Looking to apply for fully funded scholarships abroad? You’re not alone—and you’re in luck. Many universities and governments worldwide offer fully funded scholarships that cover tuition, living expenses, travel costs, and more for international students.
Here’s a definitive guide to the top 20 countries offering such opportunities. Whether you’re applying for a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD, this post will walk you through the best options, application deadlines, and where to apply.
Top Countries for Fully Funded Scholarships Abroad
1. United States
Harvard University
- Scholarship: Harvard Financial Aid (Undergrad), Graduate Fellowships
- Eligibility: Open to international students, based on academic merit and financial need.
- Deadline: January (undergrad); graduate deadlines vary.
- Website: college.harvard.edu/financial-aid
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- Eligibility: Strong academic record, leadership potential, English fluency.
- Deadline: February–June (varies by country).
- Website: foreign.fulbrightonline.org
🇬🇧 2. United Kingdom
University of Oxford
- Scholarships: Rhodes, Reach Oxford, Clarendon
- Eligibility: Based on academic performance and nationality (varies by scholarship).
- Deadline: September to January.
- Website: www.ox.ac.uk
Chevening Scholarships
- Eligibility: Strong academic background, leadership, return-to-home commitment.
- Deadline: November.
- Website: chevening.org
🇩🇪 3. Germany
DAAD Scholarships
- Eligibility: Open to international students with 2+ years’ work experience.
- Deadline: October–December.
- Website: daad.de/en
Public Universities (e.g., TU Munich, Heidelberg)
- Scholarship: Tuition-free education + DAAD living support
- Website: study-in-germany.de
🇨🇦 4. Canada
University of Toronto
- Scholarship: Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
- Eligibility: Nominated by school, academic excellence, leadership.
- Deadline: Nomination – November; Application – January.
- Website: future.utoronto.ca
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Eligibility: PhD candidates with strong research and leadership profiles.
- Deadline: University deadlines typically September–October.
- Website: vanier.gc.ca
🇦🇺 5. Australia
University of Melbourne
- Scholarship: Graduate Research Scholarships
- Eligibility: Academic merit, research potential.
- Deadline: Rolling; apply before October for best chance.
- Website: scholarships.unimelb.edu.au
Australia Awards
- Eligibility: Citizens of eligible developing countries.
- Deadline: April 30.
- Website: www.dfat.gov.au
🇳🇱 6. Netherlands
University of Amsterdam
- Scholarship: Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship
- Eligibility: Non-EU students in the top 10% of their class.
- Deadline: January–March.
- Website: www.uva.nl
Holland Scholarship
- Eligibility: Non-EEA nationals applying to Dutch universities.
- Deadline: February–May.
- Website: studyinholland.nl
🇨🇳 7. China
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
- Eligibility: Undergraduate to PhD students; based on academic merit.
- Deadline: March–April.
- Website: campuschina.org
Schwarzman Scholars (Tsinghua University)
- Eligibility: Global leaders aged 18–28, with bachelor’s degree.
- Deadline: September.
- Website: schwarzmanscholars.org
🇰🇷 8. South Korea
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
- Eligibility: International students applying for bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD.
- Deadline: February–April.
- Website: studyinkorea.go.kr
🇯🇵 9. Japan
MEXT Scholarship
- Eligibility: Undergraduate to doctoral level, depending on application route.
- Deadline: April–June (Embassy), October–December (University).
- Website: www.studyinjapan.go.jp
🇸🇪 10. Sweden
Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)
- Eligibility: Master’s students from select countries with work experience and leadership.
- Deadline: January–February.
- Website: www.si.se/en
🇫🇷 11. France
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program
- Institution: French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
- Eligibility: Master’s and PhD applicants from developing countries.
- Deadline: January (via French institutions).
- Website: www.campusfrance.org
🇳🇿 12. New Zealand
New Zealand Government Scholarships
- Institution: All 8 universities including University of Auckland, Otago
- Eligibility: Citizens from eligible developing countries.
- Deadline: February 28.
- Website: www.nzscholarships.govt.nz
🇳🇴 13. Norway
Norwegian Public Universities
- Scholarship: Tuition-Free Education (living costs may not be covered)
- Eligibility: International students from all countries.
- Deadline: December–March depending on the institution.
- Website: studyinnorway.no
🇸🇬 14. Singapore
SINGA (Singapore International Graduate Award)
- Institution: A*STAR, NUS, NTU, SUTD
- Eligibility: PhD in science and engineering; strong academic record.
- Deadline: June and December (2 intakes per year).
- Website: https://www.a-star.edu.sg/Scholarships/For-Graduate-Studies/Singapore-International-Graduate-Award-SINGA/
🇮🇳 15. India
ICCR Scholarships (Indian Council for Cultural Relations)
- Eligibility: Undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students from partner countries.
- Deadline: March–April.
- Website: a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in
🇷🇺 16. Russia
Open Doors Russian Scholarship
- Eligibility: Master’s and PhD programs in top Russian universities.
- Deadline: December–January.
- Website: od.globaluni.ru
🇧🇷 17. Brazil
PEC-G Program
- Eligibility: Undergraduate students from developing countries with Portuguese proficiency.
- Deadline: Typically June.
- Website: https://www.gov.br/mre/en/subjects/culture-and-education/educational-themes/study-opportunities-for-international-applicants/pec-g/about-the-program
🇹🇷 18. Turkey
Türkiye Scholarships
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees; open to all nationalities.
- Deadline: January–February.
- Website: turkiyeburslari.gov.tr
🇭🇰 19. Hong Kong
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
- Eligibility: PhD applicants with research excellence; open to all nationalities.
- Deadline: December 1.
- Website: https://cerg1.ugc.edu.hk/hkpfs/index.html
🇦🇪 20. United Arab Emirates
Khalifa University / UAE University
- Scholarship: Graduate Research Scholarships
- Eligibility: International master’s and PhD students in STEM and engineering.
- Deadline: March–April.
- Website: ku.ac.ae, uaeu.ac.ae
Why Choose Fully Funded Scholarships Abroad?
Studying abroad with a full scholarship is more than just saving money—it’s an investment in your global future. Here’s why these countries stand out:
- World-Class Education: Countries like the USA, UK, and Germany house some of the top universities globally, ranked for research and academic excellence.
- Diverse Learning Environments: Exposure to global perspectives, multilingual settings, and international faculty enrich your academic and personal growth.
- Fully Funded Support: Many scholarships cover tuition fees, accommodation, health insurance, travel, and even monthly stipends.
- Career Opportunities: Countries like Canada, Australia, and the Netherlands offer post-study work visas and career pathways.
- Strong International Networks: Programs like Fulbright, Chevening, and DAAD connect you to global alumni networks and future leadership roles.
- Cultural Experience: From Swedish innovation to South Korean tech hubs and Brazilian hospitality, these countries offer unique cultural immersion alongside academic advancement.
Tips for Applying to Fully Funded Scholarships Abroad
- Start applications 6–12 months in advance.
- Ensure all documents (transcripts, essays, recommendation letters) are ready and translated if needed.
- Apply only through official websites.
- Double-check eligibility per country and program—some are region-specific.
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