The UK offers several prestigious scholarship programs for Nepali students — from the globally renowned Chevening to university-specific merit awards. This guide covers every meaningful UK scholarship opportunity for Nepali students in 2026, with eligibility criteria, deadlines, and application tips.
The UK offers several prestigious scholarship programs for Nepali students — from the globally renowned Chevening to university-specific merit awards. This guide covers every meaningful UK scholarship opportunity for Nepali students in 2026, with eligibility criteria, deadlines, and application tips.
Chevening Scholarship (Full Funding)
Already covered in our dedicated Chevening guide — summary: full funding for a 1-year master’s at any UK university, including tuition, living allowance (GBP 1,084/month in London, GBP 988/month elsewhere), return airfare, and visa costs. Application deadline: November. Approximately 15–20 Nepali students are awarded annually. Leadership potential, professional experience, and a clear return-to-Nepal plan are key selection criteria.
GREAT Scholarships
The GREAT Britain Campaign offers GREAT Scholarships for students from selected countries including Nepal. Administered in partnership with UK universities, these provide GBP 10,000 minimum toward one-year postgraduate programs. GREAT Scholarships are subject-specific — often in engineering, tech, sustainability, or education. Check the British Council Nepal website (britishcouncil.org.np) for the current year’s partnering universities and fields. Application typically opens January–March.
Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) offers several programs for citizens of Commonwealth countries including Nepal: Commonwealth Shared Scholarship (fully funded master’s at UK universities, focused on development-relevant fields), Commonwealth PhD Scholarship (for high-impact research with development relevance). Applications are made through Nepal’s national nominating body — the University Grants Commission (UGC Nepal). Competition is high but Nepal consistently receives multiple awards annually.
University-Specific Scholarships
| University | Scholarship | Value | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Edinburgh | Edinburgh Global Scholarship | GBP 5,000–10,000 | January–March |
| University of Manchester | Global Futures Scholarship | GBP 5,000–15,000 | March |
| University of Birmingham | Global Excellence Scholarship | GBP 2,000–10,000 | April |
| University of Warwick | Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarship | Full fee waiver (PhD) | January |
| King’s College London | King’s International Postgraduate Scholarships | GBP 5,000–10,000 | March |
| University of Bristol | Think Big Scholarships | GBP 5,000–20,000 | January–April |
What is the GREAT Scholarship for Nepal?
GREAT Scholarships are offered by UK universities in partnership with the British Council, specifically for students from selected countries including Nepal. Each scholarship offers a minimum of GBP 10,000 toward tuition for a one-year postgraduate program. Check britishcouncil.org.np for the current year's opportunities.
Can I apply for both Chevening and a university scholarship?
Some universities allow combined applications; others don't. The Chevening scholarship typically requires you to apply to 3 UK universities simultaneously. If you win a university scholarship, you may be able to combine it with Chevening in some cases — check with the awarding institutions.
- Chevening Scholarships (official) (www.chevening.org)
- British Council scholarships (www.britishcouncil.org)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GREAT Scholarship for Nepal?
GREAT Scholarships are offered by UK universities in partnership with the British Council, specifically for students from selected countries including Nepal. Each scholarship offers a minimum of GBP 10,000 toward tuition for a one-year postgraduate program. Check britishcouncil.org.np for the current year's opportunities.
Can I apply for both Chevening and a university scholarship?
Some universities allow combined applications; others don't. The Chevening scholarship typically requires you to apply to 3 UK universities simultaneously. If you win a university scholarship, you may be able to combine it with Chevening in some cases — check with the awarding institutions.
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