HELP Scholarship Programme
Established in 2010, the HELP Scholarship Programme was launched to support academically talented yet financially disadvantaged SEE graduates from all over Nepal in continuing their higher education (10+2 or equivalent). What began as a modest initiative to assist seven high-achieving students from Helambu—who were on the verge of leaving the country due to financial hardship—has since evolved into a robust and impactful program. Today, it supports an average of 60-70 students each year. To date, more than 600 students have received financial assistance through the programme, enabling them to pursue further education and unlock their full potential.
In rural areas like Sindhupalchok, numerous academically capable children are sent abroad to work immediately after completing their Secondary Education Examination (SEE) so they can contribute financially to their families. This outmigration has led to a visible lack of educated, skilled individuals in these communities, further compounding the shortage of teachers and role models.
In Sindhupalchok District, fewer than five out of ten students continue their education after SEE. Of these, only about two go on to graduate from 10+2 (the equivalent of British A-levels). This troubling trend is closely tied to two major barriers: the prohibitively high cost of higher education and the absence of adequate guidance and support systems. Despite these obstacles, students from Helambu and nearby regions remain deeply passionate about learning. Many of them dream of using their education to bring positive change to their communities and show extraordinary dedication in the face of adversity.
Although government schools offer free education up to the SEE level, opportunities for further study are largely limited to private institutions, which are typically expensive and concentrated in urban centers like Kathmandu. With few affordable or accessible higher secondary schools in the Helambu region, students must migrate to cities if they wish to pursue 10+2 education—a path that is financially out of reach for most families.
The financial reality is stark: the average annual income in Helambu is around Rs. 15,000 (approximately £100), barely sufficient to meet basic needs. In contrast, private colleges in Kathmandu charge between Rs. 30,000 (£200) and Rs. 50,000 (£350) per year in tuition alone. These economic constraints force many bright, motivated students to abandon their education, not out of choice, but necessity.
To address this gap, the HELP Scholarship for Higher Education was established in 2010. Its mission is to empower academically talented students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to continue their education and realise their aspirations. The programme maintains a strong focus on gender equity, striving to award scholarships equally to boys and girls.
Objectives:
The key objectives of the HELP Scholarship programme are:
The primary objective of the HELP Scholarship program is to provide financial support to academically excellent students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. The program aims to ensure that deserving students do not miss out on higher education opportunities due to financial constraints.
To encourage students' growth and development by giving them the opportunity to challenge themselves, discover new ideas, and make meaningful connections.
Eligibility Requirements:
To be considered for the HELP Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Must have passed the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) from a government school.
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Must be a Nepali citizen.
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Must demonstrate financial need and strong academic merit.
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Must submit a completed scholarship application form with all required supporting documents.
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Must have a minimum GPA of:
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2.8 for Science stream
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2.4 for Management stream
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Required Documents:
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SEE Gradesheet
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SEE Pre-board Gradesheet (if final results are pending)
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Recommendation Letter from School (outlining academic performance and character)
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Passport-size Photograph
Scholarship Selection Process
1. Online Application
All applications must be submitted online through the HELP Scholarship portal. Applicants must complete the form and upload the required documents as per the instructions on the platform.
2. Initial Review
Applications will be reviewed by the HELP Scholarship Coordinator and team to ensure eligibility based on academic merit, financial need, and other relevant criteria.
3. Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. The HELP team will coordinate with the local Ward Chairperson and school administration to verify financial need.
4. Final Selection
The most deserving and eligible candidates will be selected based on a holistic review of their academic performance, financial background, and motivation.
5. Review by Selection Committee
Applications will be evaluated by the HELP Board and Scholarship Selection Committee using established selection criteria.
6. Award Ceremony
Selected students will be honored at a Scholarship Award Ceremony, recognizing their achievements and potential.
Duration of the Award
The scholarship provides financial support for two years, covering tuition fees. This support allows recipients to fully dedicate themselves to their studies and work towards a brighter future.
Scholarship Renewal Criteria
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Must be a current recipient of the HELP Scholarship and have successfully completed one academic year.
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Must submit updated academic performance records.
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Must complete and submit the renewal application with supporting documents.
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Renewal is subject to continued academic performance, demonstrated financial need, and the availability of funding.
Note: Renewal criteria are subject to change based on programme policy and funding conditions.
Impact of the Programme
This year, HELP awarded scholarships to 72 deserving students, bringing the total number of recipients to over 600 since the programme’s inception.
Students selected for the scholarship demonstrated not only strong academic performance but also clear motivation, leadership potential, and a compelling vision for their future. Each student comes from a background of financial hardship and was chosen through a rigorous selection process conducted in partnership with local government bodies and schools.
While the scholarship covers only tuition fees, it is far more than just financial assistance. The HELP Scholarship Programme is a commitment to belief and encouragement—a message to every student that their potential is seen and valued. It is a way of saying: you are not alone on this journey. This support helps bridge the gap between dreams and opportunity, especially in a region where the cost of higher education often forces students to give up their aspirations.
By making higher education more accessible, HELP is nurturing a generation of future changemakers who can return to their communities as educators, leaders, and entrepreneurs—driving long-term social and economic progress in rural Nepal.