All Disciplines (Research)
Nepal
Number of recipients
In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
Conduct research in area of interest. Some host institutions may also desire the Scholar to conduct seminars and/or workshops, or to consult on curriculum and faculty development.
Any appropriate institution.
Single-visit research proposals are 6 months; only Flex grants can be 4-5 months in total duration.
Grants may begin any time after mid July 2025.
Grants must be completed by September 30, 2026. Flex grants must be completed by September 30, 2027.
Flex grants may begin after mid-July 2025 and be completed by September 30, 2027.
The Flex Award is designed for scholars who require multiple visits to the host country. This option allows grants to be conducted over two or three short segments. Applicants must select Flex in the application form, and clearly describe their plans for Flex in their project statement, including a project timeline. Flex grantees may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host-country academic community.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
Applicants who need assistance in identifying an institution with which to affiliate can contact the Fulbright Commission in Nepal for guidance prior to submission of the application: Senior Program Officer Rakchhya Maharjan.
Local language fluency sufficient to complete the research project is recommended. For applicants without local language proficiency, feasibility of conducting the project must be demonstrated in the project statement. Completion of the Language Proficiency Report(s) optional. (Please note that hiring local language translators and interpreters is common for researchers in Nepal and USEF-Nepal can assist with recommendations if necessary.)
Three years of postdoctoral teaching or research experience and associate professor rank or above preferred. For the arts, a terminal degree in the field, recognized professional standing, and substantial professional accomplishments required.
USEF-Nepal (The Fulbright Commission in Nepal)
For more information on applying, including alumni perspectives, please view our webinars on Fulbright Opportunities in South Asia.
Email the South and Central Asia Team with questions about applying.
$3,600 per month
Grantees are responsible for arranging their own housing.
- Round-trip international travel arranged by the Fulbright Commission
- Excess baggage: reimbursement of up to $500
- Relocation allowance: $500
- No dependent allowance
- Flex grants: round-trip travel for each segment of the grant
Housing costs vary depending on the location, size and quality of the place- starting from $250 per month for a room with kitchen and more for apartments or houses with amenities. $20 would suffice for day to day expenses for one person if you cook at home. Eating out would cost $30 per meal at a good restaurant. Travel for both Nepalese and foreigners has been made easy due to the advent of ride apps such as Pathao and Tootle. Public transport is much cheaper, but congested. Scholars are advised to live near research or host institution location to reduce commuting.
South and Central Asia Fulbright Regional Travel Grant
With additional funding provided by the United States Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, during their grant period, Fulbright Scholars in the South and Central Asia (SCA) region may apply for a regional travel grant to engage in a variety of activities at academic institutions or non-profit organizations in eligible SCA countries (Bangladesh, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan). Activities that U.S Scholars may engage in include: faculty and student lectures, graduate or faculty seminars, conferences, curriculum development, public lectures, panel presentations, needs assessment, or some combination thereof. Scholars in the arts may be invited to give master classes or recitals, participate in exhibitions or workshops, or consult with cultural institutions. Activities may not include research. This grant will cover travel to and from the destination and lodging may be offered by the hosting institution. Scholars may only apply for this grant once they are in country on their Fulbright grant, and as funds are limited, may only participate in one Regional Travel Grant during their Fulbright grant.
Before traveling to another country on a Regional Travel Grant, it is important to confirm trip details with the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section or Fulbright Commission in that country.
South and Central Asia Fulbright Conference
With funding provided by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the U.S.-India Educational Foundation (the Fulbright Commission in India) invites eligible Fulbright grantees in the South and Central Asia region to attend the annual South and Central Asia Fulbright Conference in India (usually held in February or March). The conference is an opportunity for Fulbright U.S. Scholars and U.S. Student Researchers who are on their Fulbright grants in the SCA region at the time of the conference to gather to discuss each other’s work, network, and share their experiences as international exchange participants.
Financial assistance to attend the conference is provided as an additional Fulbright grant benefit.
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State and the Fulbright Commission in the host country reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
Nepal
Nepal has undergone tremendous political and social change over the past two decades. The federal republic constitution promulgated in September 2015 devolved key powers to the provincial level, placing public decision-making and associated responsibilities closer to the people. According to the Government of Nepal's 2011 Population and Housing Census, 40.33% of the population is comprised of youth between 16-40 years of age. The educational system is in need of significant improvement to better serve Nepal's population. This presents challenges as well as exciting possibilities for teaching, research, and collaboration between U.S. and Nepalese institutions of higher education.
A range of Nepalese educational institutions have partnered with the United States Educational Foundation in Nepal (USEF-Nepal) to provide teaching/research opportunities through the Fulbright program. Although the facilities available in most institutions of higher education in Nepal are sparse compared with U.S. institutions, U.S. Scholars generally find colleagues who are eager to collaborate and students who are eager to engage on contemporary issues in their fields.
Patience, flexibility, a spirit of adventure, and a sense of humor are among the most important qualities required of Fulbright grantees in Nepal.
Although academic calendars vary across institutions, Fulbright U.S. Scholars have historically arrived in Nepal in either July/August or in January. Applicants are encouraged to inquire about the ideal grant dates for the host institution when requesting an invitation letter.
Housing costs vary depending on the location, size, and quality of the space, starting from $250-$300 per month for a room with kitchen and increasing to more for apartments or houses with amenities. If cooking at home, $35 is sufficient for day-to-day expenses. Dining out at a good restaurant may cost as much as $30 per meal.
In cities, travel for both Nepalese and foreigners has been facilitated by the advent of ride apps such as Pathao and Tootle. Public transport is much cheaper, but congested. Traffic, especially Kathmandu, is hectic. Scholars are advised to live near their research site or inside the host institution to reduce commuting.
Scholars with dependent children tend to live near kindergartens and schools such as Lincoln School and Ullens School.
Fulbright grantees generally use one of two clinics of international standard in Kathmandu: CIWEC Hospital, operating since 1982, and the Nepal International Clinic. Information on both is available online
For grantee profiles: https://usefnepal.org/grantee/fulbright-scholar-award/
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.