Fully Funded Scholarships for Nepali Students (2026): The Definitive Top 15 List

Studying abroad is a significant investment, but what if someone else paid for it? Fully funded scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, travel, and sometimes more, allowing you to focus entirely on your education and future. For Nepali students, the number of fully funded opportunities is larger than most people realize.

We have compiled the top 15 fully funded scholarships that Nepali students can apply for in 2026. This is not a random list. These are the programs with the strongest track records, the most comprehensive financial coverage, and proven pathways for Nepali scholars. Whether you want to study in America, Europe, Asia, or Oceania, there is an opportunity here for you.

The Master Table

Below is your at-a-glance reference. We will dive deeper into each scholarship after the table.

Now let us look at each scholarship in more detail.

Detailed Breakdowns

1. Fulbright Scholarship (USA)

The gold standard of international scholarships. Funded by the US government, Fulbright covers master's and PhD study at American universities. It is one of the most prestigious awards in the world, and 10 to 15 Nepali scholars are selected each year. The application requires essays, recommendations, and interviews. Read our complete Fulbright guide for detailed eligibility and application tips.

2. Chevening Scholarship (UK)

The UK government's premier scholarship, Chevening funds a one-year master's at any UK university. With around 10 Nepali scholars per year, it targets emerging leaders with at least 2 years of work experience. You must apply to 3 universities and secure at least 1 unconditional offer. See our full Chevening guide.

3. Australia Awards (Australia)

Funded by DFAT, Australia Awards supports master's and PhD study with one of the most comprehensive financial packages available — including a stipend of approximately AUD 3,500 per month. Priority is given to candidates in governance, health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure. Our Australia Awards guide covers everything you need.

4. DAAD Scholarship (Germany)

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is one of the world's largest funding organizations for international academic exchange. Since tuition is free at most public German universities, the DAAD stipend of EUR 934 per month covers living expenses, health insurance, and travel. Many programs are taught in English. Explore our DAAD guide for Nepali students.

5. MEXT Scholarship (Japan)

The Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship funds study at the bachelor's, master's, and PhD levels. It includes a monthly stipend of approximately JPY 143,000 to 145,000, tuition coverage, and round-trip airfare. Applications typically go through the Japanese Embassy in Kathmandu. MEXT is one of the most generous government scholarships in the world.

6. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK/Canada)

Available through both the UK and Canadian governments, Commonwealth Scholarships fund master's and PhD study for citizens of Commonwealth nations, including Nepal. The UK scheme is administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, while Canada has its own program. Both cover tuition, living allowance, and travel.

7. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (Canada)

This is the University of Toronto's most prestigious scholarship for international undergraduates. It covers 4 full years of tuition, books, living expenses, and incidental fees. Candidates must be nominated by their high school, making it essential to discuss this opportunity with your school early.

8. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

For doctoral students, the Vanier is one of the most lucrative awards in the world: CAD 50,000 per year for 3 years. It is open to both Canadian and international students and is awarded based on academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.

9. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's (Europe)

Funded by the European Union, Erasmus Mundus offers scholarships for joint master's programs taught across multiple European countries. Scholars receive approximately EUR 1,400 per month plus tuition, travel, and insurance. The programs span almost every academic discipline.

10. Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP)

South Korea funds international students at all levels through KGSP. The scholarship includes tuition, a monthly allowance of approximately KRW 1,000,000, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and even a Korean language training program before your degree begins.

11. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)

China offers a wide range of fully funded scholarships through the China Scholarship Council. Coverage includes tuition, accommodation, living allowance, and health insurance. With a large number of slots available for Nepali students given the close bilateral relationship, this is a strong option.

12. New Zealand Scholarships

The New Zealand government funds scholarships for students from selected developing countries, including Nepal. These cover tuition, living expenses, airfare, and health insurance. Programs are available at universities across New Zealand.

13. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

Switzerland offers a limited number of highly competitive awards for PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and artists. The monthly stipend is approximately CHF 1,920, and tuition and health insurance are also covered.

14. Turkiye Scholarships

Turkey offers one of the most generous and inclusive scholarship programs in the world, open to students at all levels. Benefits include tuition, accommodation, a monthly stipend, health insurance, round-trip airfare, and a 1-year Turkish language course.

15. Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary)

This bilateral scholarship between Hungary and partner countries (including Nepal) funds study at all levels. It covers tuition, accommodation, health insurance, and a monthly living stipend. Hungary offers high-quality education at a relatively low cost of living.

Feeling overwhelmed by the options? That is completely normal. Contact Study Abroad from Nepal, and we will help you identify the scholarships that best match your profile, goals, and timeline.

How to Find Even More Scholarships

Our top 15 is a starting point, not the full picture. Here are ways to discover additional opportunities:

• University websites: Many universities offer their own scholarships for international students. Check the financial aid pages of every university you are considering.
• Scholarship databases: Websites like ScholarshipPortal, DAAD scholarship database, and Opportunities for Nepalis aggregate hundreds of scholarships.
• Embassy websites: The embassies of your target countries often list bilateral scholarships and exchange programs.
• Professional associations: Some fields have discipline-specific scholarships (engineering, medicine, agriculture, etc.).
• Our scholarship hub: Visit our scholarship hub for regularly updated listings and guides.

Key Strategies for Success

Regardless of which scholarship you pursue, keep these principles in mind:

1. Start at least 6-12 months before the deadline. Strong applications are not built overnight.
2. Apply to multiple scholarships. Do not put all your hopes in one basket. Spread your applications across several programs.
3. Tailor every application. A generic application sent to 10 scholarships will fail at all 10. Customize each one.
4. Get your English scores early. Almost every scholarship on this list requires IELTS or TOEFL. Take the test well in advance.
5. Write with purpose. For essay tips specific to scholarship applications, see our scholarship essay guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which fully funded scholarship is easiest to get for Nepali students?

No fully funded scholarship is "easy," but Turkiye Scholarships and CSC (Chinese Government) tend to have more slots available. DAAD is competitive but has no fixed Nepali quota — your application competes on its own strength.

Can I apply for multiple scholarships at the same time?

Yes, and we strongly recommend it. Apply to multiple programs to maximize your chances. Tailor each application to the specific scholarship's values and criteria.

Do I need work experience for all these scholarships?

Not all. Chevening requires 2 years. Fulbright strongly prefers it. Australia Awards values it highly. However, MEXT, KGSP, Erasmus Mundus, and Turkiye Scholarships do not have strict work experience requirements for master's programs.

When should I start preparing?

Start your scholarship search and preparation at least 12-18 months before your intended intake. For fall 2027, begin in early 2026. Strong applications require months of research, essay drafting, and document preparation.

Related Guides

• Fulbright Scholarship Guide
• Chevening Scholarship Guide
• Australia Awards Guide
• DAAD Scholarship Guide
• Scholarship Essay Writing Tips
• Scholarship Hub