Nepal Scholarships for Undergraduates 2026: SEE Toppers, Free Seats & Aid
Complete guide to Nepal scholarships for undergraduate students. SEE topper scholarships, free seats in government colleges, merit scholarships, need-based aid, and international scholarships.
Jul 13, 2026 10 min read 23 views
Nepal Scholarships for Undergraduates 2026: SEE Toppers, Free Seats & Aid
Higher education in Nepal can be expensive, especially at private colleges. However, numerous scholarships for undergraduate students in Nepal can significantly reduce the financial burden. From SEE topper scholarships to free seats in government colleges, merit-based aid, need-based grants, and international study scholarships — this comprehensive guide covers every scholarship opportunity available to Nepali students in 2026.
Why Scholarships Matter in Nepal
Nepal's higher education costs vary widely:
| College Type | Annual Fees | 4-Year Total |
|-------------|-------------|--------------|
| Government (TU constituent) | NPR 50,000–100,000 | NPR 2–4 lakh |
| Private (TU affiliated) | NPR 200,000–400,000 | NPR 8–16 lakh |
| KU (Kathmandu University) | NPR 300,000–500,000 | NPR 12–20 lakh |
| Private Medical College | NPR 1,000,000+ | NPR 40–50 lakh |
| Study Abroad (US/UK/Australia) | NPR 2,000,000+ | NPR 80+ lakh |
For most Nepali families, these amounts are substantial. Scholarships can reduce or eliminate these costs, making education accessible to talented students regardless of financial background.
Types of Scholarships in Nepal
1. SEE Topper Scholarships
Many +2 colleges offer full or partial scholarships to SEE toppers to attract bright students:
A+ (3.6+ GPA): 100% tuition waiver + free books at top colleges
A (3.2–3.6 GPA): 50–100% tuition waiver
B+ (2.8–3.2 GPA): 25–50% tuition waiver
B (2.4–2.8 GPA): 10–25% tuition waiver (varies by college)
Top colleges offering SEE scholarships:
St. Xavier's College, Maitighar — full scholarship for top SEE scorers
Budhanilkantha School — fully government-funded (national merit)
CCRC (Capital College) — merit scholarships for science stream
Premier College — scholarships for management stream
Global College of Management — scholarships for management toppers
2. Free Seats in Government Colleges
Government (TU constituent) colleges offer highly subsidized education:
Pulchowk Campus (IOE): NPR 5–7 lakh for 4-year BE (vs NPR 8–15 lakh private)
IOM (Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital): NPR 3–5 lakh for MBBS (vs NPR 40–50 lakh private)
Shanker Dev Campus: NPR 2–3 lakh for 4-year BBA/BBS (vs NPR 8–12 lakh private)
TU central campus, Kirtipur: NPR 1–2 lakh for BA/BSc (vs NPR 6–10 lakh private)
How to get free seats: Score high in entrance exams (IOE for engineering, CEE for medical, CMAT for management). Government quota seats go to top rank holders.
3. Merit Scholarships at Private Colleges
Most private colleges offer merit-based scholarships:
Full scholarship (100%): Top 1–5 students in entrance exam
Half scholarship (50%): Top 5–10 students
Quarter scholarship (25%): Top 10–20 students
Discount (10–25%): Based on +2 or SEE percentage
Examples:
Kantipur Engineering College: 5 full scholarships for top IOE rankers
Nepal Medical College (NMC): 5 government-quota seats at NPR 5 lakh (vs NPR 45 lakh private)
Apex College (MBA): Merit scholarships for top CMAT scorers
King's College: Entrepreneurship scholarships
4. Need-Based Scholarships (Financial Aid)
Some colleges offer need-based aid for economically disadvantaged students:
Documentation required: Income certificate, recommendation letter, ward office letter
Coverage: 25–100% tuition waiver depending on financial situation
Renewal: Must maintain minimum GPA (usually 2.5+) each semester
Colleges with strong need-based aid:
Budhanilkantha School — full scholarship for all 77 districts
St. Xavier's College — need-based aid for deserving students
Kathmandu University — partial need-based aid
Pulchowk Campus — subsidized for all (government rate)
5. Government Scholarships
The Government of Nepal offers several scholarship schemes:
a. Campus Scholarships (TU)
Each TU constituent campus reserves 10% of seats for scholarship students:
Full tuition waiver
Monthly stipend (NPR 1,000–2,000)
Priority to marginalized communities (Dalit, Janajati, disabled, women)
b. Girls' Education Scholarship
For female students from rural areas
NPR 1,500–3,000/month stipend
Applied through the campus financial aid office
c. Dalit Scholarship
Full tuition waiver + monthly stipend
For Dalit community students
Applied through campus + Ministry of Education
d. Disabled Student Scholarship
50–100% tuition waiver
Additional stipend for assistive devices
Applied through Ministry of Education
6. International Scholarships for Nepali Students
a. Indian Embassy Scholarships
ICCNR Scholarship: For Nepali students to study in India
SAARC Scholarship: For SAARC countries
Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR): Full scholarship (tuition + living)
b. Chinese Government Scholarship
Full scholarship (tuition + accommodation + stipend)
For undergraduate, master's, and PhD
Apply through Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu
c. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship
Full scholarship for study in Japan
Includes tuition, monthly allowance, round-trip airfare
Apply through Japanese Embassy
d. US Government Scholarships
Fulbright Scholarship: For master's/PhD in USA
Global UGRAD: For undergraduate exchange
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship: For mid-career professionals
e. Australian Awards Scholarship
Full scholarship for master's in Australia
Includes tuition, living, travel, health insurance
Focus on development-related fields
f. British Chevening Scholarship
Full scholarship for master's in UK
Includes tuition, living, travel
For future leaders and influencers
g. Study in Nepal from Abroad — Diaspora Scholarships
For Nepali diaspora (NRNs and foreign nationals of Nepali origin):
NRN (Non-Resident Nepali) Scholarship: For children of NRNs to study in Nepal
Quota seats at KU, PU, PoU for diaspora students
Reduced fees at some private colleges for NRN quota
Nepal Scholarships for Undergraduates — Top 10 List
1. TU Constituent Campus Scholarship
Who: All students admitted to TU constituent campuses
Amount: 10% seats with full tuition waiver + stipend
How to apply: Through campus admission, based on merit + category
2. Pulchowk Campus Merit Scholarship
Who: Top 10 IOE rankers
Amount: Full tuition waiver
How to apply: Automatic based on IOE rank
3. IOM Government Quota (MBBS)
Who: Top CEE rankers (typically top 75)
Amount: NPR 3–5 lakh (vs NPR 45 lakh private)
How to apply: Through CEE counseling, based on rank
4. KU Merit Scholarship
Who: Top performers in KU entrance
Amount: 25–100% tuition waiver
How to apply: Automatic based on entrance rank
5. Budhanilkantha School National Scholarship
Who: Class 5 students from all 77 districts (merit-based)
Amount: Full scholarship (tuition + boarding + books)
How to apply: National entrance exam in Class 5
6. St. Xavier's College Scholarship
Who: +2 and bachelor's students with academic excellence
Amount: 25–100% tuition waiver
How to apply: Apply to college scholarship committee
7. Nepal Government Girls' Scholarship
Who: Female students from rural areas in +2 and bachelor's
Amount: NPR 1,500–3,000/month stipend
How to apply: Through campus financial aid office
8. ICCR (Indian Embassy) Scholarship
Who: Nepali students for undergraduate/postgraduate in India
Amount: Full (tuition + living + books)
How to apply: Indian Embassy Kathmandu, usually in Magh–Falgun
9. Chinese Government Scholarship
Who: Nepali students for study in China
Amount: Full (tuition + accommodation + stipend)
How to apply: Chinese Embassy Kathmandu, usually in Falgun–Chaitra
10. NRN Scholarship
Who: Children of Non-Resident Nepalis
Amount: 25–100% tuition waiver at partner colleges
How to apply: NRN Association website
How to Find and Apply for Scholarships
Step 1: Research Early
Start researching scholarships 6–12 months before admission:
Apply through official counseling — don't approach colleges directly
Fill college preferences carefully during counseling
Complete admission within deadline — seats are forfeited if not claimed
Scholarship Application Tips
Apply to multiple scholarships — don't rely on just one
Tailor each application to the specific scholarship
Proofread carefully — spelling/grammar errors create bad impressions
Submit before deadline — late applications are rejected
Follow up — confirm receipt of application
Prepare for interviews — many scholarships require interviews
Maintain good grades — most scholarships require minimum GPA for renewal
FAQ
What scholarships are available for SEE toppers in Nepal?
Many +2 colleges offer full or partial scholarships to SEE toppers. A+ (3.6+) students can get 100% tuition waiver + free books at top colleges like St. Xavier's, CCRC, and Premier.
How can I get a free seat in Nepal government college?
Score high in entrance exams (IOE for engineering, CEE for medical, CMAT for management). Government quota seats go to top rank holders through official counseling.
Are there scholarships for Nepali students to study abroad?
Yes. Popular options include ICCR (India), Chinese Government Scholarship, Japanese MEXT, Australian Awards, British Chevening, and US Fulbright.
What is the NRN scholarship?
The NRN (Non-Resident Nepali) Scholarship is for children of NRNs to study in Nepal. It offers 25–100% tuition waiver at partner colleges.
Can I get scholarship for MBBS in Nepal?
Yes. Government colleges (IOM, BPKIHS, PAHS) offer MBBS at NPR 3–5 lakh (vs NPR 45 lakh private). Some private colleges also offer merit-cum-need scholarships.
How much GPA is needed for scholarship in Nepal?
For SEE scholarships: usually 3.2+ (A) for partial, 3.6+ (A+) for full. For +2/bachelor's: usually 70%+ or 3.0+ GPA for merit scholarships.
When should I apply for scholarships?
Start researching 6–12 months before admission. TU/college scholarships: with admission application (Bhadra–Ashwin). International scholarships: vary by country (usually 6–12 months before start).
Can Dalit students get scholarships in Nepal?
Yes. Dalit students are eligible for: full tuition waiver + monthly stipend at government colleges, reserved quota seats, and special government scholarship schemes.