The primary advantage of government-based scholarships for international students is a much-needed academic and professional boost. These prove to be a long-term investment, along with offering exposure to diverse cultures. They are a direct relief from the financial burden of gaining an international degree.
Scholarships with full or partial tuition coverage and sizable stipends are available annually from various governments in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Australia. Every year, millions of dollars and euros are spent on merit-based, academically sound, and need-based students to help them reach their academic potential.
International scholarships are valuable for more than just the monetary assistance they provide; they additionally appear terrific on a professional cover letter. To get in-depth knowledge about the full spectrum of global scholarships available for international students, we have created this comprehensive article.
Top Government Scholarships for International Students
Depending on several criteria, we have rounded up some of the most promising scholarships around the globe at the finest institutes and study-abroad destinations for overseas students. The best ones are elaborated below:
GOVERNMENT
SCHOLARSHIP | LOCATION | ELIGIBLE DEGREE/S |
|---|
| Fulbright Scholarships | USA | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D. |
| Community College Initiative Program | USA | Associate’s |
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship | Canada | Ph.D. |
| DAAD Scholarships | Germany | Master’s, Ph.D. |
| Chevening Scholarships | UK | Master’s |
| Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships | Switzerland | Ph.D., PostDoc |
| Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program | France | Master’s, Ph.D. |
| Türkiye Scholarships | Turkey | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D. |
| Romanian Government Scholarships | Romania | Bachelor’s, Master’s (Romanian Language Only), Ph.D. (English or another foreign language) |
| Global Korea Scholarships | South Korea | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D. |
| MEXT Scholarships | Japan | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D. |
| China Scholarship Council | China | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D. |
| Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) | Singapore | Ph.D. |
| Australia Awards Scholarships | Australia | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D. |
| Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships | New Zealand | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D. |
1. Fulbright Scholarships (USA)
International students who meet the criteria for the Fulbright Program get financial support to complete their advanced studies in the United States. Every year, approximately 8,000 students from throughout the world get Fulbright Awards. It is managed by American embassies and Fulbright Commissions/Foundations that operate on a binational basis.
Selected students are offered a variety of benefits via this program, such as a yearly stipend, and full support for the duration of their academic program (tuition, housing stipend, health insurance, flights, money to relocate residence during the course of study, etc.). It is one of the most lucrative scholarships since all overseas students need to qualify is language skills, a valid visa, and a stellar academic record.
We have many stories of recipients who’ve received Fulbright Scholarships. Check out stories of Ednilson Mburine from Mozambique who is pursuing a Master’s in Petroleum Engineering at the University of Tulsa, Mohamed Mahmoud from Mauritania who completed a Master’s in Public Affairs at the University of Missouri, and Asad Ejaz Butt from Pakistan who is pursuing a PhD in Public Policy at the University of Massachusetts Boston.
2. Community College Initiative Program (USA)
Funding for as much as one year of study at a U.S. community college is available under the Community College Initiative Program (CCI). CCI is currently financed by the U.S. State Department Bureau of ECA since 2007.
International students through this program can study in areas including food production, specialized engineering, business administration and management, IT, journalism, criminal justice, and hospitality and tourism. Through this, students can develop their professional skills and get relevant qualifications that will be beneficial for their future careers.
To be qualified, each applicant needs to be a minimum of 18 years old at the program’s start date, have a high school diploma, be proficient in English, and fulfill any other conditions set out by the host country. The provisions of this scholarship include paid travel expenses, tuition and mandatory college fees, housing and meals, and health insurance.
3. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Canada)
With the goal of establishing Canada as a worldwide hub for research and higher education, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) were established specifically for international students. The awards are for graduate study leading to a Ph.D. (or a dual MA/Ph.D. or MD/Ph.D.). There are a maximum of 166 recipients of the Vanier CGS every year, each of whom will receive $50,000 annually for three years to use toward their Ph.D. studies.
Candidates who want to do research in the areas of health, biological science/engineering, and social science/humanities are preferred. The aspiring scholar must be enrolled full-time in an accredited post-secondary school and be an incoming student for a Ph.D. program.
We have many stories of recipients who’ve received Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships. Check out stories of Otuto Amaruache Chukwu from Nigeria who is pursuing a PhD in Health Policy at the University of Toronto, Yeganeh Habibi from Iran who is undertaking a PhD in Chemistry at McGill University, and Nourhan Bayasi from Syria who is completing a PhD in AI for Medical Imaging at the University of British Columbia!
4. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
DAAD is an all-inclusive grant offer for overseas students to study at the top German universities for the upcoming academic year. This grant supports master’s or Ph.D. studies at leading universities in Germany. Awards from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) include a monthly stipend of 934 euros for master’s degree recipients and 1,200 euros for Ph.D. applicants, as well as funding for travel and health insurance.
