Kathmandu: Australia’s Ambassador to Nepal, Leann Johnston, and Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Choodamani Paudel presented Australia Awards Scholarships to 19 Nepali recipients on November 28.
According to the press statement released by the Australian Embassy in Nepal, these recipients of the Australian Government’s prestigious Australia Awards Scholarships will start their master’s degree studies at world class universities in Australia in 2026. The 19 scholarship recipients include 13 applicants from the public sector, 11 women and 2 people with disability.
Addressing all those present at the Award Ceremony, Secretary Mr Paudel congratulated the Australia Awards recipients and thanked the Australian Government for providing opportunities for Nepali students to pursue higher studies in Australia.
“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 program like AA support our shared vision of a more prosperous, equitable and innovative Nepal,” Secretary Mr Paudel said.
Ambassador Johnston encouraged the scholars to maximise their opportunity, embrace the diversity and richness of multicultural Australia, and build strong linkages with Australian people and institutions during their time 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,” Ambassador Johnston said.
Australia Awards Scholarships are 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. The scholarship program represents a crucial element of Australia’s support to building stronger people-to-people links, costing around AUD3.8 million / USD2.5 million each year.
Applications for the next round of Australia Awards Scholarships will open in February 2026.
