Australia Awards South and West Asia

The Australian Government has bestowed Australia Awards Scholarships on 19 diverse and high-achieving recipients from Nepal. These scholars will start their master’s degree studies in Australia in 2026.

This newest group of scholars consists of eleven women and eight men. Thirteen of the recipients are from the public sector. Two recipients are people with disability, and ten identify as people from traditionally marginalised groups. To learn more about the scholars, access their profiles here.

Scholars pictured with Dylan Jones-Virma, Head of Development at the Australian Embassy in Kathmandu (middle in grey jacket) and Binod Mukhiya, Under Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nepal (standing left of Mr Jones-Virma) along with other staff members from the Australian Embassy in Kathmandu and Australia Awards at the pre-departure briefing.

The 19 scholars received their Australia Awards certificates at an Award Ceremony on 28 November 2025 in Kathmandu, Nepal, in front of more than 150 invited guests. The ceremony followed a two-day pre-departure briefing for the scholars, during which they learnt from the Australia Awards team, current scholars in Australia and alumni about the academic culture and daily life in Australia, and about strategies for adaptation.

During her keynote address at the Award Ceremony, Australia’s Ambassador to Nepal, HE Leann Johnston, encouraged scholars to maximise their opportunity, embrace diversity and richness of multicultural Australia, and build strong linkages with Australian people and institutions during their time in Australia.

She said, “The Australia Awards program reflects the strength of our partnership and our shared commitment to inclusion, education and leadership. We are proud of the diversity and vision this cohort represents”.

Ambassador Johnston addressing the scholars at the Award Ceremony.

Choodamani Paudel, Secretary of the Government of Nepal’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, congratulated the new Scholarships recipients and said, “The knowledge, global exposure and the network you will be able to get in Australia will not only shape your professional growth, but also enhance your ability to serve Nepal in meaningful ways. The Government of Nepal values the critical role human capital plays in national progress. We are proud that a program like [Australia Awards] support our shared vision of a more prosperous, equitable and innovative Nepal”.

Secretary Paudel speaking to the scholars at the Award Ceremony.

Australia Awards Scholarships are prestigious, transformational tertiary education opportunities funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Scholarships provide emerging leaders with study and research opportunities to develop skills, knowledge and networks that they can use to drive change and contribute to development in their home countries. Many Australia Awards alumni go on to hold senior positions in government, civil society and business sectors on their return home.

Scholarships have been a key feature of Australia’s foreign policy since the Colombo Plan in the 1950s. Since then, more than 100,000 individuals from around the world have received an Australian Government scholarship to study in Australia or the Pacific. More than 1,300 Nepalis have pursued study and research in Australia with the support of Australia Awards.

Australia Awards scholars are supported throughout the period of their studies in Australia. Financial benefits cover tuition fees, return airfares, medical insurance and contributions to living expenses.

Applications for the next round of Australia Awards Scholarships will open in February 2026.