For many international students, the dream of studying abroad is often limited by financial constraints. However, numerous scholarships around the world are designed to support talented individuals, regardless of their country of origin. These scholarships not only ease financial burdens but also promote diversity, cross-cultural exchange, and academic excellence.
In this article, we explore the top 10 scholarships for international students, offering fully or partially funded opportunities at prestigious institutions worldwide. These scholarships cater to undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students across various disciplines.
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
Host Country: United States
Level: Master's and Ph.D.
Coverage: Full tuition, airfare, living stipend, health insurance
The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships globally, offered by the U.S. Department of State. It enables graduate students, young professionals, and artists from around the world to study and conduct research in the U.S. The program promotes mutual understanding through educational and cultural exchange.
Website: https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org/
2. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Host Country: United Kingdom
Level: Master’s degree
Coverage: Full tuition, living allowance, airfare, additional grants
Funded by the UK government, Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding emerging leaders from all over the world. The program supports one-year master’s programs at any UK university. Chevening emphasizes leadership, networking, and a commitment to return and contribute to one's home country.
Website: https://www.chevening.org/
3. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
Host Country: Germany
Level: Graduate and Doctoral
Coverage: Tuition-free education, monthly stipend, travel allowance, health insurance
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a wide range of scholarships to international students, especially from developing countries. Germany’s world-class education system and tuition-free public universities make DAAD one of the most valuable scholarship options.
Website: https://www.daad.de/en/
4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EU)
Host Region: European Union
Level: Master’s degree
Coverage: Full tuition, travel expenses, monthly stipend
Erasmus Mundus programs offer students the chance to study in at least two different European countries. These joint master’s programs are highly competitive and promote academic mobility, intercultural awareness, and European integration.
Website: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/
5. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
Host Country: United Kingdom
Level: Master’s and Ph.D.
Coverage: Tuition, airfare, stipend, and other allowances
Targeted at students from Commonwealth countries, these scholarships are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. The aim is to enhance global development through higher education.
Website: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/
6. Australia Awards Scholarships
Host Country: Australia
Level: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
Coverage: Full tuition, travel expenses, establishment allowance, living expenses
Funded by the Australian government, these awards support individuals from developing countries, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. The program aims to build lasting links between Australia and its neighbors.
Website: https://www.dfat.gov.au/
7. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Host Country: Switzerland
Level: Ph.D. and Postdoctoral
Coverage: Monthly allowance, tuition waiver, health insurance, airfare
These scholarships are intended for highly qualified postgraduate researchers and artists from over 180 countries. Students can pursue research at any public-funded university or recognized institution in Switzerland.
Website: https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/
8. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships
Host Country: Japan
Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, and Ph.D.
Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, airfare
MEXT offers a range of scholarships to international students wishing to study at Japanese universities. The program supports cultural exchange and international cooperation through academic engagement.
Website: https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/
9. Chinese Government Scholarships (CSC)
Host Country: China
Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, and Ph.D.
Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, living expenses, insurance
Offered by the China Scholarship Council, this program supports international students to pursue higher education in China. The scholarships are available for a wide range of programs and universities across the country.
Website: https://www.campuschina.org/
10. Rotary Foundation Global Grants
Host Countries: Various
Level: Graduate-level coursework or research
Coverage: Up to $30,000, including tuition, travel, and living expenses
Rotary Global Grants fund graduate-level studies in one of Rotary’s six areas of focus, such as peacebuilding, education, and disease prevention. The program encourages sustainable, community-based projects and international collaboration.
Website: https://www.rotary.org/