Quick Answer: Robert Gordon University offers multiple scholarships for Nepali students in 2026, including the International Excellence Scholarship (up to £8,000), Merit-Based Awards (£2,000-£5,000), and subject-specific scholarships for engineering and business programs. Applications typically open in January 2026 with deadlines in May-June for September intake.

Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Aberdeen, Scotland, stands as one of the UK's most industry-focused universities, ranked #801-1000 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026. For Nepali students seeking quality education with strong career prospects, RGU offers substantial scholarship opportunities that can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying abroad.

This comprehensive guide explores all available Robert Gordon University scholarships specifically accessible to Nepali students, including application processes, eligibility criteria, and strategic tips to maximize your chances of securing funding for your UK education journey.

Understanding Robert Gordon University's Appeal for Nepali Students

Robert Gordon University has established itself as a premier destination for international students, particularly those from Nepal. The university's strong industry connections, especially in engineering, business, and health sciences, align perfectly with Nepal's growing demand for skilled professionals in these sectors.

RGU's Aberdeen location offers a unique advantage with lower living costs compared to major UK cities like London or Edinburgh. The average monthly living expenses for Nepali students at RGU range from £800-£1,200, making it more affordable than many other UK destinations. The university's 94% graduate employment rate within six months demonstrates its strong industry partnerships and career-focused approach.

Available Robert Gordon University Scholarships for Nepali Students 2026

International Excellence Scholarship

The flagship scholarship program at RGU, the International Excellence Scholarship, offers the most substantial financial support for high-achieving Nepali students. This merit-based scholarship provides up to £8,000 per year for undergraduate programs and up to £6,000 per year for postgraduate courses.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Academic achievement of 80% or above in previous studies
• Full-time enrollment in any RGU degree program
• International student status (including Nepali nationals)
• Demonstrated leadership or extracurricular involvement

Application Process:

• Automatic consideration upon admission application
• No separate scholarship application required
• Awards announced with admission decisions
• Renewable annually based on academic performance

Merit-Based Regional Scholarships

Specifically designed for South Asian students, including those from Nepal, these scholarships range from £2,000 to £5,000 depending on academic achievement and program selection.

Available Amounts:

• Undergraduate programs: £2,000-£4,000 per year
• Postgraduate programs: £3,000-£5,000 per year
• PhD programs: £2,000-£3,000 per year plus potential research funding

Subject-Specific Scholarships

Engineering and Technology Scholarships

RGU's School of Engineering offers dedicated scholarships for Nepali students pursuing engineering degrees, recognizing Nepal's infrastructure development needs.

• Amount: £3,000-£6,000 per year
• Programs covered: Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering
• Special consideration: Students with relevant work experience in Nepal's engineering sector

Business School Scholarships

The Aberdeen Business School provides scholarships specifically for international students from developing economies, including Nepal.

• MBA Scholarship: Up to £10,000 for exceptional candidates
• Undergraduate Business Scholarships: £2,500-£4,000 per year
• Postgraduate Business Scholarships: £3,000-£5,000 per year

Early Application Scholarships

Nepali students who submit complete applications by March 31, 2026, for September 2026 intake are eligible for additional early application scholarships worth £1,500-£2,500.

Application Timeline and Deadlines for 2026 Intake

January 2026: Scholarship applications open alongside university admissions March 31, 2026: Early application deadline for additional scholarship consideration May 15, 2026: Priority deadline for International Excellence Scholarships June 30, 2026: Final deadline for most scholarship applications July-August 2026: Scholarship decisions announced September 2026: Academic year begins

Eligibility Criteria Specific to Nepali Students

Academic Requirements

• Undergraduate: Minimum 70% in Higher Secondary Education Certificate (HSEC) or A-levels
• Postgraduate: Minimum 65% in bachelor's degree from recognized Nepali universities
• PhD: Master's degree with minimum 70% or equivalent research experience

