Looking for fully funded law scholarships for international students? Whether you’re aiming for a master’s in international law, public policy, or human rights, there are prestigious scholarships that cover everything—tuition, living costs, airfare, insurance, and more.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover the most respected and generous LL.M. and legal scholarships from around the world. Designed for students from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and beyond, these scholarships help you earn a global legal education without financial burden.
Why Study Law Abroad with a Fully Funded Scholarship?
1. Get a Global Perspective on Law and Justice
Legal issues such as human rights, climate change, international arbitration, and migration require cross-border understanding. Studying abroad places you at the center of these global conversations.
2. Graduate Debt-Free
Most law schools abroad are expensive, especially in the UK, the US, and Europe. A fully funded scholarship eliminates financial stress by covering all major expenses—including tuition, airfare, stipends, and visa fees.
3. Boost Your Legal Career
An international LL.M. or policy degree can open doors to top law firms, international organizations (like the UN or ICC), academia, or legal reform bodies in your home country.
4. Network with Global Legal Leaders
These scholarships often include access to professional development programs, networking events, and elite alumni communities.
Top Fully Funded Law Scholarships for 2025 and Beyond
1. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
- Target Group: Future leaders in law, public policy, governance
- Eligible Programs: LL.M. in Human Rights Law, International Law, Environmental Law, etc.
- Coverage: Tuition, monthly stipend (~£1,300), round-trip airfare, visa costs
- Eligibility: 2 years’ work experience, proven leadership, from eligible countries
- Deadline: August to November annually
- Apply via chevening.org.
Tip: Strong preference is given to candidates who show community impact and leadership.
2. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
- Target Group: International students pursuing LL.M. or legal research
- Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance, round-trip airfare
- Eligibility: Bachelor of Laws (LL.B. or equivalent), leadership experience, TOEFL/IELTS
- Deadline: Varies by country (May to October)
- Apply via foreign.fulbrightonline.org
Popular Host Institutions: Harvard, Columbia, NYU, Georgetown, UC Berkeley
Note: Preference for candidates with a strong vision for home country reform post-study.
3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees (EU)
- Top LL.M. Programs:
- GEMMA—Women’s and Gender Studies with a Legal Focus
- Human Rights Policy and Practice (Gothenburg, Roehampton, etc.)
- Coverage: Tuition, €1,000/month stipend, travel allowance, insurance
- Eligibility: Open to students worldwide
- Deadline: October to January
- Apply via the Erasmus Mundus Catalogue
Bonus: You get to study in multiple European countries and earn a joint degree.
4. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
- Programs: Law, Governance, Development Studies with legal tracks
- Coverage: Full tuition, €934-€1,200 monthly stipend, airfare, insurance
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree, 2+ years work experience, developing country citizenship
- Deadline: August to November
- Apply via daad.de/en
Popular Universities: University of Hamburg, Heidelberg, University of Bonn
5. Open Society Justice Initiative Fellowships
- Target: Early-career legal professionals interested in human rights
- Host: NYU, Central European University (CEU), etc.
- Coverage: Full tuition, stipend, mentoring, internships with human rights NGOs
- Deadline: January to March
- Website: opensocietyfoundations.org
Tip: Strongly values experience in advocacy, legal reform, or community organizing.
6. Rotary Peace Fellowships
- Field: Peace, Conflict Resolution, Public Law
- Coverage: Full master’s tuition, room/board, field study, and travel
- Host Universities: Duke, University of Queensland, ICU Tokyo, etc.
- Deadline: May annually
- Website: rotary.org
Ideal for: Students focused on legal aspects of peacebuilding and diplomacy.
7. Australia Awards Scholarships
- Focus Areas: Environmental Law, Human Rights, Public Administration
- Coverage: Tuition, living expenses, airfare, OSHC, research costs
- Eligibility: Developing country nationals (Asia, Africa, Pacific)
- Deadline: February to May
- Website: dfat.gov.au
Note: Emphasis on returning home and contributing to national development.
Additional Scholarship Programs Worth Exploring
| Scholarship Name | Region | Level | Focus Area(s) | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand Manaaki Scholarships | Asia, Africa | Master’s | Legal Studies, Development Law | February |
| ARES Scholarships (Belgium) | Africa | Master’s | Law and Sustainable Development | Jan.–Feb. |
| Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary) | Global | LL.M. | Comparative Law, Public Law | January |
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships | Global | PhD | Legal Research | November |
| Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships | Developing | Master’s | Human Rights, Rule of Law | March |
General Eligibility Criteria
| Requirement | Description |
| Academic Background | Bachelor’s degree in law or related field |
| Language Proficiency | IELTS/TOEFL scores (6.5+ IELTS / 90+ TOEFL) |
| Work Experience | 1–2 years of professional legal or policy experience |
| Citizenship | Must be from eligible countries (varies by scholarship) |
| Leadership or Advocacy | Demonstrated impact in legal reform or public interest law |
Required Documents Checklist
- Valid Passport
- University Transcripts & Degree Certificate
- IELTS/TOEFL Scores
- Statement of Purpose/Motivation Letter
- Academic & Professional References (2–3)
- CV or Resume (preferably Europass format)
- Proof of Work Experience or Leadership
- Admission Letter (where required)
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Identify Your Target Program & Scholarship Use scholarship databases, university portals, and official websites.
- Check Application Timeline. Most are open between August and January, so start early.
- Prepare Required Documents. Tailor each statement of purpose to the specific program.
- Submit online applications through scholarship portals or university websites.
- Track and Prepare for Interviews. Some programs may require a virtual or in-person interview.
- Accept the Offer and Begin the Visa Process
Pro Tips to Win a Law Scholarship
- Customize Every Application: No copy-paste SOPs. Show deep knowledge of the program.
- Link Your Goals to SDGs, Especially SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
- Quantify Your Impact: E.g., “Coordinated a legal literacy project that reached 1,500 rural women.”
- Use Alumni Networks: Message former scholars on LinkedIn for insights.
- Attend Webinars & Info Sessions: These give you insider tips and upcoming deadlines.
FAQs: Fully Funded Law Scholarships
Q: Can I apply to multiple scholarships in the same year?
A: Yes, and you should! Just ensure each application is tailored.
Q: Do I need a law degree to apply?
A: For LL.M. programs, yes. Public policy programs may accept political science or international relations backgrounds.
Q: Can I work during my studies abroad?
A: Many countries (e.g., the UK, Germany, and Australia) allow part-time work on a student visa.
Q: What if I already have an LL.M.?
A: Some programs may allow a second LL.M., especially in a different specialization.
Q: Will I have to return to my home country?
A: Yes, for programs like Chevening and Fulbright, this is mandatory.
Your Legal Career Starts Here
Law is a powerful tool for change, and these fully funded scholarships for international law students are your ticket to global legal education and leadership.
Here’s your action plan:
- Choose 3–4 scholarships aligned with your goals
- Prepare your documents. 6–8 months in advance
- Write a compelling, tailored motivation letter
- Submit early and follow up professionally
Your voice is needed in global courts, human rights councils, climate negotiations, and justice reform initiatives. These scholarships will help you get there debt-free.
Related Resources
- Chevening Scholarships
- Fulbright Program
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Catalogue
- DAAD Scholarship Database
- Australia Awards
