10 Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students
Dreaming of studying abroad but worried about the cost? You’re not alone. For many talented students, financial barriers are the biggest obstacle. This is where fully funded scholarships for international students become life-changing opportunities.
Unlike partial scholarships that only cover tuition, a fully funded scholarship is designed to support your entire academic journey. It typically includes tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, health insurance, and often travel costs. This comprehensive financial support allows you to focus entirely on your studies and cultural experience.
This guide provides a curated list of prestigious fully funded scholarships for international students from governments and universities worldwide.
What Does “Fully Funded” Really Mean?
A fully funded scholarship for international students is the most comprehensive financial award you can receive. It’s designed to remove all economic barriers to studying abroad. While benefits vary by program, most cover:
Full Tuition Fees: Complete coverage of your academic costs.
Living Stipend: A monthly allowance for accommodation, food, and daily expenses.
Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage for the duration of your studies.
Travel Costs: Round-trip airfare from your home country to the host institution.
Additional Grants: Funding for books, conferences, and academic materials.
Top Government-Funded Scholarships
These programs are highly competitive and prestigious, often funded by national governments to promote international exchange and development.
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious fully funded scholarships for international students seeking to pursue a Master’s or Ph.D. in the United States. It covers tuition, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance.
2. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Funded by the UK Foreign Office, Chevening offers fully funded scholarships for international students with leadership potential to pursue a one-year Master’s degree in the UK. It covers university tuition, a monthly living allowance, economy class return flights, and additional grants.
3. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Switzerland)
These scholarships provide graduates from all fields with the opportunity to pursue doctoral or postdoctoral research in Switzerland. The award includes a monthly payment, tuition fee waiver, health insurance, and other allowances.
Premier University-Specific Scholarships
Many top universities offer their own fully funded scholarships for international students to attract the world’s best talent.
4. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)
This highly competitive scholarship funds postgraduate studies in any subject at the University of Cambridge. It covers the full cost of studying, including university fees, maintenance allowances, airfare, and dependent support.
More Scholarships:
5. Clarendon Scholarships at Oxford University (UK)
Funded by Oxford University Press, Clarendon offers over 140 new scholarships every year to outstanding graduate students. The award covers full tuition fees and provides a generous grant for living expenses.
6. University of Sydney International Scholarship (Australia)
The USydIS supports international students undertaking a Postgraduate Research Degree or Master’s by Research program. This fully funded scholarship covers tuition fees and provides a living allowance for up to three years.
7. ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship (Switzerland)
ETH Zurich supports excellent Master’s students through its ESOP program, which provides a grant covering living and study expenses alongside a tuition fee waiver.
Scholarships for Specific Regions & Development Goals
8. Joint Japan/World Bank Scholarship Program
This program provides scholarships to students from World Bank member countries to pursue development-related master’s degrees at approved universities worldwide. It covers tuition, a monthly living stipend, travel, and health insurance.
9. VLIR-UOS Training and Masters Scholarships (Belgium)
VLIR-UOS awards scholarships to students from select developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to pursue relevant English-taught Master’s programs in Belgium. It is a fully funded scholarship covering tuition, accommodation, allowances, and travel costs.
10. ADB-Japan Scholarship Program
The Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) offers fully funded scholarships for international students from developing ADB member countries to pursue postgraduate studies in economics, management, science, and technology in the Asia-Pacific region.
How to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Fully Funded Scholarship
Start Early: Most deadlines are 8-12 months before the program start date.
Excel Academically: A strong academic record is the primary filter for most selection committees.
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement: Your essay should tell your unique story, highlight your achievements, and clearly articulate your goals.
Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation: Choose referees who know you well and can speak to your abilities and character in detail.
Prepare for Interviews: If shortlisted, be ready to discuss your application, motivations, and how you align with the scholarship’s mission.
Ready to Apply?
The journey to securing a fully funded scholarship for international students requires dedication and effort, but the reward a world-class education without financial burden is immeasurable.
FAQ
Can I apply for multiple fully funded scholarships at once?
Yes, you can and should apply to multiple programs for which you are eligible. However, be sure you can manage the application requirements for each without sacrificing quality.
Is there an age limit for these scholarships?
Age limits vary by program. Some, like Chevening, have no upper age limit, while others might. Always check the specific eligibility criteria for each scholarship.
Do I need to know another language?
For programs in non-English speaking countries (e.g., Switzerland, Netherlands), many graduate programs are taught in English. You typically only need to prove English proficiency (e.g., via IELTS/TOEFL). However, learning the local language is always beneficial for daily life.