By Goreto
Published on Sep 22, 2026
By Goreto
Published on Sep 22, 2026

Nepali students planning to study abroad in 2027 can explore government-funded scholarships, university awards, research funding and financial aid in Australia, Canada, the UK and the USA. Some cover most major study costs, while others reduce tuition fees or provide a fixed award.

The important part is checking the scholarship itself rather than assuming that an award advertised for “international students” is automatically available to applicants from Nepal. Eligibility, study level, funding, and deadlines can all differ.

This guide brings together verified scholarships for Nepali students and will be updated as more 2027 opportunities are officially announced. Remember, receiving a scholarship does not guarantee university admission, a student visa, or entry into the destination country.

Types of Scholarships Available for Nepali Students

Scholarships abroad are offered in several forms. Understanding the funding type helps you work out how much of your total study cost you will still need to manage yourself.

Scholarship TypeWhat It May CoverCommon Consideration
Fully fundedMay include tuition, living costs, travel, insurance and other benefitsUsually competitive with specific eligibility conditions
Partial scholarshipA percentage or fixed amount of tuition or selected expensesYou need to fund the remaining costs
Tuition waiverReduces or removes some tuition feesAccommodation and living expenses may remain
Government scholarshipMay cover several study and living expensesNationality, development priorities or return conditions may apply
University scholarshipTuition reduction, fixed award or broader financial supportConditions vary considerably between universities
Research fundingMay include tuition, stipend and research-related allowancesUsually connected to a research degree, project or supervisor

You may also come across merit-based awards based on academic achievement, need-based financial aid based on your financial circumstances, and external scholarships funded by organisations or foundations.

A scholarship described as fully funded should still be checked carefully. Different providers include different expenses, and personal costs may remain even when tuition and living support are included.

Scholarships for Nepali Students in Australia

Australia offers a mix of government-funded, university-funded and department-specific scholarships across bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels.

Nepal eligibility, exact coverage, and 2027 deadlines have not been independently verified for every scholarship above and should be confirmed on each provider’s official page before applying. For a full breakdown of options and how to check eligibility, see scholarships in Australia and the universities in Australia that offer them.

ScholarshipStudy LevelFunding/CoverageNepal Eligibility2027 Status
Australia Awards ScholarshipsPostgraduate for Nepal applicantsFull tuition, return travel, establishment allowance, living contribution, OSHC and other applicable supportNepal participates, but country-specific requirements apply2027 intake applications closed
Research Training Program (RTP)Research Master’s/DoctorateMay provide fee offset, stipend and/or allowancesInternational students can be eligibleUniversity-specific deadlines

Australia Awards Scholarships

Australia Awards Scholarships support eligible Nepali students pursuing postgraduate study in fields linked to Nepal’s development priorities. The scholarship can cover tuition fees, return travel, a living contribution, establishment costs and Overseas Student Health Cover.

For the 2027 intake, applications closed on 30 April 2026. Students interested in future rounds should check the official Australia Awards Nepal website for new announcements and Nepal-specific eligibility requirements.

Research Training Program

The Research Training Program (RTP) supports eligible international students undertaking a research master’s or doctorate in Australia. Depending on the university, funding may include a tuition-fee offset, living stipend and research-related allowances.

Applications, eligibility and deadlines are managed by individual universities. RTP does not apply to standard bachelor’s or coursework master’s degrees. You can also explore the wider process of studying in Australia from Nepal when comparing your options.

Scholarships for Nepali Students in Canada

Scholarship funding in Canada is mainly offered through individual universities, entrance awards, financial aid and research programmes. You can explore more options in Goreto’s guide to scholarships in Canada for Nepali students.

For 2027 undergraduate applicants, two notable university programmes already have official information available.

ScholarshipStudy LevelFunding/CoverageNepal Eligibility2027 Status
Lester B. Pearson International ScholarshipBachelor’sTuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four yearsInternational students, including eligible applicants from Nepal2027 dates announced
UBC International Scholars ProgramBachelor’sNeed-and-merit-based awards; funding depends on assessed need/programmeInternational students meeting all programme conditions2027 applications opening in 2026

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship

The University of Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is designed for exceptional international students entering their first undergraduate degree. It covers tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years. Around 37 Pearson Scholars are selected each year.

For students beginning university in September 2027, the school nomination deadline is 9 October 2026, the University of Toronto admission application deadline for Pearson consideration is 16 October 2026, and the scholarship application deadline is 6 November 2026. You cannot apply independently without nomination from your school.

UBC International Scholars Program

The UBC International Scholars Program supports high-achieving international students who demonstrate leadership and significant financial need. Applicants must be entering UBC directly from secondary school for their first undergraduate degree.

Applications for the September 2027 intake open in 2026. For more university funding options, explore scholarships in Canada for Nepali students and check each award’s eligibility and deadline before applying.

Scholarships for Nepali Students in the UK

The UK has government-backed programmes alongside university scholarships. For Nepali applicants seeking postgraduate funding in 2027, Chevening is one of the major opportunities currently open.

