Kathmandu University Scholarship

Overview

Kathmandu University (KU), Nepal's leading private research university, runs a scholarship programme that combines merit-based and need-based elements across all its schools — Engineering, Science, Management, Education, Arts, and Medical Sciences. Rather than a single scholarship scheme, KU operates 16 distinct scholarship types aligned to each school and degree level. The unifying principle is that approximately one full-fee-equivalent waiver is available for every 30 fee-paying students, with additional partial waivers and educational loan provisions layered alongside.

KU is located in Dhulikhel, about 30 kilometres east of Kathmandu, and is known for its close ties with Heidelberg University, Colorado State University, and other international partners. Its programmes attract students from Nepal and a growing number of international students from neighbouring South Asian countries. The scholarship framework applies to enrolled students; you apply through the admission process, and awards are made before each programme begins or each semester, depending on the school.

For international students, the scholarship is significant because KU's international fee tiers are higher than domestic rates, meaning that even a partial waiver translates to real savings. Graduate assistantships are also available at the master's and doctoral level, providing additional support in the form of research or teaching responsibilities alongside a fee reduction. If you're considering doctoral or master's study in Nepal in engineering, science, or education, KU's assistantship-linked scholarships can make the programme financially viable.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

You must be enrolled in a KU degree programme and meet the school-specific academic standards for scholarship consideration. For most schools, a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required to retain a scholarship across academic years. MBA scholarship recipients need a minimum CGPA of 3.3. Admission to KU itself requires a competitive entrance process, and scholarship assessment is separate from admission.

Need and Merit Components

KU scholarship awards are based on a combination of merit (GPA-ranked performance among enrolled students) and financial need. The School of Science and Engineering, for instance, awards one full/partial scholarship for every 30 fee-paying students, with the specific recipient selected by merit from among applicants. The KU Educational Loan — available separately — covers 25–50% of fees and requires a post-graduation service contract.

International Students

International students are eligible for scholarship waivers at KU. They pay higher fee tiers than domestic students, and waivers reduce those fees. There is no separate international-only scholarship track; international students compete within their school and programme for available awards.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships are available for M.Sc., M.Phil., and PhD students in applicable schools. An assistantship combines a fee waiver with research or teaching duties; the exact terms are set by the school and outlined at the time of offer.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Full tuition-fee waiver for the top merit-ranked recipient(s) in each school's scholarship pool
• Partial tuition-fee waiver for additional merit/need-based recipients within each school's allocation
• School of Education M.Ed. scholarships: NPR 15,000 per month for two years of the programme
• Graduate assistantships: tuition fee waiver combined with research or teaching duties
• KU Educational Loan: covers 25–50% of fees, repayable after graduation with a service contract

How to Apply

1. Apply for admission: Begin by applying to your chosen KU programme through the standard admissions process. Scholarship applications are distributed alongside admission forms.
2. Complete the scholarship section: When you receive your admission application form, request and complete the scholarship application component, including financial documentation and your academic record.
3. Submit supporting financial documents: Provide income and asset documentation for your household alongside the scholarship form to support any need-based component.
4. Attend the interview if called: KU conducts interviews for scholarship candidates during the admission period, focusing on your academic goals and financial situation.
5. Await the decision before admission: KU aims to communicate scholarship decisions before programme admission is confirmed, so you know your financial situation before committing to enrol.
6. For assistantships: Contact your school directly after admission to inquire about available graduate assistantship positions.
7. Maintain your GPA: To retain your award, maintain at least a 3.0 GPA (3.3 for MBA students) throughout your programme.

Required Documents

• Completed KU scholarship application form (obtained during the admissions process)
• Academic transcripts and certificates from all prior qualifications
• Valid national identity document or passport
• Household income documentation (salary slips, bank statements, tax evidence)
• Financial need statement where applicable
• Reference letters (typically two academic references)
• Research proposal or study plan (for PhD and M.Phil. applicants)

Key Dates & Deadlines

KU's scholarship awards are tied to each intake cycle. Applications are distributed with admission forms, and decisions are made before the start of the relevant semester or programme. KU typically runs intakes in January (spring) and July/August (autumn) for most programmes, with the main postgraduate intake in August. Medical and engineering programme intakes follow their own timetable. Check ku.edu.np for the current cycle's scholarship submission window.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• A strong academic record in your prior qualification matters most for merit-based waivers
• Honest and complete financial documentation supports any need-based component
• For PhD and master's students, contacting a potential supervisor before applying can open assistantship conversations
• Applying at the start of the intake window gives you more time to supply additional materials if requested

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming scholarship availability is guaranteed — the number of waivers is fixed and competition can be significant in popular programmes
• Not requesting the scholarship form during admission — forms are distributed during the admission period, not separately later
• Letting your GPA drop below 3.0 — this results in loss of the award
• Overlooking the KU Educational Loan as an alternative if you don't receive a full or partial scholarship waiver

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Kathmandu University Scholarship?

A merit- and need-based tuition-fee waiver programme at Kathmandu University in Nepal. The university operates 16 distinct scholarship types across its schools, with approximately one full-fee-equivalent waiver available per 30 fee-paying students, plus partial waivers, graduate assistantships, and educational loans.

Who is eligible for the Kathmandu University Scholarship?

Students enrolled in any KU programme, including international students. Awards are based on academic merit and in some cases financial need. You must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to retain your award.

Does the Kathmandu University Scholarship cover full tuition?

Full waivers are available but limited — roughly one per 30 fee-paying students in the School of Science and Engineering. Partial waivers are more widely available. Graduate assistantships may also cover tuition in exchange for research or teaching duties.

Are international students eligible for the Kathmandu University Scholarship?

Yes. International students pay higher fee tiers but are eligible to apply for and receive tuition waivers and assistantships within the same pool as domestic students at their school.

What documents do I need for the Kathmandu University Scholarship?

The KU scholarship form, academic transcripts, ID or passport, household income documentation, reference letters, and (for research degrees) a research proposal. Forms are distributed during the admissions process.

When do I apply for the Kathmandu University Scholarship?

At the same time as your admission application. Forms are distributed during the admission period, and decisions are communicated before programme start. Check ku.edu.np for current cycle dates.

What is the KU Educational Loan?

A separate funding instrument covering 25–50% of your tuition fees. It is repayable after graduation and includes a service contract requirement. It is an option if you don't receive a full or partial scholarship waiver.

What GPA do I need to maintain the Kathmandu University Scholarship?

A minimum of 3.0 CGPA for most programmes; 3.3 CGPA for MBA recipients. Awards are reviewed annually and can be withdrawn if your academic standing falls below the threshold.

Are there scholarships for PhD students at Kathmandu University?

Yes. Graduate assistantships combining fee waivers with research/teaching duties are available for PhD, M.Phil., and M.Sc. students in the Schools of Science and Engineering and Education. Contact your school directly for available positions.

How many scholarships does KU award?

The allocation formula is approximately one full-fee-equivalent waiver per 30 fee-paying students, though each school has its own quota. Competition is real, especially in popular engineering and computing programmes.