Step-by-Step Guide: How Nepali Students Can Apply for Scholarships Abroad (2025 Edition)
August 21, 2025
Scholarships can slash your study costs by 25%–100% and open doors to top universities. But the process can feel confusing—multiple portals, different deadlines, unfamiliar documents, and country-specific rules like NOC, bank evidence, and embassy visa steps. This guide gives you a clear, Nepali-student–specific roadmap from Step 0 (self-assessment) to Step 12 (visa & pre-departure), plus scholarship lists, document templates, timelines, and checklists you can use immediately. Herein we will tell you how Nepalese students who wants to pursue study abroad can apply scholarships before taking their first step.
The 12 Steps (bookmark this!)
Know your goal & budget
Choose countries & intakes strategically
Build your scholarship shortlist
Map admissions vs. scholarship timelines
Prepare tests (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL/GRE/GMAT)
Collect & format your documents (Nepal-specific tips)
Craft a standout SOP, CV, and LORs
Apply for admissions & scholarships (correct order!)
Budget reality: Family funds, savings, potential education loans, work-study expectations.
English level: Where are you today vs. target scores?
Timeline: Which intake can you realistically be ready for?
Pro tip (Nepal): Convert your NEB +2 grades or Bachelor’s marks into a simple, honest summary (e.g., “Grade XII: 3.15 GPA; BBA: 67%”). Keep official transcripts, character certificates, and provisional/degree certificates ready.
Step 1: Choose countries & intakes that match you (and your scholarship odds)
Common intakes:
USA: Fall (Aug/Sep), Spring (Jan).
Canada: Fall (Sep), Winter (Jan), limited Summer (May).
UK: Autumn (Sep), some Jan/Feb.
Australia/New Zealand: Feb and Jul (some trimesters).
Europe (e.g., Germany/Netherlands/France/Finland): Sep primary, some Feb.
How to choose wisely:
Scholarship density: UK/EU have many university-specific fee waivers; USA has assistantships and tuition waivers, especially at graduate level; Japan/Korea have strong government scholarships; Germany has DAAD; the EU has Erasmus+. You can visit DAAD Germany scholarship through this link: https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/scholarships/daad-scholarships/
Visa work rights & post-study: Impacts your ability to sustain yourself.
Language: English-taught programs vs. local language bonus scholarships.
Competitiveness vs. your profile: Aim for reach, match, and safety options.
Step 2: Build your scholarship shortlist (5–12 solid targets) For those Nepali students who are looking for scholarships to study abroad, here are few popular scholarships to get started.
Add LinkedIn, GitHub/portfolio, Google Scholar (if research).
LORs (2–3 letters)
Choose referees who know your work (course instructors, project supervisors, employer).
Share your CV + SOP draft so they can write specific examples.
Request letters early (3–4 weeks) and follow up politely.
Step 7: Apply the right way (admissions & scholarships)
Order often matters:
University-funded scholarships/waivers: Usually require you to apply for admission first (tick the scholarship box or a parallel internal form).
Government/external scholarships: Often need separate applications, sometimes well before university deadlines, and may require nomination or country-specific steps.
Common online portals:
University application portals (country-specific).
Government scholarship portals (Chevening, MEXT, KGSP, Erasmus, DAAD, etc.).
Erasmus+: apply to the joint program consortium (one application covers multiple partner universities).
Fulbright (Nepal): graduate level (check country program specifics).
Fee waivers & discounts: Some universities offer application fee waivers (events, fairs, partner consultants). Watch for priority deadlines that unlock better funding.
Step 8: Prepare for scholarship/admission interviews Nepali students applying for scholarships abroad must carefully complete below given guidelines.
Know your file: Be ready to discuss every line of your CV/SOP.
Impact stories: Two or three examples of leadership, community service, research, or entrepreneurship.
Why this program and country? Evidence-based answer (modules, labs, industry links).
Financial rationale: How the scholarship makes study viable and lets you contribute.
Practice: Mock interviews with mentors or counselors.
Step 9: Contact professors for RA/TA (especially for USA & research programs)
A concise email can unlock assistantships or funded research. Keep it short and tailored.
