOE entrance
- Coverage: Full tuition for BE programs
5. CTEVT Scholarship for Technical Education
The Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training offers scholarships for diploma and certificate programs.
- Eligibility: SEE passed students; marginalized community priority
- Programs: Engineering, Health, Agriculture, Tourism
6. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
China provides full scholarships to Nepali students for undergraduate, masters, and PhD programs.
- Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, stipend, medical insurance
- Deadline: Usually March–April each year
- Apply: Through Ministry of Education Nepal or Embassy of China
7. Indian ICCR Scholarship
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations offers scholarships for Nepali students to study in India.
- Programs: Undergraduate to PhD in Indian universities
- Coverage: Tuition, hostel, and monthly stipend
- Apply: Embassy of India, Kathmandu
8. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship
Japan offers competitive scholarships for Nepali students for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Japan.
- Coverage: Full scholarship including airfare
- Eligibility: Excellent academic record, age below 25 for undergrad
9. Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
For exceptional students with proven financial need pursuing postgraduate studies.
- Coverage: Up to 50% grant, 50% loan
- Eligibility: Master's and PhD students
10. Fulbright Scholarship (USA)
The US government offers the prestigious Fulbright scholarship for graduate studies in the USA.
- Coverage: Full tuition, living expenses, travel
- Apply: US Embassy Nepal; very competitive
How to Improve Scholarship Chances
- Maintain a GPA of 3.5+ throughout your studies
- Participate in extracurricular activities and community service
- Apply to multiple scholarships simultaneously
- Write a strong personal statement explaining your goals
- Get strong recommendation letters from teachers