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. Teaching should be limited to 2 courses a semester, 6 hours of teaching per week.
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 be taught at both Bachelor's and 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 with selected grantee, the host department and, if necessary, the USEF/Nepal (Fulbright Commission) 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 and Public Health. It is likely that the grantee will also work with faculty, refining teaching/learning materials and conducting workshops and seminars.
Other Institutions:
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 applicants require assistance in making contact with the host institutions, they should reach out to the Commission well in advance of the application deadline to further the relationship with the potential host institution. The list of host affiliated institutions below is not exhaustive and candidates may seek other affiliations in Nepal.
Applicants may propose an appropriate host. Possible hosts in Nepal include but are not limited to:
- Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel or Lalitpur
- Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu or constituent campuses throughout Nepal
- 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
- Karnali Academy of Health Sciences (KAHS), Jumla
- Lumbini Buddhist University, Lumbini
- Lumbini Technological University, Banke
- Madhan Bhandari Institute of Science and Technology, Lalitpur
- Madhesh Agriculture University, Rajbiraj, Saptari
- Madhesh Institute of Health Sciences, Janakpurdham
- Manmohan Technical University, Budhiganga
- Mid-West University, Birendranagar
- Nepal Open University, Lalitpur
- Nepal Sanskrit University,Dang
- Pokhara University, Pokhara
- Purbanchal University, Biratnagar
- Rajarshi Janak University, Janakpurdham
Minimum award duration is 5 months, maximum duration is 7 months.
Scholar can begin in either mid-July 2025 or mid-January 2026.
Kathmandu University and Tribhuvan 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; 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.
All other universities:
Applications are sought in all appropriate specializations.
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.)
All applicants must have at least seven years of experience. Applicants for academic placements require a PhD. Artists and professionals do not require a PhD, but must demonstrate appropriate experience for their proposed project.
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.
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.
$3,600 per month
Grantees are responsible for arranging their own housing.
Teaching/Research grants:
- Round-trip international travel arranged by the Fulbright Commission
- 1 dependent* round-trip international travel covered only if dependent remains in country for 80% of grant duration
- Relocation: $500
- Excess baggage: reimbursement of up to $500
*Dependent: Spouse or child (below 21 years of age)
Teaching/Research grants: book allowance of up to $800 for purchase of 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 $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.
Teaching/Research grants:
- Incidental: $1,200
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.
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):
Arts: Ekku Maya Pun (ekku@ku.edu.np), Acting Dean, School of Arts; and Education
Buddhist Studies: Joanne Larson, (joanne.larson@ryi.org) Director of Programs, Rangjung Yeshe Institute/Kathmandu University Centre for Buddhist Studies
Education: Prof. Dr. Bal Chandra Luitel (bcluitel@kusoed.edu.np), Dean, School of Education
Engineering: Dr. Manish Pokharel (manish@ku.edu.np), Dean, School of Engineering
Law: Dr. Rishikesh Wagle (rishi.wagle@ku.edu.np), Dean, School of Law
Management: Prof. Bijay K.C. (bijaykc@kusom.edu.np), Dean, School of Management (KUSOM)
Medical Sciences: Dr. Rajendra Koju, (rajendrakoju@kusms.edu.np) Dean, School of Medical Sciences
Music: Dr. Lochan Rijal, (lochan.rijal@ku.edu.np) Head, Department of Music
Sciences: Prof. Dr. Janardan Lamichhane (ljanardan@ku.edu.np), Dean, School of Science
All other fields: Prof. Achyut Wagle (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.
Institutional contacts (according to applicant's interests, directly contact):
Anthropology: Dr. Dambar Chemjong (ddc62@cornell.edu), Head, Department of Anthropology
Arts: Dr. Dhrubesh Chandra Regmi (regmidhrubesh@hotmail.com), Head of Department, Central Department of Fine Arts
Engineering: Dr. Sudip Bhattarai (sudip@pcampus.edu.np), Head of Department, Institute of Engineering (Pulchowk)
Forestry: Prof. Binod Heyojoo (bpheyojoo@iofpc.edu.np), Campus Chief, Institute of Forestry, Pokhara
Sociology: Dr. Youba Raj Luintel (y.luintel@gmail.com), Head, Department of Sociology
Law: Dr. Krishna Prasad Bashyal (bashyalkp7@gmail.com), Dean, Faculty of Law
Management: Dr. Govinda Tamang (govinda.tamang@som.tu.edu.np), Acting Director, School of Management
Senior Program Officer Rakchhya Maharjan (rakchhya@fulbrightnepal.org.np) in Nepal can provide additional information and assistance in pursuing affiliation with other Tribhuvan University departments. 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.
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.