Deciding to study in the UK is an investment in one’s future. A prestigious UK degree can greatly boost your career prospects, but tuition and living costs may seem daunting for students in Nepal. Fortunately, many scholarships and funding programs exist to help Nepalese students (both undergraduate and postgraduate) realize this dream. UK institutions offer many funding options for international learners – ranging from partial grants to fully-funded awards covering tuition, living expenses, and even travel.
This guide explains the key UK scholarship opportunities for Nepali students, with tips on eligibility, benefits, and application strategies, which can help you plan your UK scholarship search effectively.
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UK scholarships for Nepalese students fall into two main categories: government-sponsored programs and university-specific scholarships. Below are the major opportunities available to the students:
This is the UK Government’s flagship scholarship: it offers a fully funded one-year master’s degree at any UK university to outstanding graduates with leadership potential.
For Nepali applicants, Chevening requires: Nepali citizenship, a strong academic record, and at least two years’ work experience acquired after your bachelor’s degree. Applicants must also apply to three eligible UK master’s courses and meet the English requirements.
Successful scholars receive full tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, return airfare, visa costs, and other allowances. Beyond funding, Chevening scholars join a global network of over 60,000 alumni. (Applications typically open each August for the following academic year.)
Visit the official website for more information: Chevening Official Website
Run by the British Council and UK government’s GREAT Britain campaign, these scholarships support one-year master’s courses at selected UK universities. For Nepal, there are usually about 8–9 GREAT Scholarships available each year. Each award provides at least £10,000 towards tuition fees for a one-year postgraduate program. Participating universities (recent examples include Edinburgh, Reading, Manchester, Essex, etc.) choose which fields to support.
To be eligible, Nepali applicants must hold a relevant bachelor’s degree, meet English requirements, and show motivation to engage with the UK higher-education experience. While GREAT funds do not cover all expenses, they significantly reduce fees. (The exact deadline and subjects vary by university; check the British Council’s listings for each year.)
Visit the official website for more information: GREAT Scholarships Nepal | British Council
The British Council periodically runs special schemes for female students in science, technology, engineering or math fields. For example, partnerships with UK universities have funded full scholarships (tuition plus allowances) for Nepalese women pursuing STEM master’s degrees.
Eligibility typically requires an offer from a participating UK university and meeting academic/English criteria. While a Nepal-specific women-in-STEM scholarship may not run every year, it’s worth watching British Council announcements for such programs.
Visit the official website for more information: British Council Women in STEM scholarships
Many UK universities offer scholarships or fee reductions for international students (sometimes with country-specific or merit-based criteria). For instance:
Leeds Beckett University – Nepal Scholarship: This university automatically grants a £1,000 tuition waiver per year to all eligible Nepali undergraduates. It also offers £2,000 off the first-year tuition for Nepali postgraduates in certain programs like MBA and MSc courses. No separate application is needed – just secure an offer to study.
University of East Anglia (UEA) – International Postgraduate Merit Scholarship: For qualifying Nepali students entering any eligible master’s program at UEA, this scholarship gives a £4,000 discount (for UK Lower Second-Class Honors holders) or £5,000 discount (for UK UpperSecond-Class Honors or above) off the first-year tuition. The award is automatic for fee-paying overseas students meeting the grade criteria.
Other University Awards: Many top UK institutions also have international scholarships. For example, the University of Glasgow awards Global Excellence Scholarships (tuition fee discounts up to £10,000 for high-achieving undergrads), and the University of Warwick offers a Chancellor’s International Scholarship covering full master’s tuition and stipend for outstanding candidates. Imperial, LBS, Cambridge, and other universities have fellowship programs and departmental scholarships too. The Nepalese students who excel academically should explore each university’s website for international scholarship listings. In general, universities often provide merit-based scholarships (for top grades) or subject-specific bursaries. You may find automatic awards or those requiring an application for admission, so investigate each institution of interest early.
Overall, UK scholarship opportunities for Nepalese include both government-backed programs and institutional awards. The key eligibility factors tend to be academic excellence, relevant qualifications (e.g. bachelor’s degree for master’s study), and English proficiency. Some awards (like Chevening) also require leadership credentials and work experience. Benefits range from partial fee waivers (as in many university scholarships) to fully funded education including living costs (as with Chevening). By combining these awards – for example, applying to a university scholarship and also to Chevening – Nepali students can maximize their chances of covering their UK study expenses.
Start Early and Research Thoroughly: Begin looking up scholarships at least 6-12 months before your intended start date. Check official sources like the British Council’s Study UK portal, UK embassy education fairs, university websites, and consultancies. Make a list of scholarships (both government and university) matching your profile (undergrad vs postgrad, field of study, etc.). Remember that scholarship funds are limited compared to applicants, so it’s crucial to apply early.
