Scholarships for Nepali Students in the UK

The United Kingdom attracted 13,339 Nepali students in the most recent NOC cycle, and its appeal continues to grow. A master's degree in the UK takes just one year -- shorter than any other major study destination -- which means lower total costs even though annual tuition ranges from GBP 12,000 to GBP 38,000 (roughly NPR 20-62 lakhs). When you add scholarships into the equation, the UK becomes even more financially accessible.

From the fully funded Chevening Scholarship to GBP 10,000 GREAT Scholarships and university-specific merit awards, Nepali students have several meaningful funding options. For a full overview of studying in the UK, visit our guide to studying in the UK from Nepal.

Chevening Scholarships: The UK's Flagship Award

The Chevening Scholarshipis the UK government's global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). It is the most prestigious scholarship available to Nepali students for study in the UK.

What Chevening covers:

• Full tuition fees for a one-year master's program at any UK university
• Monthly living allowance (stipend)
• Return economy airfare to and from Nepal
• Arrival allowance to help you settle in
• Thesis or dissertation grant where applicable
• Travel grant for Chevening events within the UK

Chevening is available for one-year master's programs only -- it does not cover undergraduate, PhD, or programs longer than one year.

Eligibility for Nepali applicants:

• Nepali citizen with a valid Nepali passport
• Hold an undergraduate degree that allows entry to a UK master's program
• Have at least two years of work experience (approximately 2,800 hours)
• Demonstrate leadership qualities and a clear career plan
• Apply to three eligible UK university courses through the Chevening application
• Return to Nepal for at least two years after completing the program

Applications typically open in August and close in November each year, for programs starting the following September. The selection process includes a written application, reference checks, and interviews conducted by the British Embassy in Kathmandu. Typically 5 to 15 Nepali students receive Chevening awards each year.

Chevening values leadership above all else.The program looks for individuals who have demonstrated the ability to influence and lead in their professional and community roles. Your application essays should clearly show how you have created positive change and how a UK master's degree will amplify your impact when you return to Nepal.

Commonwealth Scholarships (CSC)

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) offers fully funded scholarships to students from Commonwealth countries, including Nepal, for master's and PhD study at UK universities.

What Commonwealth Scholarships cover:

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly living stipend (currently approximately GBP 1,347/month for students outside London, GBP 1,654/month for London-based students)
• Return economy airfare
• Thesis grant for research students
• Warm clothing allowance (one-time)
• Study travel grant for research-related travel

Commonwealth Scholarships are available in two main categories: Commonwealth Scholarships for master's and PhD -- nominated through the government of Nepal or directly by UK universities -- and Commonwealth Split-Site Scholarships for PhD students already enrolled at a Nepali university who want to spend up to 12 months conducting research at a UK institution.

Eligibility: Citizen of a Commonwealth country (Nepal qualifies), hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) standard, unable to afford study in the UK without the scholarship, and demonstrate how your studies will benefit Nepal upon your return. Deadlines generally fall between October and December.

GREAT Scholarships

The GREAT Scholarships programme is a joint initiative between the UK government's GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council, offering scholarships of GBP 10,000 toward tuition fees at participating UK universities for students from selected countries, including Nepal.

Eligibility:Nepali citizen or permanent resident, meet the entry requirements for the chosen master's program, meet the English language requirements, and not have previously studied in the UK. Each participating university has its own application process.

Recent participating universities have included the University of Edinburgh, University of Leeds, University of Manchester, Queen's University Belfast, University of Bristol, and others. While GBP 10,000 does not cover the full cost of a UK master's, it can cover 25-50% of tuition at many universities. Combined with part-time work rights (up to 20 hours per week on a Student Route visa), a GREAT Scholarship can bring the total cost of a UK degree within reach for many Nepali families.

University-Specific International Merit Awards

Beyond government-funded programmes, many UK universities offer their own scholarships to international students. Russell Group universities -- the UK's 24 leading research-intensive institutions -- are particularly active in offering international merit awards.

• University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships: GBP 5,000 to GBP 20,000 for international undergraduate and postgraduate students based on academic merit.
• University of Nottingham Developing Solutions Scholarships: Full and partial awards covering 25% to 100% of tuition for master's students from developing countries including Nepal.
• University of Manchester International Excellence Awards: GBP 5,000-10,000 toward tuition for high-performing international postgraduate applicants.
• University of Edinburgh Global Scholarships: Multiple programmes including school-specific awards worth GBP 5,000-20,000.
• Coventry University Scholarships: Merit-based awards of GBP 2,000-3,000 with additional country-specific bursaries.
• University of Leeds International Excellence Scholarships: GBP 5,000-10,000 for postgraduate international students with strong academic records.

How to find university-specific scholarships: Visit the international students or scholarships and funding page of each university you are applying to, filter by your nationality (Nepal) and study level, note the application requirements and deadlines, and apply to multiple universities to increase your chances of receiving at least one award.

Scholarship Comparison Table for Nepali Students (2026)

Here is a quick reference of all major UK scholarships available to Nepali students.

Application Timeline for UK Scholarships

UK scholarship deadlines are firm and often fall months before admission deadlines. Missing a scholarship deadline by even 1 day means waiting an entire year for the next cycle. Here is the typical timeline for Nepali students targeting September 2027 intake.

Apply to multiple scholarships simultaneously. Even strong applicants face rejection from Chevening — the acceptance rate is below 5%. By applying to Chevening, Commonwealth, GREAT, and university-specific awards in parallel, you maximize your chances of receiving at least one award. For a broader application timeline, see our study abroad timeline guide.

How Study Abroad from Nepal Helps with UK Scholarships

Scholarship applications require a different approach than standard university applications. At Study Abroad from Nepal, we provide dedicated scholarship support that includes reviewing and strengthening your Chevening and Commonwealth essays, identifying university-specific awards you qualify for based on your academic profile, helping you select 3 strategic university choices for Chevening applications, preparing you for Chevening interviews conducted by the British Embassy in Kathmandu, and ensuring all deadlines are tracked and met. Our counselors have helped multiple Nepali students secure Chevening, GREAT, and university merit awards over the past 18 years. Book a free session to discuss your scholarship strategy.

How to Strengthen Your UK Scholarship Application

UK scholarships -- particularly Chevening and Commonwealth -- place enormous weight on leadership and professional impact.

• Emphasize leadership and professional impact: Leadership can mean mentoring younger colleagues, organizing community programs, driving improvements in your workplace, or leading volunteer initiatives. Demonstrate tangible impact through your leadership.
• Craft a compelling personal statement: Clearly explain why you want to study your chosen subject, why you selected the UK and specific universities, how the degree connects to your career plan, and how you plan to use your education to benefit Nepal.
• Secure strong references: Most applications require two references -- typically one academic and one professional. Choose referees who know your work closely and can speak to your abilities in detail.
• Apply to three or more universities: For Chevening, you must apply to three UK universities. Applying to multiple universities increases your chances. Consider a mix of highly ranked and mid-ranked institutions.
• Meet all deadlines without exception: UK scholarship deadlines are firm. Late applications are not considered. Map out all deadlines on a calendar and work backward.