Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students in 2025
Higher education is a dream for many, but not everyone has the financial means to pursue it, especially for international students. However, there are numerous scholarships around the world that offer full funding for international students. These scholarships provide the opportunity to study in world-class institutions, covering all expenses such as tuition fees, living costs, and even travel expenses. In this article, we will explore the top 10 fully funded scholarships for international students in 2025.
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world. It is an American scholarship program of competitive, merit-based grants for international educational exchange for students, scholars, teachers, professionals, scientists and artists, founded by United States Senator J. William Fulbright in 1946. The scholarship provides full funding for the duration of the study which includes tuition, textbooks, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance.
It is offered to approximately 4,000 international students annually and is available for graduate students, young professionals, and artists from abroad to study, conduct research, or exercise their talents in the U.S. The program is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program operates in more than 155 countries worldwide.
Application Process for Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The application process for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program is rigorous and highly competitive. It starts with an online application where candidates are required to submit their academic records, two essays (a statement of purpose and a personal statement), three letters of recommendation, and scores from either the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic English language proficiency exams. Shortlisted candidates are then invited for an interview.
2. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
The Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship programme funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organizations. The programme provides full funding for one-year master’s degrees at any UK university and also offers professional development opportunities. The scholarships are awarded to outstanding professionals from all over the world to pursue a one-year master’s degree in any subject at any UK university.
The Chevening Scholarship covers university tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, an economy class return airfare to the UK, and additional grants and allowances to cover essential expenditure. Chevening Scholars also benefit from a year of networking, discovering, and building lasting relationships with people from around the globe.
Application Process for Chevening Scholarships
The application process for Chevening Scholarships is also highly competitive. It involves an online application where candidates must submit their academic records, a personal statement, and two letters of recommendation. Shortlisted candidates are then invited for an interview. The selection process also considers the candidate’s leadership qualities and their potential to uphold Chevening’s values of ambition, leadership, and a strong academic background.
3. Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarship Awards (Australia)
The Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarship Awards is a government-funded scholarship program from Australia. It provides full financial support for international students to undertake a postgraduate qualification at a master’s or Ph.D. level either by coursework or research in any field of study in Australia. The scholarships include tuition fees, travel allowance, establishment allowance, monthly stipend, health and travel insurance, and a one-off payment for research and professional development activities.
This scholarship is aimed at high-achieving students, researchers, and professionals from around the world to further their academic and professional careers. It is also an opportunity for the recipients to build enduring links with Australia and strengthen educational and professional relationships between countries.
Application Process for Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarship Awards
The application process for the Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarships is extensive. Candidates must submit an online application along with their academic records, a personal statement, and two letters of recommendation. The selection process considers the candidate’s academic achievement, their potential to contribute to research and innovation, and their ability to represent their home country in Australia.
4. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program (France)
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program is a French scholarship program for international students wishing to pursue higher education in France. It is funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs to attract the best foreign students for master’s and doctoral programs. The scholarship includes a monthly allowance, an international return journey, social security rights, cultural activities, and can also include additional funding for housing.
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program is a prestigious scholarship that targets high-achieving foreign students who are undertaking a master’s degree or a Ph.D. in the fields of economics and management, engineering sciences, law, and political science.
Application Process for Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program
The application process for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program is done through the French higher education institutions. Candidates cannot apply directly for the Eiffel scholarship. They must submit their applications to the French educational establishments, which then submit the qualified candidates to Campus France, the French agency for the promotion of higher education, international student services, and international mobility. The selection process is based on the excellence of the candidate, their international policy, and the action taken by the institution to host foreign students.
6. Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP)
One of the most generous scholarships for international students is the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP). This program is designed to support both domestic and overseas students undertaking Research Doctorate and Research Masters degrees.
The RTP provides a variety of benefits to recipients, including full tuition fee offset, a living stipend, and allowances for relocation, thesis printing, and academic production. The duration of the RTP scholarship varies depending on the course, but it typically lasts for three years for a Research Doctorate degree and two years for a Research Masters degree.
