< Back to previous page

21 scholars from Nepal receive Australia Awards Scholarships

Posted: 9 December 2023

Nepal, Alumni, Impact, Linkages,

The Australian Government has awarded Australia Awards Scholarships to 21 high-achieving recipients from Nepal. Sixteen scholars will start their master’s degree programs in Australia in early 2024 while the remaining five will commence later in the year.

The newest group of scholars include 15 professionals from the public sector, 14 women, eight individuals from traditionally marginalised groups and one person with disability. Access the scholar profiles here.

The 21 scholars received their Australia Awards certificates at the award ceremony on 1 December 2023 in Kathmandu. More than 170 invitees attended the event, which followed a two-day pre-departure briefing for the scholars in which, scholars learned about academic, cultural differences and similarities, and how to adapt to living in Australia.

The 21 scholars attended a two-day pre-departure briefing prior to the Award Ceremony, 30 November–1 December. They are pictured here with the Australian Embassy’s Head of Development Ms Kavitha Kasynathan and AASAM Team Leader Mr Tony Crooks (middle).

During her keynote address at the Award Ceremony, Australia’s Ambassador to Nepal, HE Ms Felicity Volk said, “The friendship that exists between our countries is vibrant, flourishing, multi-dimensional and characterised by great respect and partnership. I encourage the scholars to connect with the network of Australian alumni in Nepal when they return. And I look forward to seeing their vital contributions to Nepal, drawing on their new knowledge and skills in public policy development, health, infrastructure development, policy for people living with disability, the empowerment of women and girls, education, sustainable energy production and transmission, and more”.

Australian Ambassador to Nepal, HE Ms Felicity Volk delivers a keynote address.

Chief Secretary of the Government of Nepal, Dr Baikuntha Aryal congratulated the 21 scholars and remarked, “I am confident that these world class educational opportunities for the scholars, the majority of whom are government officials, will be an instrumental contribution to the formulation and implementation of government policies in Nepal.”

Chief Secretary of the Government of Nepal, Dr Baikuntha Aryal offered congratulatory remarks.

Australia Awards Scholarships are long-term development awards 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, 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 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. More than 1,100 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. Benefits include full tuition fees, return airfares, contribution to living expenses and medical insurance.

Applications for the next cycle of Australia Awards Scholarships will open in February 2024.

Top row (left to right): Arjun Kumar Chaudhary, Deepika Thapa Magar. Middle row (left to right): Gyanu B K, Kabin Maharjan. Bottom row (left to right): Kamana Adhikari, Lokendra Adhikari, Mahima Bajracharya.

Top row (left to right): Manil Raj Maharjan, Manju Gurung. Middle row (left to right): Padma Pokhrel, Prakriti Budha Magar, Prativa Khanal. Bottom row (left to right): Ram Pukar Mahara, Ranjana Bishwakarma.

Top row (left to right): Roshna Dewan, Sarina Regmi. Middle row (left to right): Sharmila Karki, Sujan Dhungel, Sujita Dhakal. Bottom row (left to right): Sunil Adhikari, Unique Lohani.