Scholarships in the UK for Nepali Students

The United Kingdom (UK) has long been one of the most popular study destinations for Nepali students.

With world-class universities, a strong academic culture, and globally recognized degrees, the UK offers students not just education but also exposure to diverse cultures and opportunities.

However, studying abroad can be expensive.

Tuition fees and living costs in the UK are relatively high compared to many other destinations.

This is where scholarships for Nepali students play a crucial role.

They help reduce financial pressure and make it possible for talented and motivated students to pursue their dreams.

Types of Scholarships Available

Before applying, it’s important to understand the different types of scholarships Nepali students can apply for:

Government-funded scholarships – Offered by the UK government (e.g., Chevening, Commonwealth).
University-specific scholarships – Many UK universities offer scholarships exclusively for international students.
Private and organization-based scholarships – NGOs, trusts, and other organizations also fund Nepali students.
Merit-based scholarships – Awarded based on academic excellence.
Need-based scholarships – Focused on students who require financial assistance.

Popular Scholarships for Nepali Students in the UK

1. Chevening Scholarships

Funded by the UK government.
Covers tuition fees, living allowance, travel costs, and visa fees.
Open to students pursuing a one-year master’s degree.
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree, 2 years of work experience, and strong leadership qualities.

2. Commonwealth Scholarships

For students from Commonwealth countries, including Nepal.
Offers full tuition fees, living allowance, and airfare.
Mostly for master’s and PhD programs.

3. GREAT Scholarships

Jointly funded by the UK Government and the British Council.
Provides £10,000 towards tuition fees for postgraduate studies.
Available at partner universities across the UK.

4. University of Oxford Scholarships

Rhodes Scholarship (one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world).
Clarendon Fund – full scholarships for graduate students.

5. University of Cambridge Scholarships

Gates Cambridge Scholarship – covers the full cost of study.
Cambridge Trust Scholarships – available for international students across various programs.

6. Other University-Specific Scholarships

University of Edinburgh Global Scholarships.
University of Manchester Global Futures Scholarship.
University of Westminster International Scholarships.
University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships.
Swansea University Scholarships.

Comparison of Top Scholarships in the UK for Nepali Students

Scholarship	Funded By / Sponsor	Level of Study	Coverage
Chevening Scholarship	UK Government (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)	1-year Master’s degree	Full tuition, living stipend, airfare, visa fees, and arrival/departure allowances
Commonwealth Scholarship	Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (UK)	Master’s & PhD	Full tuition, airfare, living stipend, family allowances (for PhDs), research and fieldwork support
GREAT Scholarships	British Council & UK universities	1-year Master’s	Partial funding (~£10,000+) toward tuition
Clarendon Fund (Oxford)	University of Oxford	Graduate (Master’s and PhD)	Full tuition plus living grant
Gates Cambridge Scholarship	Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation	Postgraduate (MPhil, MSc, PhD, one-year Master’s)	Full funding for the degree and development support
Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships (Oxford)	Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust	1-year Master’s	Full tuition, living costs, plus leadership programme
Rhodes Scholarship (Oxford)	Rhodes Trust	Typically 2-year postgraduate (also can be 1 or 3 years)	Full fees, living stipend
Jardine Scholarship (Oxford & Cambridge)	Jardine Foundation	Undergraduate	Full tuition, stipend, insurance, and return airfare
University-specific scholarships	Individual UK universities	Undergraduate & Postgraduate	Partial or full funding, depending on the university

General Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for scholarships in the UK, Nepali students should understand the basic requirements that most programs expect.

While each scholarship may have its own set of rules, there are some common criteria that apply across the board.

Meeting these benchmarks ensures that you are considered a strong candidate when competing with international applicants.

Strong academic record (usually above 60–70% in bachelor’s/previous studies).
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE).
Work or leadership experience (for scholarships like Chevening).
A well-written Statement of Purpose (SOP) or personal statement.
Recommendation letters from professors or employers.
Some scholarships may require financial need documentation.

Application Process

Applying for scholarships in the UK can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into clear steps makes the journey manageable.

From shortlisting scholarships to preparing documents and attending interviews, each stage is designed to help you showcase your strengths and secure funding.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to what the process usually looks like for Nepali students:

Step 1: Research & Shortlist

Begin at least 12–18 months before intake. Identify scholarships that match your academic profile and career goals.

Step 2: Prepare Documents

Collect transcripts, English test scores (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE), CV, SOP/Personal Statement, and recommendation letters. PhD applicants may also need a research proposal.

Step 3: Apply Online

Submit your applications through official scholarship portals or university websites before the deadlines.

Step 4: Interviews (if required)

Some scholarships, like Chevening, may ask for an interview or additional tasks. Prepare well to present your story.

Step 5: Results & Offers

Successful candidates receive official offer letters confirming their scholarship.

Tips to Increase Your Chances

Scholarships are highly competitive, especially at top UK universities.

Beyond meeting the basic eligibility criteria, students need to stand out with strong applications and careful preparation.

By following these practical tips, Nepali students can significantly improve their chances of securing funding.

Start early & track deadlines – Most scholarships close months before intake.
Maintain strong academics – Grades remain the most important filter.
Write a compelling SOP – Highlight leadership, community work, or achievements.
Apply to multiple scholarships – Don’t rely on just one option.
Seek expert guidance – Consultants can polish your application and improve success rates.

Studying in the UK with Scholarships

Scholarships don’t just reduce costs — they transform your entire study experience.

For Nepali students, they can mean the difference between a heavy financial burden and a life-changing opportunity at some of the world’s best universities.

Cost Impact

Without scholarships, tuition and living costs can add up to £19,000–£45,000 per year (NPR 30–72 lakhs).
With scholarships, students may save 50–100% of these expenses, depending on the award.

Beyond Financial Support

Access to global networking and alumni communities.
Opportunities for internships and research exposure.
A stronger CV that stands out internationally.
Better career pathways in Nepal and abroad.

The UK offers a wide range of scholarships for Nepali students who dream of pursuing higher education abroad.

Whether you’re applying for a government-funded program like Chevening or a university-specific award like the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, proper planning and preparation will significantly increase your chances of success.

At Goreto Education Consultancy, we have years of experience guiding Nepali students to secure admissions and scholarships at top UK universities.

If you’re planning to study in the UK, we can help you find the right scholarship, prepare your documents, and apply successfully.

Frequently Asked Questions - Scholarships in the UK

Yes, most universities in the UK offer some form of scholarships or financial aid. However, eligibility and coverage vary by institution and program.

Nepali students can apply for merit-based, need-based, and government-funded scholarships such as Chevening, Commonwealth, GREAT Scholarships, and university-specific awards.

Yes, most scholarships require proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE). Strong test scores often strengthen your application.

Very competitive. Thousands of students apply worldwide, so maintaining excellent academics, leadership experience, and a strong personal statement is crucial.

Some scholarships, like Chevening or Commonwealth, cover tuition fees, flights, and living expenses. University-specific awards may partially cover living costs.

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