Studying abroad is a dream for many students around the world. But the cost of tuition, accommodation, and living expenses often makes it difficult to achieve. Thankfully, many organizations, universities, and governments offer fully funded scholarships for international students.
These scholarships pay for tuition fees, travel costs, living expenses, health insurance, and sometimes even monthly stipends, allowing students to focus on their studies without financial stress.
If you are looking for scholarships that cover everything, here are the top 10 fully funded scholarships for international students in 2025 and beyond.
1. Chevening Scholarship (United Kingdom)
The Chevening Scholarship is funded by the UK government and supports outstanding students from around the world to study for a one-year master’s degree at any UK university.
It covers full tuition fees, travel costs, visa fees, and a monthly living allowance. Chevening focuses on developing future leaders and professionals who will return home to make a difference.
Eligibility: Applicants must have at least two years of work experience and show leadership potential.
Website: www.chevening.org
2. Commonwealth Scholarship (United Kingdom)
The Commonwealth Scholarship is another UK-based program aimed at students from developing Commonwealth countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, India, and others.
It covers tuition, airfare, accommodation, and stipends for students pursuing master’s and Ph.D. programs in the UK. The scholarship supports talented students who would otherwise not be able to afford higher education abroad.
Eligibility: Must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country and have a strong academic background.
Website: cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
3. Fulbright Scholarship (United States)
The Fulbright Scholarship is one of the most famous international scholarships funded by the U.S. government. It offers opportunities for graduate study, research, and teaching in the United States.
The program covers full tuition, living stipend, travel expenses, and health insurance. Fulbright’s goal is to promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding between countries.
Eligibility: Open to students from more than 160 countries; applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree.
Website: foreign.fulbrightonline.org
4. Erasmus Mundus Scholarship (European Union)
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship is funded by the European Union (EU). It allows students to study in two or more European countries and earn a joint or double degree.
This scholarship covers tuition fees, travel costs, insurance, and a monthly allowance for living expenses. It’s a great opportunity for students who want to experience multiple cultures while studying.
Eligibility: Must hold a bachelor’s degree and meet program-specific requirements.
Website: erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu
5. DAAD Scholarship (Germany)
The DAAD Scholarship is offered by the German Academic Exchange Service and supports international students to study in German universities.
It covers full tuition, monthly living allowance, travel costs, and health insurance. Germany is known for its high-quality education and low or no tuition fees, making DAAD one of the most sought-after scholarships worldwide.
Eligibility: Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree and have at least two years of work experience.
Website: daad.de
6. Australia Awards Scholarship (Australia)
The Australia Awards Scholarship is funded by the Australian government for students from developing countries, especially in Asia, Africa, and the Pacific region.
It provides full tuition, airfare, living allowance, and health coverage for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Australian universities.
The program focuses on supporting students who will contribute to their home country’s development after graduation.
Eligibility: Must be a citizen of an eligible country and meet university entry requirements.
Website: www.dfat.gov.au
7. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship (Switzerland)
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is available for postgraduate researchers in any discipline who want to study at Swiss universities.
It covers tuition fees, monthly allowance, accommodation, health insurance, and airfare. Switzerland is home to top universities with a focus on innovation and research excellence.
Eligibility: Open to master’s degree holders who want to pursue Ph.D. or research in Switzerland.
Website: sbfi.admin.ch
8. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (United Kingdom)
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and awarded to outstanding international students to study for a master’s or Ph.D. at the University of Cambridge.
The scholarship covers full cost of study, visa fees, airfare, and personal expenses. It’s one of the most competitive scholarships in the world, focusing on academic excellence and social leadership.
Eligibility: Applicants must have an excellent academic record and a strong motivation to improve the lives of others.
Website: www.gatescambridge.org
9. Schwarzman Scholars Program (China)
The Schwarzman Scholars Program is a global scholarship based at Tsinghua University, one of China’s top universities.
It provides a fully funded one-year master’s degree in Global Affairs, modeled after the Rhodes Scholarship. The program aims to prepare future leaders to better understand China’s role in global affairs.
It covers tuition, room and board, airfare, books, and a personal stipend.
Eligibility: Open to students worldwide under the age of 29 with leadership potential.
Website: www.schwarzmanscholars.org
10. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship (Japan)
The MEXT Scholarship (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology) is offered by the Japanese government to support international students who wish to study in Japan.
It covers tuition fees, monthly stipend, accommodation, and round-trip airfare. Students can apply for undergraduate, master’s, Ph.D., and specialized training programs.
Eligibility: Applicants must meet academic and age requirements specified by MEXT and pass an embassy screening process.
Website: studyinjapan.go.jp
Why You Should Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships
Fully funded scholarships do more than just pay for school they open doors to opportunities that can change your life. You’ll:
Study in some of the best universities in the world.
Build a global network of professionals.
Gain access to world-class research and resources.
Return home with knowledge and experience to make a difference.
Applying might take time and effort, but the reward is life-changing.
Final Tips for Applicants
Start early: Scholarship deadlines are usually 6–12 months before the start of the program.
Write a strong personal statement: Show your goals, achievements, and community impact.
Get good recommendation letters: Choose referees who can speak about your academic or leadership skills.
Prepare for interviews: Be confident, clear, and honest about your ambitions.
Apply to several scholarships: Don’t limit yourself to one option — apply for as many as you qualify for.
Conclusion
Fully funded scholarships make international education accessible to talented students from every background. Whether you dream of studying in the U.S., UK, Europe, Asia, or Australia, there’s a scholarship for you.
With dedication, preparation, and confidence, your dream of studying abroad can become a reality.
