Top Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students in 2025
In 2025, pursuing higher education abroad has never been easier, thanks to a plethora of fully funded scholarships available to international students.
These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and more, making quality education accessible to talented individuals worldwide.
Below is a comprehensive list of the top fully funded scholarships for 2025 and how to apply for them.
1. Fulbright Scholarships (USA)
The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships available for international students.
It offers opportunities for master’s and Ph.D. programs in the United States, covering tuition, airfare, living stipend, and health insurance.
Eligibility:
- Open to students from over 160 countries.
- Must have a bachelor’s degree and demonstrate academic excellence.
- Proficiency in English (TOEFL/IELTS required).
Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage.
- Monthly stipend for living expenses.
- Round-trip airfare.
How to Apply:
Visit the official Fulbright website for your country to check specific application guidelines: Fulbright Program Application.
2. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Funded by the UK government, the Chevening Scholarships target future leaders and influencers, offering full financial support for one-year master’s programs at any UK university.
Eligibility:
- Must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country.
- Hold an undergraduate degree.
- At least two years of work experience.
Benefits:
- Covers tuition fees.
- Monthly stipend for living expenses.
- Travel costs to and from the UK.
How to Apply:
Applications can be submitted through the official Chevening website: Chevening Scholarships Application.
3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EU)
The Erasmus Mundus Program offers fully funded scholarships for master’s degrees in multiple European universities. It’s an excellent opportunity for students seeking multicultural education.
Eligibility:
- Open to students worldwide.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required.
- Proof of language proficiency.
Benefits:
- Tuition fee waiver.
- Monthly allowance.
- Travel and installation costs.
How to Apply:
Check the specific programs and apply through the official Erasmus Mundus website: Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Application.
4. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides scholarships for international students to pursue master’s and Ph.D. programs in Germany.
Eligibility:
- Open to students from developing countries.
- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of two years of work experience.
- Strong academic record.
Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage.
- Monthly stipend (approximately €861 for master’s students and €1,200 for Ph.D. candidates).
- Health insurance and travel allowance.
How to Apply:
Visit the DAAD website for detailed application guidelines: DAAD Scholarships Application.
5. Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)
Offered by the Australian government, this scholarship aims to build leadership skills among students from developing countries in Asia, the Pacific, and Africa.
Eligibility:
- Open to students from eligible countries.
- Undergraduate degree required.
- Commitment to return to home country after study.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees.
- Travel and establishment allowances.
- Living expenses and health coverage.
How to Apply:
Submit your application via the official website: Australia Awards Scholarships Application.
6. Schwarzman Scholars Program (China)
The Schwarzman Scholars Program provides fully funded master’s degrees at Tsinghua University in Beijing. The program emphasizes leadership and global affairs.
Eligibility:
- Open to all nationalities.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required.
- Proficiency in English.
Benefits:
- Tuition and fees.
- Room and board.
- Travel expenses and a stipend.
How to Apply:
Applications are submitted directly through the program’s portal: Schwarzman Scholars Application.
7. Rotary Peace Fellowships
The Rotary Foundation offers fully funded fellowships for master’s degrees and certificate programs in fields related to peace and conflict resolution.
Eligibility:
- Open to international students committed to peace-building.
- Proficiency in English.
- At least three years of relevant work experience.
Benefits:
- Covers tuition and fees.
- Room and board.
- Round-trip transportation.
How to Apply:
Visit the Rotary website to start your application: Rotary Peace Fellowships Application.
8. Gates Cambridge Scholarships (UK)
Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship supports outstanding students pursuing postgraduate degrees at the University of Cambridge.
Eligibility:
- Open to non-UK citizens.
- Academic excellence and leadership potential required.
Benefits:
- Covers tuition fees.
- Maintenance allowance.
- Travel costs and additional funding for academic development.
How to Apply:
Apply directly via the University of Cambridge portal: Gates Cambridge Application.
9. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) offers fully funded scholarships to study in Japan.
Eligibility:
- Open to international students recommended by Japanese embassies or universities.
- Age restrictions and academic qualifications vary by program.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees.
- Monthly allowance.
- Travel expenses.
How to Apply:
Consult the nearest Japanese embassy for application details: MEXT Scholarships Application.
10. Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships (UK)
This program supports outstanding students from developing and emerging economies to study at the University of Oxford.
Eligibility:
- Citizens of eligible countries.
- Demonstrated leadership and commitment to development.
Benefits:
- Covers 100% of tuition fees.
- Provides a living cost grant.
How to Apply:
Details are available on the official Oxford University website: Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships Application.
Tips for Securing a Fully Funded Scholarship
- Start Early: Research and apply well before deadlines.
- Tailor Your Application: Customize essays and documents for each scholarship.
- Demonstrate Leadership: Highlight leadership experience and community involvement.
- Prepare Strong Recommendations: Secure references from credible individuals who can attest to your achievements.
- Ace Language Tests: Meet the required language proficiency scores.
Conclusion
Fully funded scholarships in 2025 offer life-changing opportunities for international students to achieve their academic and career goals without financial burdens.
By targeting programs like Fulbright, Chevening, and DAAD, students can access world-class education and become global leaders. Start your application journey today and take a step closer to your dreams!
References
- Fulbright Program: https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org/
- Chevening Scholarships: https://www.chevening.org/
- Erasmus Mundus: https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/scholarships
- DAAD Scholarships: https://www.daad.de/en/
- Australia Awards: https://www.dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/australia-awards/
- Schwarzman Scholars: https://www.schwarzmanscholars.org/
- Rotary Fellowships: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/peace-fellowships
- Gates Cambridge: https://www.gatescambridge.org/
- MEXT Scholarships: https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/smap-stopj-applications-scholarships.html
- Oxford Scholarships: https://www.ox.ac.uk/