To be considered for this scholarship, students must demonstrate excellent academic achievement, research potential, and the ability to contribute to the broader community. Applications are usually accepted twice a year, typically in April and October.
7. Clarendon Scholarships at University of Oxford
The Clarendon Scholarships at the University of Oxford are another great opportunity for international students. Since 2001, the scholarship has supported over 2,500 scholars from across the globe.
The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition and college fees, and provides a generous grant for living expenses. It is awarded on the basis of academic excellence and potential across all degree-bearing subjects at the graduate level at the University of Oxford.
What sets the Clarendon Scholarships apart is that they’re not restricted to specific subject areas, meaning that students from all fields of study can benefit. The application process for the Clarendon Scholarships is straightforward and integrated with the University’s admissions procedure. All applicants for graduate study are automatically considered for the scholarship.
8. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Launched by the Swiss government, the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships aim to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and other countries. The scholarship offers financial aid to foreign scholars and artists who have completed a master’s degree or Ph.D.
The scholarships provide a monthly payment, exemption of tuition fees, health insurance, airfare, housing allowance, etc. However, the scholarship benefits can vary depending on the level of studies, the host institution, and the type of scholarship. The application process typically starts in September and ends in November or December, depending on the Swiss Embassy in the applicant’s home country.
9. Gates Cambridge Scholarships
Established by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Cambridge Scholarships are one of the most prestigious international scholarships in the world. They are awarded to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge.
The scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge, including tuition fees, maintenance allowance, travel costs, and visa application fees. The scholarships are awarded based on the applicant’s intellectual ability, leadership capacity, and commitment to improving the lives of others. Applications are usually opened in September for entry in October of the following year.
10. DAAD Scholarships in Germany
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a wide range of scholarships for international students to study in Germany at various degree levels. These scholarships are aimed at young professionals from developing countries in Asia, Africa, Pacific Islands, Central and South America and Central and Eastern Europe.
The DAAD scholarships can cover living costs, health insurance, study and research subsidies, and travel allowances, among other benefits. The selection process is highly competitive, and applicants are expected to have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, and at least two years of relevant professional experience.
Applying for a DAAD scholarship is a bit more complex than for some other scholarships. Applications must be submitted directly to the respective course. Therefore, it’s crucial to check the specific requirements and deadlines of the chosen course.
In conclusion, there are numerous fully funded scholarships out there for international students who wish to study abroad. These scholarships offer not only financial support but also a chance to immerse oneself in a new culture, gain international exposure, and build a global network. Start your research early, prepare meticulously, and seize the opportunity to study in your dream country!
6. DAAD Scholarships in Germany
The German Academic Exchange Service, or DAAD, is another excellent resource for international students seeking fully funded scholarships. The association offers a variety of scholarships for international students at all levels, from bachelor’s to Ph.D. For doctoral students in particular, DAAD offers research grants that can cover living expenses, health insurance, and even travel expenses. The best part? No German language skills are required for most programs, although some might find it helpful to learn a bit of the language to make the most of their time in Germany.
7. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
As one of the most prestigious scholarship programs in the world, the Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a must-consider for any international student hoping to study in the United States. The program offers full funding for the duration of a student’s study, including tuition, textbooks, airfare, health insurance, and a living stipend. The program is open to graduate students, young professionals, and artists from abroad. However, applicants must have completed undergraduate education and hold a degree equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree.
8. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
If you’re an international student with leadership potential and a strong academic background, the Chevening Scholarships could be your ticket to studying in the UK. Funded by the UK Government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Chevening offers fully-funded scholarships to outstanding students from all over the globe to study for a master’s degree at any UK university. The scholarship not only covers tuition fees, but also living expenses, airfare to and from the UK and even provides a grant for dissertation or thesis research.
9. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (Europe)
The European Union’s Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) is a unique opportunity for students from around the world to study in multiple European countries. These prestigious, fully-funded scholarships are awarded to the best student candidates applying under annual selection rounds. The scholarships cover the students’ participation costs (including the tuition fees, library and laboratory costs, full insurance coverage and any other mandatory costs related to the students’ participation in the course), a contribution to student travel and installation cost, and a subsistence allowance for the entire duration of the EMJMD study programme.
10. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Switzerland)
The Swiss Government, through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), awards various postgraduate scholarships to foreign scholars and researchers. These scholarships provide graduates from all fields with the opportunity to pursue doctoral or postdoctoral research in any academic field at one of the public funded university or recognized institution in Switzerland. The scholarship covers a monthly allowance, tuition fees, health insurance, lodging allowance, and many more.
Conclusion
Studying abroad is an enriching experience that can open up a world of opportunities. However, the cost can often be a significant barrier for many students. Thankfully, there are various institutions around the world that recognize the importance of international education and offer fully funded scholarships to help students from all walks of life realize their academic dreams.
Remember, each of these scholarships has its own set of eligibility criteria and application procedures. So, it’s crucial to research each one thoroughly and make sure you meet all the requirements before applying. Good luck with your scholarship search, and here’s to a future filled with incredible learning opportunities!
6. DAAD Scholarships in Germany
Germany is renowned for its world-class education and research opportunities, making it an ideal destination for international students. DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) or the German Academic Exchange Service, is one of the most significant funding bodies for international students in Germany. DAAD offers a wide range of scholarships for undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD students from all around the world.
The DAAD scholarship is fully funded, covering tuition fees, a monthly stipend for living expenses, health insurance, and travel allowance. Furthermore, DAAD also provides its scholarship recipients with academic and personal support through mentoring programs, networking events, and internships, ensuring that they have the best possible experience while studying in Germany.
7. Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
Regarded as one of the most prestigious scholarships for international students, the Erasmus Mundus Scholarships are funded by the European Union. These scholarships are offered to students worldwide who wish to pursue a Master’s or PhD degree in one of the participating universities in Europe. The Erasmus Mundus Scholarships are designed to promote the European Union as a center of academic excellence.
The Erasmus Mundus Scholarships are fully funded, covering tuition fees, living expenses, travel expenses, and insurance for the entire duration of the study. The scholarship also provides opportunities for cultural immersion, allowing students to experience the diverse cultures of Europe while pursuing their academic goals.
8. Chevening Scholarships, UK
The Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship program funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organizations. These scholarships are awarded to outstanding professionals from all over the world to pursue a one-year master’s degree in any subject at any UK university.
The Chevening Scholarships are fully funded, covering tuition fees, a monthly allowance for living expenses, travel expenses to and from the UK, and an arrival and departure allowance. In addition, Chevening offers a wide array of professional development and networking opportunities, making it an excellent option for students aiming to develop their leadership skills.
9. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
The Swiss Government, through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), awards the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships to international students. These scholarships are available for pursuing Ph.D., postdoctoral, research programs and fine arts at one of the public funded universities or recognized institution in Switzerland.
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are fully funded, covering tuition fees, living expenses, housing allowance, and mandatory Swiss health insurance. They also provide a flight allowance for the scholarship holder’s initial arrival and final departure. Besides, recipients of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are given the opportunity to conduct research at some of the world’s most prestigious institutions.
10. Swedish Institute Scholarships
The Swedish Institute (SI) is a government agency that offers scholarships each year for international students and researchers coming to Sweden. This scholarship program aims to develop future global leaders who will contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The Swedish Institute Scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel, insurance, and membership of the SI Network for Future Global Leaders (NFGL), which offers exclusive opportunities for SI scholarship holders during their stay in Sweden. This scholarship program is a fantastic chance for students who are passionate about sustainable development and leadership.
In conclusion, these are the top 10 fully funded scholarships for international students in 2025. These scholarships offer incredible opportunities for students to further their education and gain international experience. Whether you’re interested in studying in the US, Europe, Asia, or anywhere else in the world, these scholarships can help you achieve your academic and career goals. Start preparing now and seize the opportunity to study abroad with a fully funded scholarship!
