Olive Branch Church · Seva Scholarship Programme
Olive Branch Seva Scholarship 2026
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2026 · 600+ Participants · NPR 10,50,000
About
Olive Branch Seva Scholarship
The Olive Branch Seva Scholarship exists to invest in students who have already shown — through years of service rather than weeks — that their education will deepen what they have to give their community, not take them away from it.
The award is paid directly to the recipient's institution upon confirmation of enrolment. It is not paid to the individual.
Eligibility
Who Can Apply
- Students who are confirmed to enter a recognised college or university within the current academic year
- Students who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate programme at any stage
- Applicants must be residents of Pokhara or Gandaki Province, or active members of Olive Branch Church
- Applicants must have completed a minimum of 20 verified hours of community service in the preceding 12 months
- One application per student per year
- Previous recipients are not eligible to apply again
Criteria
Selection Criteria
Each application is reviewed by a panel of church leaders, educators, and community representatives. Applicants are assessed across the following areas:
Community Service
Verified hours and quality of community service, volunteering, or social work
30%
Academic Standing
Evidence of academic effort and progress — entering students provide school records; enrolled students provide college transcripts
25%
Statement of Purpose
A personal statement (400–800 words) on how the applicant's education will serve their community
25%
Character Reference
Two references from community members, teachers, or religious leaders
20%
Key Dates
Timeline
Mar 15, 2026
Applications Open
Application forms available at the church office and distributed through partner schools and colleges
4 weeks after opening
Submissions Close
All applications, supporting documents, and references must be submitted
2 weeks before announcement
Shortlist Interviews
Shortlisted applicants are invited for a brief conversation with the selection panel
May 25, 2026
Recipient Announced
Announced at Sunday service and posted on the church notice board. Scholarship transferred to institution within 30 days
Recipient
2026 Scholarship Recipient
Darshan Poudel
NPR 10,50,000
Darshan Poudel was selected on the basis of verified community service with Olive Branch Church, including sustained involvement in the Saturday food pantry and the church's literacy tutoring programme. The scholarship of NPR 10,50,000 was paid directly to his institution upon confirmation of enrolment. 600+ community members participated in this year's programme.
Scholarship History
All Recipients · 2014 – 2026
A complete record of every Olive Branch Seva Scholarship recipient since the programme's founding.
| Year |
Recipient |
Scholarship |
| 2014 | Sunita Adhikari | NPR 4,50,000 |
| 2015 | Prakash Sharma | NPR 6,00,000 |
| 2016 | Anjali Rai | NPR 6,50,000 |
| 2017 | Bibek Karki | NPR 5,00,000 |
| 2018 | No award — programme ran, but no applicant in this cycle held confirmed college enrolment | — |
| 2019 | Dipesh Thapa | NPR 7,00,000 |
| 2020 | Kamala Shrestha | NPR 5,80,000 |
| 2021 | No award — no candidate met the minimum verified service requirement | — |
| 2022 | No award — shortlisted candidates withdrew before final selection | — |
| 2023 | Sushma Karki | NPR 6,20,000 |
| 2024 | Ramesh Rana | NPR 8,00,000 |
| 2025 | Anisha Shrestha | NPR 9,00,000 |
| 2026 | Darshan Poudel | NPR 10,50,000 |