Open Call for Nepal Australia Awards

Deadline: 30-Apr-2026

The Nepal Australia Awards 2027 provide fully funded scholarships for Nepali citizens to pursue Master’s by Coursework or Research in Australia. The program equips emerging leaders with advanced skills, international experience, and professional networks to support sustainable development, gender equality, and governance in Nepal.

About the Program

The Nepal Australia Awards are part of Australia’s international scholarship program administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The awards aim to promote prosperity, reduce poverty, and enhance political stability in Nepal by enabling postgraduate study in Australia.

The program focuses on key sectors including:

• Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction

• Economic Development and Sustainable Infrastructure

• Education and Governance

• Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion

• Mental Health and Rehabilitation Therapies

• Natural Resource Management

Awardees gain international exposure, advanced professional skills, and leadership development to contribute directly to Nepal’s sustainable development goals.

Scholarship Coverage

Scholarships cover the minimum duration required to complete the approved academic program and include:

• Return air travel between Nepal and Australia

• Tuition fees for Master’s programs

• Contribution to living expenses

• Health insurance coverage

• Academic support including allowances for establishment, fieldwork, and introductory programs as applicable

Eligible Programs

• Master’s by Coursework

• Master’s by Research

• Programs must be at a level higher than any qualification the applicant already holds.

• Preparatory training may be included where required.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must:

• Be Nepali citizens residing in Nepal.

• Meet general eligibility criteria from the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook.

• Fulfil country-specific requirements related to academic qualifications, work experience, and English language proficiency.

• Demonstrate leadership potential and ability to create development impact in Nepal.

• Women, people with disability, and other marginalized groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are assessed on:

• Academic competence and achievements

• Professional and personal qualities

• Leadership potential and contribution to Nepal’s development

• Shortlisted candidates are interviewed to evaluate academic merit, professional experience, leadership, and proposed development outcomes.

How to Apply

1. Submit a complete online application via the OASIS system by 30 April 2026.

2. Include all required documentation in the specified format.

3. Applications must demonstrate eligibility and alignment with program priorities.

4. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Post-Selection Requirements

• Confirmation of a university placement in Australia

• Compliance with Australian visa requirements

• Participation in:

  • Preparatory workshops

  • Pre-departure briefings

  • Introductory academic programs upon arrival

FAQs

1. Who can apply for the Nepal Australia Awards? Nepali citizens with the required academic qualifications, work experience, and English proficiency.
2. What programs are eligible? Master’s by Coursework and Master’s by Research commencing in 2027.
3. What does the scholarship cover? Tuition, return airfare, living allowance, health cover, academic support, and preparatory program costs.
4. Can applicants apply for a program they already hold a qualification in? No, scholarships are only for higher-level qualifications.
5. When is the application deadline? 30 April 2026 through the online OASIS portal.
6. Are women and marginalized groups encouraged to apply? Yes, applications from women, people with disability, and other marginalized groups are strongly encouraged.
7. Are interviews part of the selection process? Yes, shortlisted candidates undergo interviews assessing academic and leadership potential.

Conclusion

The Nepal Australia Awards 2027 provide a transformative opportunity for emerging Nepali leaders to gain advanced education, international experience, and professional networks in Australia. By supporting postgraduate studies in priority sectors, the program strengthens Nepal-Australia cooperation and equips graduates to drive sustainable development, social inclusion, and positive change in Nepal.

For more information, visit Australian Government.