Studying abroad can feel out of reach for many students from Latin America, but it doesn’t have to be. Around the world, governments are offering fully funded scholarships that cover everything from tuition and living costs to airfare, insurance, and language training.
This guide brings together the most fully funded government scholarships for Latin American students. These are available to Latin American students. Whether you’re from Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Peru, Argentina, or anywhere in the region, opportunities are waiting.
Why Governments Fund Scholarships for Latin America
Governments offer scholarships to Latin American students for several reasons:
- Strengthening diplomatic and regional ties
- Promoting language and cultural exchange
- Attracting talented individuals to contribute to host-country research or innovation
- Supporting development goals through education and leadership training
Many scholarships require no repayment and offer generous support packages.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships—At a Glance
| Scholarship | Country | Degree Levels | Coverage | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fulbright Program | USA | Master’s, PhD, Research | Tuition, stipend, airfare, insurance | Apply |
| Chevening Scholarship | UK | Master’s | Tuition, airfare, stipend, and visa | Apply |
| MEXT Scholarship | Japan | UG, Master’s, PhD, Research | Tuition, travel, monthly stipend, language school | Apply |
| DAAD EPOS | Germany | Master’s, PhD | Tuition, €934+ stipend, research, insurance | Apply |
| Vanier CGS | Canada | PhD | CAD 50,000/year for 3 years | Apply |
| Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) | South Korea | UG, Master’s, PhD | Tuition, living costs, airfare, and Korean language training | Apply |
| Türkiye Burslari | Turkey | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD | Tuition, housing, stipend, and language training | Apply |
| Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) | China | UG, PG, PhD | Tuition, housing, stipend, insurance | Apply |
| OAS Academic Scholarship | Americas | UG, PG | Tuition support, living expenses (partial or full) | Apply |
Government Scholarships for Latin American Students (by Country)
USA: Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- Open to applicants from nearly every Latin American country
- Covers: Tuition, living stipend, airfare, health insurance
- Includes leadership training and access to alumni networks
UK: Chevening Scholarships
- For future leaders from eligible Latin American nations
- 1-year master’s degree in any subject at a UK university
- Strong focus on leadership, global perspective, and returning home after study
Japan: MEXT Scholarship
- Covers undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and research students
- Includes tuition, round-trip airfare, monthly stipend, and intensive Japanese language prep
- Applications through Japanese embassies
Germany: DAAD EPOS and Postgraduate Scholarships
- Focus on development-related fields (e.g., public policy, health, engineering)
- Covers: Tuition, stipend (€934+), travel, insurance, and sometimes German language prep
Canada: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- For world-class PhD candidates in social sciences, humanities, and sciences
- Competitive and institution-nominated
South Korea: Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees
- Full coverage including Korean language program, monthly stipend, and airfare
Turkey: Türkiye Burslari Scholarships
- Offers degrees in English or Turkish
- Covers: Tuition, housing, monthly stipend, airfare, Turkish language training
China: Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
- A large number of annual slots are available to Latin American countries
- Offered for all levels at Chinese universities, many with English-medium programs
Americas: OAS Academic Scholarships
- Offered by the Organization of American States
- Supports study at universities across OAS member states
- Some programs are fully funded, others are partially funded, depending on the host country
Scholarships for Latin American Students: Eligibility Requirements
While specific requirements vary, most government scholarships expect you to
- Be a citizen of a Latin American or Caribbean country
- Have strong academic records (GPA 3.0+/85%)
- Demonstrate leadership, service, or community engagement
- Meet language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL for English programs; HSK for Chinese; JLPT for Japanese, etc.)
- Show intent to return home (some require a commitment letter)
Documents Checklist
- Valid passport
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Letters of recommendation (2–3)
- Statement of Purpose or Personal Essay
- Research proposal (graduate applicants)
- Language test scores
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume
How to Win Scholarships for Latin American Students
- Start Early—Deadlines can be 6–12 months ahead of enrollment.
- Customize Essays—Align your goals with the scholarship’s mission.
- Show Leadership—Highlight work with NGOs, school projects, or community service.
- Be Authentic—Use your real story. Impact matters more than perfection.
- Apply broadly—don’t just apply to one. Submit 5–10 strong applications.
Country Focus
Brazil
- High participation in CSC, MEXT, GKS, and Chevening
- DAAD and Fulbright are also popular
Mexico
- Strong access to Fulbright-García Robles, Chevening, and OAS
- Mexico-specific versions of global scholarships sometimes exist
Colombia
- Fulbright Colombia, MEXT Colombia, and DAAD In-Country
- COLFUTURO supports outbound students (often combined with government aid)
Argentina
- DAAD, MEXT, and Türkiye Burslari are common choices
Peru
- OAS and Chinese Government Scholarships are very active here
Chile
- Participates in Fulbright Chile, DAAD, and GKS South Korea
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply if I don’t speak the host country’s language?
Yes. Many programs offer language prep or allow study in English (e.g., MEXT, CSC, Türkiye Burslari).
Q: Do I need to take IELTS or TOEFL?
Often yes, but some accept the Duolingo English Test or waive it if your previous education was in English.
Q: Can I apply to multiple scholarships?
Yes, and it’s encouraged. Maximize your chances by applying to 5–10 programs.
Q: Do I need a university admission before applying?
Some (like Vanier) require nomination, but many let you apply first, then match with universities.
Q: Is there an age limit?
Some programs limit eligibility to students under 35 or 40. Always check the specific requirements.
Related Guides
- Fully Funded Government Scholarships for African Students
- Top Fully Funded Government Scholarships for International Students
- Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students
- Women in STEM Scholarships
Final Thoughts
Government-funded scholarships are among the most transformative opportunities for Latin American students. They’re not just financial awards—they’re platforms for global mobility, leadership, and impact.
If you’re ready to level up your academic and career journey, don’t wait. Apply boldly. Prepare intentionally. Represent your region proudly.
Your scholarship could be your passport to a life-changing future.
