Fulbright Foreign Student Program (Nepal)

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is the U.S. Department of State's flagship international exchange scholarship. In Nepal, it is administered by the United States Educational Foundation (USEF-Nepal), based in Kathmandu.

Fulbright is one of the most prestigious scholarships available to Nepali students, with alumni in senior positions across government, academia, journalism, and the private sector.

Tuition at the placement U.S. university, a monthly living stipend, comprehensive health insurance (ASPE), round-trip economy airfare between Nepal and the United States, and an arrival orientation in Washington D.C.

Fulbright places you at a U.S. university based on your field, profile, and university availability — you do not choose the university yourself.

You must be a Nepali citizen residing in Nepal at the time of application. You need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (usually with a minimum 3.0 GPA or first division).

TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 6.5 is typically required. Work experience of 2+ years and demonstrated leadership in your field strengthens your application.

The program runs on a J-1 exchange visitor visa, which carries a 2-year home-country residency requirement. You must return to Nepal after the program before you can apply for an H-1B or U.S. green card.

Applications open at USEF-Nepal each spring (April–May). Submit the online application, transcripts, three recommendation letters, and your study/research objective.

Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview with USEF-Nepal. Selected candidates take TOEFL (paid for by USEF), then are nominated to the Institute of International Education (IIE) in the U.S. for university placement.

Year 1: April–May application opens. June: USEF-Nepal interviews. August–September: TOEFL/GRE if needed. October–December: IIE placement process.

Year 2: Spring — visa interview at U.S. Embassy Kathmandu. Summer — pre-departure orientation. Fall — program starts at U.S. host university.

The full cycle from application to departure is roughly 16–18 months. Plan accordingly.