Top 20 Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students in 2025

Studying abroad can be life-changing but let’s be honest, tuition fees and living costs can be overwhelming. The good news? Many organizations, governments, and universities offer fully funded scholarships for international students in 2025. These scholarships cover tuition, accommodation, travel expenses, and sometimes even provide a monthly stipend.

If you’ve been searching for “fully funded scholarships for international students 2025”, this guide is your one-stop resource. Below, we’ve listed the top 20 opportunities you should consider applying for this year.

Why Fully Funded Scholarships Matter

Before diving into the list, let’s quickly highlight why these opportunities are so important:

• Reduce Financial Stress – Covers tuition, housing, and sometimes living expenses.

• Access to Quality Education – Study at top-ranked universities around the world.

• Global Networking – Connect with students and professionals from diverse backgrounds.

• Career Boost – Many scholarship alumni land high-level jobs and leadership positions.

Now, let’s explore the scholarships.

1. Chevening Scholarships (UK)

• Level: Master’s

• Covers: Tuition, flights, accommodation, and monthly stipend.

• Eligibility: Students from over 160 countries.

• Highlight: Focuses on leadership and building future global leaders

2. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)

• Level: Master’s & PhD

• Covers: Tuition, airfare, health insurance, and living allowance.

• Eligibility: Open to 155 countries.

• Highlight: Prestigious scholarship with a strong alumni network.

3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships (Europe)

• Level: Master’s

• Covers: Tuition, travel, installation, and monthly living allowance.

• Eligibility: Students worldwide.

• Highlight: Study in multiple European countries with one degree.

4. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

• Level: Master’s & PhD

• Covers: Tuition-free education, monthly stipend, travel allowance.

• Eligibility: Developing and transition countries.

• Highlight: Germany has no tuition fees at most universities.

5. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)

• Level: Master’s & PhD

• Covers: Tuition, airfare, living expenses.

• Eligibility: Citizens of Commonwealth countries.

• Highlight: Supports students who can make an impact in their home country.

6. Gates Cambridge Scholarships (UK)

• Level: Master’s & PhD

• Covers: Full tuition, travel costs, and a generous stipend.

• Eligibility: All nationalities except the UK.

• Highlight: Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

7. Rhodes Scholarships (UK)

• Level: Postgraduate

• Covers: Tuition, flights, and living allowance.

• Eligibility: Specific countries including Nigeria, USA, India, and others.

• Highlight: One of the oldest and most prestigious scholarships.

8. Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)

• Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD

• Covers: Full tuition, airfare, living allowance, and health cover.

• Eligibility: Developing countries, especially in Asia-Pacific and Africa.

• Highlight: Promotes long-term development cooperation.

9. New Zealand Government Scholarships

• Level: Undergraduate & Postgraduate

• Covers: Tuition, living allowance, airfare, and insurance.

• Eligibility: Developing countries including African and Asian nations.

• Highlight: Opportunity to study in a peaceful, innovative environment.

10. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships

• Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD

• Covers: Tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, and flights.

• Eligibility: International students worldwide.

• Highlight: One of Asia’s most generous scholarship programs.

11. Chinese Government Scholarships (CSC)

• Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD

• Covers: Tuition, housing, health insurance, and monthly allowance.

• Eligibility: Students from all countries.

• Highlight: Offers a chance to study in one of the fastest-growing economies.

12. Switzerland Excellence Scholarships

• Level: PhD & Postdoc

• Covers: Tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance, and airfare.

• Eligibility: Students worldwide.

• Highlight: Ideal for research-focused students.

13. Holland Government Scholarships (Netherlands)

• Level: Bachelor’s & Master’s

• Covers: Tuition support up to €5,000.

• Eligibility: Non-EEA international students.

• Highlight: Known for innovation and technology programs.

14. University of Oxford Clarendon Scholarships (UK)

• Level: Master’s & PhD

• Covers: Full tuition and generous living stipend.

• Eligibility: All nationalities.

• Highlight: Merit-based, open to all graduate courses at Oxford.

15. University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson Scholarships (Canada)

• Level: Undergraduate

• Covers: Tuition, books, accommodation, and living expenses.

• Eligibility: International students with strong academics.

• Highlight: One of Canada’s most competitive scholarships.

16. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

• Level: PhD

• Covers: $50,000 per year for three years.

• Eligibility: International doctoral students.

• Highlight: Focus on leadership and academic excellence.

17. Knight-Hennessy Scholars (Stanford University, USA)

• Level: Master’s & PhD

• Covers: Full tuition, living stipend, and leadership training.

• Eligibility: Open to all countries.

• Highlight: Designed to develop global problem-solvers.

18. Rotary Foundation Global Grants

• Level: Master’s

• Covers: Tuition, travel, living, and research expenses.

• Eligibility: All nationalities.

• Highlight: Supports programs in peace, health, and community development.

19. Singapore Government Scholarships (SINGA)

• Level: PhD

• Covers: Full tuition, monthly stipend, airfare, and housing.

• Eligibility: International students in science and engineering.

• Highlight: Access to cutting-edge research facilities.

20. Eiffel Excellence Scholarships (France)

• Level: Master’s & PhD

• Covers: Monthly stipend, travel, health insurance, and cultural activities.

• Eligibility: International students outside France.

• Highlight: Promotes French higher education globally.

How to Apply Successfully

Applying for these scholarships takes preparation. Here are some tips:

1. Start Early – Deadlines vary, but most are 6–12 months before the program begins.

2. Prepare Strong Documents – A polished CV, motivational letter, and recommendation letters make a huge difference.

3. Tailor Applications – Don’t send a generic essay; customize for each scholarship.

4. Show Leadership & Impact – Most programs look for students who can contribute back to their communities.

5. Stay Organized – Use a spreadsheet to track deadlines, requirements, and submitted applications.

Final Thoughts

There are countless opportunities for international students in 2025. Whether you’re aiming for a master’s degree in the UK, PhD in the USA, or undergraduate study in Canada, there’s a scholarship waiting for you.

The key is to research, prepare strong applications, and never give up. With determination, you could be the next success story studying abroad on a fully funded scholarship.