Quick Answer: University of Central Lancashire offers multiple scholarships for Nepali students in 2026, including the International Excellence Scholarship (£2,000-£5,000), Nepal Merit Award (£1,500), and subject-specific funding up to £3,000. Applications typically open in February 2026 with deadlines in June-July, requiring academic transcripts, personal statements, and IELTS 6.0+ scores.

Why UCLan is Perfect for Nepali Students

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has become increasingly popular among Nepali students, ranking 801-1000 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Located in Preston, England, UCLan offers a diverse international community with over 38,000 students from 100+ countries, making it an ideal environment for Nepali students to thrive academically and culturally.

With strong industry connections and a 94% graduate employability rate, UCLan provides excellent career prospects for Nepali graduates. The university's commitment to supporting international students through comprehensive scholarship programs makes it an attractive and affordable option for pursuing higher education in the UK.

UCLan Scholarship Opportunities for Nepali Students 2026

International Excellence Scholarship

The flagship scholarship program at UCLan offers substantial financial support to outstanding international students, including those from Nepal. This merit-based scholarship provides:

• Award Amount: £2,000 to £5,000 per year
• Duration: Throughout the degree program
• Eligibility: Academic excellence with equivalent of UK 2:1 degree or above
• Application: Automatic consideration upon admission application

Nepal Merit Award

Specifically designed for students from Nepal, this targeted scholarship recognizes academic achievement and potential:

• Award Amount: £1,500 per year
• Coverage: Tuition fee reduction for undergraduate and postgraduate programs
• Eligibility: Minimum 65% in Class 12 (undergraduate) or 60% in Bachelor's (postgraduate)
• Application Deadline: July 31, 2026

Subject-Specific Scholarships

UCLan offers specialized scholarships across various disciplines popular among Nepali students:

Engineering and Technology Scholarship

• Award: Up to £3,000
• Programs: Computer Science, Engineering, Built Environment
• Requirements: Strong mathematical background and relevant work experience

Business School Excellence Award

• Award: £2,500
• Programs: MBA, MSc Business Administration, International Business
• Requirements: Professional experience and GMAT/GRE scores (where applicable)

Health and Medicine Scholarship

• Award: £2,000
• Programs: Nursing, Pharmacy, Medicine, Public Health
• Requirements: Relevant academic background and commitment to healthcare

Application Process and Requirements

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Submit University Application (January-May 2026)

   • Complete UCAS application for undergraduate programs
   • Direct application for postgraduate programs through UCLan website
   • Include all required academic documents

2. Scholarship Application Submission (March-July 2026)

   • Complete online scholarship application form
   • Submit personal statement (500-750 words)
   • Provide academic transcripts and certificates
   • Include English proficiency test results

3. Document Verification (Within 2 weeks)

   • Ensure all documents are officially translated into English
   • Provide attested copies from recognized authorities in Nepal

4. Selection and Notification (August-September 2026)

   • Scholarship committee reviews applications
   • Successful candidates notified via email
   • Award letters issued with enrollment instructions

Essential Documents for Nepali Students

• Academic Transcripts: Plus Two certificate, Bachelor's degree (for postgraduate)
• English Proficiency: IELTS 6.0 overall (5.5 in each component) or equivalent
• Personal Statement: Highlighting career goals and motivation
• Letters of Recommendation: From academic or professional references
• Financial Documents: Bank statements or sponsor letters
• Passport Copy: Valid for entire study duration

Financial Planning Beyond Scholarships

Cost Breakdown for Nepali Students (2026)

Tuition Fees:

• Undergraduate: £14,500-£16,500 per year
• Postgraduate: £15,500-£18,000 per year
• Medicine/Dentistry: £38,000 per year

Living Expenses in Preston:

• Accommodation: £4,000-£7,000 per year
• Food and groceries: £2,500-£3,500 per year
• Transportation: £600-£1,000 per year
• Personal expenses: £1,500-£2,500 per year

Total Annual Cost: £23,100-£32,000 (depending on program and lifestyle)

With scholarships, Nepali students can reduce their financial burden by £1,500-£5,000 annually, making UCLan education significantly more affordable.

Additional Funding Sources

• Part-time Work: Up to 20 hours per week during studies
• UCLan Hardship Fund: Emergency financial support for struggling students
• External Scholarships: British Council, Chevening (for postgraduate students)
• Family Sponsorship: Common among Nepali students with relatives in UK

Student Life and Support Services

Nepali Student Community at UCLan

UCLan hosts an active Nepali Student Association with over 200 members, organizing cultural events, festivals, and academic support sessions. The university's International Student Support team provides dedicated assistance for visa applications, accommodation, and academic guidance.

Career Support and Internship Opportunities

The Careers and Employability Service offers specialized support for international students, including:

• CV writing workshops tailored for UK job market
• Interview preparation sessions
• Networking events with local employers
• Graduate visa guidance for post-study work opportunities

Many Nepali graduates have secured positions with major UK companies including Tesco, NHS, Jaguar Land Rover, and various engineering consultancies.

