Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation Inclusion Scholarship 2026: Full Tuition Support for Nepali Students in MA History and Philosophy
The Southasia Institute for History and Philosophy (SiHP), in partnership with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) under the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Switzerland, is proud to announce the SDC Inclusion Scholarship. This prestigious scholarship promotes diversity, equity, and social inclusion within the MA in History & Philosophy (MAHP) programme at SiHP.
The fellowship prioritizes students from historically marginalised and underrepresented communities in Nepal, providing full tuition coverage and potential relocation support. Through this initiative, SiHP aims to nurture socially aware, context-sensitive graduates who can contribute meaningfully to Nepal and the broader South Asian region.
Key Highlights
- Eligibility: Open exclusively to Nepali nationals.
- Programme Requirement: Applicants must first apply to the MAHP programme at SiHP.
- Selection Criteria: Conditional offer of admission from SiHP, academic merit, financial need, and priority for candidates from underrepresented communities.
- Deadline: 17th April 2026
About the Fellowship Provider
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is the international cooperation agency of the Swiss Government. Its mission is to reduce poverty, promote sustainable development, strengthen democratic institutions, and improve access to education and economic opportunities.
Through partnerships with academic institutions, governments, and civil society organisations, the SDC supports programmes that advance inclusive development, social equity, and human rights. Initiatives such as the SDC Inclusion Fellowship empower women, youth, and disadvantaged communities by improving access to higher education and fostering leadership for sustainable social change.
Scholarship Objectives
The SDC Inclusion Scholarship is designed to:
- Promote inclusive access to graduate education for students from historically marginalised communities
- Strengthen diversity and representation within the MAHP programme
- Encourage critical academic engagement with social and historical issues
- Support the development of socially responsible scholars and future leaders
- Foster a learning environment that values diverse perspectives and experiences
Seat Allocation
To ensure regional and social representation, the scholarship awards are distributed as follows:
- 1 scholarship – Candidate from Koshi Province
- 1 scholarship – Candidate from Madhesh Province
- 2 scholarships – Open to candidates from any of Nepal’s seven provinces
How to Apply
- Apply to the MAHP Programme – Submit your application for the MA in History & Philosophy.
- Receive Conditional Offer
After submitting the application, the MAHP admissions committee will review all applications based on academic qualifications, motivation, and overall suitability for the programme.
Applicants who meet the programme’s academic and admission requirements may receive a conditional offer of admission. A conditional offer indicates that the applicant has been provisionally accepted into the programme, subject to the completion and verification of required documentation or other conditions specified by the admissions office.
Receiving a conditional offer is an important step, as only applicants who obtain this offer may be considered for the SDC Inclusion Scholarship.
3. Submit Scholarship Documents
Applicants who receive a conditional offer of admission may then be considered for the SDC Inclusion Scholarship. At this stage, candidates will be required to submit additional information and supporting documents that demonstrate their eligibility for the scholarship and their need for financial support.
As part of the scholarship consideration process, applicants are required to submit short written responses addressing the following questions:
1. Financial Need Statement (Approx. 200 words)
Explain why financial assistance is necessary for you to undertake this MA programme. Applicants may describe their current financial situation, family responsibilities, or other constraints that limit their ability to independently finance graduate study.
2. Personal and Social Background (Approx. 200 words)
Describe the social, cultural, or educational background that has shaped your academic interests and aspirations. Applicants may discuss their family background, schooling environment, or formative experiences that influenced their decision to pursue graduate education.
3. Academic Motivation (Approx. 200 words)
Explain what motivates your interest in studying history and/or philosophy. Applicants may describe the questions, experiences, or concerns that inspired their interest in these fields and how they hope their studies will contribute to their future academic, professional, or social engagement.
4. Required Supporting Documents
Applicants are required to submit the following documents:
- Proof of Annual Income Source – Issued by the relevant authority or local Ward Office.
- Property Evaluation Certificate – Indicating the current market value of property, issued by the Ward Office.
- Document Certifying Minority Status – Official identification confirming minority status (if applicable).
- Proof of Residence – A document confirming permanent residence (e.g., recommendation letter from Ward Office or Municipality).
- Two Reference Letters – Preferably from recently graduated academic institutions or faculty members.
- Bank Statement – Statement from the last six months from the applicant’s bank account.
- Other Supporting Documents – Any additional documents that demonstrate financial need.
The scholarship selection committee will evaluate applications based on financial need, alignment with the scholarship’s inclusion objectives, academic motivation, and the applicant’s potential to contribute to an inclusive and diverse academic environment.
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