Study Abroad After Bachelor's from Nepal: Master's Guide
Your bachelor's is complete. A master's abroad can be the highest-ROI investment of your life — if you choose the right program.
A master's degree from an international university is the most common pathway for Nepali bachelor's graduates to enter the global workforce. Unlike undergraduate studies, a master's abroad is shorter (1-2 years), more focused, and directly tied to career outcomes. It is also a more efficient investment — you are paying for 1-2 years instead of 3-4.
But the decisions are more nuanced at the master's level. Do you need a GRE? Should you work first? Which country offers the best ROI for your specific field? Is an MBA worth it? This guide answers every question specific to Nepali bachelor's graduates considering a master's abroad.
Country Comparison for Master's Studies
| Factor | USA | Canada | UK | Australia | Germany |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1.5-2 yrs | 1.5-2 yrs | 1 yr | 1.5-2 yrs | 2 yrs |
| Total Tuition | $20-80K | $15-50K | $15-40K | $20-60K | $0-1K |
| GRE/GMAT | Often required | Rarely needed | Rarely needed | Not needed | Not needed |
| IELTS Min | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| Post-Study Work | OPT 1-3 yrs | PGWP 1-3 yrs | Graduate Route 2 yrs | 2-4 yrs | 18 mo job seeker |
| PR Pathway | H-1B lottery | Strong (Express Entry) | Limited | Strong (skilled visa) | Strong (after 2 yrs work) |
| Starting Salary | $60-120K | $50-90K | $35-70K | $55-95K | $45-75K |
GRE and GMAT: Do You Need Them?
The GRE and GMAT question is one of the most common concerns for Nepali students. Here is the straight answer:
GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
- Required for: Many US master's programs, especially in Engineering, Science, and Computer Science
- Target score: 310+ (Verbal 150+, Quant 160+) for competitive programs
- Cost in Nepal: $220 (approximately NPR 29,500)
- Preparation time: 2-4 months of dedicated study
- Growing trend: Many US universities are now GRE-optional (over 50% of programs as of 2025)
- Not needed for: UK, Australia, Canada (most programs), Germany
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
- Required for: MBA programs, especially at top business schools worldwide
- Target score: 600+ for mid-tier programs, 700+ for top programs
- Cost in Nepal: $275 (approximately NPR 36,850)
- Alternative: Many MBA programs now accept GRE instead of GMAT
- Work experience: Most MBA programs require 2-5 years of professional experience alongside GMAT scores
Our advice: If you are targeting the USA, prepare for the GRE — even if many programs are optional, having a strong score improves your application and scholarship chances. For UK, Australia, Canada, and Germany, skip the GRE and focus on strengthening your SOP and work experience instead.
Application Timeline for Master's Abroad
Research programs and countries. Begin GRE/GMAT preparation if needed. Start IELTS preparation.
Take GRE/GMAT and IELTS. Shortlist 6-10 universities. Request recommendation letters from professors/employers. Begin drafting SOP.
Submit applications (many US deadlines are December-February for Fall start). Apply for scholarships.
Receive admission offers. Compare financial packages. Accept offer and pay deposit. Begin visa process.
Visa interview/submission. NRB forex processing. Book flights. Pre-departure preparation.
Major Scholarships for Nepali Master's Students
Fulbright Scholarship (USA)
Full tuition, living stipend, health insurance, and travel costs. For Nepali citizens with a bachelor's degree and 2+ years of work experience. Application opens annually in April-May. Extremely competitive but 100% funded.
DAAD Scholarship (Germany)
Monthly stipend of EUR 934, health insurance, and travel allowance. For master's studies at German universities. Requires bachelor's degree with good grades and 2+ years of work experience for some programs.
Chevening Scholarship (UK)
Full funding for 1-year master's in the UK. Covers tuition, living expenses, and flights. Requires 2+ years of work experience and leadership potential. Application opens August-November annually.
Erasmus Mundus (Europe)
Full tuition, monthly living allowance (EUR 1,400), and travel costs. For joint master's programs offered by multiple European universities. Study in 2-3 different European countries during your program.
Australia Awards
Full tuition, living stipend, return airfare, and health insurance. For master's studies in Australia. Requires bachelor's degree and 2+ years of professional experience. Priority given to development-related fields.
University-Specific Assistantships (USA)
Teaching Assistantships (TA) and Research Assistantships (RA) at US universities provide tuition waivers plus monthly stipends of $1,500-2,500. Common in STEM fields. Your advisor assigns work (20 hrs/week) in exchange for funding.
Best Countries by Field of Study
- MS in Computer Science / IT: USA is the clear winner with the highest salaries ($80-130K) and STEM OPT extension. Canada and Germany are strong alternatives.
- MBA: USA (top ROI at top schools), UK (1-year programs), Canada (PR pathway). Work 2-5 years before applying.
- Engineering (various): USA and Germany lead. Germany offers tuition-free engineering programs of exceptional quality.
- Public Health / Healthcare: Australia (strong healthcare sector), UK (NHS connections), USA (high demand).
- Data Science / Analytics: USA dominates with the highest demand and salaries. Canada emerging strongly.
- Environmental Science / Sustainability: Germany and Nordic countries are leaders in this field.
Should You Work Before Pursuing a Master's?
This depends on your target program and career goals:
- MS programs (STEM): Direct application after bachelor's is fine. Research experience helps more than work experience.
- MBA programs: 2-5 years of work experience is strongly preferred or required. Your application will be significantly stronger with meaningful professional experience.
- Professional master's (Public Health, Project Management, etc.): 1-3 years of relevant experience strengthens your application significantly.
- Scholarship applications: Most major scholarships (Fulbright, Chevening, Australia Awards) require 2+ years of work experience.
Our recommendation: Unless you are targeting a pure research MS in STEM, working for 1-3years in Nepal after your bachelor's makes your application stronger, opens more scholarship opportunities, and gives you clarity about your career direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need GRE for a master's abroad?
USA: Often required (target 310+), though many programs are now optional. UK/Australia/Canada/Germany: Generally not required except for top business schools.
What is the cheapest country for a master's?
Germany offers tuition-free master's at public universities. Total cost: approximately NPR 25-30 lakh for 2 years (living expenses only).
Can I get a master's scholarship from Nepal?
Yes. Major options: Fulbright (USA), DAAD (Germany), Chevening (UK), Erasmus Mundus (Europe), Australia Awards. Most require strong academics (GPA 3.0+) and 2+ years work experience.
How long does a master's take abroad?
UK: 1 year. USA: 1.5-2 years. Canada: 1.5-2 years. Australia: 1.5-2 years. Germany: 2 years.
Is work experience required for a master's abroad?
MS programs: Generally no. MBA: Yes (2-5 years). Professional programs: Preferred but not always mandatory. Major scholarships: Most require 2+ years.
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