Graduates from formation and developing nations in all fields can apply. Economics, law, agriculture, forestry, the arts, design, engineering, social and physical sciences, and more are just some of the disciplines covered. The minimum requirements for acceptance are a bachelor’s degree, two years of relevant work experience, and fluency in English.
We have many stories of recipients who’ve received DAAD Scholarships. Check out stories of Omobolanle Adegbola from Nigeria who earned a Master’s in Development Economics at the University of Göttingen through the DAAD EPOS programme, Jayalakshmi from India who is pursuing a PhD in Medical Microbiology at Heidelberg University on a fully funded DAAD scholarship, and Dhisa who received a DAAD scholarship to study Master’s in Sustainable Development Management at Hochschule Rhein-Waal!
5. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
The Chevening Scholarship is an opportunity for overseas students to get full funding for their master’s degrees. The Chevening Scholarship pays for the recipient’s college education and provides a monthly stipend, a return economy flight to the United Kingdom, and other academic and living expenses.
The program is supported by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and other affiliated groups. Chevening gives scholars a unique opportunity to develop professional skills, intellectually engage globally, and explore UK culture. Roughly 1,500 scholarships will be awarded to students all across the globe.
We have many stories of recipients who’ve received Chevening Scholarships. Check out stories of Luis Ayil from Mexico who is pursuing an MSc in Advanced Mechanical Engineering with Aerospace at the University of Strathclyde, Mouhamadou Bamba Samb from Senegal who is studying an MSc in Mining Environmental Management at the University of Exeter, and Sikandar Hemmat from Afghanistan who is pursuing an MSc in International Planning and Urban Design at Cardiff University!
6. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Switzerland)
To foster global connections and scientific collaboration between Switzerland and more than 180 other countries, the Swiss Confederation annually grants Government Excellence Scholarships. The Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) is responsible for selecting scholarship awardees. A monthly stipend, health coverage, travel expenses, and a living stipend are all included in this scholarship program.
Post-graduate academics in any field with a master’s degree may apply for dissertation scholarships to study or conduct research in Switzerland. Several Swiss cantonal institutions, universities of applied sciences, both of the federal institutes of technology and the four universities that conduct research provide these scholarships.
Candidates must be nominated by a faculty member at one of the participating universities. Swiss art students might also get scholarships for their first master’s degree.
7. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program (France)
Another highly rewarding scholarship is the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program. The French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs set up the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program to help talented international students gain higher education in France’s best universities for their master’s and doctoral degree programs. It promotes master’s and Ph.D. candidates under 25 years old from less developed nations and those under thirty years old in advanced, as well as, developing nations in preferred fields of study.
Recipients of the master’s scholarship are eligible for the Ph.D. grant. Any candidate who previously applied for a French government scholarship is ineligible for this grant. For the Ph.D. course, individuals from outside France are preferred.
Each recipient of a master’s or doctoral-level scholarship will receive a monthly stipend of 1,181 euros (consisting of 1,031 euros for living expenses and an extra bonus of 150 euros). The plan also provides for compensation for travel and additional costs.
8. Türkiye Scholarships (Turkey)
Due to its lower requirements, the Türkiye Scholarships are more popular among overseas students than similar awards from other countries. Moreover, it offers an exceptionally large scholarship to students from outside the country. It grants a considerable stipend for undergraduate students, 2,400 TL per month for master’s students, 3,000 TL per month for Ph.D. students, and one year of language course.
Undergraduate candidates applying for this grant must have a minimum score of 70%, graduate applicants must have a required score of 75%, and health science (medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy) candidates must have a minimum score of 90%.
We have many stories of recipients who’ve received Turkish Government Scholarships. Check out stories of Maham Maqsood from Pakistan who earned a Master’s in Biochemistry at Middle East Technical University, Tosif Ghazi from Pakistan who pursued a Master’s in Civil Engineering at Boğaziçi University, and Olumide from Nigeria who completed a Master’s in Agricultural Economics at Ankara University!
9. Romanian Government Scholarships (Romania)
Multiple awards are made available to non-EU residents every year by the Romanian government via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). Students who get a Romanian Government Scholarship have the opportunity to study in Romania and immerse themselves in the country’s rich culture at no cost to themselves. It’s for the most talented and dedicated international students who want to further their education at institutions with a strong cultural focus.
Scholarship recipients in Romania are given a wide range of perks by the government. Firstly, it pays for the whole cost of tuition for four to six years for undergraduate students, one to two years for graduate students, and three to five years for students pursuing doctoral degrees. However, medical, dental, and pharmaceutical courses are not covered by the Romanian Government grant.
10. Korean Government Scholarships (South Korea)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea administers Global Korea Scholarships as one of the globe’s largest scholarship initiatives, which is entirely financed by the Korean government. All tuition costs are covered in these along with a stipend of KRW 1,000,000 to KRW 1,500,000 each month.
