19 Nepali Students Awarded Prestigious Australia Awards Scholarships

EDUCAST, Australia’s Ambassador to Nepal, HE Leann Johnston, and Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Choodamani Paudel, jointly presented the Australia Awards Scholarships to 19 Nepali students who will pursue their master’s degrees at world-class Australian universities beginning in 2026.

Among the scholarship recipients, 13 are from the public sector, 11 are women, and 2 are persons with disability, representing strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Addressing the award ceremony, Secretary Paudel congratulated the scholars and expressed gratitude to the Australian Government.
“The knowledge, global exposure and networks you gain in Australia will not only shape your professional growth but also enhance your ability to serve Nepal meaningfully. The Government of Nepal values the crucial role of human capital in national progress, and we appreciate Australia Awards’ shared vision for a more prosperous, equitable and innovative Nepal,” he said.

Ambassador Johnston encouraged scholars to maximise their learning experience in Australia.
“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,” she stated.

Australia Awards Scholarships—funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)—offer transformational tertiary education opportunities to emerging leaders, helping them develop skills, knowledge and networks necessary to contribute to development upon returning home.

Since the Colombo Plan of the 1950s, more than 100,000 individuals worldwide have received Australian Government scholarships to study in Australia or the Pacific. More than 1,300 Nepali scholars have studied and conducted research in Australia through the Australia Awards program.

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