Quick Answer: University of Surrey offers multiple scholarships for Nepali students worth £4,000-£10,000+ including the International Excellence Scholarship, Chancellor's International Scholarship, and subject-specific awards. Applications typically open in January 2026 with deadlines between April-June 2026, requiring strong academic records (minimum 3.2 CGPA equivalent) and IELTS 6.5+ scores.

Introduction

The University of Surrey, ranked 36th in the UK by The Complete University Guide 2026, has become an increasingly popular destination for Nepali students seeking world-class education. Located in Guildford, just 35 minutes from London, Surrey offers excellent scholarship opportunities that can significantly reduce the financial burden for students from Nepal.

For Nepali students planning to study at Surrey in 2026-27, understanding the available scholarships, eligibility criteria, and application processes is crucial for securing funding that can cover substantial portions of tuition fees and living expenses.

University of Surrey Scholarships for Nepali Students 2026

International Excellence Scholarship

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

• Award Value: £4,000 per year for undergraduate programs, £5,000 per year for postgraduate programs
• Eligibility: Minimum 75% in +2/A-levels for UG, 65% in Bachelor's for PG
• Duration: Throughout the entire program duration
• Application: Automatic consideration upon admission application

Chancellor's International Scholarship

This prestigious scholarship recognizes exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential among international students:

• Award Value: £10,000 for the first year
• Eligibility: Top 5% of international applicants with demonstrated leadership experience
• Requirements: Personal statement highlighting community involvement and future goals
• Selection: Based on academic merit and extracurricular achievements

Faculty-Specific Scholarships

Engineering and Physical Sciences Scholarship

• £3,000 annual award for STEM programs
• Available for Nepali students in Computer Science, Engineering, and Mathematics
• Requires minimum 70% in relevant subjects

Business School Excellence Award

• £2,500 for MBA and MSc Business programs
• Targeted at students with professional experience
• Preference given to applicants with 2+ years work experience

Health Sciences Scholarship

• £4,000 for Nursing, Paramedic Science, and Health programs
• Available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students
• Requires demonstration of commitment to healthcare sector

Eligibility Criteria for Nepali Students

Academic Requirements

For Nepali students, the academic equivalencies are clearly defined:

Undergraduate Programs:

• Higher Secondary Education Certificate (10+2) with minimum 75% overall
• Science backgrounds: 80% in PCM/PCB for Engineering/Medical programs
• Business programs: 70% with strong English and Mathematics scores

Postgraduate Programs:

• Bachelor's degree from recognized Nepali university with minimum 65%
• Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu University, and Pokhara University graduates preferred
• CGPA conversion: Minimum 3.2/4.0 scale equivalent

English Language Proficiency

All Nepali applicants must demonstrate English proficiency:

• IELTS Academic: Minimum 6.5 overall, 6.0 in each component
• TOEFL iBT: Minimum 88 overall, 17 in each section
• PTE Academic: Minimum 62 overall, 59 in each component

Additional Requirements

• Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity
• Financial evidence showing ability to cover remaining costs
• Personal statement (500-1000 words)
• Two academic references
• Portfolio/work samples (for creative programs)

Application Process and Timeline 2026

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Phase 1: Preparation (November 2025 - January 2026)

1. Research programs and scholarship options
2. Prepare required documents and transcripts
3. Take IELTS/TOEFL if needed
4. Draft personal statements and essays

Phase 2: Application Submission (January - May 2026)

1. Submit university application through UCAS (UG) or direct application (PG)
2. Indicate scholarship interest in application form
3. Upload all supporting documents
4. Pay application fees (£25 UCAS, £40 direct applications)

Phase 3: Assessment and Decision (March - July 2026)

1. Applications reviewed by admissions committee
2. Scholarship decisions communicated with admission offers
3. Interview rounds for competitive scholarships (if required)

Key Deadlines 2026

• Early Applications: January 15, 2026 (recommended for maximum scholarship consideration)
• Standard Deadline: May 1, 2026 (undergraduate), June 30, 2026 (postgraduate)
• UCAS Deadline: January 25, 2026 (for undergraduate applications)
• Visa Application: Start immediately after receiving CAS (usually July-August 2026)

Living Costs and Additional Financial Support

Estimated Annual Costs for Nepali Students

Tuition Fees (2026-27):

• Undergraduate: £18,000-£24,000 per year
• Postgraduate: £19,000-£27,000 per year
• MBA: £28,000 for the full program

Living Expenses in Guildford:

• Accommodation: £8,000-£12,000 per year
• Food and groceries: £2,500-£3,500 per year
• Transportation: £800-£1,200 per year
• Personal expenses: £1,500-£2,500 per year

Part-time Work Opportunities

Nepali students on Tier 4/Student visas can work:

• Up to 20 hours per week during term time
• Full-time during holidays
• Average hourly wage: £8.50-£12.00
• On-campus jobs: Library assistant, student ambassador, research assistant

Why Choose University of Surrey

Academic Excellence

Surrey's reputation for quality education makes it an excellent choice for Nepali students:

• 36th in UK university rankings 2026
• 95% graduate employability rate within 6 months
• Strong industry connections with placement opportunities
• Research-intensive environment with modern facilities

Student Support Services

The university provides comprehensive support for international students:

• Dedicated International Student Advisor
• Pre-arrival guidance and airport pickup services
• Cultural orientation programs
• Academic writing support and English language classes
• Career guidance and job search assistance

Nepali Student Community

Surrey hosts an active Nepali student community:

• Nepal Student Association with regular cultural events
• Mentorship programs connecting new students with seniors
• Dashain and Tihar celebrations on campus
• Study groups and academic support networks

When exploring your options, you can browse all universities to compare Surrey's offerings with other UK institutions and find the best fit for your academic and financial needs.

