NMA Scholarships & Grants for Doctors in Nepal

The Scholarship Committee of the Nepal Medical Association supports the learning journey of medical and dental professionals in Nepal. Grants are announced through official notices and focus on study, research, skills growth, and early-career support.

Scholarship Categories

Academic and Training Grants

• Short courses, workshops, and CPD activities in Nepal or abroad

• Clinical skill updates aligned with national priorities

• Exam-preparation courses recognized by councils or universities

Research and Publication Grants

• Seed grants for clinical or public health research

• Support for data analysis and manuscript development

• Small grants linked to publication in peer-reviewed journals

Conference and Travel Grants

• Partial support to present accepted abstracts

• Help for poster/oral presentations at national or international meetings

• Priority for first-time presenters and early-career doctors

Merit and Need-Sensitive Support

• Awards for academic excellence or high-impact service

• Limited need-based support when clear hardship is documented

• Special windows for women in medicine, remote-area practitioners, or priority fields (as announced)

Who Can Apply (General Eligibility)

• NMA member in good standing (some calls may specify membership duration)

• Licensed medical or dental practitioner in Nepal; certain calls include interns and residents

• Proposed activity linked to public health or clinical service needs

• No pending disciplinary action from regulators

• Only one active grant at a time unless a call states otherwise

When Calls Open (Application Windows and Timelines)

• Calls are published periodically with stated open/close dates

• Reviews typically conclude within 2–6 weeks after the deadline

• Activities must finish within the grant’s validity period

• Extensions are uncommon and require a written request

What to Prepare (Required Documents)

• Completed application form (per call)

• CV (2–3 pages)

• Nepal Medical/Dental Council registration copy

• Proof of NMA membership

• Proposal or statement of purpose (objective, method, outcomes, timeline)

• For travel: abstract acceptance or conference invitation

• For courses: provisional or confirmed admission letter

• Budget with brief justification and any co-funding

• For research: ethics approval or submission proof (if human subjects/data are involved)

How Applications Are Judged (Selection Criteria)

Relevance and Impact

• Clear link to national health needs, service quality, or education outcomes

• Expected benefit to patient safety or system strengthening

Quality and Feasibility

• Realistic plan, milestones, and methods

• Appropriate budget and timeline

Applicant Profile

• Fit for career stage (intern, resident, early-career, consultant)

• Prior outputs and a plan to apply new learning in Nepal

Equity and Reach

• Consideration for under-served locations and public-sector service

• Attention to first-time applicants, gender balance, and regional spread

What the Grant Can Cover (Funding Scope and Limits)

• Amounts vary by call and available budget

• Typical coverage: registration fees, economy travel, basic accommodation, learning materials

• Often excluded: personal equipment, luxury travel, unrelated expenses

After You’re Selected (Disbursement and Reporting)

• Disbursement may be staged (advance plus balance after completion)

• Reporting is mandatory: completion report, attendance proof, abstract/paper copy, receipts

• Knowledge-sharing clause: brief talk, summary note, or webinar via NMA or a branch

Your Responsibilities as an Awardee

• Use funds only for approved activities

• Acknowledge NMA support in presentations or publications

• Submit reports and receipts on time

• Inform NMA promptly if timelines or plans change

Ethics and Compliance

• Human-subject research must follow national ethics rules

• Plagiarism or data fabrication leads to cancellation and future ineligibility

• Declare any conflicts of interest in the application

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1. Read the latest NMA scholarship notice and confirm eligibility

2. Draft a focused proposal or statement of purpose (need, plan, outcomes)

3. Gather documents: CV, council registration, NMA membership, letters, budget

4. Submit before the deadline via the channel stated in the call (online or office)

5. Track status and respond to reviewer queries if asked

6. If selected, sign the award letter and follow disbursement steps

Tips for a Strong Application

• State a clear learning or research question and why it matters for Nepal

• Keep objectives specific, measurable, and time-bound

• Show how you will share learning or improve services at your workplace

• Keep the budget realistic and list co-funding if available

• Write plainly and avoid jargon

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can apply?

NMA members who are licensed medical or dental doctors. Some calls include interns and residents.

Are postgraduate students eligible?

Yes, if the call allows. Residents and fellows should attach a supervisor or department letter.

Can I hold multiple grants?

Only one active grant at a time unless the notice states otherwise. You may reapply after completing reporting.

How long does the review take?

Timelines vary. Allow several weeks after the deadline.

Do I need ethics approval for research?

Yes, for studies with human subjects or identifiable data. Submit approval or proof of submission.

Is retroactive funding possible?

Generally no. Activities must fall within the award period.

Contact and Updates

• Scholarship notices and forms are shared through NMA’s official channels

• For questions, contact the Scholarship Committee via the NMA central office or your branch

• Keep your NMA membership active and contact details updated to receive alerts

Quick Checklist

• Eligibility confirmed

• All documents ready

• Clear objectives and a feasible plan

• Realistic budget

• Submitted before the deadline

• Reporting plan prepared