Funding education: Grants and no-cosigner loans for Nepali F-1 students
For many Nepali postgraduate students, studying in the U.S. is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But tuition, housing and other expenses often add up to more than what families can afford. Traditional bank loans in Nepal require collateral, which may not be possible if your family doesn’t own land or property. On top of that, getting a cosigner in the U.S. can feel nearly impossible.
The good news is that F-1 students from Nepal have more funding options today than ever before. Grants and no-cosigner student loans are two of the most accessible ways to pay for your education without putting family assets at risk.
This article explains how these funding options work, where to find them and what makes them especially helpful for Nepali students.
Why traditional funding is difficult for Nepali students
Nepali families often try to finance education costs through:
- Loans from private banks in Nepal
- Property-based loans using land as collateral
- Support from relatives abroad
- Education scholarships from foreign universities or agencies
But these methods come with limits. Many banks in Nepal require proof of income, family guarantees or fixed property. Students without wealthy relatives or collateral may be told that studying abroad is “too risky” or “not realistic.”
No-cosigner loans and grants give students another path forward. They let you access international education based on your potential, not your background.
What is a grant and how can Nepali students qualify?
A grant is a financial award that you do not need to repay. Grants are usually based on financial need, academic merit or personal background. They are often offered by universities, governments or private organizations.
Types of grants available:
- University-based grants
Many U.S. universities offer need-based or merit-based grants to international students. These are usually awarded during the admissions process.
- Government or NGO grants
Programs like the Fulbright Foreign Student Program offer full funding for Nepali students who qualify. Some smaller NGOs also offer partial support.
- Private or industry-specific grants
Some grants are available for students studying in certain fields like engineering, public health or sustainability. These can come from foundations, research groups or nonprofits.
How to find grants:
- Search university financial aid pages.
- Use resources like eduPASS, InternationalScholarships.com or the Institute of International Education.
- Ask your school’s international office about grants for Nepali or South Asian students.
- Look for grants tied to your field of study or career goals.
Grants are competitive and may not cover the full cost of study. But they can reduce the amount you need to borrow, especially in your first year.
What is a no-cosigner loan and how does it work?
No-cosigner loans are private student loans that do not require a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to co-sign. These loans are offered by international lenders that assess your future potential, not just your family background.
Why no-cosigner loans matter for Nepali students:
- You don’t need property or financial guarantees from home.
- You can apply independently, even if your family can’t support you financially.
- You stay in control of your repayment without putting relatives at risk.
- You gain access to schools that would otherwise be unaffordable.
Key features to look for:
- Fixed interest rates
- No collateral or upfront fees
- Simple eligibility criteria
- Support for tuition and living expenses
- Transparent repayment plans
No-cosigner loans are especially useful if you’ve already been admitted to a U.S. university but are unsure how to cover the full cost.
How Nepali F-1 students can fund their future
MPOWER Financing was created for international students who need access to education without the barriers of traditional lending. For Nepali F-1 students, this means no cosigner, no collateral and no hidden fees.
MPOWER loans are available for over 500 U.S. and Canadian universities. The application process focuses on your academic program and future earning potential, not your family’s wealth or property.
In addition to flexible student loans, MPOWER also offers:
- Grants and scholarships, including STEM scholarships, international leadership
- Fixed interest rates with no prepayment penalties
- Support for living expenses at eligible universities
- Path2Success resources, including visa guidance, career support and budgeting tools
If you’ve been accepted to a university but are unsure how to fund your education, MPOWER can help you move forward with confidence and independence.
When grants aren’t enough: combining funding sources
Even if you receive a grant, it may only cover a portion of your tuition or living costs. This is especially true at private universities or in high-cost cities. Many Nepali students need to combine several types of funding to make it work.
Here’s how to build a realistic funding plan:
- Start with grants and scholarships. These reduce what you’ll need to borrow and don’t need to be repaid.
- Add family support if available. Some families can help with application fees, flights or the first semester of housing.
- Use no-cosigner loans to fill the gap. Loans can cover tuition, housing and other costs that remain after grants are applied.
- Consider on-campus work. While part-time jobs won’t cover full tuition, they can help with food, phone plans and daily expenses.
This mixed approach helps you stay enrolled, meet visa requirements and manage finances across your entire program. It also reduces pressure on your family by spreading the cost across multiple sources.
