For many students, the United Kingdom (UK) is a dream destination to study abroad. Despite the UK being a popular destination, students still get worried about the cost. But here’s the good news: there are plenty of scholarships available for Nepali students to study in the UK. 

To give you a clearer picture of what scholarships are available for Nepali students in the UK, we have brought you a detailed guide that covers all the important details: 

Scholarships available for Nepali students in the UK

Before diving into the specifics, here is a quick reference table to compare the value and requirements for Nepali applicants heading into the 2026/2027 academic intakes:

Top UK Scholarships for Nepali Students in 2026 

1. Chevening Scholarship (Fully Funded)

The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government’s flagship global scholarship program funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). It targets early-to-mid career professionals who can prove they have leadership potential.

• Degree Level: 1-year Taught Master’s Degree
• What it Covers: 100% tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, economy return flights from Kathmandu to the UK, visa application fees, and your International Health Surcharge (IHS) allowance.
• Key Eligibility Criteria:
  • Must hold Nepali citizenship.
  • Minimum of 2 years of work experience (equivalent to 2,800 hours of full-time, part-time, or voluntary work).
  • An undergraduate degree that qualifies you for a UK postgraduate program (typically a 3-year or 4-year Bachelor's degree from TU, KU, or PU).
  • A strict commitment to return to Nepal for a minimum of 2 years after your scholarship ends.
• Application Window: Typically opens in August and closes in early November each year for the following year's intake.

2. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship (Fully Funded)

Administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and coordinated through the University Grants Commission (UGC) Nepal, this award is dedicated to students who want to drive national development but lack the financial means to study abroad.

• Degree Level: Master's and PhD programs
• What it Covers: Full tuition fees, airfare from Kathmandu to the UK, a monthly living allowance (£1,162 to £1,347 per month depending on location), and a thesis grant.
• Priority Fields: Public Health, Climate Change & Environment, Engineering, Development Studies, and Science & Technology.
• Key Strategy Note: Unlike Chevening, the Commonwealth program does not require 2 years of work experience, making it the premier fully funded option for fresh Nepali graduates with an excellent academic track record (typically 3.5+ CGPA or a first-class degree).
• Application Window: Opens between December and February via the official UGC Nepal portal 

3. GREAT Scholarships Nepal

Jointly funded by the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council Nepal, this program is custom-made to lower the financial barrier for postgraduate studies.

• Scholarship Value: A minimum of £10,000 (approx. NPR 19.5 Lakhs) credited directly toward your tuition fees.
• Degree Level: 1-year Postgraduate Master's
• Participating Universities: Top-tier institutions like the University of Manchester, University of Edinburgh, University of Leeds, and University of Essex participate in this scheme.
• Why it's Popular: It features excellent acceptance rates for South Asian applicants and does not mandate a history of full-time employment.
• Application Window: Opens in January with deadlines closing between March and April.

University-Specific Merit Scholarships

Although the government of the UK provides scholarships for Nepali students who want to study in the UK, these scholarships can be quite competitive. But this doesn’t need to make you worried because most universities have scholarships of their own. Here are some universities, along with details of their available scholarships. 

Mandatory Documents for Application

To apply for any UK scholarship successfully, you need to prepare your academic and professional portfolio well in advance:

1. Academic Transcripts & Provisional Certificates (validated, clear copies)
2. Valid Passport (with at least 6 months' validity)
3. Statement of Purpose (SOP): Tailored specifically to your course choice and career alignment with Nepal's development.
4. Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Two academic or professional references.
5. Updated CV/Resume: Clearly highlighting leadership roles or community work.
6. English Language Proficiency Proof: IELTS, PTE, or an official institutional MOI Letter.

Start your UK journey with Raffles

Choosing a university, gathering financial documents, and figuring out the visa process can feel overwhelming. As a trusted educational consultancy in Nepal for the UK, Raffles Educare Associates is committed to turning your dream of studying abroad into a reality.

We walk beside you through every single phase of the application cycle:

• Personalised Career Counselling: Discovering which UK degree aligns perfectly with your professional goals through free counselling.
• Strategic University Selection: Matching your academic track record and financial budget with the ideal university.
• Flawless Visa Guidance: Step-by-step assistance with your Credibility Interview prep and visa documentation to maximise your success rate.

Don't leave your international future to chance. Contact our expert counselling team today and take your first step toward an incredible global education!

Click Here to Book Your Free UK University Consultation Session Today!