Template (customize strongly):
Subject: Prospective MS Student Interested in Your Work on [Specific Topic]
Dear Prof. [Surname], I’m a prospective [MS/PhD] applicant from Nepal aiming for [Term, Year]. My recent work on [Project/Thesis: 1–2 lines with outcome] aligns with your publications on [very specific point].
I’m particularly interested in [Lab/Group/Project] and would value the chance to contribute to [specific ongoing work]. I’ve attached my CV and a brief 1-page research statement.
Could we explore potential RA opportunities or discuss fit for your group?
Thank you for your time, [Full Name] | [Program Level] | [LinkedIn/Portfolio]
Attach CV and a 1-page research interest note. Never send a generic email.
Offer letter type: Conditional vs. Unconditional (meet remaining conditions quickly).
Scholarship award letter: Amount, duration, what it covers (tuition, living, flights, insurance).
Stipend schedule: Monthly/quarterly? Start date? Bank setup?
Work conditions: RA/TA hours; academic performance requirements.
Deferral policy: In case of visa delays or personal reasons.
Step 11: Funding evidence, NOC & compliance (Nepal specifics you must get right) Nepali students seeking scholarships abroad should follow the guidelines below with care while completing their applications.
Proof of funds: Bank balance/FDR/education loan sanction letter meeting visa minimums (varies by country).
Education loan (Nepal): Approach banks early; keep collateral and admission letters ready; understand the repayment and foreign exchange release process.
NOC (No Objection Certificate): Required for foreign currency fee payments/remittances. Apply via MOESTwith admission documents and passport copies. Get NOC before paying big fees abroad.
Tuition payment mode: Bank transfer (TT), university portal, or Flywire/Western Union for education—ensure invoice matches passport name exactly.
Currency control compliance: Keep receipts, SWIFT messages, and fee invoices for visa and later proof.
Step 12: Visa, health insurance, accommodation & pre-departure When applying for international scholarships, Nepali students must pay close attention to the following instructions.
Visa application: DS-160/I-20 (USA), CAS (UK), study permit (Canada), CoE (Australia), residence permit steps (EU).
Biometrics & medicals: Book early; carry required photos and documents.
Health insurance: University plan vs. private policy (compulsory in many countries).
Accommodation: University halls or verified private providers; avoid scams (pay only after contract verification).
Flights & arrival: Book with enough buffer before orientation; check airport pickup.
Pre-departure file: Offers, scholarship letters, TT receipts, NOC, insurance, vaccination records, academic docs, and emergency contacts—both digital & print.
Where to find scholarships (organize your search like a pro) The guidelines listed below must be carefully observed by Nepali students applying for scholarships overseas.
Government & international programs: Chevening, Commonwealth, Fulbright, MEXT, KGSP, Erasmus Mundus, DAAD, Manaaki (NZ), Australia Awards.
University websites: “Funding” or “Scholarships” pages for your department.
Program pages: Many degrees list specific awards (e.g., “Computer Science Excellence Scholarship”).
External foundations/NGOs: Rotary, Open Society, ADB–JSP (field-specific).
Embassy/Education centers: Culture/education sections often list opportunities.
Research groups: Labs with funded positions often post openings on lab pages or Twitter/LinkedIn.
Tip: Save links + requirements in your tracker. If a scholarship repeats annually, set calendar reminders 8–10 months ahead.
Make your profile irresistible (small changes, big results)
Academic credibility: Two strong projects with measurable outcomes (paper, prototype, data).
Community impact: Volunteering/leadership (e.g., teaching, environmental, tech clubs).
Competitions: Hackathons, business case comps, research posters.
Public presence: Clean LinkedIn, concise portfolio, GitHub/publications if applicable.
English polish: Get SOP & CV reviewed by mentors.
Authenticity: Show why funding you creates outsized impact (Nepal-focused problems you’ll solve).
Common mistakes Nepali students make (and how to avoid them)
Applying too late: Miss priority funding deadlines; start 8–12 months early.
Generic SOPs: Name-drop universities without linking to specific modules/labs/faculty.
Weak LORs: Requesting last minute → vague letters. Ask early with context.
Document inconsistencies: Name/DOB mismatch across passport, academics, and bank docs. Fix before applying.
