Pursuing higher education abroad can be financially challenging for many international students. However, fully funded scholarships provide a golden opportunity to study in world-class institutions without the burden of tuition fees or living expenses. Here’s a comprehensive list of the Top 10 fully funded scholarships for international students, along with frequently asked questions to help you get started.

1. Chevening Scholarships (UK)

The Chevening Scholarship is a prestigious UK government program that offers fully funded scholarships to exceptional students from across the globe. It covers tuition fees, a living allowance, travel expenses, and more. It is aimed at future leaders, decision-makers, and influencers.

Eligibility:

• Must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country.
• Have at least two years of work experience.
• Must apply to three different eligible UK university courses.

Benefits:

• Full tuition fees.
• Monthly living allowance.
• Economy travel expenses to and from the UK.

2. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)

The Fulbright Program provides fully funded scholarships for international students to study in the United States. It covers both academic study and research opportunities.

Eligibility:

• Open to students from 155 countries.
• Must meet country-specific requirements.

Benefits:

• Tuition fees.
• Living stipends.
• Travel allowances.
• Health insurance.

3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree (EU)

This European Union initiative offers scholarships for international students to study in multiple countries within Europe. The program emphasizes intercultural exchange and academic collaboration.

Eligibility:

• Must apply to an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree program.
• Open to students from all over the world.

Benefits:

• Tuition fees.
• Travel expenses.
• Monthly stipend for living costs.

4. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers fully funded scholarships to students who want to pursue a degree in Germany. It is open to a wide range of academic disciplines.

Eligibility:

• Students must apply for eligible master’s or doctoral programs in Germany.
• Must have a bachelor’s degree.

Benefits:

• Full tuition.
• Monthly stipend.
• Travel allowance.
• Health insurance.

5. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Switzerland)

This scholarship is offered by the Swiss government to encourage international students to pursue postgraduate studies or research in Switzerland.

Eligibility:

• Must hold a master’s degree.
• Must be accepted into a Swiss institution.

Benefits:

• Tuition fees.
• Monthly stipend.
• Health insurance.
• Accommodation.

6. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (USA)

This prestigious program at Stanford University offers full funding for international students pursuing graduate studies.

Eligibility:

• Open to all international students.
• Must apply to Stanford University’s graduate program.

Benefits:

• Full tuition fees.
• Living stipend.
• Travel costs.

7. Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)

This program offers fully funded scholarships for international students from developing countries to study at Australian universities.

Eligibility:

• Must be a citizen of an eligible country.
• Meet the academic and English proficiency requirements.

Benefits:

• Full tuition.
• Return airfare.
• Contribution to living expenses.
• Health insurance.

8. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Canada)

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships provide fully funded support for international students pursuing doctoral degrees in Canada.

Eligibility:

• Must be nominated by a Canadian institution.
• Must pursue a doctoral degree.

Benefits:

• Tuition fees.
• Living stipend.

9. Gates Cambridge Scholarships (UK)

Funded by the Gates Foundation, this scholarship supports international students pursuing a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge.

Eligibility:

• Must apply for a postgraduate program at Cambridge.
• Open to students from any country.

Benefits:

• Full tuition.
• Living allowance.
• Travel costs.
• Family allowance (if applicable).

10. ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (Asia and the Pacific)

This scholarship is offered to students from developing countries in Asia and the Pacific to pursue graduate studies in specified institutions across the region.

Eligibility:

• Must be a citizen of an ADB borrowing member country.
• Must have a bachelor’s degree.

Benefits:

• Full tuition.
• Living stipend.
• Travel expenses.
• Health insurance.

FAQs

What does a fully funded scholarship cover?

Fully funded scholarships typically cover all education-related expenses, including tuition fees, living allowances, travel costs, and sometimes health insurance. Some scholarships also offer stipends for books, supplies, and research.

Who is eligible for fully funded scholarships?

Eligibility varies by scholarship, but common requirements include:

• Being an international student.
• Having a strong academic record.
• Meeting the country-specific or program-specific requirements.
• In some cases, having work experience or leadership potential.

How can I apply for these scholarships?

Most scholarships require online applications, submission of academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Some may also require an interview, language proficiency test (such as TOEFL or IELTS), or work experience.

Are there fully funded scholarships for undergraduate students?

Yes, while most fully funded scholarships target graduate-level studies, several programs, like the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto, offer full funding for undergraduate students.

Can I apply for multiple scholarships at the same time?

Yes, applying for multiple scholarships increases your chances of securing funding. However, if you receive multiple scholarships, some programs may not allow you to accept all of them at once.

Do fully funded scholarships cover all degrees?

While most fully funded scholarships are aimed at postgraduate programs, some scholarships do offer full funding for undergraduate or doctoral degrees. Check the specific scholarship details for degree-level restrictions.

Conclusion:

Securing a fully funded scholarship can be life-changing, offering you the chance to study at prestigious institutions without the financial burden. The programs listed above cater to a wide range of academic disciplines and offer incredible opportunities for international students.