Finding a way to finance higher education can be challenging, especially for international students seeking to study abroad.
However, fully funded scholarships provide a unique opportunity for talented students worldwide to pursue their academic dreams without the burden of financial worries.
This guide explores the top 99 fully funded scholarships available, covering government, university, and private sector opportunities, along with region-specific options.
Read on to discover the best scholarship programs and learn how to stand out in your application.
Best Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students
Fully funded scholarships cover all major costs associated with studying abroad, including tuition, housing, and often even travel expenses and living stipends.
They are highly competitive but offer life-changing opportunities, enabling students from diverse backgrounds to receive quality education and gain international exposure.
Benefits of Fully Funded Scholarships
Receiving a fully funded scholarship comes with numerous advantages:
- Financial Freedom: Covers all education costs, allowing students to focus on their studies.
- Networking Opportunities: Many scholarship programs provide networking opportunities, connecting students with industry leaders and peers from around the world.
- Cultural Experience: Studying abroad offers students a chance to immerse themselves in new cultures and broaden their worldviews.
- Career Advancement: Graduates with international education often have an edge in the job market due to their global experience and language skills.
Types of Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students
Fully funded scholarships for international students generally fall into three main categories:
Government-Funded Scholarships
These scholarships are provided by governments worldwide to attract international students to their educational institutions and enhance cultural exchange. Examples include the Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA) and DAAD Scholarships (Germany).
University-Sponsored Scholarships
Many top universities worldwide offer their own fully funded scholarship programs for international students. These programs target students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and leadership skills.
Private Sector and NGO Scholarships
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and private corporations also provide scholarships to help students from developing countries. Programs such as the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships are notable examples.
Top 10 Government-Funded Scholarships for International Students
Explore these top government-funded scholarships available for international students.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
The Fulbright Program offers fully funded scholarships for graduate students, young professionals, and artists from abroad to study and conduct research in the United States. It covers tuition, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance.
Chevening Scholarships (UK)
The Chevening Scholarships, funded by the UK government, support one-year Master’s programs in the UK for international students, covering tuition, travel, and living expenses.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EU)
The Erasmus Mundus program offers scholarships for international students to study in Europe, covering tuition, travel, and a monthly allowance for Master’s level study.
Australia Awards Scholarships
These scholarships aim to foster leadership skills among recipients from developing countries. They cover tuition fees, return air travel, and living expenses in Australia.
DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships for international students to pursue postgraduate degrees in Germany, providing full financial support.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
The Swiss government offers scholarships to promote research collaboration and exchange between Switzerland and over 180 countries. It covers tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and travel.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The Canadian government awards the Vanier Scholarships to doctoral students, providing financial support to encourage research in Canada.
New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships
The New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships are available to international students from developing countries, covering tuition fees, travel, and a living allowance.
Chinese Government Scholarships
The Chinese Government Scholarship offers full funding for undergraduate and postgraduate studies, covering tuition, housing, and a monthly stipend.
MEXT Scholarships (Japan)
The Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) provides fully funded scholarships for international students pursuing undergraduate and graduate studies.
Top 10 University-Funded Scholarships for International Students
Many prestigious universities provide fully funded scholarships for international students, targeting those with exceptional academic or leadership potential.
Oxford Clarendon Scholarships (UK)
The Clarendon Scholarships at the University of Oxford are awarded based on academic merit to students worldwide for graduate-level study.
Gates Cambridge Scholarships (UK)
Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Cambridge Scholarships support postgraduate students at the University of Cambridge, covering full costs.
Stanford University Knight-Hennessy Scholars (USA)
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University provides full funding for students pursuing graduate degrees across disciplines.
Schwarzman Scholars Program (China)
Tsinghua University in China offers the Schwarzman Scholars Program, a highly competitive program for future leaders, covering full tuition, accommodation, and a stipend.
University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships (Canada)
The Pearson Scholarships provide international students with full tuition and living expenses at the University of Toronto, targeting students with leadership potential.
University of Melbourne International Research Scholarships (Australia)
The University of Melbourne offers fully funded scholarships for international students pursuing research-based Master’s and PhD programs.
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program (France)
The Eiffel Scholarship program, funded by the French government, offers full funding for Master’s and PhD programs in France.
Rhodes Scholarships (UK)
The Rhodes Scholarships at Oxford University cover all study costs and living expenses for exceptional students worldwide, focusing on academic excellence and leadership.
ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship (Switzerland)
ETH Zurich offers scholarships for outstanding students worldwide, covering tuition and living expenses for Master’s programs.
Singapore International Graduate Award
This award provides full funding for international students pursuing PhD studies in Singapore, covering tuition and living expenses.
Top 10 Private Sector and NGO Scholarships for International Students
Private foundations and NGOs also play a crucial role in offering scholarships to help students achieve their academic goals.
Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
This program supports students from developing countries, offering full scholarships to study development-related Master’s programs at partner institutions.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
This program offers scholarships to students from Africa, providing comprehensive funding for undergraduate and graduate education at partner universities.
Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships
The Rotary Foundation offers scholarships for graduate-level study in various fields, covering tuition and living expenses.
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program
This program offers scholarships to students from developing countries who demonstrate excellent academic records and need financial assistance.
Wells Mountain Foundation Empowerment Through Education Scholarship
This scholarship is targeted toward students in developing countries, providing tuition assistance and support for other educational expenses.
Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships (Germany)
The Heinrich Böll Foundation awards scholarships to international students from various countries pursuing studies in Germany.
Open Society Foundation Civil Society Leadership Awards
This scholarship supports individuals committed to social change, offering funding for Master’s-level programs at select universities.
Korean Government Scholarship Program (Global Korea Scholarship)
The Korean government provides fully funded scholarships for undergraduate and graduate studies in South Korea, covering tuition, living expenses, and airfare.
ADB-Japan Scholarship Program
The Asian Development Bank partners with Japan to provide fully funded scholarships to students from developing countries in Asia and the Pacific region.
Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowships
This program offers fellowships to women from developing countries to pursue PhD and postdoctoral studies in STEM fields.
Region-Specific Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students
Scholarships for African Students
Programs such as the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the DAAD In-Region Scholarships specifically support African students.
Scholarships for Latin American Students
The Erasmus Mundus and British Council Scholarships for Latin America are some of the key opportunities for students from Latin America.
Scholarships for Asian Students
Scholarships like the Global Korea Scholarship and MEXT Scholarships offer full funding for students from Asia.
Scholarships for Middle Eastern Students
The Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) Scholarships and Fulbright Foreign Student Program offer funding specifically for students from the Middle East.
How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships
Applying for scholarships requires careful preparation. Research each program’s eligibility criteria, submit well-prepared documents, and emphasize academic achievements, community involvement, and leadership skills in your application.
Tips for a Successful Scholarship Application
- Start Early: Give yourself enough time to gather documents and prepare your application.
- Customize Each Application: Tailor your essays and personal statements to match the specific scholarship.
- Highlight Achievements: Focus on academic, extracurricular, and leadership experiences.
- Prepare for Interviews: Some scholarships include an interview stage, so practice common questions.
(FAQs)
- What is a fully funded scholarship? A fully funded scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, travel, and other costs associated with studying abroad.
- Who is eligible for fully funded scholarships? Eligibility varies by program; many scholarships target students with high academic achievements and leadership potential.
- How competitive are fully funded scholarships? These scholarships are very competitive due to their comprehensive funding.
- Can I apply for multiple fully funded scholarships? Yes, but check each program’s rules regarding concurrent scholarships.
- Do I need proof of language proficiency? Most programs require proof of English or another language proficiency.