Ignoring small awards: Multiple smaller waivers can add up.
No plan for proof of funds: Start bank/FDR/loan process early; NOC takes time.
Scam risks: Unverified housing or “guaranteed scholarship” agents—work only with reputable advisors.
Country snapshots (fast reference)
USA: Best for RA/TA/tuition waivers, especially at MS/PhD level. Strong for research and STEM.
UK: Many taught Master’s with 1-year duration → lower total cost; scholarships & alumni discounts common.
Canada: Scholarships are competitive; look for departmental awards and TA/RA at grad level; co-op options help employability.
Australia & New Zealand: Research scholarships (HDR), some coursework awards; check CoE timelines, medicals, and OSHC insurance.
Germany/EU:DAAD, Erasmus Mundus, and numerous tuition-free/low-fee options; watch for blocked account requirements.
Japan/Korea:MEXT/KGSP highly structured, strong for STEM and cultural studies; some programs expect basic language learning.
6-Month “Ready to Apply” Timeline (example for September/Fall intake)
December: Book IELTS/PTE/TOEFL; draft SOP/CV; approach referees.
January: Take test; finalize university list; request official transcripts.
February: Submit admissions for priority deadlines; apply to scholarships with earlier cut-offs.
March–April: Interview rounds; professor outreach for RA/TA.
May–June: Offers & funding decisions; arrange bank funds, education loan, NOC; pay deposit/tuition as required.
June–July: Visa & medicals, accommodation, flight booking.
August: Pre-departure, arrival, orientation.
Adjust earlier if targeting government scholarships with earlier windows.
Scholarship application checklist (copy this to your tracker) For a successful scholarship application abroad, Nepali students are advised to thoroughly follow the instructions provided below.
Insurance & accommodation proof (for visa where needed)
Applications:
University application(s) submitted
University scholarship/fee waiver forms
External/government scholarship applications
RA/TA/research positions outreach done
Interviews scheduled & practiced
FAQs (structured for readers & search engines)
Q1: Can I get a full scholarship from Nepal? Yes—through programs like Erasmus Mundus, MEXT, KGSP, DAAD (some), Australia Awards, Manaaki (NZ), and university-funded RA/TA roles (mostly for MS/PhD). Competition is high; strong academics, a focused SOP, and early applications are key.
Q2: Do I need GRE/GMAT for scholarships? Not always. Many scholarships don’t require GRE/GMAT, but for USA graduate programs, a good GRE can strengthen funding chances, especially in STEM.
Q3: What IELTS/PTE/TOEFL score is ideal? Common minimums: IELTS 6.5 (no band < 6.0), PTE 58–65, TOEFL 80–100. High-ranked programs or competitive scholarships often prefer higher.
Q4: How important is my SOP for winning scholarships? Critical. A compelling SOP that shows fit, impact, and clarity of goals can tip decisions even when scores are average.
Q5: What financial proofs do embassies typically ask for? Varies by country but often tuition + 1 year living costs via bank statements, FDRs, or loan. Keep NOC, SWIFT receipts, and award letters organized.
Q6: Can I work part-time while studying on scholarship? Usually yes within legal hour limits. For RA/TA stipends, check workload caps and visa conditions. Different nations have different work allowance for students. You can check our another blog to get detailed information regarding how to choose right country for your abroad studies by clicking this link.
Q7: I have average grades. Should I still try? Absolutely. Target universities that fit your profile, strengthen your SOP, and apply for departmental waivers and country-specific discounts.
Final tips from FreshRoots (what moves the needle)
Be specific: Tie your goals to the courses, labs, and professors—show fit.
Tell a Nepal story: Explain the problem you’ll come back to solve (or contribute globally using insights from Nepal).
Polish everything: Grammar, formatting, and file naming Follow up: Polite reminders to referees and admissions keep your file moving.
Stay organized: One tracker for deadlines, requirements, and status.
Work with FreshRoots Education Abroad
If you’d like help shortlisting scholarships, polishing your SOP/LORs, or building a funding plan (bank + loan + NOC), our team at FreshRoots Education Abroad can walk you through every step—from test prep to visa—and maximize your scholarship chances with personalized strategy.
