Scholarships and Financial Aid to Study MBBS in Nepal 2025

​Study MBBS in Nepal has become an increasingly attractive option for students aspiring to pursue a medical degree. Nepal offers quality education and shares cultural similarities with neighboring countries like India. However, financing medical education can be a substantial challenge. To assist students, various scholarships and financial aid programs are available for those aiming to study MBBS in Nepal in 2025. This article provides a comprehensive overview of these opportunities, including eligibility criteria, application processes, and benefits.

Government of Nepal Scholarships

The Government of Nepal offers a substantial number of scholarships to support medical education within the country. In 2025, a total of 571 MBBS scholarship seats were allocated. These scholarships are divided into two main categories:

• General Scholarships (55%): Comprising approximately 313 seats, these scholarships are awarded based on merit, with selection determined by candidates' performance in the Medical Education Commission Entrance Examination (MECEE-BL).

• Reservation Scholarships (45%): Consisting of around 258 seats, these are designated for candidates from specific groups, including women, indigenous communities, and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Selection is based on merit within each sub-category.

These scholarships are applicable to various medical colleges affiliated with institutions such as Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu University, Patan Academy of Health Sciences (PAHS), Karnali Academy of Health Sciences (KAHS), and B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS).

Scholarships Offered by the Government of India

The Indian government provides several scholarships to Nepalese students pursuing medical education, reflecting the strong educational ties between the two countries. Notable programs include:

• Mahatma Gandhi Scholarship Scheme (MGSS): Targets students in Class XI and XII, supporting their education within Nepal.

• Golden Jubilee Scholarship Scheme (GJSS): Assists undergraduate students enrolled in professional courses such as MBBS/BDS, Engineering, and other three-year programs in Nepal.

• COMPEX Scholarship Scheme: Enables students to pursue undergraduate courses in Engineering, Pharmacy, Agriculture, Food Technology, and Nursing in India.

• Silver Jubilee Scholarship Scheme (SJSS): Offers opportunities for Nepali nationals to undertake postgraduate and Ph.D. courses in prominent Indian universities.

These scholarships aim to foster human resource development and strengthen bilateral relations.

International Scholarships

Beyond domestic offerings, international scholarships provide avenues for Nepalese students to pursue MBBS degrees abroad:

• Chinese Government Scholarships: For the academic year 2025/2026, the Chinese government allocated three MBBS scholarships to Nepalese students, facilitating medical studies in China.

• Cuban Government Scholarships: In 2025, the Cuban government offered a scholarship for one Nepali student to pursue an MBBS degree in Cuba, as announced by Nepal's Medical Education Commission (MEC).

Scholarships Through Embassies and Organizations

Various embassies and organizations also provide scholarships for Nepalese students:

• Madan Puraskar Guthi Fellowships: Offers two MBBS fellowships for studies in Kolkata, India, specifically at R.G. Kar Medical College and Kolkata Medical College. Eligibility requires a minimum of 60% in Science (Biology) at the +2 level and successful NEET scores.

• Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships: Provides opportunities for international students, including Nepalese, to study at Japanese universities as undergraduate students under the Japanese Government Scholarship Program.

Scholarships for Indian Students in Nepal

Indian students aspiring to study MBBS in Nepal can access specific scholarships facilitated by the Indian government:

• SAARC Scholarship Scheme: Aims to promote regional cooperation by offering scholarships to students from SAARC countries, including India, for various courses in Nepal.

• Silver Jubilee Scholarship Scheme (SJSS): Provides Indian students with opportunities to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Nepal.

• Dr. Homi J. Bhabha Scholarship Scheme: Supports Indian students in pursuing medical and related courses in Nepal.

• Nepal Aid Fund Scholarship Scheme: Offers financial assistance to Indian students for various courses in Nepalese institutions.

Application Process and Eligibility Criteria

While specific eligibility criteria and application procedures vary across scholarships, common requirements include:

• Academic Performance: Strong academic records, particularly in Science subjects at the +2 level, are often essential.

• Entrance Examinations: Performance in relevant entrance exams, such as NEET for Indian students or MECEE-BL for Nepalese students, is typically considered.

• Nationality: Certain scholarships are nationality-specific, targeting either Nepalese or Indian students.

• Reserved Categories: Some scholarships allocate seats for specific groups, including women, indigenous communities, and economically disadvantaged students.

Prospective applicants should consult the official websites of the respective scholarship programs or contact the relevant embassies and educational institutions for detailed information on eligibility, application deadlines, and required documentation.

Conclusion

Financing an MBBS degree in Nepal is made more accessible through a variety of scholarships and financial aid programs offered by the Nepalese and Indian governments, as well as international bodies. These scholarships not only alleviate the financial burden but also promote academic excellence and foster international cooperation in medical education. Aspiring medical students are encouraged to thoroughly research and apply for these opportunities to achieve their educational goals.