University Merit Scholarships
Partial to full tuition waivers from universities worldwide
Beyond government-funded scholarships, thousands of universities around the world offer their own merit-based and need-based scholarships to international students. These range from small fee reductions to full tuition waivers, and they are often less competitive than national government scholarships. University merit scholarships are based on your academic record, test scores, extracurricular achievements, and sometimes financial need. ScholarshipNepal maintains a database of university scholarships across all major study destinations.
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Top Universities Available
Through our direct partnerships, we help you gain admission to leading universities. Here are some of the top institutions available through our University Merit Scholarships program.
Arizona State University (USA)
#1 InnovationTempe, AZ
Offers New American University Scholarships for international students. Awards up to $15,000/year based on GPA.
University of Melbourne (Australia)
QS #13Melbourne
Melbourne Graduate Scholarship covers 25-50% of tuition for high-achieving Masters students.
University of Birmingham (UK)
QS #80Birmingham
South Asia Excellence Scholarship provides GBP 3,000-5,000 tuition reduction for South Asian students.
University of British Columbia (Canada)
QS #34Vancouver
International Major Entrance Scholarship covers full tuition for exceptional undergraduates.
Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (Japan)
Top 1000Beppu
Tuition reduction of 30-65-100% for international students based on academic merit.
KAIST (South Korea)
QS #56Daejeon
Full tuition scholarship for all admitted international graduate students.
Eligibility Requirements
Meeting these requirements strengthens your application. Our counselors can help you identify areas to improve and present the strongest possible profile.
- Requirements vary by university and scholarship program
- Academic merit: Most require 70-85%+ GPA or equivalent in previous degree
- English proficiency: IELTS 6.0-7.0 or TOEFL 80-100 depending on university
- Some scholarships require a separate application; others are automatic based on admission application
- PhD scholarships (especially in STEM) often come with full funding if you secure a supervisor
- Need-based scholarships may require documentation of financial circumstances
Application Process
We have streamlined the study abroad application process into clear, manageable steps. Our team guides you through each stage to maximize your chances of admission.
Identify Scholarship Opportunities
Research universities in your target country and check their international scholarship pages. ScholarshipNepal maintains an updated database of university scholarships with deadlines and requirements. We help you create a shortlist of universities where you have the strongest scholarship chances.
Prepare a Strong Application
Most university scholarships are awarded based on your overall admission application. This means your Statement of Purpose, recommendation letters, academic record, and test scores all matter. For separate scholarship applications, you may need to write an additional essay or provide a portfolio.
Apply Early
Many university scholarships have limited funding and are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis or have early deadlines. Apply as early as possible — ideally in the first round of admissions. Some scholarships require you to have a confirmed admission offer before applying.
Compare Offers
If you receive multiple offers with different scholarship amounts, carefully compare the total cost (tuition minus scholarship, plus living costs). A 50% scholarship at a university in a low-cost city may leave you with less out-of-pocket expense than a 30% scholarship in an expensive city.
Negotiate (If Possible)
In some countries (especially the USA), you can negotiate scholarship amounts by presenting competing offers. This is not common for undergraduate admissions in all countries, but graduate programmes — especially PhD and funded Masters — may have flexibility.
Accept & Enroll
Accept your best offer and proceed with visa applications and enrollment. Ensure you understand the scholarship conditions — many require maintaining a minimum GPA and full-time enrollment.
Costs & Scholarships
Understanding the financial commitment is crucial for planning your study abroad journey. Here is a breakdown of typical costs and available funding options.
University merit scholarships range widely: Small merit awards cover 10-25% of tuition (AUD 5,000-10,000 or USD 3,000-8,000 per year). Mid-range scholarships cover 25-50% (saving you NPR 5-15 lakh per year). Top merit and need-based scholarships cover 50-100% of tuition. PhD funding in STEM fields often covers 100% plus a living stipend.
Most university scholarships cover only tuition, not living expenses. You will need to fund living costs through savings, family support, part-time work, or separate living cost scholarships. Some universities offer on-campus housing discounts or additional living grants for international students.
Popular university scholarship programs for Nepali students include: Australia — Melbourne Graduate Scholarship, Monash International Merit Scholarship, Deakin Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship. USA — various institutional aid, graduate assistantships. UK — Chevening partner university top-ups, Commonwealth Shared Scholarships. Canada — Vanier CGS (PhD), university entrance scholarships. Japan — JASSO (JPY 48,000/month), university tuition reductions.
Costs are estimates and vary by university and city. Call +977-9849998031 or fill out the form for personalized cost estimates based on your preferred universities.
Student Life
Studying abroad is about more than just academics. Here is what you can expect from life as an international student.
University merit scholars have the same student experience as all other students at their university. You attend the same classes, have access to the same facilities, and participate in the same extracurricular activities. The key difference is financial — your scholarship reduces the financial burden, allowing you to focus more on studies and less on finances.
Many universities have dedicated international student support offices that help with orientation, housing, cultural adjustment, and career services. Take advantage of these resources. Join student clubs and associations — they are excellent for networking and making friends.
If your scholarship does not cover living expenses, part-time work can help bridge the gap. Most study destinations allow international students to work 20-28 hours per week during the academic term. Planning your budget carefully before departure is essential.
University Merit Scholarships — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find university scholarships for Nepali students?
Can I combine a university scholarship with other funding?
Are graduate assistantships available for Nepali students?
What GPA do I need for a merit scholarship?
What if I do not get a scholarship?
Ready to University Merit Scholarships?
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