Scholarships in the USA for Nepalese students
Higher education in the United States has become the ultimate dream of Nepalese students due to quality education in world-class universities, global exposure and effective academic facilities. According to the 2024 Open Doors Report, over 13,270 Nepalese students are currently enrolled in U.S. institutions.
But the high cost of tuition, living and associated fees may pose a problem for many Nepalese families. Scholarships provide a viable solution to this problem by covering part or all of the education-related expenses, thus enabling talented students from Nepal to pursue their academic dreams.
In this blog, we’ll discuss all the necessary information you need about scholarships in the U.S. for Nepalese Students.
Types of scholarships available
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 for Nepalese students in the U.S.
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.
University-based scholarships
These scholarships are offered directly by universities to support talented students who demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, or unique skills. They often cover partial to full tuition and may also include living stipends, making higher education more accessible.
1.MIT Scholarships
Offered by: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Level: Graduate (Master’s and Ph.D.)
Coverage: MIT offers a variety of funding options for graduate students, including fellowships, research assistantships (RA), and teaching assistantships (TA), which typically cover full tuition, a monthly stipend and health insurance.
Eligibility: Graduate funding is usually awarded based on academic merit and the availability of research or teaching positions within the department. Students must be admitted to a graduate program at MIT and are typically considered for funding as part of the admissions process.
2. Yale University Scholarships
Offered by: Yale University
Level: Undergraduate, graduate
Coverage: Yale University provides need-based financial assistance for all qualified students, including international students from Nepal.
Eligibility: Applicants need to demonstrate academic excellence, strong research potential and, often, a commitment to a specific field or area of study. Financial need is often a factor, and some scholarships are specifically designed for students with demonstrated financial need.
3. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
Offered by: Stanford University
Level: Graduate
Coverage: The program covers full tuition, provides a living stipend, offers travel assistance and includes other academic materials for postgraduate studies at Stanford.
Eligibility: Students must first secure admission to a full-time graduate program at Stanford. They should demonstrate remarkable leadership, a global outlook and a track record of innovation or compassion toward others.
4. University assistantships (RA/TA/GA)
Offered by: The majority of U.S. universities
Level: Master’s and Ph.D.
Coverage: Assistantships provide full tuition waivers and a monthly stipend in exchange for research (RA), teaching (TA) or graduate administrative (GA) work.
Eligibility: Applicants need a strong academic record and good communication skills. They should apply through the department. Selection is based on research potential, academic qualifications and alignment with faculty projects or course requirements.
You May Also Like: How to Maximize Financial Aid for Master Degree in US?
How to get a scholarship in the USA from Nepal?
Securing a scholarship requires diligence, research, and a well-thought-out application strategy. Here’s how Nepalese students can find valuable funding opportunities:
Start early
Begin your scholarship search 12 to 18 months before your preferred intake. This gives you ample time to prepare for tests, gather documents, and understand scholarship requirements.
Choose your program
Identify your field of interest and select a degree program that aligns with your long-term goals. This focus helps you filter scholarships by area of study or professional relevance.
Shortlist universities
Look for universities that offer your program and support international students. Use university websites and international rankings to create a target list.
Check requirements
Review the academic qualifications, test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, GRE) and other requirements for entrance and scholarships. Missing one requirement may make your application ineligible.
Prepare your documents
Craft a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP), obtain recommendation letters and ensure all transcripts are current. These documents showcase your academic and personal strengths.
Take tests
Depending on your program, take standardized tests like TOEFL, IELTS, GRE or GMAT. Aim for scores higher than the minimum to enhance your scholarship profile.
Apply for admission and scholarships
Some scholarships are part of the admission process, while others require separate applications. Keep track of all deadlines to stay on top of submissions.
Follow-up
After submitting your applications, regularly check your email for updates, interview requests or additional document submissions.
Eligibility for scholarships in the USA
The scholarship qualification process in the U.S. involves a blend of academic success, financial need, personal qualities and community engagement. Here are some eligibility criteria for scholarships in the U.S.
Academic excellence
Most scholarships prioritize a strong academic record. This means maintaining a high GPA, consistent grades, and good scores on standardized tests like the SAT, GRE, or GMAT. Institutions view academic excellence as a sign of your ability to thrive in competitive U.S. academic programs.
English proficiency
Since U.S. universities conduct classes in English, international students must prove their language skills by passing the TOEFL or IELTS. A high score indicates you’re ready to engage in lectures, discussions and assignments. It also strengthens your scholarship application by showcasing your communication abilities.
Financial need
When applying for need-based scholarships, you must provide documents proving your inability to afford tuition and living expenses without assistance. This typically includes bank statements, income verification and sometimes tax documents or affidavits of support, highlighting your financial challenges.
Leadership and extracurricular activities
Scholarships often reward students active in extracurricular activities and with leadership potential. Whether through school clubs, volunteering, athletics, or social activities, involvement shows you’re well-rounded. These traits suggest you’ll contribute positively both on campus and beyond.
Final thoughts!
Studying in the U.S. can be life-changing for a Nepalese student, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Scholarships can save money, boost confidence, and show that all your hard work is paying off.
Want to make your dream of graduating in the U.S. a reality? Explore how international students can finance their studies abroad through MPOWER Financing.
