Knowledge of the different scholarships is vital to Nepalese students who intend to study in the U.S. There are a variety of scholarships intended to cover a range of students based on merit, financial need, talent or university affiliation.

Here are the types of scholarships available for Nepalese students:

1. Merit-based scholarships

Merit scholarships are provided to students who have exceptionally good academic records, leadership qualifications or capabilities in such fields as sports, arts, or innovation. These are merit-based scholarships and do not consider the financial circumstances of the applicant.

Key features: Offered to high-achieving students depending on their grades, test scores or extracurricular achievements

Example: University of Oregon’s International Cultural Service Program (ICSP) Scholarship

Best for: Academically bright students or students possessing exceptional leadership or creative aptitude

2. Need-based scholarships

A need-based scholarship helps students who are unable to fully finance their higher education. These scholarships are normally given out after evaluation of the student’s income level and financial standing.

Key features: Must provide evidence of financial need with income documents or bank statements

Example: International financial aid program at Harvard University

Best for: Students from families with limited financial resources

3. University-specific scholarships

Many U.S. universities offer their own scholarships to international students studying in a program at their university. These scholarships are typically merit-based, need-based, or a combination of both, and they can substantially decrease tuition fees.

Key features: Students are only eligible for consideration after expressing interest and acceptance into the school.

Example: Clark University Global Scholars Program

Best for: Students who meet the university-specific scholarship criteria.

4. Government and private scholarships

U.S. government agencies and foreign private organizations offer scholarships to promote international education and leadership. They focus on academic performance, leadership qualities, and the ability to create positive change.

Key features: Fully funded programs covering tuition, travel, insurance and normal living expenses

Example: Humphrey Fellowship Program for Nepal

Best for: Students with leadership potential and high academic standing, as well as the desire to make a social impact.

5. External and private scholarships

Overview: External scholarships are awards from third-party groups like organizations, foundations or non-governmental organizations (NGOs). They boost education and promote cultural exchange. These scholarships often focus on specific groups, such as women, minorities or students studying development.

Key features: Open to students applying to any university in the U.S. and often require a strong personal statement or mission

Example: PEO International Peace Scholarship for women in developing countries

Best for: Students with community service or volunteer experience and strong narratives.

6. Athletic and talent-based scholarships

These are scholarships offered to students with superior skills in the sports, performing arts or other creative disciplines. Universities in the United States actively recruit student-athletes and artists to boost college life and sports teams.

Key features: May require auditions, portfolios or sports trials to demonstrate talent

Example: NCAA Division I and II athletic scholarships

Best for: Students with a national or regional level of success in sports or the creative arts

Full scholarships are an excellent opportunity for Nepalese students who wish to study in the U.S. without the financial burden. Higher education becomes more affordable, as these scholarships typically cover the cost of tuition fees, travel, accommodations, and even health insurance.

Some of the full scholarships for Nepalese students in the U.S. are:

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (Nepal)

Offered by: U.S. Embassy in Nepal

Level: Master’s

Coverage: Full tuition, round-trip airfare, living expenses, as well as health insurance during the study period

Eligibility: Applicants should be Nepalese citizens with a completed bachelor’s degree in any field. Must have at least two years of field-related work experience and demonstrated leadership qualities, as well as the willingness to return to Nepal after study completion.

2. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship

Offered by: Aga Khan Development Network

Level: Master’s, Ph.D.

Coverage: This scholarship covers all educational costs, with half offered as a grant and the other half as an interest-free loan that must be repaid over time.

Eligibility: Candidates should demonstrate outstanding academic performance and financial need. Priority is given to those who lack alternative funding options and aim to contribute positively to their community.

3. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

Offered by: the Japanese government and the World Bank

Level: Master’s in developmental-related courses

Coverage: The scholarship covers full tuition, a monthly living allowance, round-trip airfare, and basic medical health insurance.

Eligibility: Applicants must be from a World Bank member development country like Nepal and currently work in a development-related role. After completing the degree, they must return to Nepal to contribute to its development.

4. East-West Center Scholarships (For Asian Students)

Offered by: East-West Center, University of Hawai’i

Level: Graduate

Coverage: This scholarship covers tuition, on-campus housing and a monthly living allowance.

Eligibility: Candidates must be citizens of Asia-Pacific nations, including Nepal. The scholarship seeks individuals with leadership potential and a commitment to cultural learning. Candidates should also demonstrate academic knowledge and dedication to community work.