ScholarshipStudy LevelFunding/CoverageNepal Eligibility2027 Status
Chevening ScholarshipMaster’sFunded scholarship with applicable tuition, living and travel supportNepal participates in CheveningOpen; closes 6 October 2026
Commonwealth Master’s ScholarshipMaster’sFunded postgraduate scholarshipNepal is not on the current eligible-country listNot available to Nepal under the current 2027/28 list

Chevening Scholarships

Chevening Scholarships support eligible students pursuing a master’s degree in the UK. For the 2027–28 academic year, applications opened on 4 August 2026 and close on 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.

Applicants must meet Chevening’s eligibility requirements and complete the required university application stages. Check the official scholarship page for country-specific requirements and the complete application timeline.

A Note on Commonwealth Scholarships

For the 2027/28 Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, Nepal is not included in the current eligible-country list. Students should therefore avoid relying on older scholarship lists that present this programme as a current option for Nepali applicants.

Instead, explore other scholarships in the UK and compare them alongside the requirements for studying in the UK from Nepal.

Scholarships for Nepali Students in the USA

U.S. universities offer merit scholarships, need-based aid, tuition waivers and graduate assistantships for international students. Funding varies by institution and programme, so explore scholarships in the USA for Nepali students and check each university’s requirements carefully.

OpportunityStudy LevelFunding/CoverageNepal Eligibility2027 Status
Fulbright Foreign Student Program – NepalMaster’sTuition, living stipend, academic allowances, travel and health insuranceSpecific programme for eligible Nepali citizens/residents2027–28 applications closed
University scholarships/financial aidBachelor’s/Master’sVaries by institutionDepends on universityInstitution-specific
Graduate assistantships/research fundingMaster’s/PhDMay include stipend, tuition support or waiverDepartment-specificProgramme-specific

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program provides graduate funding for eligible Nepali applicants pursuing a master’s degree in the USA. Funding can include tuition, a living stipend, academic allowances, round-trip travel and health insurance.

For the 2027/28 programme, applications closed on 31 May 2026. Applicants must also meet the programme’s citizenship, academic and professional experience requirements.

University Funding and Assistantships

U.S. universities may offer international students merit scholarships, need-based aid, tuition waivers and other financial support. At graduate level, teaching and research assistantships may also provide tuition support or a stipend, although these usually involve separate academic or work requirements.

Explore more university-specific funding through this guide to scholarships in the USA for Nepali students.

Fully Funded vs Partial Scholarships

A fully funded award generally provides broader support, but you should never assume that the words “fully funded” mean every possible cost will be paid.

FactorFully Funded ScholarshipPartial Scholarship
TuitionMay cover all or most tuitionCovers a specified amount or percentage
Living expensesMay include a stipendOften not fully included
TravelMay be includedDepends on the award
CompetitionOften highly competitiveVaries
Personal fundsSome expenses may remainAdditional funds are usually necessary
EligibilityScholarship-specificScholarship-specific

Before accepting either type, calculate what you will pay for tuition, accommodation, food, insurance, travel, visa costs and other personal expenses after the award is applied.

Scholarships by Study Level

Your academic level changes the type of funding you are likely to find.

Study LevelCommon Funding OpportunitiesWhat to Check
Bachelor’sMerit awards, need-based aid, entrance scholarships+2 results, admission eligibility, nationality and English requirements
Master’sGovernment scholarships, university awards, tuition waiversBachelor’s qualification, academic background and professional requirements
PhD/ResearchResearch scholarships, stipends, assistantshipsResearch experience, proposal, supervisor and department requirements

Scholarship availability differs considerably by country, university and programme, so a strategy that works for one applicant will not necessarily work for another.

Scholarship Eligibility for Nepali Students

Eligibility factors that commonly appear across scholarship programmes include:

  • Academic performance in your most recent qualification
  • The qualification you have already completed
  • Relevance of your subject choice to the programme you are applying for
  • English language proficiency scores
  • Work experience, where required by the specific award
  • Leadership, volunteering or extracurricular activities, where relevant
  • Demonstrated financial need, where applicable
  • Nationality and residency requirements
  • Age limits, where the provider sets one
  • Whether admission or a conditional offer is required first

These are general factors, not universal requirements. No single GPA or IELTS score guarantees a scholarship, and each provider weighs these factors differently.

Scholarship Deadlines for 2027

Several important 2027 scholarship cycles begin during 2026, so waiting until 2027 to start searching can mean missing them completely.

Scholarship/Provider2027 StatusApplication Deadline/PeriodWhat to Do
Australia Awards – NepalClosed30 April 2026 for 2027 intakeWatch for the next intake
Fulbright Nepal 2027–28Closed31 May 2026Watch USEF-Nepal for the next cycle
Chevening 2027–28Open6 October 2026, 11:00 UTCCheck eligibility and apply before closing
Lester B. PearsonUpcoming deadlinesNomination: 9 Oct 2026; admission: 16 Oct 2026; scholarship: 6 Nov 2026Speak with your school early
UBC International ScholarsUpcoming2027 cycle opening in 2026Check UBC’s current timeline
Australian RTPVariesSet by individual universitiesCheck your chosen university

Always distinguish the university admission deadline from the scholarship deadline. Some awards require nomination or admission applications before the scholarship form itself becomes available.

