August 30, 2024

Global Scholarships Guide

Dreaming of studying abroad but worried about the costs? Scholarships can be a game-changer, whether you're a top student or just need some financial help to get there. To make things easier, we’ve put together a list of some of the best scholarships out there, with details on what they offer and how to apply. Have a look and find the one that’s right for you!

Before we jump into the most popular scholarships, here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Types of Scholarships:
    • Merit-Based: Awarded for academic excellence or special achievements.
    • Need-Based: Given to students who need financial assistance.
  • Where to Find Scholarships:
    • University websites
    • Cultural and public foundations
    • Embassies
    • Ministry of Education in your country
  • Common Requirements for Scholarships Abroad:
    • Academic Excellence & Extracurricular Activities: High grades are key, but involvement in volunteering, sports, or leadership roles also strengthens your application by showcasing your well-roundedness.
    • Foreign Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English is often required, with certificates like IELTS or TOEFL. Knowing the local language of your destination can be a plus but isn’t always necessary.
    • Publications & Conference Participation: Having published academic papers or attended relevant conferences can give your application a significant edge by highlighting your commitment to your field.
    • Letters of Recommendation: Strong recommendations from teachers or supervisors are crucial, emphasizing your academic abilities and potential for success.

Popular Scholarships

1. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

Eligibility Requirements:

    • A Bachelor's or Master's degree obtained no earlier than six years before applying.
    • Proficiency in the language of instruction: B1 level for German or IELTS 6.0/TOEFL 80 for English programs.
    • Must not have resided in Germany for more than 15 months before application.

Coverage:

    • Tuition fees
    • Living expenses
    • Health insurance
    • Travel costs
    • Additional research funding for some programs

Learn More: DAAD Scholarships

2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (Europe)

Eligibility Requirements:

    • Degree certificates and university transcripts (with certified translations)
    • Proof of English proficiency
    • Two recommendation letters
    • Academic papers and a motivation letter

Coverage:

    • Tuition fees
    • Accommodation
    • Transportation
    • Insurance coverage

Learn More: Erasmus Mundus Scholarships

3. Chevening Scholarships (UK)

Eligibility Requirements:

    • Citizenship of a Chevening-eligible country
    • A degree that qualifies you for a UK master’s program
    • At least two years of work experience (2,800 hours)
    • Meeting the English language requirements of the chosen UK university

Coverage:

    • Tuition fees
    • Travel expenses to and from the UK
    • Monthly living stipend
    • Various other allowances (e.g., arrival and departure allowances, visa cost)

Learn More: Chevening Scholarships

4. Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary)

Eligibility Requirements:

    • Certified educational documents (translated into English)
    • Proof of citizenship or permanent residence
    • Updated resume/CV
    • Medical certificate

Coverage:

    • Tuition-free education
    • Monthly stipend (varies by program level)
    • Accommodation contribution
    • Medical insurance

Learn More: Stipendium Hungaricum

5. Chinese Government Scholarship (China)

Eligibility Requirements:

    • Age limit varies by degree level (25 years for Bachelor's, 35 for Master’s, and 45 for Doctoral studies)
    • Language proficiency (HSK for Chinese or IELTS/TOEFL for English programs)
    • Good academic standing and health
    • Notarized translation of all documents

Coverage:

    • Tuition fees
    • Accommodation (in a hostel or rental assistance)
    • Medical insurance
    • Monthly stipend (varies by degree level)

Learn More: Chinese Government Scholarship

6. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France)

Eligibility Requirements:

    • Admission to a French university
    • Non-French citizenship
    • Age under 31 years
    • Proficiency in French or English, as required by the program

Coverage:

    • Tuition fees
    • Living expenses (~$1,700 per month)
    • Round-trip airfare
    • Transportation within France
    • Medical insurance
    • Possible housing assistance

Learn More: Eiffel Excellence Scholarship

Scholarships in the United States

1. Fulbright Scholarships USA

Eligibility Requirements:

    • Available for international students, though Russian citizens are currently ineligible.

Coverage:

    • Tuition, travel, living expenses, and health insurance for the duration of the study.

Learn More: Fulbright Scholarships USA

2. Stamps Scholarship

Eligibility Requirements:

    • Offered by the University of Miami; highly selective for students demonstrating leadership, perseverance, scholarship, service, and innovation.

Coverage:

    • Full tuition and additional enrichment opportunities.

Learn More: Stamps Scholarship

3. Karsh International Scholarship Program (Duke University)

Eligibility Requirements:

    • Designed for international students at Duke University with exceptional academic achievements.

Coverage:

    • Full tuition, room, board, and mandatory fees.

Learn More: Karsh International Scholarship

4. University of New Haven Scholarship

Eligibility Requirements:

    • Open to international students applying to the University of New Haven.

