Australia Awards South and West Asia

The Australian Government has bestowed Australia Awards Scholarships on 18 diverse and high-achieving recipients from Nepal. The scholars will start their master’s degree programs in Australia in 2025.

This newest group of scholars consists of eight women, nine men and one non-binary person. Two-thirds of the recipients are from the public sector. One of the cohort is a person with disability, and 12 identify as people from traditionally marginalised groups. To learn more about the scholars, access their profiles here.

The 18 scholars received their Australia Awards certificates at an Award Ceremony on 29 November 2024 in Kathmandu, Nepal, in front of more than 130 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 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 Ms Leann Johnston highlighted Australia’s commitment to support inclusive leadership. She said, “The Australia Awards’ focus on social inclusion makes it a Scholarship that offers opportunity to all. The data speaks to this commitment with over 60 per cent of the Awards scholars for the 2025 intake coming from traditionally marginalised communities.”

(L-R)- Kavitha Kasynathan (Head of Development at the Australian Embassy), Baikuntha Prasad Aryal, HE Leann Johnston and Greg Klemm (Deputy Head of Mission at the Australian Embassy) at the awards ceremony.

Acting Secretary of the Government of Nepal’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mr Baikuntha Prasad Aryal commended the 18 scholars and remarked, “The Australia Awards are more than scholarships; they are bridges of learning and collaboration between Nepal and Australia.” He further said, “As you thrive in your studies, think about the ways you can give back to Nepal — whether by improving healthcare, advancing education, fostering innovation, or championing social justice.”

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, 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.

Scholars pictured with Kavitha Kasynathan (fifth from right, front row), the Australian Embassy’s Head of Development, Ambika Prasad Joshi (fourth from left, front row), Undersecretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, South Asia and Pacific Section, and Tony Crooks (fourth from right, front row), Australia Awards – South Asia & Mongolia Team Leader, at the Pre-Departure Briefing.

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 1,200 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, medical insurance and contributions to living expenses.

Applications for the next cycle of Australia Awards Scholarships will open in February 2025.

Recipients of Australia Awards Scholarships for study commencing in 2025. Access their profiles here.

From left to right: Aprajita Jha, Baburam Acharya (top row), Harsha Hang Rai, Jayandra Bishowakarma (middle row), Jyoti Ghimire, Manoj Raut (bottom row)

From left to right: Nisha Neupane, Rabin Kumar Gyalang (top row), Ramhari Timalsina, Rita Baramu (middle row), Rubina Bishunke, Sanjay Singh Tamata (bottom row)

From left to right: Santosh Paudel, Shailee Chaudhary (top row), Shristi Oliya, Sunaina Barali (middle row), Vivekanand Jha, Yamuna Panchkoti (bottom row)