When considering your options for higher education in the UK, it's beneficial to explore UK universities and compare their offerings, scholarship opportunities, and support services to make an informed decision that aligns with your academic and career goals.

Tips for Successful Scholarship Applications

Crafting a Winning Personal Statement

1. Start with Impact: Begin with a compelling opening that highlights your motivation
2. Show Nepal Connection: Demonstrate how your education will benefit Nepal's development
3. Academic Excellence: Highlight specific achievements and academic projects
4. Future Goals: Clearly articulate career aspirations and how UCLan fits your plans
5. Cultural Contribution: Mention how you'll contribute to UCLan's diverse community

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Late Applications: Missing deadlines significantly reduces chances
• Generic Statements: Avoid copy-pasting personal statements
• Incomplete Documentation: Ensure all required documents are submitted
• Unrealistic Financial Planning: Demonstrate genuine ability to fund remaining costs
• Poor English Proficiency: Meet minimum IELTS requirements before applying

Conclusion

UCLan's comprehensive scholarship program offers excellent opportunities for Nepali students to pursue quality higher education in the UK at reduced costs. With proper planning, strong academic credentials, and compelling applications, Nepali students can significantly reduce their financial burden while gaining access to world-class education and career opportunities.

Key Statistics

📊 UCLan ranks 801-1000 globally in QS World University Rankings 2026 with 38,000+ students from 100+ countries

💰 International Excellence Scholarship offers £2,000-£5,000 annually, potentially saving students up to £20,000 over a 4-year degree

🎓 94% graduate employability rate at UCLan, with strong career prospects for Nepali students in UK job market

📈 Over 200 Nepali students currently enrolled at UCLan as of 2026, forming an active cultural community

⏰ Scholarship applications open February 2026 with final deadline July 31, 2026 for Nepal-specific awards

🏠 Preston living costs average £8,600-£14,000 annually, significantly lower than London or other major UK cities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for UCLan scholarships as a Nepali student?

First, submit your university application through UCAS (undergraduate) or directly to UCLan (postgraduate). Then complete the online scholarship application form on UCLan's website, submitting your personal statement, academic transcripts, English proficiency scores (IELTS 6.0+), and recommendation letters. Applications typically open in February 2026 with deadlines between June-July 2026. Some scholarships like the International Excellence are automatically considered upon admission.

What is the Nepal Merit Award and who is eligible?

The Nepal Merit Award is a scholarship specifically designed for students from Nepal, offering £1,500 per year towards tuition fees. To be eligible, undergraduate applicants need minimum 65% in Class 12 examinations, while postgraduate applicants require 60% in their Bachelor's degree. The scholarship is renewable annually based on academic performance and applies to both undergraduate and postgraduate programs across all faculties.

How much money can I save with UCLan scholarships?

Nepali students can save between £1,500-£5,000 annually through UCLan scholarships. The International Excellence Scholarship offers the highest savings at £2,000-£5,000 per year, while the Nepal Merit Award provides £1,500 annually. Subject-specific scholarships range from £2,000-£3,000. Over a typical 3-year degree, students could save £4,500-£15,000 in total, significantly reducing the financial burden of UK education.

What are the English language requirements for UCLan scholarships?

UCLan requires IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening) for most programs. Some competitive programs like Medicine may require IELTS 7.0+. Alternative qualifications include TOEFL iBT 80+, PTE Academic 51+, or UCLan's own English language test. Students can also complete pre-sessional English courses if they're slightly below requirements, but scholarship eligibility may require meeting minimum standards upfront.

Can I combine multiple scholarships at UCLan?

Generally, UCLan doesn't allow combining their internal scholarships - you'll receive the highest value award you're eligible for. However, you can combine UCLan scholarships with external funding like British Council scholarships, family sponsorship, or government grants from Nepal. The university's Financial Support team can advise on maximizing your funding package and may consider exceptional circumstances for additional hardship support.

What happens if I don't maintain my grades after receiving a UCLan scholarship?

UCLan scholarships are typically renewable annually based on satisfactory academic progress, usually requiring a minimum 2:2 (50%) or equivalent. If your grades fall below requirements, you'll receive an academic warning and support to improve performance. Continued poor performance may result in scholarship withdrawal, but the university provides academic support services, tutoring, and study skills workshops to help students maintain their awards. International Student Support offers additional guidance for students facing academic challenges.

Key Takeaways

✅ UCLan offers multiple scholarships for Nepali students worth £1,500-£5,000 annually, with applications opening February 2026

✅ The International Excellence Scholarship provides automatic consideration for high-achieving students with 2:1 equivalent grades

✅ Nepal-specific Merit Award offers £1,500/year for students with 65%+ in Class 12 or 60%+ in Bachelor's degree

✅ Total study costs range £23,100-£32,000 annually, but scholarships can reduce this burden by up to £5,000 per year

✅ Strong Nepali student community of 200+ members and 94% graduate employability rate ensure excellent support and career prospects

✅ Application deadlines fall between June-July 2026, requiring IELTS 6.0+, academic transcripts, and compelling personal statements