All Disciplines (Teaching/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.
Award activities should fulfill an 80% Teaching and 20% Research breakdown.
Kathmandu School of Law, Kathmandu University and Tribhuvan University
Teach and conduct research in area of specialization, with 80 percent of grantee’s time spent on teaching. Courses will generally be taught at the master's level. Depending on the department, it is likely that the grantee will also work with faculty, developing curriculum and conducting workshops and seminars. Specific decisions on courses to be taught will be made jointly among selected grantee, the host department and, if necessary, the USEF/Nepal office.
Patan Academy of Health Sciences
Teach and conduct faculty workshop and trainings in the area of specialization; 80 percent of grantee’s time will be spent on teaching undergraduate/postgraduate students under Schools of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing. It is likely that the grantee will also work with faculty, refining teaching/learning materials and conducting workshops and seminars.
In addition to the institutions listed above, the candidates may choose to affiliate with any of the various universities operating across different provinces in Nepal for purposeful research and teaching engagements. The Commission/Selection Committee will review the quality of the proposals for collaboration on teaching and research, when reviewing the semi-finalists. Should the applicants require support in making contact with the host institutions, they should reach out to the Commission well ahead of the application deadline to further the relationship with the potential host institution. The list of affiliated institutions below is not exhaustive and candidates can seek other affiliations in Nepal.
- Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel or Lalitpur
- Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu or constituent campuses throughout Nepal
- Kathmandu School of Law, Bhaktapur (law)
- Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Lalitpur (health)
- Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Chitwan
- B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan
- Far-western University, Kanchanpur
- Gandaki University, Tanahun
- Lumbini Buddhist University, Lumbini
- Rajarshi Janak University, Janakpurdham
- Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology, Lalitpur
- Manmohan Technical University, Budhiganga
- Mid Western University, Birendranagar
- Nepal Open University, Lalitpur
- Nepal Sanskrit University, Dang
- Pokhara University, Pokhara
- Purbanchal University, Biratnagar
Five-month grants may begin in July/August 2024; seven-month grants may begin in January 2025.
Kathmandu School of Law:
Applications are sought in all appropriate specializations, but applications in the following specializations are preferred: human rights, conflict resolution, mediation, constitutional law or international law.
Kathmandu University:
Applications are sought in all appropriate specializations, but applications in the following specializations are preferred: Business Administration, including: management, finance, accounting, marketing, human resource management, organizational development, management information systems, entrepreneurship, advance research methodology or advance quantitative techniques/statistics; Engineering, including: electrical, civil, geomatics, computer, environmental, chemical or mechanical engineering or architecture; Medical and Biological Sciences, including: pharmacy and pharmaceutical science, biotechnology, environmental science, and medical education, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, microbiology, public health or other clinical specialties; Arts/Social Sciences, including: fine arts (painting, sculpture, performance arts), music (folk music), community development, or media studies or economics or development studies; Law: criminal law, company law, property law or administrative law; Education: educational leadership, math education, English language education, curriculum and instruction.
Patan Academy of Health Sciences:
Applications are sought in all appropriate specializations, but applications in the following specializations are preferred: basic sciences, such as anatomy, bio-chemistry and pharmacology, as well as all public health and nursing specializations.
All other universities:
Applications are sought in all appropriate specializations.
South and Central Asia Fulbright Regional Travel Grant
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 institutions in eligible SCA countries (Bangladesh, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Nepal, Republic of the Maldives, 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 in country on their Fulbright grant. As funds are limited, Scholars are limited to one such travel 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.
Please Note: The 2024-25 Fulbright Regional Travel Program will be dependent on global travel conditions. More information will be provided prior to grant departure.
South and Central Asia Fulbright Midyear 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 Scholars in the South and Central Asia region to attend the annual South and Central Asia Fulbright Midyear Conference in India (usually held in February or March). The conference is an opportunity for current Fulbright U.S. Scholars who are on their Fulbright grants in the SCA region, at the time of the conference, to gather to discuss each other’s work and educational exchange issues and to invite suggestions for the future development and enhancement of the Fulbright Program. Financial assistance to attend the conference is provided as an additional Fulbright grant benefit.
Please note: The 2024-25 South and Central Asia Fulbright Midyear Conference will be dependent on global travel conditions. More information will be provided prior to grant departure.