Coverage:

    • Ranges from partial to full tuition.

Learn More: University of New Haven Scholarship

5. University of Memphis Scholarships

Eligibility Requirements:

    • Available to both domestic and international students with outstanding academic records.

Coverage:

    • Various scholarship opportunities, often covering tuition and fees.

Learn More: University of Memphis Scholarships

6. University of Minnesota Fellowship

Eligibility Requirements:

    • Open to graduate students with excellent academic credentials.

Coverage:

    • Tuition, living expenses, and possibly additional funding.

Learn More: University of Minnesota Fellowship

7. AAUW International Fellowship Program

Eligibility Requirements:

    • For women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Coverage:

    • Supports full-time study or research in the United States.

Learn More: AAUW International Fellowship

8. ACI Foundation Scholarship

Eligibility Requirements:

    • Available to students in engineering and construction-related programs.

Coverage:

    • Tuition assistance and stipends for living expenses.

Learn More: ACI Foundation Scholarship

9. Rotary Peace Fellowship Program

Eligibility Requirements:

    • For those pursuing a master's degree or certificate in fields related to peace and conflict resolution.

Coverage:

    • Full funding for tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.

Learn More: Rotary Peace Fellowship

10. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (Stanford University)

Eligibility Requirements:

    • Open to high-achieving students from around the world.

Coverage:

    • Full funding for graduate studies at Stanford University, including living expenses.

Learn More: Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program

11. Clark Fellowship

Eligibility Requirements:

    • Available to international students with a strong academic record and leadership potential.

Coverage:

    • Includes tuition, living expenses, and other benefits.

Learn More: Clark Fellowship

12. Humphrey Fellowship Program

Eligibility Requirements:

    • For mid-career professionals in fields related to public service.

Coverage:

    • Tuition, travel, living expenses, and professional development activities.

Learn More: Humphrey Fellowship Program

13. Simmons Distinguished Scholar Award

Eligibility Requirements:

    • Open to undergraduate international students with excellent academic records.

Coverage:

    • Full tuition and possibly other benefits.

Learn More: Simmons Distinguished Scholar Award

Scholarships in the European Union

1. DSU Scholarship (Italy)

Overview: Targets international students to help finance their higher education in Italy.

Learn More: DSU Scholarship in Italy

2. Orange Tulip Scholarship (Netherlands)

Overview: Tailored to students from emerging markets, offering scholarships to study in the Netherlands.

Learn More: Orange Tulip Scholarship

3. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France)

Overview: Promotes higher education in France among foreign students, covering masters and PhD studies.

Learn More: Eiffel Excellence Scholarship

4. University of Iceland Scholarship

Overview: Focuses on students who want to study Icelandic as a second language at the University of Iceland.

Learn More: University of Iceland

5. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)

Overview: Prestigious, full-cost scholarships for outstanding applicants from outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge.

Learn More: Gates Cambridge Scholarship

6. Swedish Institute Scholarships (Sweden)

Overview: Offers scholarships for full-time master’s studies in Sweden, covering tuition fees, living costs, and travel grants.

Learn More: Swedish Institute Scholarships

Scholarships in Asia

1. Chinese Government Scholarship

Overview: Funded by the Chinese Ministry of Education to support international students and scholars studying at Chinese universities.

Details: Chinese Government Scholarship

2. MEXT Scholarship (Japan)

Overview: Offered by the Japanese government to support international students who study in higher education institutions in Japan.

Details: MEXT Scholarship

3. Global Korea Scholarship

Overview: Provides international students with opportunities to conduct advanced studies at higher educational institutions in Korea.

Details: Global Korea Scholarship

4. Vietnamese Government Scholarship

Overview: Aims to attract talented international students to study in Vietnam at various educational levels.

Details: Vietnamese Government Scholarship

5. Turkiye Burslari Scholarship

Overview: Sponsored by the Turkish government, this scholarship offers international students from all over the world the chance to study at Turkish universities.

Details: Turkiye Burslari Scholarship

6. Taiwan Scholarship

Overview: Encourages talented international students to undertake degree studies in Taiwan.

Details: Taiwan Scholarship

7. Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)

Overview: Awards PhD scholarships to international students in science and engineering who wish to conduct their research in Singapore’s institutions.

Details: SINGA

8. ICCR Scholarships (India)

Overview: Provided by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations to foster cultural exchange and support academic studies in India.

Details: ICCR Scholarships

9. KNB Scholarship – Government of Indonesia

Overview: Intended for international students coming from developing countries to complete their master's degree at Indonesian universities.

Details: KNB Scholarship

10. Shanghai Government Scholarship

Overview: Designed to attract international students to study in Shanghai, offering full scholarships and partial scholarships.

Details: Shanghai Government Scholarship