How to Get a Scholarship in the USA From Nepal
Seeking scholarships is key for Nepali students to unlock the benefits of studying in USA, offset the high costs, and make their academic ambitions financially viable. With robust research, outreach, and guidance, these scholarships are within reach.
Here are 7 steps on how Nepali students can get a scholarship in USA from Nepal.
1. Research
- It is a good idea to research to identify the potential scholarships that are available for Nepali students who want to study in the US. It is important to note that while some scholarships might be exclusively for Nepali students, many scholarships fall under the region commonly South Asia or Asia. There are various ways how one can research those scholarships which generally fall under the following category:
- Online search: Search Engines such as Google, and Bing can help a lot to find country or region-specific scholarships to study in the US. The right combination of keywords in the search box often gives desired results.
- Education websites: The scholarship information is often provided by Education USA (https://educationusa.state.gov/find-financial-aid) and the United States Educational Foundation in Nepal (https://usefnepal.org/education-usa/). Navigating through these websites can help to find the right scholarship for Nepalese students.
- Government resources: Certain scholarships are allocated by the Nepalese Government to study in the United States. Contacting the Education Department of Nepal at the central or provincial level can help to discover the available scholarships to study in the US.
- US Embassy: The information regarding scholarships is found in the US Embassy in Kathmandu which gives details on exchange programs or grants available for Nepali students.
- University website: Exploring the individual university website helps to find the available scholarships for international students, including those from Nepal.
- Social media: Prospective Nepali applicants can join the online Nepali students’ communities currently studying in the US to get more information and tips on scholarship opportunities.
- Alumni networks: Connecting with Nepali students or alumni associations who have already studied in the US can provide better guidance on available scholarships.
Also read; USA Study Guide for Nepalese Students
2. Eligibility
It is important to check the eligibility criteria that an applicant needs to meet to apply for the researched scholarships. The criteria generally include academic excellence, standardized tests, extracurricular activities, English proficiency tests, aptitude tests or any specific criteria such as a particular field of study or any demographic criteria (e.g. gender, ethnicity, region)
Also read; Why study MBA in the USA? Uncover the Top 7 Reasons
3. Prepare documents
The documents needed to apply for the scholarship vary greatly. Typically, an applicant should prepare academic transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation from teachers or supervisors highlighting the student’s character, a personal statement or essay, and additional documents like a resume, and certificate of participation.
4. Prepare a strong application
Crafting a compelling scholarship application is key for Nepali students to stand out. Telling personal stories and highlighting unique backgrounds, gathering needed documents and confirmations early, and drafting strong essays tailored to prompt questions, are some top tips to showcase merit and get selected by scholarship committees.
Also read; Study in the USA From Nepal – List of Requirements
5. Apply early
Most of the scholarships have a deadline. So, it is essential to have all the documents ready before the deadline and submit applications well before the deadlines.
Also read; Top Universities in the USA for International Students
6. Interview
Most of the competitive scholarships are awarded based on the interviews carried out by a panel of experts. So, to be a strong candidate, prepare according to the interview schedule and format notified earlier to the candidates and prepare accordingly.
Also read; Studying in USA after 12th Grade
7. Follow-Up
Once the entire process of the scholarship application is completed, still the applicants need to stay updated on the application status and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
Conclusion: How to get scholarship in the USA from Nepal
Despite the high costs of the US studies, scholarships for ambitious Nepali students are within reach. Extensive scholarship research, direct university outreach, and strategic application guidance from experts help to make ambitions a reality.