Studying abroad can be expensive, but fully funded scholarships provide a golden opportunity for international students to study for free while covering tuition, living expenses, travel, and sometimes even health insurance. In this article, we explore the top 10 fully funded scholarships available for 2025, their eligibility criteria, benefits, and application deadlines.
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships for international students who wish to pursue Master’s or PhD programs in the United States.
Eligibility:
Open to students from over 160 countries.
Requires a strong academic background and leadership skills.
Must meet country-specific requirements.
Benefits:
✅ Full tuition coverage
✅ Monthly living stipend
✅ Health insurance
✅ Travel costs
📅 Application Deadline: Varies by country (typically between February and October 2024)
🌍 Official Website: https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org
2. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
The Chevening Scholarship is funded by the UK government and supports outstanding students worldwide who wish to pursue a one-year Master’s degree at any UK university.
Eligibility:
Open to students from Chevening-eligible countries.
Must have at least two years of work experience.
Must return to home country for at least two years after graduation.
Benefits:
✅ Full tuition fees
✅ Monthly stipend
✅ Travel costs
✅ Visa application fees
📅 Application Deadline: November 2024
🌍 Official Website: https://www.chevening.org
3. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
This scholarship, funded by the UK government, is available for students from Commonwealth countries who want to study in the UK. It covers Master’s and PhD programs.
Eligibility:
Must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country.
Strong academic record.
Financial need required.
Benefits:
✅ Full tuition fees
✅ Monthly stipend
✅ Travel costs
✅ Research support (for PhD students)
📅 Application Deadline: October 2024
🌍 Official Website: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
4. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers fully funded scholarships to international students for Master’s and PhD programs in Germany.
Eligibility:
Open to students from developing countries.
Must have a Bachelor’s degree with two years of work experience.
Benefits:
✅ Full tuition fees
✅ Monthly stipend (€934 for Master’s, €1,200 for PhD)
✅ Health insurance
✅ Travel allowance
📅 Application Deadline: Varies by program
🌍 Official Website: https://www.daad.de
5. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (Europe)
The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship allows students to study in multiple European countries through a joint Master’s program.
Eligibility:
Open to students from all over the world.
Must apply for an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s program.
Benefits:
✅ Full tuition fees
✅ Monthly stipend
✅ Travel and relocation costs
📅 Application Deadline: Varies (typically between October and January)
🌍 Official Website: https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu
6. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships (Japan)
The MEXT Scholarship is offered by the Japanese government for undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD programs.
Eligibility:
Open to students from non-Japanese countries.
Must meet academic and health requirements.
Benefits:
✅ Full tuition fees
✅ Monthly stipend
✅ Travel allowance
📅 Application Deadline: Varies (typically between April and June)
🌍 Official Website: https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp
7. Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)
These scholarships are funded by the Australian Government for students from developing countries in Asia, Africa, and the Pacific.
Eligibility:
Must be from an eligible developing country.
Strong academic and leadership record.
Benefits:
✅ Full tuition fees
✅ Monthly stipend
✅ Health insurance
✅ Travel allowance
📅 Application Deadline: April 2024
🌍 Official Website: https://www.dfat.gov.au
8. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Switzerland)
This scholarship supports international students in pursuing research, PhD, or postdoctoral studies in Switzerland.
Eligibility:
Open to students from over 180 countries.
Must have an excellent academic record.
Benefits:
✅ Full tuition fees
✅ Monthly stipend
✅ Health insurance
✅ Travel allowance
📅 Application Deadline: September-December 2024
🌍 Official Website: https://www.sbfi.admin.ch
9. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)
Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship is for international students who wish to study Master’s or PhD programs at the University of Cambridge.
Eligibility:
Open to students outside the UK.
Must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement.
Benefits:
✅ Full tuition fees
✅ Monthly stipend
✅ Health insurance
✅ Travel and research grants
📅 Application Deadline: January 2025
🌍 Official Website: https://www.gatescambridge.org
10. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Canada)
This scholarship is for PhD students who demonstrate leadership skills and academic excellence.
Eligibility:
Open to international and Canadian PhD students.
Must have strong research potential.
Benefits:
✅ $50,000 per year for three years
✅ Research funding support
📅 Application Deadline: November 2024
🌍 Official Website: https://vanier.gc.ca
Conclusion
Applying for fully funded scholarships can transform your academic journey by providing a chance to study abroad without financial stress. If you meet the eligibility criteria, start preparing early and submit your application before the deadline.