We have many stories of recipients who’ve received Global Korea Scholarships. Check out stories of Souljah from the Philippines who is pursuing a Master’s in International Relations at Sogang University, Ashim Kumar from Bangladesh who is pursuing a PhD in Plant Biology at Kyungpook National University, and Olivia Ofni Tanisaputra from Indonesia who is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Software Engineering at Dongseo University!
11. MEXT Scholarships (Japan)
Japan has a strong academic history and is also one of the most advanced nations in the world today. International students planning to study at a Japanese institution or do graduate-level research in Japan may apply for this scholarship via the Japanese Government’s MEXT Scholarships Program.
Candidates for a master’s degree might get up to 144,000 yen per month while Ph.D. students get a monthly stipend of 45,000 yen. Students who meet the criteria get complete financial assistance, which covers not only their tuition, but also their housing, food, and transportation costs. Students who meet these criteria will have shown exceptional academic achievement and English language competence.
We have many stories of recipients who’ve received MEXT Scholarships. Check out the stories of Jillian Abigail Sutrisno from Indonesia who is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Marine Science at a Japanese university, Jagreet Dasgupta from India who is pursuing a Master’s in Graph Theory at the University of Tokyo, and Muhammad Abdullah from Pakistan who completed a PhD in Structural Engineering at Nagoya University!
12. China Scholarship Council (China)
Officially recognized by the State Council of China, the China Scholarship Council was established in 1978. It is a government-run nonprofit that facilitates worldwide educational partnerships with China and distributes Chinese government scholarships. It oversees around 51,000 scholarships for foreign students to attend world-class universities in China.
These awards provide a monthly stipend of CNY 2,500 to undergraduates, CNY 3,000 for master’s students, and CNY 3,500 to doctorate students and advanced researchers. It also includes lodging and essential medical coverage. Scholarships shall be awarded for a minimum of two years for graduate applicants and three years for Ph.D. candidates.
We have many stories of recipients who’ve received Chinese Government Scholarships. Check out stories of Eric Tianto from Indonesia who earned a Bachelor’s in Computer Science at Sun Yat‑sen University, Chhoeurm Phearun from Cambodia who completed a Master’s in International Business & Cross‑border E‑commerce at the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE), and Md Rabbi Al Islam from Bangladesh who is pursuing a Master’s in Underwater Acoustic Engineering—each fully funded under the Chinese Government Scholarship program!
13. Singapore Government Scholarships (Singapore)
Outstanding international graduates may apply for the Singapore Foreign Graduate Award. SINGA accepts applications from outstanding international students for Ph.D. degrees at Singapore’s premier institutions. These include Singapore Management University, Nanyang Technological University, and the National University of Singapore.
This global, fully funded fellowship program allows graduates to pursue a Ph.D. in science or technology in industrialized countries. This abroad graduate grant provides a full-time research stipend and supervision from world-class academics. SINGA provides full financial assistance for their studies with a monthly stipend of S$ 2,200, which increases to S$ 2,700 after passing the first qualifying exam.
14. Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)
The Department of International Trade has been in charge of awarding Australia Awards Scholarships or many years. Australia’s multilateral and regional pacts provide the basis for the scholarship program. Full tuition is covered, airfare, a basic living expense, funding to cover the cost of textbooks and other necessities, medical care in Australia, and additional perks are included in the grants for international students. To be eligible, a student must be a resident of one of the eligible countries and be 18 years old or older.
We have many stories of recipients who’ve received Australia Awards Scholarships. Check out stories of Reny Septiani from Indonesia who is pursuing a Master’s in Environment at Griffith University, Hangbou Patrick Oeng from Cambodia who is completing a Master’s in Entrepreneurship at the University of Melbourne, and Ainol Mardhiah from Indonesia who earned an MA in TESOL at Flinders University—all fully funded under the prestigious Australia Awards Scholarship program!
15. Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships (New Zealand)
Students from underdeveloped nations may apply for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships. These grants are being provided by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. These scholarships help participants research to improve their native nation’s economic and social progress.
It covers full tuition fees, and offers a per week allowance of NZ$ 491 per week, along with medical care and travel expenses covered. Candidates must meet age, immigration, academic, English language, and country criteria to be considered for eligibility for these scholarships. Recommended majors for these include Agricultural Management, Architecture Technology, Commerce & Business, Construction, Engineering, and Environmental Management among others.
We have many stories of recipients who’ve received Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships. Check out stories of Nutnicha Limboonngam from Thailand who is pursuing a Master’s in Disaster Management, Shirley Gabriella Achieng from Kenya who earned a PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Otago, and Reza Saputra from Indonesia who studied a Master of Science in Tropical Biology and Conservation at James Cook University!
Studying abroad can be challenging but rewarding for a student’s academic and professional career. Several countries offer full tuition waivers and various other allowances as scholarships and grants to help qualified and deserving students achieve their goals.
We hope this article was of maximum help to you. Make sure to check out our Scholarships Page for different information on scholarships and universities across the globe!
