Top UK Scholarships for Nepalese Students: Chevening & Commonwealth

The United Kingdom offers three of the most popular scholarships for international students, Chevening Scholarships and Commonwealth Scholarships, each with distinct funding structures, eligibility criteria, deadlines, and post-study expectations.

The Chevening Scholarships are fully funded awards provided by the UK government for one-year master’s degrees in any field at any UK university. They cover full tuition fees, monthly living allowance, travel costs, and additional grants. The application deadline is usually in early November. To be eligible, applicants must be citizens of eligible countries like Nepal, hold a bachelor’s degree equivalent to a UK upper second-class (2:1), and have at least two years of work experience along with strong leadership and networking skills. Applicants must also apply to three UK universities. After completing the degree, Chevening scholars are required to return to their home country for at least two years and are expected to contribute to national development while benefiting from a strong global alumni network.

·  Fully funded scholarship by the UK government

·  Available for Nepalese students every year

·  Covers: tuition fees, living allowance, travel costs

·  For: 1-year Master’s degree (any subject)

·  Eligibility:

• Bachelor’s degree (minimum UK 2:1 equivalent)
• At least 2 years of work experience
• Strong leadership and networking skills

·  Application deadline: around November

·  Key focus: leadership, career vision, global networking

·  After study:

• Must return to Nepal for at least 2 years
• Become part of global Chevening alumni network

 Source: https://www.chevening.org/apply/

The Commonwealth Scholarships are also fully funded and aimed at students from Commonwealth countries, supporting master’s and PhD programs. These scholarships cover full tuition fees, airfare, living expenses, and other allowances such as thesis grants. Deadlines typically fall between December and February depending on the program. Eligibility requires applicants to be citizens of a Commonwealth country, have a strong academic background (usually first-class or upper second-class degree), and demonstrate financial need, as the program targets those unable to afford UK education. Some programs may also require relevant work or research experience. After graduation, scholars are generally expected to return to their home countries and use their knowledge and skills to support national development in sectors like government, education, and development organizations.

·  Fully funded by UK government (via Commonwealth Commission)

·  Available for Nepal (Commonwealth country)

·  Covers: tuition fees, airfare, living expenses, other allowances

·  For: Master’s and PhD programs

·  Eligibility:

• Strong academic background (1st class or 2:1)
• Financial need required
• Sometimes work/research experience needed

·  Application deadline: usually Dec–Feb

·  Key focus: development of home country

·  Fields: priority areas (engineering, health, education, etc.)

·  After study:

• Expected to return to Nepal
• Contribute to national development (government, NGO, academia, etc.)

Source: https://www.gov.uk/world/uk-and-the-commonwealth