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.
All teaching will be in English. 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.)
Kathmandu School of Law, Tribhuvan University and Kathmandu University:
Associate professor rank or above and at least five years of teaching experience are preferred. Applications from retired faculty are welcome. Applicants in the arts are required to hold a terminal degree in their field and are expected to have recognized professional standing and substantial professional accomplishments.
Patan Academy of Health Sciences:
In the School of Medicine: MD/PhD in basic sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Pathology); associate professor rank or above, and a minimum of five years of teaching experience. In the School of Public Health: MD, MPH/ PhD; associate professor rank or above, and a minimum of five years of teaching experience. In the School of Nursing: Master’s degree or higher, associate professor rank or above, and a minimum of five years of teaching experience.
All:
Applications from retired faculty are welcome.
USEF-Nepal (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.
$3,570 per month
Grantees are responsible for arranging their own housing.
Teaching/Research grants:
- Round-trip international travel arranged by the Fulbright Commission
- Relocation: $500
- Excess baggage: $500
Teaching/Research grants: book allowance of up to $800, provided on a reimbursable basis for specific allowable expenses including books and educational materials to be donated to the host institution upon grantee's departure.
Housing costs vary depending on the location, size and quality of the place- starting from $200 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.
Teaching/Research grants:
- Incidental: reimbursement up to $1,200
- Language training: reimbursement up to $500
South and Central Asia Fulbright Regional Travel Grant
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 institutions in eligible SCA countries (Bangladesh, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Nepal, Republic of the Maldives, 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 in country on their Fulbright grant. As funds are limited, Scholars are limited to one such travel 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.
Please Note: The 2024-25 Fulbright Regional Travel Program will be dependent on global travel conditions. More information will be provided prior to grant departure.
South and Central Asia Fulbright Midyear 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 Scholars in the South and Central Asia region to attend the annual South and Central Asia Fulbright Midyear Conference in India (usually held in February or March). The conference is an opportunity for current Fulbright U.S. Scholars who are on their Fulbright grants in the SCA region, at the time of the conference, to gather to discuss each other’s work and educational exchange issues and to invite suggestions for the future development and enhancement of the Fulbright Program. Financial assistance to attend the conference is provided as an additional Fulbright grant benefit.
Please note: The 2024-25 South and Central Asia Fulbright Midyear Conference will be dependent on global travel conditions. More information will be provided prior to grant departure.
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 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 $200 per month for a room with kitchen and increasing to more for apartments or houses with amenities. If cooking at home, $20 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 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.
Kathmandu University
Kathmandu University (KU) is an autonomous, not-for-profit, non-government institution with six schools located in various parts of the Kathmandu Valley. Its main campus is located in the town of Dhulikhel, which has stunning views of the Himalayan mountain range and is 30 km (60 minutes' drive) east of central Kathmandu. KU's objectives focus on the promotion of students' all-round development; to develop awareness about the role of science and its application in understanding problems of contemporary society; to extend and disseminate knowledge and foster its application; to create a knowledge industry through accessing sources of knowledge at the global level, and processing and providing access to such knowledge to the people of Nepal; and to establish a community of scholars, students, and staff in which understanding and wisdom can grow and flourish. All schools other than Arts, Management and Education are located in Dhulikhel. Grantees who teach there generally live in Kathmandu and make the significant daily commute, although it may also be possible to arrange modest, spartan housing on campus for part- or full-time residence. Grantees are encouraged to bring books and other instructional materials with them. Grantees should also bring their own laptops. Medical school courses are at undergraduate bachelor of medicine and bachelor of surgery degree levels. Instruction at the medical school emphasizes problem-based and community-based learning.
