Australia scholarships for Nepali students

Most students pay for Australian study themselves, but a few scholarships cover a large part of the cost. The one most open to Nepali students is Australia Awards, run by the Australian government. This guide explains how it works and where to look for other awards.

Australia Awards Scholarships

Australia Awards are fully funded scholarships for students from selected developing countries who show leadership. Nepal is one of them.

What it covers: full tuition fees, return airfares, a contribution to living expenses and medical insurance.

Who can apply (2027 intake rules):

• You are a Nepali citizen, living in and applying from Nepal, and over 18.
• You are not married to, engaged to, or in a de facto relationship with someone who is or can become an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
• You want a master's of no more than two years in a priority sector.
• You have a four-year bachelor's degree plus at least three years of relevant full-time work after it. There are two other degree combinations: check the official page.
• You meet the English level: IELTS Academic 6.5 (no band below 6.0), TOEFL iBT 84 or PTE Academic 58.

1. 1

   Check your eligibility

   Read the official Australia Awards Nepal page and match your degree, work history and English score to the rules.

2. 2

   Choose your course

   Find courses on the official course register and check that they accept international students for your intake year.

3. 3

   Prepare your documents

   You will need a notarised passport, degree certificates, transcripts, English test results, two referee reports, a Development Impact and Linkages Plan and a CV.

4. 4

   Apply online before the deadline

   Applications go through the OASIS system only. The 2027 intake closed on 30 April 2026. Follow the Australia Awards Nepal page for the next intake.

After you finish, you must leave Australia for at least two years.

Research and university scholarships

• Research Training Program (RTP): supports international and domestic students in research doctorates and research master's degrees. You apply directly to a participating university.
• University scholarships: universities and other providers offer awards, usually based on academic merit. Use the Study Australia course search to find the ones you may qualify for, then check each provider's page for deadlines.
• Regional awards: some universities in smaller cities and some state and territory governments run their own schemes.

Scholarships and your visa

A scholarship does not replace the Student visa. You still apply, hold a Confirmation of Enrolment and show you meet the visa rules. Some scholarship students can also include family: see our family guide.

Official sources

• Australia Awards Nepal: how to apply, 2027 intake
• Study Australia: scholarships