Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships: A Guide to International Post-Graduate Scholarships for Nepalese Scholars

Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships: A Guide to International Post-Graduate Scholarships for Nepalese Scholars

Many students think that foreign scholarships are reserved for “top students only. However, the reality is that they are awarded to students who show clarity, commitment, and purpose. Every year, many Nepalese students secure fully funded Master’s degrees across Europe, the USA, Australia, and Asia. Securing a fully funded international scholarship is not just about the degree it is a competitive achievement that recognizes leadership and academic merit. In an era of global interconnectedness, academic exchange programs play a vital role in broadening research horizons and bringing specialised expertise back to our local industries.

At Prime College, we believe in empowering our students with information. This guide provides a factual overview of prestigious global scholarship programs helping you navigate the academic landscape and understand the rigorous requirements of these international awards.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees (EMJM)

• What it is: A prestigious program allowing you to study in at least two different European countries, gaining a joint degree.
• Key Fields: Highly varied, including Cybersecurity, Engineering, Agriculture, Food Technology, Environmental Science, and many more.
• Why Nepalese Students Love It: Excellent networking, unique multicultural experience, and highly competitive full funding.
• Application Tip: Applications usually open in September and close around February each year for the following academic cycle. Start researching programs early!

Chevening Scholarship (United Kingdom)

• What it is: The UK government’s global scholarship program for future leaders.
• Key Fields: Almost any Master’s degree subject at any UK university. Strong emphasis on leadership potential.
• Requirements for Nepal: Typically requires at least two years of work experience and demonstrates leadership qualities.
• Application Tip: Applications usually open in August and close in November. Begin preparing your essays well in advance.

DAAD EPOS Scholarship (Germany)

• What it is: German Academic Exchange Service scholarships specifically for postgraduate courses with relevance to developing countries.
• Key Fields: Engineering, Economics, Social Sciences, Public Health, Agriculture, and Development-related fields.
• Why Choose DAAD: Germany offers world-class education with no or very low tuition fees even for international students, and DAAD covers living costs.
• Application Tip: Deadlines vary by program, but many fall between August and October for the following year.

Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)

• What it is: A flagship US government exchange program fostering mutual understanding.
• Key Fields: Almost any academic field (excluding clinical medicine/nursing programs).
• Requirements for Nepal: Administered by USEF-Nepal. Requires 16 years of education (a 4-year Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree) and typically 2-3 years of relevant work experience.
• Application Tip: The call for applications through USEF-Nepal usually begins in late February or March. This is one of the most prestigious scholarships for Nepalese students.

Australia Awards Scholarship (Australia)

• What it is: An Australian government initiative supporting development objectives in partner countries like Nepal.
• Key Fields: Focuses on areas critical for Nepal’s development, such as Climate Change, Governance, Health, and Infrastructure.
• Requirements for Nepal: Requires at least 3 years of work experience for Nepalese applicants.
• Application Tip: The application window typically opens in February.

MEXT Scholarship (Japan)

• What it is: The Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship is highly sought after.
• Key Fields: All academic disciplines are available.
• Why Choose MEXT: Covers tuition, living expenses, and round-trip airfare. Often includes a preparatory year for Japanese language study.
• Application Tip: Applied through the Embassy of Japan in Kathmandu. Watch their website for announcements, usually around April/May.

Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS) (China)

• What it is: A comprehensive scholarship program offered by the Chinese government.
• Key Fields: Engineering, Medicine, Science, Liberal Arts, and more.
• Application Tip: Apply through the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu or directly to specific universities. Deadlines are typically between December and April.

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship (UK)

• What it is: A prestigious, 100% fully-funded award for talented students from Commonwealth countries (including Nepal) to pursue a one-year Master’s in the UK.
• Key Fields: Study must fall under one of six themes:
  • Science & Tech for Development Health Systems & Capacity
  • Global Prosperity
  • Peace, Security & Governance
  • Resilience & Response to Crises
  • Access, Inclusion & Opportunity
• Why Choose: Covers everything: full tuition, monthly stipend (£1,347–£1,652), round- trip flights, and arrival/thesis allowances. It is the ultimate “no-cost” path to a world-class UK degree.
• Application Tip: Requires a dual-application: you must apply on the CSC portal and through Nepal’s Ministry of Education (MoEST). The “Development Impact Statement” is your most important essay, be specific about how your research will help Nepal.

Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)

• What it is: A prestigious “full-ride” scholarship funded by the Government of Japan for citizens of ADB borrowing member countries (including Nepal). It aims to train professionals in fields critical to economic and social development.
• Key Fields: Study programs must be development-oriented, primarily in:
  • Economics, Business, and Management,
  • Science and Technology (Agriculture, Engineering, Health, IT),
  • Environmental Studies and Resource Management,
  • Public Policy and Development Studies
• Why Choose: It is highly comprehensive, covering full tuition, a monthly subsistence and housing allowance, books, medical insurance, and economy airfare. It allows scholars to study at designated top-tier institutions in the Asia-Pacific region (e.g., in Japan, Singapore, Thailand, or Hong Kong).
• Application Tip: There is no separate application to the ADB. You must apply directly to a “Designated Institution” (like the University of Tokyo or AIT Thailand) for admission and indicate you wish to be considered for the ADB-JSP. You must have at least 2 years of full-time professional work experience at the time of application and be under 35 years old.

Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)

• What it is: A fully funded program by the South Korean government to invite international students to pursue graduate degrees at Korean universities. It includes a mandatory one-year Korean language course.
• Key Fields: Engineering, IT, Medical Sciences, Arts, and Business.
• Why Choose: Covers full tuition, a monthly stipend (approx. 1,000,000 KRW), round- trip airfare, medical insurance, and a settlement allowance.
• Application Tip: There are two tracks:

Embassy Track (apply through the Korean Embassy in Kathmandu) and University Track (apply directly to the university). Check the Embassy website in February for Master’s applications.

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship

What it is: A program by the New Zealand government to develop future leaders in sectors that contribute to Nepal’s development.

Key Fields: Renewable Energy, Disaster Risk Management, Agriculture, and Good Governance.

Why Choose: Full tuition, living allowance, establishment grant, and medical insurance. It is one of the few programs with a strong focus on climate resilience.

Application Tip: The application window is very short, usually opening in February or March. Applicants with relevant work experience (2+ years) are highly preferred.

Note: These scholarships serve as a reference point for students who want to explore academic support from government-level institutions outside or within Nepal. Candidates should consult official scholarship pages or government education offices for current criteria, deadlines and guidance before applying.