Are you searching for social science master’s scholarships to fund your graduate studies? You’re in the right place. Between April and June 2025, several competitive and fully funded international scholarships are open for application—specifically aimed at students from developing countries pursuing social science degrees.
Open Social Science Master’s Scholarships (April–June 2025)
1. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
- Status: Expected to open June 2025
- Deadline: Typically closes November 2025 (Exact date TBA)
- Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, travel costs, visa fees
- Eligibility:
- Must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country (includes most developing nations)
- Undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK upper second-class
- At least two years of work experience
- Commitment to return home for at least 2 years after the award ends
- Website: https://www.chevening.org
- Tip: Start gathering references and drafting your leadership and networking essays now.
2. DAAD EPOS Scholarships (Germany)
- Status: Currently Open for Several Programs
- Deadline: Varies by program – most between April and June 2025
- Coverage: Tuition, monthly stipend (€934), health insurance, travel allowance
- Eligibility:
- Citizen of a developing country
- At least two years of relevant work experience
- Academic degree no more than 6 years old
- Strong motivation related to development
- Website: https://www.daad.de/en (Search “EPOS”)
- Tip: Each university has a different deadline – check the course list carefully and apply directly through the institution.
3. Rotary Peace Fellowship (2026–27 academic year)
- Status: Applications Open Now
- Deadline: 15 May 2025
- Coverage: Full tuition, travel, internship funding, living expenses
- Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field
- Minimum three years of relevant full-time work or volunteer experience
- Proven leadership and peacebuilding commitment
- Proficiency in English (TOEFL/IELTS scores may be required)
- Website: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/peace-fellowships
- Tip: Applications go through local Rotary districts, so connect early with one near you.
4. Open Society Foundations – Civil Society Scholar Awards
- Status: Expected to Open Late April or May 2025
- Deadline: Typically 6–8 weeks after opening
- Coverage: Short-term research funding, academic training, conference travel
- Eligibility:
- Citizens of eligible countries (including many in Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe)
- Enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program in social sciences or humanities
- Working on a research project aligned with Open Society themes (e.g. human rights, transparency, justice)
- Website: https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org
- Tip: This award is best for scholars with a clearly defined research focus or ongoing thesis work.
5. New Zealand Manaaki Scholarships (2026 intake)
- Status: Applications Open Now
- Deadline: 30 April 2025 at 12:00 PM NZST
- Coverage: Full tuition, living allowance, setup allowance, travel costs, insurance
- Eligibility:
- Citizen of an eligible developing country (see official list)
- Minimum one year of work experience (paid or unpaid)
- Return home for at least two years after completion
- Website: https://www.nzscholarships.govt.nz
- Tip: You’ll need to demonstrate how your study will contribute to your country’s development goals.
6. The World Bank – Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
- Status: Second Application Window Open Now
- Deadline: 24 May 2025 (final call for 2025 intake)
- Coverage: Full tuition, monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, travel allowance
- Eligibility:
- Citizen of a World Bank-listed developing country
- At least three years of recent full-time professional experience
- Unconditional admission to a program on the list of eligible master’s degrees
- Website: https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/scholarships
- Tip: Applications must be submitted online and supported by two professional references.
How to Apply for Social Science Master’s Scholarships
Applying for social science master’s scholarships can be competitive, but with careful preparation and research, it’s completely achievable. Below are the tips to apply for Social Science Master’s Scholarships:
- Prepare early: Most of these scholarships require detailed essays, transcripts, language scores, and references.
- Tailor your application: Focus on leadership, development impact, and alignment with scholarship goals.
- Double-check eligibility: Some programs are limited to specific countries or regions.
- Use official sources: Always apply through the scholarship’s official website to avoid scams.
Final Words
With deadlines fast approaching, now is the time to polish your application materials and take the next step in your academic journey. These scholarships are highly competitive but immensely rewarding—providing not just financial support, but access to global networks and world-class institutions.
Good luck, and don’t hesitate to bookmark this post or share it with a friend who might benefit!