The World Wildlife Fund (WWF), a global conservation organization leading international efforts for a living planet, has established WWF Memorial Scholarships to honor the late conservation leaders who lost their lives in the tragic helicopter accident near Ghunsa, Taplejung, on 23 September 2006.
WWF Nepal calls for applications for WWF Memorial Scholarships 2025/26 from promising Nepali students who intend to pursue Master's and Bachelor's degrees in the field of environment and biodiversity conservation in Nepal.
Mingma Norbu Sherpa Memorial Scholarship
In honor of Mingma Norbu Sherpa and his life-long commitment to conservation, WWF Nepal awards the Mingma Norbu Sherpa Memorial Scholarship to promising students to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in the field of environmental and biodiversity conservation in Nepal. The scholarship aims to encourage bright and promising students from Nepal's rural mountain areas; primarily Sagarmatha, Kanchenjunga, Langtang, Manaslu, Makalu Barun, Gaurishankar, Annapurna (Manang and Mustang districts), Rara, Dolpo, and Api Nampa, to pursue careers in biodiversity conservation. The scholarship is available to Nepali citizens, with priority given to socio-economically disadvantaged applicants, who have completed their higher secondary education and have either applied, secured admission, or started classes (2025/26 session) at a university in Nepal.
Benefits
Each scholarship recipient will receive up to Nepali Rupees 569,400 over a period of 4 years to cover tuition, field equipment and field tour fees, living expenses, books, and supplies while pursuing the bachelor’s degree. Scholars will also have the opportunity to interact with WWF staff on conservation projects in Nepal. WWF reserves the sole right to reduce or split the scholarship amount between deserving candidates if needed.
Eligibility
Students with Nepali citizenship not exceeding 25 years of age at the time of application who have completed their intermediate with science are eligible to apply. Applicants must have applied or be admitted to a Bachelor's degree program in a conservation-related field at a university in Nepal. Students must be in their first year/semester of study.
Selection Criteria
Mingma Norbu Sherpa Memorial Scholars are selected through a competitive, merit-based process. A selection committee is convened to review applications, interview candidates, and select a pool of finalists. Finalists are chosen based on the following criteria:
- Only applicants who have completed +2/intermediate with science will be considered for this scholarship.
- Priority will be given to applicants from remote area districts (SLC certificate must be from a remote area district).
- Preference will be given to applicants from protected areas of Sagarmatha, Kangchenjunga, Langtang, Manaslu, Makalu Barun, Gaurishankar, Annapurna (Manang and Mustang districts), Rara, Dolpo and Api Nampa.
- Applicants will be judged on their academic achievement (SLC & TCL/10+2 or equivalent results) and motivation and commitment to conservation in Nepal and performance during the personal interview.
Note: The applicant who fulfills all of the above criteria and is considered the most qualified and deserving student by the selection committee will win the Mingma Norbu Sherpa Memorial Scholarship.
Required Documents
- Two letters of recommendation from teachers, community leaders, employers etc. Recommendation letters from family members will not be accepted.
- A copy of your academic transcripts and certificates.
- A copy of citizenship certificate.
- Proof of admission to the Bachelor of Science degree program or proof of application to this program.
To apply, click here.
Interested applicants are requested to apply via the provided links by 17:00 hours on 20th March 2026. Submission of a completed application form and all the listed required documents is mandatory.
Please note that only digital applications will be accepted.
For queries, please email at memorialscholarships@wwfnepal.org
