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.
Fulbright Teaching/Research Scholars in Nepal engage in activities combining teaching and research, with a required 80% teaching and 20% research breakdown. Teaching responsibilities are limited to two courses per semester, amounting to six hours of teaching per week.
Note: The list of affiliated host institutions is not exhaustive. Candidates are encouraged to explore other partnerships that align with their academic and research goals in Nepal.
Nepal offers diverse academic opportunities across its leading universities. While applications are welcome in all relevant disciplines, the following specializations are particularly encouraged:
Applications are particularly encouraged in the following fields:
The list of institutions mentioned above is not comprehensive. Applications are encouraged across all relevant specializations on other relevant institutions as well.
Examples of institutions that have hosted Fulbright Scholars in the past include:
TU, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences
TU, Central Dept of Env Studies
TU, Institute of Forestry, Pokhara
TU Institute of Engineering IoE
TU,Tri-Chandra Multiple Campus
TU Central Department of Geography
TU, Centra Dept. of Sociology, Governance Lab
TU and Nepal Music Center
KU, Nepal Ambulance Service and Dhulikhel Hospital
KU, School of Engineering
KU School of Medical Sciences
KU, School of Medical Sciences Dept of Dentistry
Note: The above is not an exhaustive list of potential institutes for collaboration but a general guide.
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.
Contact Senior Program Officer - Nishtha Rajbhandari (nishtha@fulbrightnepal.org.np)
All teaching will be in English. Local language fluency sufficient to complete the research project is recommended. For applicants without local language proficiency, the 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 Ph.D. or other terminal degree in the applicant’s field. In exceptional cases, for artists or professionals (and for some institutions only—see restrictions below), recognized professional standing and substantial professional accomplishments may be considered in lieu of a Ph.D. or other terminal degree.
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/Ph.D. 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/ Ph.D.; associate professor rank or above, and a minimum of five years of teaching experience.
Applications from retired faculty are welcome.
Nepal Commission Website: USEF-Nepal (Fulbright Commission in Nepal)
Webinar Resources: For more information on applying, including alumni perspectives, please view our webinars on Fulbright Opportunities in South Asia.
Contact for Support:
$3,600 per month
Grantees are responsible for arranging their own housing.
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 residence, starting from $250 per month for a room with kitchen and more for apartments or houses with amenities. For day-to-day expenses, $20 would suffice for one person cooking at home. Dining out could be as high as $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 InDrive. Public buses are cheaper but congested. Scholars are advised to live near their research or host institution location to reduce commuting.
Incidental Allowance
Fulbright Scholars receive an incidental allowance of $1,200 to cover minor expenses related to their grant activities.
South and Central Asia Fulbright Regional Travel Grant
Fulbright Scholars in the South and Central Asia (SCA) region can apply for a regional travel grant, supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. This grant allows scholars to participate in various professional activities at academic institutions or non-profit organizations in eligible SCA countries, including:
Grant Coverage: The grant provides travel expenses to and from the host country, and lodging may be arranged by the hosting institution.
Application Details:
South and Central Asia Fulbright Conference
Each year, the U.S.-India Educational Foundation hosts the South and Central Asia Fulbright Conference in India (typically in February or March). Funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, this conference brings together Fulbright U.S. Scholars and Student Researchers from across the SCA region.
Conference Highlights:
Additional Funding: Financial assistance to attend the conference is provided as an exclusive 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 offers a unique and transformative experience for Fulbrighters, blending its rich cultural heritage with a dynamic landscape of political and social change. In recent decades, the country has undergone significant transition, including the adoption of a federal constitution in 2015 that shifted key decision-making powers to provincial levels, empowering communities across its diverse regions.
With 40.33% of its population aged 16-40 (as per the 2011 Population and Housing Census), Nepal is a youthful nation ripe with potential. However, its educational infrastructure faces challenges that call for improvement, presenting important opportunities for teaching, research, and collaboration between U.S. and Nepalese institutions. While resources in Nepalese higher education may be modest compared to those in the U.S., Fulbrighters often find enthusiastic colleagues and motivated students eager to engage with contemporary global issues.
Success as a Fulbright grantee in Nepal requires patience, adaptability, a thirst for adventure, and a good sense of humor. These qualities help scholars navigate the cultural, logistical, and environmental nuances of living and working in this Himalayan nation.
Academic Environment and Scheduling
Nepalese institutions collaborating with the United States Educational Foundation in Nepal (USEF-Nepal) provide diverse opportunities for teaching and research. Academic calendars vary, so Fulbright Scholars typically begin their programs in July/August or January. Applicants should confirm their ideal grant dates when requesting an invitation letter from a host institution.
Estimated Cost of Living
Housing costs vary depending on the location, size, and quality of the residence, starting from $250 per month for a room with kitchen and more for apartments or houses with amenities. For day-to-day expenses, $20 would suffice for one person cooking at home. Dining out could be as high as $30 per meal at a good restaurant.
Transportation and Travel
Travel for both Nepalese and foreigners has been made easy due to the advent of ride apps such as Pathao and InDrive. Public buses are cheaper but congested. Scholars are advised to live near their research or host institution location to reduce commuting.
Family and Healthcare
For scholars with children, proximity to international-standard schools like Lincoln School and Ullens School is a priority. Healthcare needs are supported by high-quality clinics such as CIWEC Hospital and the Nepal International Clinic, which cater to international patients and have an established reputation.
Nepal’s unique challenges and vibrant opportunities make it an inspiring destination for Fulbright grantees. Whether teaching, conducting research, or exploring Nepal's culture and landscapes, scholars often find the experience deeply rewarding and transformative.
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 (KU)
Kathmandu University (KU) is an autonomous, not-for-profit institution with six schools across the Kathmandu Valley. Its main campus is in Dhulikhel, outside Kathmandu. While most schools, except Arts, Management, and Education, are based in Dhulikhel, grantees often live in Kathmandu and commute daily, though modest on-campus housing may be arranged for part- or full-time residence.
Teaching and Resources: Grantees are encouraged to bring books, instructional materials, and their own laptops. Medical school courses focus on undergraduate levels and emphasize problem-based and community-based learning.
Institutional Contacts:
For additional questions, contact Ms. Jyoti Pradhan (jyotipradhan@ku.edu.np)
Tribhuvan University (TU)
Tribhuvan University, Nepal's oldest national university, has campuses across the country and enrolls the largest number of students. Grantees typically teach at the Master’s level. Facilities, including libraries and offices, may be basic compared to U.S. standards. Grantees are encouraged to bring instructional materials with them.
Institutional Contacts:
Patan Academy of Health Sciences (PAHS)
Founded in 2007, PAHS is an autonomous public institution dedicated to training medical personnel for rural Nepal. The curriculum prioritizes community health, service values, and rural healthcare needs. While facilities are functional, they may be basic compared to U.S. standards. Grantees are encouraged to bring instructional materials.
Institutional Contact: Ms. Archana Juwa Shrestha (archanashrestha@pahs.edu.np).