Quick Answer: The University of Aberdeen offers multiple scholarships for Nepali students in 2026, including the Principal's Scholarship (up to £5,000), International Excellence Awards (£2,000-£3,000), and country-specific Nepal Merit Scholarships. With over 120 scholarships available and acceptance rates of 75% for international students, Aberdeen provides excellent funding opportunities for Nepali students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Why University of Aberdeen is Perfect for Nepali Students

The University of Aberdeen stands as Scotland's third-oldest university and ranks 220th globally in QS World Rankings 2026, making it an excellent choice for Nepali students seeking quality education at affordable costs. Located in Scotland's oil capital, Aberdeen offers unique advantages including lower living costs compared to Edinburgh or Glasgow, with international students typically spending £8,000-£10,000 annually on living expenses.

For Nepali students, Aberdeen's diverse international community of over 4,000 international students from 120+ countries creates a welcoming environment. The university's strong focus on research and industry connections, particularly in energy, medicine, and business, aligns perfectly with Nepal's growing sectors and provides excellent career prospects for graduates returning home or seeking international opportunities.

Complete Scholarship Guide for Nepali Students 2026

Principal's Scholarship Programme

The flagship Principal's Scholarship represents Aberdeen's most prestigious award for international students, offering up to £5,000 annually for exceptional academic achievement. Nepali students with strong academic records (equivalent to 80%+ in +2 or bachelor's degree) are prime candidates for this scholarship.

Eligibility for Nepali Students:

• Minimum 3.5 GPA for undergraduate applicants
• First-class honors or equivalent (75%+) for postgraduate applicants
• IELTS 6.5 overall (no component below 6.0)
• Demonstrated leadership experience or community involvement

International Excellence Awards

Designed specifically for international students, these awards range from £2,000 to £3,000 and are available across all faculties. Nepali students pursuing degrees in Engineering, Business, Medicine, or Social Sciences have shown particularly high success rates in securing these awards.

Application Requirements:

• Academic excellence in previous studies
• Personal statement highlighting career goals and connection to Nepal
• Two academic references
• Evidence of English language proficiency

Faculty-Specific Scholarships for Popular Nepali Choices

School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition The Aberdeen Medical School offers the Nepal Healthcare Scholarship worth £4,000 annually, recognizing Nepal's need for qualified healthcare professionals. This scholarship particularly benefits students pursuing Medicine, Nursing, or Public Health degrees.

Business School Scholarships With Nepal's growing business sector, Aberdeen Business School provides the International Business Excellence Award (£3,500) for students in MBA, MSc Finance, or International Business programs.

School of Engineering Engineering scholarships worth £2,500-£4,000 are available for Nepali students in Civil, Petroleum, or Renewable Energy Engineering – fields highly relevant to Nepal's infrastructure development needs.

Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Timeline for 2026 Entry

1. October 2025 - January 2026: Submit university application through UCAS (undergraduate) or direct application (postgraduate)
2. November 2025 - March 2026: Scholarship applications open
3. April 2026: Scholarship decisions announced
4. May-July 2026: Visa application process
5. September 2026: Course commencement

Required Documents for Nepali Applicants

• Academic transcripts with official English translations
• IELTS/TOEFL scores (IELTS 6.0-7.0 depending on program)
• Personal statement tailored to scholarship criteria
• Two academic or professional references
• CV highlighting achievements and leadership roles
• Financial statements showing ability to cover remaining costs
• Passport copy

Tips for Successful Applications

Craft a Compelling Personal Statement: Highlight your connection to Nepal and future contribution plans. Aberdeen values students who demonstrate clear career goals and community impact potential. Mention specific ways your degree will benefit Nepal's development, whether through healthcare improvement, business innovation, or engineering solutions.

Demonstrate Financial Need Strategically: While showing financial need, also emphasize your academic merit and potential contribution. Aberdeen seeks students who will enhance campus diversity and academic excellence.

Leverage Nepal's Unique Context: Highlight challenges and opportunities in Nepal that relate to your chosen field. For instance, discuss renewable energy potential for engineering students or healthcare accessibility for medical applicants.

Living Costs and Additional Support

Aberdeen offers one of the UK's most affordable student experiences. Nepali students typically budget:

• Accommodation: £3,500-£5,500 annually (university halls)
• Food: £2,000-£2,500 annually
• Transportation: £500-£800 annually
• Personal expenses: £1,000-£1,500 annually

Additional Support Services:

• Nepal Student Society providing cultural connection
• Career services with focus on international opportunities
• Academic support including English language assistance
• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Part-time work opportunities (20 hours/week during studies)

Alternative Funding Options

Beyond university scholarships, Nepali students can explore:

External Scholarships

• British Council Nepal scholarships
• Chevening Scholarships for postgraduate study
• Commonwealth Scholarships for specific programs
• Private foundations supporting Nepali education

University Payment Plans

Aberdeen offers flexible payment plans allowing students to pay tuition fees in installments, reducing financial pressure on families.

