Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students 2025

Studying abroad is a dream for millions of students worldwide, but the cost can be prohibitive. Fortunately, dozens of fully funded scholarship programmes exist that cover tuition, living expenses, flights, and more. Here are the top 10 fully funded scholarships available to international students in 2025.

1. Chevening Scholarship (UK)

The UK government's flagship international scholarship programme. Covers full tuition, a monthly living allowance, flights, and more. Open to emerging leaders with two years of work experience.

Open to: Students from 160+ countries Level: Master's degree Value: Full tuition + living allowance + flights

2. Fulbright Scholarship (USA)

One of the world's most prestigious exchange programmes, the Fulbright covers study, research, and teaching in the United States. Administered by the US Department of State.

Open to: Students from 160+ countries Level: Postgraduate research and study Value: Full funding including tuition, living stipend, and health insurance

3. DAAD Scholarship (Germany)

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers hundreds of scholarships for international students to study in Germany. Many programmes are offered in English.

Open to: Students from developing countries and worldwide Level: Bachelor's, Master's, PhD Value: Monthly stipend of €850–€1,200 plus tuition at public universities (which is already low/free)

4. Erasmus+ Scholarship (Europe)

The EU's flagship education programme enables students to study in multiple European countries. It also offers international credit mobility for students from outside Europe.

Open to: EU citizens for mobility; International credit mobility for non-EU Level: All levels Value: Monthly allowance + travel support

5. Commonwealth Scholarship (UK)

Funded by the UK government for students from Commonwealth countries. Covers tuition, airfares, and a living allowance.

Open to: Citizens of Commonwealth countries Level: Master's and PhD Value: Full tuition + airfares + monthly stipend

6. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)

Awarded by the University of Cambridge to outstanding applicants from outside the UK. One of the most selective scholarships in the world.

Open to: Students from any country outside the UK Level: Postgraduate (MPhil, PhD, one-year postgrad) Value: Full cost of studying at Cambridge including tuition and maintenance allowance

7. Rotary Peace Fellowship (Worldwide)

The Rotary Foundation offers fellowships to study peace and conflict resolution at one of six partner universities worldwide.

Open to: Professionals committed to peace-building Level: Master's or professional development certificate Value: Full tuition, living and housing allowances, travel

8. Australia Awards (Australia)

The Australian government's flagship international development scholarship programme, targeting students from the Indo-Pacific region.

Open to: Citizens of eligible Indo-Pacific countries Level: Bachelor's, Master's, PhD Value: Full tuition + living allowance + health insurance + travel

9. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship

The Swiss Confederation offers excellence scholarships to international students for postgraduate study and research in Switzerland.

Open to: Students from eligible countries (varies by programme) Level: Postgraduate research and study Value: Monthly stipend of CHF 1,920 + tuition waiver

10. Korean Government Scholarship (KGSP)

South Korea's Ministry of Education offers generous scholarships for international students to study at Korean universities.

Open to: Citizens of eligible countries Level: Undergraduate, Master's, PhD Value: Full tuition + monthly allowance + language training + airfare

How to Apply

Each of these scholarships has its own application process, timeline, and eligibility requirements. Key tips:

• Start researching 12–18 months before you plan to study
• Check nationality eligibility carefully
• Prepare strong personal statements and research proposals
• Get academic and professional references ready early
• Apply to multiple scholarships to improve your chances

Use Global Scholarships to search and track your applications for all of these programmes and hundreds more.