Application Tips for Success

Strengthening Your Application

Academic Excellence: Maintain strong grades throughout your current studies. Surrey particularly values consistent academic performance rather than just final year results.

Personal Statement Impact: Highlight your connection to your chosen field, career aspirations, and how Surrey's specific programs align with your goals. Mention relevant work experience, volunteer work, or projects.

Leadership and Extracurriculars: Demonstrate leadership through school clubs, community service, or work experience. Surrey values well-rounded candidates who can contribute to campus life.

Research Program Specifics: Show detailed knowledge of your chosen program, faculty research areas, and how you plan to utilize Surrey's resources.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting applications close to deadlines (reduces scholarship consideration)
• Not meeting English language requirements (causes delays)
• Insufficient financial documentation
• Generic personal statements not tailored to Surrey
• Missing supporting documents or references

Conclusion

University of Surrey scholarships offer excellent opportunities for Nepali students to pursue world-class education in the UK. With awards ranging from £2,500 to £10,000+, these scholarships can significantly reduce your financial burden while studying at one of UK's top universities. Start your preparation early, focus on academic excellence, and submit your application well before the deadlines to maximize your chances of success.

Key Statistics

📊 University of Surrey ranks 36th in UK university rankings 2026 with 95% graduate employability rate

💰 Scholarships for Nepali students range from £2,500 to £10,000+ with automatic consideration for many awards

🎓 Over 150 Nepali students currently study at Surrey across undergraduate and postgraduate programs

📈 Surrey offers £4,000-£5,000 annual International Excellence Scholarships for qualifying students

🏠 Living costs in Guildford average £12,000-£19,000 per year including accommodation and personal expenses

⏰ Early application by January 15, 2026 maximizes scholarship consideration opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

Most Surrey scholarships are automatically considered when you submit your university application through UCAS (undergraduate) or direct application (postgraduate). You need to indicate your interest in scholarships on the application form and submit all required documents including transcripts, English language test scores, and personal statement. Some competitive scholarships like the Chancellor's International Scholarship may require additional essays or interviews.

What are the minimum academic requirements for Surrey scholarships for Nepali students?

For undergraduate scholarships, you need minimum 75% in your Higher Secondary Education Certificate (10+2). For postgraduate scholarships, you need minimum 65% in your Bachelor's degree from a recognized Nepali university. The Chancellor's International Scholarship requires you to be in the top 5% of applicants. Additionally, all programs require IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each component or equivalent English proficiency test scores.

How much can I save with University of Surrey scholarships?

Surrey scholarships can save you £2,500 to £10,000+ per year. The International Excellence Scholarship provides £4,000-£5,000 annually and is renewable throughout your program duration. The Chancellor's International Scholarship offers £10,000 for the first year. With tuition fees ranging from £18,000-£27,000, these scholarships can cover 15-40% of your annual tuition costs.

What is the deadline for Surrey scholarship applications in 2026?

For maximum scholarship consideration, submit your application by January 15, 2026. Standard deadlines are May 1, 2026 for undergraduate programs and June 30, 2026 for postgraduate programs. UCAS undergraduate applications must be submitted by January 25, 2026. Early applications receive priority consideration for competitive scholarships, so applying 2-3 months before the deadline is recommended.

Can I work part-time while studying at Surrey with a scholarship?

Yes, Nepali students on Student visas can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. This can earn you £700-£1,000 monthly to supplement your scholarship funding. Surrey offers on-campus jobs like library assistant, student ambassador, and research assistant positions. Your scholarship award is not affected by part-time work earnings.

Are Surrey scholarships renewable for the entire program duration?

Most Surrey scholarships including the International Excellence Scholarship are renewable throughout your program if you maintain satisfactory academic progress (usually 60%+ average). The Chancellor's International Scholarship is a one-time first-year award worth £10,000. Faculty-specific scholarships like Engineering Excellence (£3,000/year) and Health Sciences (£4,000/year) are typically renewable for the full program duration based on continued academic performance.

Key Takeaways

✅ University of Surrey offers multiple scholarships worth £2,500-£10,000+ specifically available to Nepali students

✅ International Excellence Scholarship provides £4,000-£5,000 annually with automatic consideration upon application

✅ Early application by January 15, 2026 maximizes scholarship opportunities and competitive award consideration

✅ Minimum requirements include 75% in +2 for UG, 65% in Bachelor's for PG, and IELTS 6.5 overall

✅ Surrey ranks 36th in UK with 95% graduate employability rate and strong support for international students

✅ Scholarships are renewable throughout program duration based on satisfactory academic progress maintenance