Documents Commonly Required for Scholarships

While requirements vary by provider, most scholarship applications ask for a similar core set of documents:

  • Academic transcripts and certificates
  • Passport or identity documents, where required
  • CV or resume
  • Statement of purpose or personal statement
  • Recommendation letters
  • English language test results, where required
  • Research proposal, for relevant graduate programmes
  • Proof of work experience, where required
  • Financial documents, if specifically requested
  • Other scholarship-specific documents named in the official checklist

Follow the official application checklist for each scholarship rather than assuming one set of documents works everywhere.

How to Apply for Scholarships Abroad from Nepal

A good scholarship application begins with checking whether you are actually eligible.

  1. Choose your destination and study level.
  2. Research scholarships through official government and university sources.
  3. Check whether Nepali citizens are eligible.
  4. Shortlist suitable universities and eligible programmes.
  5. Check exactly what the scholarship covers.
  6. Prepare academic records, essays, references and other documents.
  7. Check admission and scholarship deadlines separately.
  8. Apply through the official scholarship or university platform.
  9. Monitor your email or applicant portal for updates.
  10. If selected, read the scholarship terms carefully before accepting.

For government-funded opportunities, use the relevant official source, such as Australia Awards, Chevening or Fulbright Nepal. Avoid anyone promising a guaranteed scholarship in return for payment.

Scholarships and Student Visa Financial Requirements

A scholarship is only one part of your financial picture for a student visa application. Consider:

  • How the scholarship letter and funding evidence fit into your visa application
  • The difference between what the scholarship covers and what you still need to fund
  • Financial planning for tuition, living costs and any other required expenses
  • The destination country’s current visa financial requirements, which change periodically
  • The fact that a scholarship award does not automatically guarantee visa approval

For the documents typically used to demonstrate funds, see the bank balance certificate format, and if you are considering additional financing beyond a scholarship, review the education loan process. Do not rely on outdated financial thresholds. Check the destination country’s official immigration source for current figures.

How to Find and Verify New Scholarships for 2027

Use a consistent verification routine rather than trusting the first result you see:

  • Check official university scholarship pages directly
  • Review government scholarship portals for the destination country
  • Subscribe to official scholarship announcements where available
  • Confirm the eligible nationality list includes Nepal
  • Confirm the funding details in the provider’s own terms
  • Check the deadline and the official application platform
  • Check whether university admission is required before applying
  • Save the official scholarship link for reference
  • Avoid relying on forwarded messages or unverified social media posts

Scholarship deadlines, eligibility and funding information can change, so recheck the official source close to your application date rather than relying on information gathered months earlier.

Common Scholarship Application Mistakes

Many scholarship problems come from applying too quickly rather than from a lack of opportunities. Avoid:

  • applying without reading the full eligibility conditions;
  • confusing admission and scholarship deadlines;
  • submitting incomplete documents;
  • copying scholarship essays or exaggerating achievements;
  • arranging references too late;
  • relying on an old scholarship article for current deadlines;
  • overlooking expenses that the award does not cover;
  • submitting after the provider’s stated time and time zone;
  • assuming funding guarantees university admission or a visa; and
  • paying someone who claims they can guarantee a scholarship.

Need Help Finding the Right Scholarship for 2027?

Not sure which scholarships match your academic background, study level and preferred destination? Start early, compare your options carefully and make sure you understand what each scholarship actually covers before applying.

You can contact our study abroad counsellors for guidance on choosing a destination, shortlisting universities, exploring suitable scholarship opportunities and planning your next steps for the 2027 intake.

FAQs

Nepali students can apply for eligible government scholarships, university awards, need-based aid and research funding, including programmes such as Australia Awards, Chevening and Fulbright.

Check the official eligibility requirements, prepare the required documents and submit your application through the scholarship provider’s official platform before the deadline.

Australia, Canada, the UK, the USA, Germany, Finland, Denmark and Norway have funding opportunities for eligible Nepali students, although the type and availability vary.

Yes, some undergraduate scholarships offer extensive funding, but they are limited and highly competitive. Eligibility depends on the university and scholarship.

Yes. Master’s students can apply for government, university and external scholarships, including Chevening, Fulbright and other eligible programmes.

Check official government scholarship portals and university websites regularly. Start early because some 2027 scholarship deadlines fall in 2026.

Some do. Fully funded awards may include a living allowance, while many partial scholarships only reduce tuition fees.

No, a scholarship does not guarantee student visa approval. You must separately meet the destination country’s visa requirements.

Check the official scholarship provider or university website for the latest application dates and status.

Yes, in many cases. However, check whether any scholarship restricts you from receiving or holding another award at the same time.

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