How Nepali students can apply for an overseas master’s scholarship

Earning a master’s degree overseas in the U.S. or Canada is an exciting opportunity that can open doors to career growth, cutting-edge research and an international network of peers. However, the cost of tuition and living expenses can be overwhelming for many Nepali students. As you consider pursuing a degree abroad, an overseas master’s scholarship can help pay for your education without taking on more debt. Knowing how to apply for a scholarship to study abroad can increase your chances of securing funding and making your dream of studying overseas a reality.

1. Total number of Nepali students in the U.S. (2024):Nepali students now form a significant international student group in the U.S., with a record-breaking 32,788 students in 2024. This surge reflects a growing trend of Nepali students seeking world-class education and better career opportunities in the U.S.Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, SEVIS by the Numbers
2. Year-over-year growth – Nepali students in the U.S. (2023-2024):The number of Nepali students in the U.S. increased by 42% in just one year, from 23,043 to 32,788 students. This is one of the highest annual growth rates among all countries, showing a clear shift in global mobility trends for Nepali students.Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, SEVIS by the Numbers
3. The proportion of Nepali students among all international students:Nepali students now make up 1.5% of the total international student population in the U.S., with Nepal ranking as the 10th largest sender of international students globally. This represents a significant achievement for Nepal in international education.Source: Institute of International Education, Open Doors 2024 Report

There are several types of education scholarships available for Nepali students pursuing a master’s degree in the U.S. and Canada. Each type of scholarship has different eligibility requirements and benefits.

Scholarships based on merit

These scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance, leadership skills or contributions to their field. Many universities offer these scholarships to attract top Nepali students. For graduates from premier Nepali institutions like Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu University, Nepal Engineering College and Kathmandu Medical College, these scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and sometimes even cover living expenses. Nepali students with strong academic records often have excellent chances at securing merit-based scholarships.

Scholarships based on need

Designed for students who demonstrate financial need, these scholarships help make education more accessible. Many institutions assess needs based on family income, assets and other financial factors. For Nepali students, the significant difference in currency values (NPR to USD/CAD) often makes them eligible for need-based support. Some scholarships cover full tuition, while others offer partial funding ranging from US$5,000 (NPR 6,85,000) to US$25,000 (NPR 34,25,000).

Scholarships for students in specific fields

Many scholarships are available for Nepali students pursuing degrees in high-demand fields such as STEM, business and health care. These are often provided by universities, private companies or industry organisations looking to invest in the next generation of professionals.

Diversity and regional scholarships

Some scholarships are created to support students from underrepresented backgrounds or specific regions. For example, U.S. scholarships for Nepali students provide funding opportunities for Nepali nationals studying in the U.S. Various foundations and organisations specifically support Nepali students pursuing higher education abroad. Many of these scholarships aim to promote cultural exchange and academic excellence.

University scholarships

Many universities offer their own scholarships for master’s degrees, including U.S. postgraduate scholarships for international students. These awards may be based on merit, financial need or a combination of both. Universities like Stanford and MIT have specific scholarships designated for international students from developing countries. Some institutions automatically consider applicants for scholarships during the admissions process, while others require separate applications.

Government-funded scholarships

Both Nepali and host governments provide scholarships for a master’s abroad to promote higher education and international collaboration. Examples include scholarships from the University Grants Commission Nepal, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and Canada’s Vanier Graduate Scholarships. Various international programmes also offer scholarships for Nepali students studying abroad.

While an overseas master’s scholarship can reduce tuition and living costs, you may need to combine scholarships with other funding sources to cover all educational needs. Here are some additional ways Nepali students can finance their education.

• Grants: Grants, like scholarships, provide financial assistance that does not need to be repaid. These are often awarded based on financial need, academic merit or specific research interests. Many government and private organisations offer grants to Nepali students studying overseas.
• Assistantships: Many universities offer research and teaching assistantships, which provide tuition remission and a stipend in exchange for part-time work. These positions give students valuable experience in their field while helping to cover education costs. Many Nepali students successfully secure these positions, particularly in STEM fields where Nepali graduates are highly valued.
• Fellowships: Fellowships are highly competitive, merit-based awards that fund graduate studies without requiring students to work. They are often awarded by universities, research institutions or private organisations and can cover tuition, living expenses and even research costs. Various foundations offer fellowships specifically for Nepali students.
• Work-study programmes: Many universities offer work-study opportunities that allow students to work part-time on campus to help offset their education costs. These positions are often flexible, providing valuable work experience while ensuring that students can balance their studies and job responsibilities. Nepali students on F-1 visas in the U.S. can work up to 20 hours per week on campus.
• Loans: Loans from private lenders can supplement scholarship funding, helping students cover tuition, housing and other education-related costs. Some lenders require a cosigner, while others, like MPOWER Financing, offer no-cosigner loans designed specifically for international students. Additionally, banks in Nepal offer education loans for studying abroad with government-backed interest subsidies for eligible students.

Applying for an overseas master’s scholarship requires careful planning and preparation. Follow these tips to boost your chances of success:

• Begin the process now: Deadlines for scholarships may be months before the academic year starts. Begin researching and applying as soon as possible to increase your chances of success. For Nepali students, this is particularly important as you’ll need extra time to arrange for credential evaluation, standardised test scores and visa processing.
• Find the right scholarships: Focus on scholarships that align with your academic achievements, field of study, financial situation and nationality. For Nepali students, scholarships specifically designed for South Asian applicants or those with connections to Nepal may offer better chances of success.
• Write a compelling personal statement: Your essay should highlight your academic journey, future goals and why you deserve the scholarship. Consider including how your education abroad will benefit Nepal upon your return, as many scholarship committees value this commitment to giving back. Be specific and authentic in your storytelling, drawing on uniquely Nepali experiences that set you apart.
• Line up glowing letters of recommendation: Ask professors or professionals who know your strengths and can provide detailed, personalised recommendations. If possible, include recommendations from well-regarded Nepali academics or professionals who understand the global context of your field.
• Customise each application: Tailor your essays and application responses to each scholarship provider’s mission and values. Research each organisation’s mission to understand what they’re looking for in candidates.
• Proofread thoroughly: A well-polished application that’s free of grammatical errors shows professionalism and attention to detail. For Nepali students writing in English, it may be helpful to have your application reviewed by someone familiar with British or American English conventions, depending on your destination country.

MPOWER Financing is a leader in providing financial resources for international students, empowering students from around the world to achieve academic and career success. Along with a variety of overseas master’s scholarships, MPOWER offers no-cosigner student loans that can help to finance a degree in the U.S. or Canada. MPOWER’s loans range from US$2,000 (NPR 2,74,000) to US$100,000 (NPR 1,37,00,000) and feature an easy application process, fast approval decisions and interest-only payments while you’re pursuing your degree.

MPOWER also offers career support to help students find internships and jobs, and visa services that include a visa support letter, a visa preparation course, personalised mock interviews and live Q&A webinars. These services can be especially valuable for Nepali students looking to gain work experience through optional practical training (OPT) in the U.S. or the post-graduation work permit programme (PGWPP) in Canada. With MPOWER, Nepali students can find the resources they need to make their dreams of studying abroad a reality.