Meet Academic and Language Requirements: Ensure you meet the basic eligibility. For undergraduate funding, this typically means top grades in 10+2 exams and strong IELTS scores. For master’s scholarships, you’ll need a relevant bachelor’s degree with good grades. Nearly all programs require proof of English ability – usually IELTS 6.0 or higher (often 6.5) for master’s courses. Prepare and take your English test well in advance. If possible, also build up a competitive profile: part-time jobs, volunteer work, or any leadership roles can strengthen applications like Chevening.
Gather Required Documents: Compile your academic transcripts, degree certificates, and English test scores early. Obtain letters of recommendation from professors or employers who can vouch for your achievements. Many scholarships (e.g., Chevening) require at least two reference letters, a personal statement, and a detailed resume. Write a clear study plan or motivation letter explaining why you need the scholarship and how you will contribute to Nepal after your studies. Tailor these materials to each program’s priorities (e.g. leadership for Chevening, academic excellence for Great, etc.).
Secure University Admission (if needed): Some scholarships require an offer of admission before you apply (e.g. Chevening asks for at least one unconditional offer from a UK university). Apply to your chosen UK universities in parallel with scholarship applications. Use education agents (e.g. StudyWorld) or university admissions offices to assist with the application process. Ensure you meet deadlines for course applications.
Apply to Multiple Scholarships: Don’t limit yourself to one. Apply to Chevening, GREAT Scholarships (through participating universities), and any relevant university awards simultaneously. For example, if you qualify, submit a Chevening application by its deadline (usually November), plus any Great Scholarship forms (often via the university you apply to). Keep careful track of deadlines and requirements for each award.
Prepare for Interviews (if applicable): Some programs include an interview round (Chevening does, others may interview finalists). Practice speaking about your goals, past achievements, and why you want to study in the UK. Highlight any Nepal-specific impact – e.g., explain how you plan to use your UK education to benefit communities in Nepal. Demonstrating knowledge of current issues in Nepal and how your degree addresses them can impress selectors.
Maintain Realistic Expectations and Backup Plans: Scholarships are highly competitive. Even if you don’t get a full award, partial scholarships or discounts can still make study abroad feasible. Consider other funding: part-time jobs (UK allows students to work up to 20 hours/week on a student visa), local education loans, or sponsorships (some private Nepalese organizations may offer education grants). In all cases, thorough financial planning is essential: always have funds ready to cover at least the first year’s fees and living costs before leaving Nepal.
Get Professional Guidance: If you need help, consult reputable education counselors. Agencies like Study World Education Consultancy (Kathmandu) specialize in UK admissions and scholarships. We can alert you to new opportunities, help polish your application materials, and clarify visa requirements.
By following these steps – researching programs, strengthening your profile, and applying methodically – you’ll increase your chances of winning UK scholarships as a Nepalese student. Remember, every successful scholar once started as a high-school or undergraduate student, who dared to dream big and prepared early.
A UK education can be life-changing for Nepalese students, and scholarships make it much more affordable. Major awards like Chevening and GREAT Scholarships provide generous support specifically to Nepali applicants. In addition, many UK universities offer merit scholarships and fee reductions to international students. To succeed, start planning early: research eligible scholarships, polish your applications, and apply on time.
Ready to explore your options? Study World Education Consultancy (Kathmandu) can guide Nepali students through the UK admissions and scholarship process. Visit us or contact our advisors to receive personalized help on UK scholarships from Nepal, including assistance with applications, test prep, and more. Your journey to a UK degree – and the scholarship support that makes it possible – can start today.
1. How to get a scholarship in the UK for Nepali students?
To get a UK scholarship, Nepali students should start early by researching programs like Chevening, GREAT Scholarships, and university-specific awards. Meeting academic and English language requirements (usually IELTS 6.0+) is crucial. Prepare a strong application with a compelling personal statement, recommendation letters, and academic transcripts. Applying through a trusted consultancy like Study World Education can increase your chances.
2. How to get a 100% scholarship to study in the UK?
Full scholarships such as Chevening Scholarships (for master’s) and some university PhD fellowships cover tuition, living costs, and airfare. To qualify, you must have excellent academics, leadership qualities, work experience (for Chevening), and meet language proficiency requirements. A well-prepared application, supported by strong references and a clear career plan, is essential.
3. How much money is required to study in the UK for Nepali students?
On average, Nepali students need £22,000–£35,000 per year to study in the UK. This includes:
Scholarships can reduce this amount significantly. Students should also show proof of funds for visa purposes.
4. What is the minimum GPA for the UK from Nepal?
Most UK universities require a minimum GPA of 2.6–3.0 out of 4.0 for bachelor’s or master’s programs. However, top institutions may ask for 3.2 or higher. Entry requirements vary, so always check with the specific university.
5. How much money is required to go to the UK from Nepal?
To get started, Nepali students need approximately NPR 10 to 15 lakhs for:
Scholarships can reduce upfront payments, but students must prepare financially before departure.
6. Can I study in the UK with low grades?
Yes, it’s possible to study in the UK with average or low grades, especially for foundation, diploma, or pathway programs. Some universities accept students with second division or lower GPAs for selected courses. You may not qualify for top scholarships, but private institutions often offer conditional admissions.
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