21st February 2025, Kathmandu
The Computer Association of Nepal (CAN) Federation, a pioneering institution in Nepal’s information and communication technology (ICT) sector for over 33 years, has officially opened applications for the National ICT Scholarship 2081. This scholarship, designed to support students pursuing technical education, has been running for the past seven years. The program was officially inaugurated by the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung.
National ICT Scholarship 2025
During the inauguration, Minister Gurung highlighted the significance of the scholarship in equipping students with essential digital skills, contributing to Nepal’s prominence in the global ICT industry. Emphasizing the need to keep up with evolving technologies, he stated, “This scholarship program is instrumental in developing skilled manpower in the ICT sector. Expanding it to the postgraduate level would further strengthen research and industry readiness.”
Scholarship Details and Eligibility
The CAN Federation, in collaboration with the Lord Buddha Education Foundation (LBEF), has been facilitating this initiative to provide financial assistance to talented yet economically disadvantaged students across Nepal. According to CAN Federation President Sunaina Ghimire Pandey, 49 students will receive either full or partial scholarships this year.
The National ICT Scholarship particularly focuses on students from rural and underprivileged backgrounds, offering them an opportunity to build a career in ICT. The initiative aligns with the Digital Nepal Framework, further strengthening Nepal’s digital ecosystem.
As per Lord Buddha Education Foundation (LBEF) President Er. Pankaj Jalan, the scholarship ensures equal opportunity across all seven provinces, with one student from each province receiving a full scholarship and an additional 42 students receiving partial scholarships.
Additionally, under the Female Merit ICT Scholarship, four female students from each province (28 in total) will be awarded scholarships. Similarly, the ICT Merit Scholarship will support three students from each province (21 in total).
Industry Collaboration & Career Readiness
To ensure students gain practical skills, the scholarship program is closely integrated with industry collaboration. Scholarship Coordinator and Former CAN Federation President Ranjit Podar stated that partnerships with industries will provide students with hands-on experience through internships and project collaborations, enhancing their employability.
Selection Committee: CAN Federation has formed a Scholarship Selection Committee led by Ranjit Podar as the coordinator, with Vice President Chiranjibi Adhikari, Hark Sethi, Shekhar Nath Dulal, Secretary Sarita Neupane, Central Members Raju Kattel, Dipendra Poudel, and Omkar Basnet, along with Finance Committee Members Santosh Dhungana, as part of the panel.
Impact on Nepal’s ICT Ecosystem
CAN Federation Vice President Chiranjibi Adhikari emphasized that the scholarship program is a significant step toward positioning Nepal as an ICT hub? By providing opportunities to students from remote regions, the initiative fosters an environment of technological innovation and digital empowerment.
Similarly, Dr. Shaligram Parajuli, an IT Expert at the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, acknowledged the scholarship’s role in bridging the digital divide and nurturing young tech talent to meet the industry’s growing demands.
CAN Federation General Secretary Chandra Bilas Bhurtel further reinforced the importance of such scholarships in producing skilled ICT professionals, stating that achieving the Digital Nepal vision requires a strong workforce trained in emerging technologies.
How to Apply
Eligible students who have passed their +2 or equivalent from a Nepal government-recognized institution, with at least 50% marks in Mathematics in Grade 10, can apply.
Application Deadline: Fagun 25, 2081: Apply Online: CAN Federation Website: scholarship.can.org.np
Required Documents:
Copies of Grade 10 & 12 mark sheets
Passport-sized photo
Copy of Citizenship or Birth Certificate
Recommendation letter from the local government
Selected students will be awarded a total of NPR 21.3 million in scholarships, allowing them to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSc. IT) at LBEF, affiliated with Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), Malaysia.
This initiative marks a transformative step in Nepal’s ICT education landscape, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to excel in the digital era.
For more: National ICT Scholarship 2025
