Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students

Pursuing higher education abroad can be a life-changing experience, offering exposure to diverse cultures, world-class education, and numerous career opportunities. However, the cost of studying overseas can be a significant hurdle.

This is where fully funded scholarships come into play, covering tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and sometimes even providing additional benefits like health insurance and research grants. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most prestigious fully funded scholarships available to international students worldwide.

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)

Eligibility: International students from over 160 countries.
Level: Master’s and Ph.D. programs.
Details: The Fulbright Program covers tuition, textbooks, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance for the duration of the study. It is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world, promoting mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries.

2. Chevening Scholarships (UK)

Eligibility: Students from Chevening-eligible countries (over 140).
Level: Master’s degrees.
Details: Funded by the UK government, Chevening Scholarships offer full financial support for one-year Master’s degree programs at any UK university. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel costs to and from the UK, a living allowance, and additional grants to cover essential expenditures.

3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EU)

Eligibility: Students from all over the world.
Level: Master’s degrees.
Details: Erasmus Mundus offers fully funded scholarships for international students to study in Europe. The program covers participation costs, travel expenses, installation costs, and subsistence costs for the duration of the study program.

4. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

Eligibility: International students from developing countries.
Level: Master’s and Ph.D. programs.
Details: DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers scholarships that cover tuition fees, monthly stipends, health insurance, travel allowance, and accommodation for students pursuing Master’s or Ph.D. degrees in Germany.

5. Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)

Eligibility: Students from developing countries, particularly those in the Indo-Pacific region.
Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs.
Details: Funded by the Australian government, these scholarships cover full tuition fees, return air travel, establishment allowance, living expenses, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and supplementary academic support.

6. Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships (Worldwide)

Eligibility: Students sponsored by their local Rotary Club.
Level: Master’s degrees or Ph.D. programs.
Details: Rotary Global Grant scholarships provide a minimum of $30,000 to cover the cost of the study, including tuition, room and board, travel, and supplies. The scholarship is focused on fields that align with Rotary’s areas of focus, such as peace and conflict prevention/resolution, disease prevention and treatment, and water and sanitation.

7. Gates Cambridge Scholarships (UK)

Eligibility: International students from any country outside the UK.
Level: Master’s and Ph.D. programs.
Details: The Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge, including tuition fees, maintenance allowance, travel costs, and visa fees. The scholarship is awarded to applicants demonstrating outstanding intellectual ability, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving the lives of others.

8. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Switzerland)

Eligibility: Postgraduate researchers from over 180 countries.
Level: Ph.D., postdoctoral, and research programs.
Details: These scholarships cover tuition fees, a monthly stipend, health insurance, airfare, and housing allowance. They are awarded based on the candidate’s academic and research achievements.

9. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Canada)

Eligibility: International students nominated by a Canadian institution with a Vanier CGS allocation.
Level: Ph.D. programs.
Details: The Vanier CGS offers $50,000 per year for three years to cover tuition and living expenses. It is aimed at attracting and retaining world-class doctoral students to Canadian institutions.

10. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (Sweden)

Eligibility: Students from developing countries.
Level: Master’s degrees.
Details: The Swedish Institute Scholarships cover full tuition fees, living expenses, insurance, and travel grants. The program is designed for ambitious professionals who wish to study in Sweden and then return home to contribute to the sustainable development of their country.

11. Endeavour Postgraduate Leadership Awards (Australia)

Eligibility: Students from eligible countries in the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Europe, and the Americas.
Level: Master’s and Ph.D. programs.
Details: This Australian government-funded scholarship covers tuition fees, a monthly stipend, travel and establishment allowance, and health insurance.

12. New Zealand Government Scholarships (New Zealand)

Eligibility: Students from developing countries in the Pacific, Asia, Africa, Caribbean, and Latin America.
Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs.
Details: These scholarships cover full tuition fees, living allowance, establishment allowance, medical and travel insurance, and travel expenses.

13. Turkiye Burslari Scholarships (Turkey)

Eligibility: International students from all over the world.
Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs.
Details: The Turkiye Burslari Scholarships cover tuition fees, return airfare, health insurance, accommodation, and a monthly stipend. The program is designed to build a network of future leaders committed to strengthening cooperation between Turkey and their home countries.

14. The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)

Eligibility: Students from World Bank member developing countries.
Level: Master’s degrees.
Details: This scholarship covers tuition, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and travel allowance. The program is aimed at students committed to returning to their home country to contribute to its development.

15. ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (Asia and Pacific)

Eligibility: Students from ADB’s developing member countries.
Level: Master’s degrees.
Details: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) provides scholarships that cover full tuition fees, a monthly subsistence allowance, housing allowance, book allowance, medical insurance, and travel expenses. The scholarship is offered for studies in fields related to economics, management, science and technology, and other development-related fields.

Conclusion

Fully funded scholarships are a vital resource for international students aiming to pursue higher education abroad without the burden of financial constraints. These scholarships not only cover tuition fees but also provide support for living expenses, travel, and health insurance, ensuring that students can focus on their studies and personal development. By securing one of these prestigious scholarships, students can access world-class education, build global networks, and contribute to their home countries upon graduation. If you’re an aspiring international student, start researching and applying for these opportunities today—your global education journey awaits!