Studying abroad is expensive, but the good news is? Fully funded scholarships for international students can make your dreams a reality.
Whether you’re aiming for a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD, these scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, travel, and more. And many of them don’t require IELTS!
This 2025 guide highlights:
- The top 10 fully funded scholarships worldwide
- Key benefits, deadlines, and eligibility
- Bonus scholarships and tips to boost your chances
- How to apply, what documents you need, and mistakes to avoid
Let’s explore the best routes to earning your degree abroad, debt-free.
Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships (No IELTS Required)
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- Host Country: United States
- Degree Levels: Master’s, PhD
- Covers: Tuition, living stipend, travel, insurance
- Eligibility: Citizens of 160+ eligible countries
- Deadline: Varies by country (usually April–October)
- Highlights:
- Leadership focus
- Research & non-research tracks
- Fulbright Application Guide
2. Chevening Scholarships
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Degree Level: Master’s
- Covers: Tuition, monthly stipend, travel, visa fees
- Eligibility: Emerging leaders from 160+ countries
- Deadline: August–November
- Highlights:
- Leadership experience is key
- No specific field restriction
- Chevening Scholarship Guide
3. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
- Host Country: Germany
- Degree Levels: Master’s, PhD
- Covers: Tuition, monthly stipend, travel, insurance
- Eligibility: Students from developing countries
- Deadline: Varies (mostly August–November)
- Highlights:
- Wide range of development-related fields
- EPOS programs are top-tier
- DAAD Scholarship Hub
4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees
- Host Countries: Multiple European countries
- Degree Level: Master’s
- Covers: Tuition, travel, stipend, insurance
- Eligibility: All nationalities
- Deadline: October–January
- Highlights:
- Multi-country study
- Global cohorts
- Erasmus Mundus Programs
5. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- Host Countries: USA, Canada, Africa
- Degree Levels: Undergraduate, Master’s
- Covers tuition, accommodation, travel, and living costs
- Eligibility: African students with leadership potential
- Deadline: Institution-specific
- Highlights:
- Social impact focus
- Partner universities: McGill, UBC, Sciences Po
- Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Guide
6. Commonwealth Scholarships
- Host Country: UK
- Degree Levels: Master’s, PhD
- Covers: Tuition, stipend, airfare
- Eligibility: Citizens of Commonwealth countries
- Deadline: September–December
- Highlights:
- Development-related programs
- Strong alumni network
- Commonwealth Scholarship for Master’s Program
7. Australia Awards Scholarships
- Host Country: Australia
- Degree Levels: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
- Covers tuition, stipend, travel, and establishment allowance
- Eligibility: Citizens of Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America
- Deadline: February–May
- Highlights:
- Focus on regional development
- Mandatory return-home clause
- Fully Funded Scholarships in Australia
8. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
- Host Country: Switzerland
- Degree Level: PhD, Postdoc, Research
- Covers: Tuition, stipend, insurance, airfare
- Eligibility: All nationalities
- Deadline: August–December (varies by country)
- Highlights:
- Research-focused
- Must secure a supervisor in advance
- Fully Funded Scholarships in Switzerland
9. New Zealand Manaaki Scholarships
- Host Country: New Zealand
- Degree Levels: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
- Covers: Tuition, stipend, establishment allowance
- Eligibility: Developing country citizens
- Deadline: February
- Highlights:
- Emphasis on development in the home country
- Leadership & community focus
- New Zealand Manaaki Scholarships
10. Stipendium Hungaricum
- Host Country: Hungary
- Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- Covers: Tuition, monthly allowance, accommodation, insurance
- Eligibility: Citizens of 70+ partner countries
- Deadline: January
- Highlights:
- Strong focus on international collaboration
- Fields: engineering, health, social sciences
- Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship 2025–2026
Bonus Scholarship Opportunities
- Orange Knowledge Programme (Netherlands)
- Japanese MEXT Scholarships
- Korean Government Scholarships (GKS)
- Turkey Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları)
Required Documents Checklist
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of recommendation (2–3)
- English proficiency test (IELTS, TOEFL, or waiver)
- Passport bio page
- Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
How to Write a Strong Scholarship SOP
- Start with a personal story or challenge
- Align your academic background with program goals
- Emphasize leadership and community impact
- Keep it concise, specific, and honest
- Show future goals and how you’ll give back
You can also check here: How to Write a Strong Scholarship SOP (With Tips, Samples & Strategy)
Common Eligibility Criteria
- Strong academic record (top 20–30%)
- English language proficiency (or waiver)
- Demonstrated leadership and community engagement
- Willingness to return home after studies (for some awards)
- Relevant professional or volunteer experience
Final Tips for Scholarship Success
- Start early—12 months before intake
- Apply for 4–6 scholarships per cycle
- Use a spreadsheet to track requirements and deadlines
- Tailor each SOP to the specific scholarship
- Connect with past recipients for tips
- Don’t ignore lesser-known or country-specific awards
Final Thoughts
Fully funded scholarships are competitive—but achievable. With a well-organized strategy, powerful documents, and persistence, you can study abroad without the burden of debt.
Bookmark this guide, follow the action steps, and explore links to each program.
Your next step? Start applying. Your future starts now.
