Focus Area

At the same time, Nepal’s federal democratic system faces unresolved structural challenges. Federalism, now a lived reality across the country, continues to suffer from weak implementation, coordination gaps, and capacity constraints. As Nepal navigates political volatility alongside its post-LDC graduation transition, the demand for credible, evidence-informed policymaking has never been more urgent.

In this context, youth engagement in public policy research is not merely an academic exercise; it is a democratic necessity.

The Daayitwa Nepal Public Policy Fellowship (DNPPF) 2026 is designed to place young Nepali professionals within this moment of transformation. The fellowship offers a structured opportunity to engage with Nepal’s public system, supporting policy research, institutional learning, and democratic accountability while cultivating reflective, values-driven public leadership.

The fellowship is also an inward journey; fellows are encouraged to critically examine power, institutions, and their own relationship with public service. In a political era shaped by youth-led civic assertion, the fellowship seeks individuals who are prepared not only to question systems, but to help rebuild them.

Since 2013, the Daayitwa Nepal Public Service Fellowship has supported 198 young Nepali professionals trained in 32 countries to collaborate with 74 public agencies and 30 parliamentarians across party lines, contributing to policy research that has the potential to strengthen public decision-making. 

With the guiding principle of “My Government, My Responsibility,” the Daayitwa Nepal Public Policy Fellowship (DNPPF) has, over the past 13 years, established itself as a transformative platform for empowering Nepali youth to actively engage with and contribute to the governance system of Nepal. The fellowship is enriched by the Leading Policy Innovation (LPI) Course, an internationally curated program delivered by distinguished experts from around the world. This dual focus on practical policy engagement and rigorous research training has cemented DNPPF’s reputation as a bridge for young Nepali professionals, both at home and abroad, to contribute meaningfully to Nepal’s development journey. 

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Fellowship Features
The DNPPF is a comprehensive learning experience that provides fellows with:

1. A rare opportunity to work closely with public partners, gaining firsthand insights into Nepal’s policymaking processes.
2. Access to the LPI Course, which is delivered in collaboration with leading capacity-building partners: Governance Lab, Nepal Leadership Academy, and Nepali Academics in America.

Trainings and workshops within DNPPF include the following carefully designed sessions, led by field experts:

1. Leadership Course: Developed by Former Harvard Senior Fellow Dr. Pukar Malla, in collaboration with Professors Marshall Ganz and Ronald Heifetz at Harvard Center for Public Leadership.

2. Public Administration Course: In 2025, led by Mr. Madhu Marasini, Former Secretary, Government of Nepal & Dr. Pramod KC, Assistant Professor/Policy and Program Manager at KUSOM Policy Lab.

3. Policy Research Session: In 2025, facilitated by Dr. Udaya Raj Wagle from the Department of Politics and International Affairs at Northern Arizona University.

4. Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Research Methods Trainings: In 2025, conducted by Ms. Jenna Allard, Associate Director of Research and Policy at Yale Inclusion Economics; Dr. Conghe Song, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill; Dr. Nirmal Ghimire, University of North Carolina Wilmington; Dr. Prajwal Paudyal, Co-Founder and CEO of Qualz AI; Dr. Claire Willey-Sthapit, University of Kansas; Dr. Arati Maleku, The Ohio State University, Shambika Raut, PhD Candidate, The Ohio State University; Dr. Anup Phayal, University of North Carolina Wilmington; Dr. Kashi Kafle, Texas A&M University; & Dr. Shishir Shakya, Appalachian State University. 

5. Research Project Management Session: In 2025, delivered by Dr. Juni Singh, Economist at the World Bank.

6. Networking Events: Opportunities to connect with stakeholders from the public, private, and social sectors.

Mentorship and Capacity Building
Fellows receive personalized mentorship from leading experts across diverse fields such as economics, public policy, agriculture, education, information technology, etc. 

Duration
This immersive, three-month fellowship will run from June 1, 2026, to September 1, 2026. The fellowship requires a full-time commitment. 

Placement Themes

In the Daayitwa Nepal Public Policy Fellowship 2026, you will be working with public partners to understand and address relevant and critical policy challenges of Nepal. Applicants are required to provide their first, second and third preferences of thematic areas for the fellowship program below, based on their interests and background.

1. Governance and Public Administration 

2. Economic Development and Entrepreneurship

3. Agriculture and Rural Development  

4. Social Inclusion and Gender Empowerment

5. Education and Human Capital Development

6. Climate Change and Environment

7. Youth Engagement and Employment 

8. Technology and Digital Transformation

9. Parliamentary and Legislative Support

10. Infrastructure and Urban Development

11. Migration and Remittance
     

Tentative Selection Process

Please select up to three thematic areas of interest that align with your skills and aspirations below. Your preferences will help us tailor placement opportunities as partnerships are finalized for 2026. 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

WHAT IS THE DAAYITWA NEPAL PUBLIC POLICY FELLOWSHIP?

The Daayitwa Nepal Public Policy Fellowship (DNPPF) is a transformative program designed to support young professionals and students to engage with Nepal's governance system. Fellows collaborate with government agencies and federal parliamentarians to conduct impactful policy research that promotes evidence-based policy advocacy. Over three months, fellows receive rigorous training and mentorship while directly engaging with public partners that play direct roles in governance and policymaking in Nepal.  

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS ARE REQUIRED TO BECOME A DAAYITWA NEPAL PUBLIC POLICY FELLOW? 

Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree in fields such as public policy, international relations, economics, business, or related disciplines, with a strong academic track record (e.g., GPA, coursework rigor). Research experience, particularly in public policy analysis or implementation, is highly desirable. Master’s or PhD candidates are preferred. The fellowship is open to Nepali citizens and Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) only.

WHAT BENEFITS DOES THE FELLOWSHIP OFFER? 

The fellowship provides:

1. A monthly stipend of NPR 25,000 to support fellows during the program.
2. A chance to participate in the Leading Policy Innovation (LPI) Course featuring leadership modules designed by Dr. Pukar Malla, former Harvard Senior Fellow; public administration and research training sessions conducted by experts from institutions such as Yale University, Northern Arizona University, and Kathmandu University; specialized sessions on quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research methods; and workshops on analytical skills, project management, and statistical tools.
3. One-on-one mentorship from professionals in fields such as economics, education, agriculture, and information technology.
4. Networking opportunities with public, private, and social sector stakeholders. 

WHAT IS THE LOCATION AND DURATION OF THE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM? 

The fellowship is a full-time program taking place in Nepal from June 1, 2026, to September 1, 2026. The fellows are expected to be available in Nepal throughout the program. 

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I SUBMIT MY APPLICATION?

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Shortlisted candidates will proceed to the interview phase, conducted via Zoom/Meet or phone. The selection process involves 2-3 interview rounds, during which candidates will demonstrate their skills, qualifications, and suitability for the program.

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The Daayitwa Nepal Public Policy Fellowship is not just an opportunity, it is a movement. By becoming a DNPPF Fellow, you will step into a transformative role supporting Nepal's governance reform through rigorous research and training, while enhancing your own professional and academic growth. 

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