Scholarships for Nepal

The era of students heading off to Nepal to study is a relatively recent phenomenon and attributed to the new push for a larger international study arena. Today’s college student is not afraid of participating in far-flung and heretofore unheard of international programs. The international borders are more porous than ever. Students studying in Nepal have a rich vein of disciplines to tap, including the language, culture and socio-political environment, religion and bio-diversity.

Study in Nepal on the Federal Government’s Dime
The David L. Boren Scholarships sponsored by the National Security Education Program are extremely popular and competitive. Hundreds are awarded annually to top-notch undergrads and grad students whose focus is on international studies outside of the traditional choices. Students heading off to Nepal may be considered on the basis of academic merit and their future career goals. Preference is given to those who are interested in work within national security. In return for sizeable scholarships recipients are expected to work for the Department of Defense or Homeland Security upon graduation. Candidates must be pursuing a program that enables them to wholly experience the Nepali culture and language; critical needs areas as determined by the federal government.

The Benjamin L. Gilman International Scholarships are also funded by the federal government, but are focused on diversifying the pool of highly educated international business leaders. The Gilman Scholarships provide disadvantaged student whiz kids with the financial buttress necessary for their Nepalese studies. Interested candidates should not even fill out an application unless they are already recipients of the Pell Grant, a good measure of economic disadvantage. Further selection is also based on academic merit and other challenges to higher education. Up to $5,000 available to qualified applicants.

The Fulbright Scholarships are some of the most renowned and prestigious. Fulbright Scholars are recognized for their academic talent and motivation in international studies. Students participating in undergraduate and graduate level programs may apply through their international study abroad office. Fulbright Scholarships are awarded based on a number of variables including academics, financial need and projected international program. Preference is given to students whose command of the applicable language is advanced. Awards vary.

Study Abroad Organizations
The School for International Training (SIT) is a well-recognized provider of high-quality study abroad programs. Their program in Culture and Development in Nepal gives students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience an elusive culture sandwiched between India and Tibet. Scholarships available for students pursuing the Nepal program include:Workum Fund is the signature scholarship program for students studying in the “Indian subcontinent.” Funds are awarded based on both academic and financial criteria.SIT Funds are the flagship scholarship program, providing a wide range of scholarships to students in all SIT programs.Compton Fund scholarships go to students engaged in “sustainable development” programs.Diversity Fund provides scholarships to those students who are most underrepresented in international studies.HBCU Fund is specially designed for students enrolled in a Historically Black College participating in a SIT program.

College Scholarships Ph.D. students at the University of Virginia whose dissertation research may require travel to Nepal may apply for Pre-Dissertation Fellowships. These funds are specifically designed to support social science and political science post-graduates with funding for short-term research in Nepal. Awards are around $4,000.

Private Funds Ambassadorial Scholarships, funded by Rotary International, are available to students wishing to study in Nepal. Candidates whose focus of study is on humanitarian issues or peace studies are preferred. Eligible applicants must possess top academics to compete in these very in-demand scholarships. Recipients are expected to share their experiences with Rotarians upon completion of their program. Awards are up to $26,000.Scholarships for Nepalese Students
Fairmont State University in West Virginia offers generous scholarship opportunities for Nepali students who wish to study in the U.S. The well-known Nepal Scholarship Program is the result of a combined effort of a few Nepali organizations. Nepalese students may attend FSU. Awards are typically up to $5,000.