Scholarships in UK for Nepali Students in 2026 (Complete Guide)
For many students, the United Kingdom is a dream destination for studying abroad. Despite the UK being a popular study destination, students are often concerned about the cost. However, there is good news: many scholarships are available for Nepali students who want to study in the UK.
To give you a clearer picture of the scholarships available for Nepali students in the UK, we have prepared a detailed guide covering the most important information.
Scholarships Available for Nepali Students in the UK
Before exploring each scholarship in detail, here is a quick comparison of the funding value and general requirements for Nepali applicants planning to study in the UK during the 2026/2027 academic intake.
| Scholarship Name | Funding Type | Approximate Value in NPR | Work Experience Required? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevening Scholarship | Fully Funded | NPR 60 Lakhs–1.1 Crore | Yes, approximately 2,800 hours | Early-career professionals and future leaders |
| Commonwealth Scholarship | Fully Funded | Full tuition and monthly living allowance | No specific work-experience requirement | Academically strong graduates |
| GREAT Scholarship | Partial Funding | Approximately NPR 19.5 Lakhs or £10,000 | No | Postgraduate applicants seeking tuition support |
| University Merit Scholarships | Partial Funding | Approximately NPR 3–10 Lakhs or £1,500–£5,000 | No | Students applying directly to participating universities |
Top UK Scholarships for Nepali Students in 2026
1. Chevening Scholarship
The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government’s flagship global scholarship programme. It is funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and partner organisations. The scholarship targets professionals who can demonstrate leadership potential and a strong vision for their future.
Degree Level: One-year taught master’s degree
What It Covers: Tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, economy return travel to the UK, visa-related support, and other approved expenses.
Key Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be citizens of an eligible country, including Nepal.
- Applicants must meet the work-experience requirement stated by Chevening.
- Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies them for a UK postgraduate programme.
- Applicants must apply to eligible UK university courses.
- Applicants must agree to return to their home country for the required period after completing the scholarship.
Application Window: Applications generally open during the second half of the year for programmes beginning in the following academic year.
Visit the official Chevening Scholarship website for current eligibility requirements, deadlines, and funding details.
2. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship
The Commonwealth Scholarship is administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. It supports eligible students from Commonwealth countries who may not otherwise be able to afford postgraduate study in the UK.
Degree Level: Eligible postgraduate programmes, including selected master’s and doctoral programmes
What It Covers: Depending on the scholarship category, funding may include tuition fees, approved airfare, a monthly living allowance, and additional study-related grants.
Priority Fields: Priority areas may include public health, climate change, engineering, development studies, science, technology, and other subjects connected to sustainable development.
Key Strategy Note
Commonwealth Scholarships may be suitable for academically strong graduates who can explain how their chosen course will contribute to Nepal’s development. Eligibility and nomination procedures can vary depending on the scholarship category.
Visit the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website and the relevant Nepal nominating authority for updated application instructions.
3. GREAT Scholarships Nepal
GREAT Scholarships are offered through partnerships involving the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign, the British Council, and participating UK universities. The programme is designed to provide tuition-fee support to eligible postgraduate students.
Scholarship Value: Eligible awards generally provide a minimum contribution of £10,000 towards postgraduate tuition fees.
Degree Level: Eligible one-year postgraduate taught programmes
Participating Universities: Participating institutions and available subjects can change each academic year. Students should check the official scholarship listing before applying.
Why It Is Popular: The scholarship provides substantial tuition support and may not require applicants to have an extensive history of full-time employment.
Visit the official GREAT Scholarships page for participating universities, eligibility requirements, and deadlines.
University-Specific Merit Scholarships
UK government scholarships can be highly competitive. However, many universities also offer their own international scholarships, tuition discounts, and merit-based awards.
The availability and value of these scholarships may depend on the applicant’s course, academic performance, nationality, intake, and payment deadlines.
| University | Potential Scholarship Value |
|---|---|
| University of East London | Up to £2,500 |
| University of Roehampton | Up to £4,000 |
| University College Birmingham | Approximately £3,000–£4,000 |
| University of West London | Up to £3,500 |
| Ulster University | Up to £2,242 |
Important: Scholarship amounts, availability, and eligibility criteria may change. Always verify the latest information on the university’s official website before submitting an application.
Documents Required for a UK Scholarship Application
To apply successfully for a UK scholarship, students should prepare their academic and professional documents well in advance.
- Academic Transcripts and Certificates: Clear and verified copies of transcripts, provisional certificates, and degree certificates.
- Valid Passport: A clear copy of a passport that meets the relevant validity requirements.
- Statement of Purpose: A personalised statement explaining your course choice, career goals, achievements, and intended contribution to Nepal.
- Letters of Recommendation: Academic or professional references from people who can explain your abilities, achievements, and potential.
- Updated CV or Résumé: A professional CV highlighting education, employment, internships, leadership activities, volunteering, and community involvement.
- English-Language Proficiency: IELTS, PTE, or another accepted English-language qualification, depending on the university and scholarship requirements.
- Work-Experience Evidence: Employment letters, contracts, payslips, volunteering certificates, or other evidence when required by the scholarship.
Start Your UK Journey with Raffles
Choosing a university, gathering financial documents, and understanding the visa process can feel overwhelming. As a trusted educational consultancy in Nepal for the UK, Raffles Educare Associates is committed to helping students turn their dream of studying abroad into a reality.
We support students through every important stage of the application process:
- Personalised Career Counselling: Discover which UK degree best aligns with your academic background and professional goals through free counselling.
- Strategic University Selection: Match your academic profile, preferred course, and financial budget with suitable UK universities.
- Scholarship Guidance: Identify suitable university scholarships and understand their eligibility criteria, documentation, and deadlines.
- Visa Guidance: Receive step-by-step support with your visa documents and credibility-interview preparation.
Do not leave your international future to chance. Contact our expert counselling team today and take your first step towards an incredible global education.
Click here to book your free UK university consultation session today.
FAQ
Yes, students from Nepal can access both government-funded and university-funded scholarships to study in the UK. Government scholarships include the Chevening Scholarship, which fully covers tuition, living costs, and airfare for a one-year master's degree. Not to mention, many UK universities offer their own scholarships and tuition fee discounts specifically for international students, including Nepali applicants. It's worth checking both options when planning your application.
The cost of studying in the UK varies by course and university, but international students (including those from Nepal) typically pay tuition fees ranging from £10,000 to £18,000 or more per year.
Yes, the UK is a strong choice for Nepali students, offering globally recognised degrees, world-class universities, and a wide range of courses across all levels. It's home to some of the top-ranked universities in the world, provides shorter degree durations (typically 3 years for undergraduate and 1 year for master's) compared to many other countries, and offers a post-study work visa (Graduate Route) that allows students to work in the UK for up to 18 months after graduation.
Most UK universities, including those in London, look for a minimum GPA of around 2.4–2.8 (roughly 55–65%) on the Nepali grading scale for bachelor's programs. Competitive and top-ranked universities typically expect higher GPAs (around 3.0+), while students with lower grades may still be considered through foundation courses or by showing relevant work experience. It's best to check the specific entry requirements of each university and course, as they can vary.