Institutional contacts (according to applicant's interests, directly contact): Management: Prof. Devi Prasad Bidari (devi@kusom.edu.np), Dean, KU School of Management; Medical Sciences: Dr. Rajendra Koju, (kusms@ku.edu.np)Dean, KU School of Medical Sciences; Sciences: Professor Dr. Kanhaiya Jha (jhakn@ku.edu.np), Act. Dean, KU School of Science; Engineering: Dr. Damber Bahadur Nepali (dean_engg@ku.edu.np), Dean, KU School of Engineering; Law: Dr. Bipin Adhikari (bipin.adhikari@ku.edu.np), Dean, KU School of Law; Arts: Professor. Dr. Sagar Raj Sharma (sagar@ku.edu.np), Dean, School of Arts; and Education: Dr. Mahesh Nath Parajuli (mahesh@kusoed.edu.np), Dean, School of Education. All other fields: Prof. Dr. Subodh Sharma (registrar@ku.edu.np), Registrar. Correspondents should also copy Ms. Jyoti Pradhan (jyotipradhan@ku.edu.np) on all correspondence with KU. Please contact Senior Program Officer Rakchhya Maharjan rakchhya@fulbrightnepal.org.np for affiliation-related questions. Email the South and Central Asia Team (southcentralasia@iie.org) for questions about applying.
Tribhuvan University
Established in 1959, Tribhuvan University (TU) is Nepal's oldest national university. With its constituent campuses all over the country, TU reaches into Nepal's districts and municipalities and enrolls the largest number of students. Fulbright U.S. Scholars in Nepal generally teach at the master's level. Library, office and other facilities are, in general, far below U.S. standards. Grantees are encouraged to bring books and other instructional materials with them. Senior Program Officer Rakchhya Maharjan (rakchhya@fulbrightnepal.org.np) in Nepal can provide additional information and assistance in pursuing affiliation with Tribhuvan University departments. Email the South and Central Asia Team (southcentralasia@iie.org) for questions about applying.
Kathmandu School of Law
The Kathmandu School of Law (KSL) is affiliated with the state university, Purbanchal University. In 2000, KSL was established and offers a five-year BA, LLB, a two-year LLM, and a one-year interdisciplinary MA program. KSL prides itself on providing high-quality education and establishing itself as a center for excellence in the region. While library, office and other facilities are in place, they may be considered basic in comparison to U.S. standards. Grantees are encouraged to bring books and other instructional materials with them. Grantees should also bring their own laptops. Institutional contact: Kathmandu School of Law (KSL) Executive Director and Principal Professor Dr. Yubaraj Sangroula (sangroula195@gmail.com or info@ksl.edu.np). Please contact Senior Program Officer Rakchhya Maharjan (rakchhya@fulbrightnepal.org.np) for affiliation-related questions. Email the South and Central Asia Team (southcentralasia@iie.org) for questions about applying.
Patan Academy of Health Sciences
In 2007, Patan Academy of Health Sciences (PAHS), an autonomous, not-for-profit public institution, was established with an innovative approach to medical education in Nepal. Emphasizing the need to ensure that rural areas are equipped with well-qualified medical personnel, PAHS prioritizes the enrollment of students, and all scholarship students are expected to commit to two to four years of community service in Nepalese government or PAHS designated health institutions in rural Nepal under mandatory service obligation. The curriculum is focused on community health, the values of service and altruism and the health of the entire population in order to enhance students' sensitivity to the health care needs of the rural poor. While medical library, office and other facilities are in place, they may be considered basic in comparison with U.S. standards. Grantees are encouraged to bring books and other instructional materials with them. PAHS has already completed the annual intake of ninth batches of medical undergraduate students, second batch of postgraduate students in nine different specialties (i.e., Internal medicine, General Surgery, Paediatrics, Obstetrics/Gynaecology, Orthopaedics, General Practice, ENT, Psychiatry, Radiology) and Fellowship in two different subspecialties (i.e., Emergency Medicine, Clinical Rheumatology) under the School of Medicine; third batches of students in three different undergraduate programs (Proficiency Certificate Level, Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Nursing Science) in second batch in postgraduate level program (i.e., Master of Nursing) under the School of Nursing; and second batch of students in the Master’s in Public Health program under the School of Public Health. PAHS is currently working on curriculum development for postgraduate residency programs in other specialties and Allied Health Sciences and additional programs in the School of Public Health, and is planning to launch these programs in the coming academic years.
Institutional contacts: Ms. Archana Juwa Shrestha (archanashrestha@pahs.edu.np, Communications Officer, Patan Academy of Health Sciences (PAHS) ). Please contact Senior Program Officer Rakchhya Maharjan rakchhya@fulbrightnepal.org.np for affiliation-related questions. Email the South and Central Asia Team (southcentralasia@iie.org) for questions about applying.