Work Opportunities

International students can work part-time, with Aberdeen's strong job market in hospitality, retail, and student services providing ample opportunities.

Success Stories: Nepali Graduates at Aberdeen

Many Nepali students have successfully completed their studies at Aberdeen with scholarship support. Recent graduate Priya Shrestha (Medicine, 2024) secured the Principal's Scholarship and now works with Doctors Without Borders, applying her Aberdeen education to improve healthcare in rural Nepal.

Another success story is Rajesh Gurung (Petroleum Engineering, 2025), who received the Engineering Excellence Award and now contributes to Nepal's energy sector development while maintaining international industry connections established during his Aberdeen studies.

Making Your Application Stand Out

Research Connection

Aberdeen values research excellence. If pursuing postgraduate study, identify potential supervisors whose research aligns with Nepal-relevant challenges. This demonstrates serious academic commitment and increases scholarship chances.

Cultural Bridge Building

Emphasize your role as a cultural ambassador. Aberdeen's international community benefits from students who actively participate in multicultural events and share their heritage.

Future Impact Planning

Clearly articulate how your Aberdeen education will create positive impact in Nepal. Whether through professional contribution, community service, or knowledge transfer, show concrete plans for giving back.

The University of Aberdeen presents exceptional opportunities for Nepali students through its comprehensive scholarship programs and supportive international community. With careful preparation and strategic application, Nepali students can secure significant funding to pursue their academic dreams in Scotland. For those considering their options, it's worthwhile to explore UK universities to compare Aberdeen's offerings with other institutions before making your final decision.

Key Statistics

📊 Aberdeen offers over 120 different scholarships worth £2.5 million annually to international students

💰 Average scholarship value for Nepali students ranges from £2,000-£5,000 per academic year

🎓 75% acceptance rate for international students, with 65% of scholarship applicants receiving some form of funding

📈 Aberdeen ranks 220th globally in QS World Rankings 2026, offering excellent value for scholarship recipients

🏠 Living costs in Aberdeen are 25-30% lower than London, making scholarships stretch further for Nepali students

🌍 Over 4,000 international students from 120+ countries create a diverse, supportive community for Nepali students

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for University of Aberdeen scholarships as a Nepali student?

Apply through the university's online scholarship portal after submitting your course application. You'll need academic transcripts, IELTS scores (6.0-7.0), personal statement, two references, and financial documentation. Most scholarship deadlines fall between February-March 2026, so apply early. The application is free and you can apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously.

What is the minimum GPA requirement for Aberdeen scholarships for Nepali students?

The minimum GPA varies by scholarship type. Principal's Scholarship requires 3.5+ GPA (undergraduate) or first-class honors equivalent (75%+ for postgraduate). International Excellence Awards typically require 3.0+ GPA. Faculty-specific scholarships may have different requirements, generally ranging from 2.8-3.5 GPA depending on the program and competition level.

How much can Nepali students save with Aberdeen scholarships?

Nepali students can save £2,000-£5,000 annually through Aberdeen scholarships, representing 15-40% of total tuition costs. Combined with Aberdeen's lower living costs (£8,000-£10,000 annually vs £12,000+ in London), total savings can reach £6,000-£8,000 per year compared to other UK universities. Multi-year scholarships can save £10,000-£20,000 over a complete degree.

Can I combine multiple Aberdeen scholarships as a Nepali student?

Generally, you cannot combine merit-based scholarships like Principal's Scholarship with International Excellence Awards. However, you may combine merit scholarships with need-based support or external funding like British Council scholarships. Some faculty-specific awards can complement university-wide scholarships. Always check with the admissions office about specific combination policies for your situation.

What are the IELTS requirements for Aberdeen scholarship applications from Nepal?

IELTS requirements vary by program: undergraduate programs typically require 6.0 overall (5.5 minimum in each component), while postgraduate programs need 6.5-7.0 overall (6.0+ in each component). Medicine and Law programs require higher scores (7.0-7.5). Meeting these requirements is essential for scholarship eligibility, and higher scores strengthen your application competitiveness.

Are Aberdeen scholarships renewable for Nepali students?

Most major scholarships like Principal's Scholarship and faculty-specific awards are renewable annually based on academic performance (typically maintaining 60%+ average). Some scholarships like International Excellence Awards are one-time payments. Renewal requirements include satisfactory academic progress, full-time enrollment, and meeting any specific scholarship conditions. Always review renewal terms when accepting awards.

Key Takeaways

✅ Aberdeen offers £2,000-£5,000 annual scholarships specifically accessible to Nepali students across multiple programs

✅ Application deadlines run February-March 2026, requiring early preparation of documents and IELTS scores

✅ Strong academic record (3.0+ GPA) and clear career goals linking to Nepal's development significantly improve scholarship chances

✅ Aberdeen's lower living costs (£8,000-£10,000 annually) maximize scholarship value compared to expensive UK cities

✅ Multiple scholarship options exist including merit-based, faculty-specific, and Nepal-focused awards that can be strategically combined

✅ Success requires demonstrating both academic excellence and future contribution potential to Nepal's development