Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students in 2024

There are numerous fully funded scholarships for international students. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and sometimes even travel costs. Here’s a curated list of the top 10 fully funded scholarships for international students in 2024, along with eligibility criteria and application deadlines (be sure to double-check deadlines on the official scholarship websites!):

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)

Scholarship: The Fulbright Program, perhaps the most prestigious international scholarship program, provides funding for graduate study, non-degree research, and some undergraduate programs.
Eligibility: Open to citizens of most countries except the USA. Strong academic record, leadership potential, and a clear purpose for studying in the US are crucial.
Benefits: Covers tuition, living stipend, health insurance, airfare, and visa processing fees.
Deadline: Varies by country.
Website: Fulbright Scholarship: fulbrightgrants.org

2. MEXT Scholarships (Japan)

Scholarship: Offered by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), these scholarships support undergraduate, graduate, and research students in various fields.
Eligibility: Open to international students with outstanding academic records and a strong interest in Japanese culture and society. Age limitations apply depending on the program level.
Benefits: Covers tuition fees, a monthly stipend, and travel costs to and from Japan.
Deadline: Varies by application type (embassy recommendation or university recommendation).
Website: MEXT Scholarship: mext.go.jp/en/

3. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)

Scholarship: Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this prestigious scholarship supports outstanding international students pursuing postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge.
Eligibility: Open to applicants from countries outside the UK with exceptional academic ability, a strong leadership potential, and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
Benefits: Covers full tuition fees, college fees, a maintenance allowance, travel costs, and health insurance.
Deadline: October 15th (previous year).
Website: Gates Cambridge Scholarship: gatescambridge.org

4. Chevening Scholarships (UK)

Scholarship: The UK government’s Chevening Scholarship program supports postgraduate study at universities across the UK.
Eligibility: Open to talented individuals with leadership potential from countries or territories where Chevening operates. Specific requirements vary by country.
Benefits: Covers tuition fees, a living allowance, an economy return airfare from your home country, and other grants to cover living expenses.
Deadline: Varies by country (typically mid-August to mid-September).
Website: Chevening Scholarship: chevening.org

5. ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarships (Switzerland)

Scholarship: Offered by ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich), these scholarships support exceptional international students pursuing Master’s degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), and Management fields.
Eligibility: Open to outstanding students from all over the world with a strong academic record in a relevant field.
Benefits: Covers full tuition fees and a living stipend.
Deadline: Varies by degree program (typically February-March).
Website: ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarships: ethz.ch

6. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

Scholarship: Offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), these scholarships support undergraduate and postgraduate students from various countries for studies in Germany.
Eligibility: Eligibility requirements vary depending on the specific program and the student’s home country. Generally, a strong academic record and proficiency in German are required.
Benefits: Covers tuition fees, a monthly stipend for living expenses, and health insurance. Travel grants may also be available.
Deadline: Varies by program.
Website: DAAD Scholarship: daad.de

7. Netherlands Government Scholarship (Netherlands)

Scholarship: Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, these scholarships support talented international students from selected countries for full-degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD) programs at Dutch research universities.
Eligibility: Open to talented students from specific countries (check website for the list). Strong academic record and a relevant study program at a participating Dutch university are required.
Benefits: Covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and health insurance.
Deadline: Varies by country (typically February-March).
Website: Netherlands Government Scholarship: hollandscholarship.nl

8. University Scholarships (Various Countries)

Many universities worldwide offer their own scholarships for international students. These scholarships can be merit-based, need-based, or specific to a particular field of study.

Eligibility: Varies greatly depending on the university and scholarship program. Some may require exceptional academic achievement, while others may prioritize leadership potential or involvement in specific extracurricular activities.
Benefits: Financial aid can range from partial tuition waivers to full coverage of tuition and living expenses. Some universities might also offer health insurance or travel grants.
Deadline: Deadlines also vary significantly. It’s crucial to research individual university scholarship programs well in advance and meet their specific deadlines.

Tips for Finding University Scholarships:

Visit the international student scholarship webpage of your desired universities.
Search scholarship databases like “[Scholarship Database]” or “[International Scholarship Database]”.
Utilize resources offered by your home country’s educational ministry or international student organizations.

9. Government Scholarships (Various Countries)

Several governments offer scholarships to international students from specific countries or regions. These scholarships often aim to foster cultural exchange and international cooperation.

Eligibility: Varies depending on the government and scholarship program. Citizenship in a specific country and pursuing studies relevant to a participating university or field might be required.
Benefits: Financial support can range from full tuition coverage to a combination of tuition and living expenses. Some programs may even offer health insurance or travel grants.
Deadline: Deadlines also vary considerably. Research individual government scholarship programs thoroughly and adhere to their specific deadlines.

Tips for Finding Government Scholarships:

Contact your home country’s Ministry of Education or international affairs department.
Research scholarship opportunities offered by the government of your desired study destination.
Explore resources provided by international organizations like the “[Organization of American States]” (OAS) or the “[Commonwealth Scholarship Commission]” (CSC).

10. Need-Based Scholarships (Various Organizations)

Need-based scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate financial hardship and academic potential. These scholarships can come from various organizations, including foundations, NGOs, and private donors.

Eligibility: Financial need is the primary criterion. However, some scholarships may also consider academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, or a commitment to a particular field of study.
Benefits: Financial aid can vary depending on the organization and scholarship program. It might cover full or partial tuition fees, living expenses, or even books and other educational materials.

Tips for Finding Need-Based Scholarships:

Utilize scholarship search databases that allow filtering by financial need.
Research scholarships offered by foundations and NGOs focused on education and international development.
Explore resources provided by your home country’s student support organizations.

Remember:

Start your scholarship search early: Finding and applying for scholarships takes time and effort. Researching opportunities and preparing application materials well in advance increases your chances of success.
Meet all deadlines: Missing deadlines is the quickest way to disqualify yourself from scholarship consideration. Set calendar reminders and track deadlines meticulously.
Tailor your application: Generic applications rarely impress scholarship committees. Carefully read application instructions and tailor your essays and supporting documents to highlight your unique qualifications and how you align with the scholarship’s objectives.
Proofread meticulously: Typos and grammatical errors can create a negative impression. Proofread your application materials thoroughly and consider seeking feedback from a trusted advisor or mentor.

By following these tips and exploring the scholarship opportunities listed above, you can significantly increase your chances of securing a fully funded scholarship to pursue your international education dream in 2024. Remember, with dedication and a well-crafted application, international study can become a reality!