English Language Requirements

• IELTS: Overall 6.0 (no band below 5.5) for undergraduate, 6.5 (no band below 6.0) for postgraduate
• TOEFL iBT: 78+ for undergraduate, 90+ for postgraduate
• PTE Academic: 59+ for undergraduate, 65+ for postgraduate

Additional Requirements

• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
• Financial evidence demonstrating ability to cover remaining costs
• Statement of purpose highlighting career goals and connection to Nepal's development
• Two academic or professional references

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Step 1: Research and Program Selection

Begin by researching RGU programs that align with your career goals and Nepal's job market demands. Popular choices among Nepali students include Engineering, Business Administration, Computer Science, and Health Sciences. You can explore UK universities to compare RGU with other institutions and make an informed decision.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

• Academic transcripts translated and certified
• English language test certificates
• Personal statement (500-1000 words)
• CV highlighting academic and professional achievements
• Letters of recommendation
• Portfolio (for relevant programs like Architecture or Design)

Step 3: Submit University Application

Apply through UCAS for undergraduate programs or directly through RGU's online portal for postgraduate programs. Ensure all sections are completed accurately, as scholarship consideration is often automatic based on your admission application.

Step 4: Scholarship-Specific Requirements

For certain scholarships, additional essays or interviews may be required. Prepare thoughtful responses that demonstrate your potential contribution to RGU and your plans for applying your education in Nepal's development.

Step 5: Follow Up and Communication

Maintain regular communication with the admissions office and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.

Living Costs and Financial Planning for Nepali Students

Understanding the complete financial picture helps Nepali students and families plan effectively for UK education.

Annual Costs Breakdown:

• Tuition fees: £14,500-£18,500 (varies by program)
• Accommodation: £4,800-£7,200 per year
• Food and groceries: £2,400-£3,600 per year
• Transportation: £600-£1,200 per year
• Books and supplies: £500-£800 per year
• Personal expenses: £1,200-£2,000 per year

Total Annual Cost: £23,000-£33,000 before scholarships

With maximum scholarship support, Nepali students can reduce this to £15,000-£25,000 per year, making RGU education significantly more accessible.

Tips for Strengthening Your Scholarship Application

Academic Excellence

Maintain high grades throughout your current studies. RGU scholarships heavily weight academic performance, so consistent excellence in your Nepali educational institution is crucial.

Extracurricular Involvement

Demonstrate leadership through participation in student organizations, community service, or relevant professional activities in Nepal. Highlight experiences that show your commitment to Nepal's development.

Research and Career Goals Alignment

Clearly articulate how your chosen program at RGU aligns with Nepal's development priorities and your long-term career goals. Scholarship committees value applicants who show potential for positive impact.

Early Preparation

Start your application process at least 12-18 months before your intended start date. This allows time for document preparation, English language test completion, and thorough application review.

Alternative Funding Sources

While RGU scholarships provide substantial support, Nepali students should also explore additional funding options:

• Chevening Scholarships: Full UK government scholarships for postgraduate study
• Commonwealth Scholarships: Available for specific programs and research areas
• Private Foundation Scholarships: Various UK-based foundations offer support for South Asian students
• Education Loans: Several Nepali banks offer education loans for UK study

Post-Graduation Opportunities and Return on Investment

RGU's strong industry connections provide excellent career prospects for Nepali graduates. The university's Graduate Route visa allows international students to work in the UK for 2-3 years after graduation, providing valuable experience and potential pathways to permanent residency.

For those returning to Nepal, RGU graduates are highly valued by multinational companies, international NGOs, and government organizations. The average salary premium for UK-educated professionals in Nepal is 40-60% compared to locally educated counterparts.

Robert Gordon University scholarships represent an exceptional opportunity for ambitious Nepali students to access world-class education while minimizing financial burden. With careful planning, strong applications, and strategic use of available funding sources, your dream of studying at RGU can become an achievable reality that transforms both your career prospects and potential contribution to Nepal's development.

Key Statistics

📊 Robert Gordon University offers scholarships worth up to £8,000 annually for Nepali students in 2026

🎓 94% of RGU graduates find employment within 6 months of graduation

💰 Average annual living costs in Aberdeen range from £9,600-£14,400, lower than London or Edinburgh

📈 UK-educated professionals in Nepal earn 40-60% higher salaries than locally educated counterparts

🌍 RGU ranks #801-1000 globally in QS World University Rankings 2026

📚 Over 15 different scholarship schemes available specifically for international students from South Asia

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for Robert Gordon University scholarships as a Nepali student?

Most RGU scholarships for Nepali students are automatically considered when you apply for admission - no separate application is required. You apply through UCAS for undergraduate programs or directly through RGU's portal for postgraduate programs. The university evaluates your academic achievements, personal statement, and supporting documents to determine scholarship eligibility. Some specialized scholarships may require additional essays or interviews, which will be communicated after your initial application submission.

What is the minimum academic requirement for RGU scholarships for Nepali students?

The minimum academic requirements vary by scholarship level. For undergraduate scholarships, you need at least 70% in your Higher Secondary Education Certificate (HSEC) or A-levels, while the International Excellence Scholarship requires 80% or above. For postgraduate scholarships, you need a minimum 65% in your bachelor's degree from a recognized Nepali university, with top-tier scholarships requiring 75% or higher. PhD scholarships typically require a master's degree with minimum 70% or equivalent research experience.

How much can I save with Robert Gordon University scholarships?

Nepali students can save significantly with RGU scholarships. The International Excellence Scholarship alone provides up to £8,000 annually, which covers approximately 40-50% of tuition fees. Combined with other available scholarships, students can potentially reduce their total educational costs by £3,000-£10,000 per year. Over a 3-year undergraduate program, this could result in total savings of £9,000-£30,000, making UK education much more affordable for Nepali families.

When do Robert Gordon University scholarship applications open for Nepali students in 2026?

RGU scholarship applications open in January 2026 alongside university admissions for the September 2026 intake. The early application deadline for additional scholarship consideration is March 31, 2026, followed by the priority deadline for International Excellence Scholarships on May 15, 2026. The final deadline for most scholarship applications is June 30, 2026. Scholarship decisions are typically announced in July-August 2026, giving students time to arrange finances before the September term begins.

What English language requirements do I need for RGU scholarships?

English language requirements for RGU scholarships align with university admission standards. For undergraduate programs, you need IELTS overall 6.0 with no band below 5.5, TOEFL iBT 78+, or PTE Academic 59+. Postgraduate programs require IELTS overall 6.5 with no band below 6.0, TOEFL iBT 90+, or PTE Academic 65+. Meeting these requirements is essential for both admission and scholarship consideration, as language proficiency demonstrates your ability to succeed academically.

Are Robert Gordon University scholarships renewable for Nepali students?

Yes, most RGU scholarships for Nepali students are renewable annually, but this depends on maintaining satisfactory academic performance. The International Excellence Scholarship and Merit-Based Regional Scholarships are typically renewable throughout your program duration, provided you maintain the required GPA (usually 60% or above). Subject-specific scholarships may have additional requirements related to your field of study. Scholarship renewal is reviewed at the end of each academic year, and recipients are notified of their status for the following year.

Key Takeaways

✅ Robert Gordon University offers up to £8,000 annually through the International Excellence Scholarship for high-achieving Nepali students

✅ Multiple scholarship options are available including merit-based, subject-specific, and early application awards worth £1,500-£10,000

✅ Most scholarships require no separate application - automatic consideration based on admission application with 70-80% minimum academic achievement

✅ Application timeline for 2026 runs from January through June, with early application deadline of March 31 providing additional funding opportunities

✅ Combined with lower living costs in Aberdeen, scholarships can reduce total annual expenses to £15,000-£25,000 for Nepali students

✅ RGU's 94% graduate employment rate and strong industry connections provide excellent career prospects for Nepali graduates