Dreaming of studying in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, or Europe? You’re not alone. But international education can be expensive. Thankfully, there are thousands of study abroad scholarships available for students from all backgrounds to make that dream a reality.
This guide breaks down the top scholarships to study abroad in 2025, including fully funded, government, merit-based, and field-specific options. We’ll also cover eligibility, how to apply, and tips to improve your chances of winning.
Why Apply for Study Abroad Scholarships?
Studying abroad opens doors to global experiences, international networks, and career-changing opportunities. But the cost—including tuition, flights, accommodation, and visas—can exceed $20,000–$50,000 per year.
Scholarships ease the burden, helping you:
- Avoid student loan debt
- Access better universities
- Gain cross-cultural exposure
- Strengthen your career profile
Pro Tip: Start applying 12–18 months before your intended study date.
Top Fully Funded Study Abroad Scholarships in 2025
These scholarships cover tuition, flights, living stipends, and sometimes even research costs.
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
- Eligibility: Graduate students, researchers
- Coverage: Tuition, airfare, stipend, insurance
- Open To: 155+ countries
- Deadline: Varies by country
2. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
- Eligibility: Leadership potential, undergrad degree
- Coverage: Full tuition, airfare, monthly stipend
- Open To: 160+ countries
- Deadline: November 2025
3. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
- Eligibility: Graduate & doctoral students
- Coverage: Tuition, monthly stipend (€850–1,200), travel
- Deadline: July–October 2025
4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree
- Coverage: Tuition, travel, installation, living costs
- Countries: Multiple across Europe
- Deadline: December 2025 – March 2026
5. Australian Awards Scholarships
- Eligibility: Citizens of partner countries in Asia, Africa, Pacific
- Coverage: Full tuition, travel, establishment allowance, health insurance
- Deadline: May 2025
6. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships (UK)
- Eligibility: Low-income students from Commonwealth countries
- Coverage: Full tuition, airfare, stipend
- Fields: Science, tech, development, health
- Deadline: December 2025
Merit-Based Study Abroad Scholarships
These are awarded based on academic performance, leadership, or talent, rather than financial need.
Scholarship | Country | Coverage | Deadline |
Rhodes Scholarship | UK | Full tuition + living | October 2025 |
Gates Cambridge | UK | Full funding | December 2025 |
Aga Khan International Scholarship | Multiple | Partial to full | March 2025 |
ENS International Selection | France | €1,000/month + tuition | December 2025 |
Need-Based & Destination-Specific Scholarships
Swedish Institute Scholarships (Sweden)
- For global professionals with leadership skills
- Covers tuition, living, and insurance
Japanese MEXT Scholarships
- Funded by Japanese government
- Includes undergrad, grad, and vocational courses
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- For doctoral students
- CAD $50,000/year for 3 years
Field-Specific Scholarships
There are targeted scholarships for specific disciplines like STEM, business, health, journalism, and more.
Examples:
- Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarships – Development fields
- AAUW International Fellowships – Women in research/STEM
- Orange Knowledge Programme (Netherlands) – Technical and vocational training
- ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship (Switzerland) – Science & tech
How to Find the Right Study Abroad Scholarship
Top Platforms:
Platform | Description |
Scholarships.com | U.S.-focused and international listings |
DAAD.de | German-funded scholarships for global students |
Studyportals.com | Search by field, level, and location |
Fastweb | Personalized scholarship matches |
ScholarshipPositions.com | Filter by continent, subject, and degree |
How to Apply for Study Abroad Scholarships
General Requirements:
- Academic transcripts (GPA ≥ 3.0 preferred)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement/essay
- Language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Passport and ID
- Admission letter (some require conditional acceptance)
Tips to Win Competitive Scholarships
- Start early – many close a year before courses begin
- Customize each application – don’t reuse generic essays
- Show impact – academic achievements, leadership, community service
- Proofread everything – grammar and presentation matter
- Get strong references – professors, employers, or mentors
- Apply to 5–10 scholarships minimum
Some scholarships receive over 10,000 applications—make yours stand out.
Can You Combine Scholarships?
Yes, but there are rules:
- Some scholarships allow partial stacking
- Fully funded awards usually prohibit double funding
- Inform both providers to avoid disqualification
Always check the scholarship’s terms and conditions.
What to Do After You Win
- Accept and confirm the award
- Prepare visa and documentation
- Open a bank account (some stipends require this)
- Arrange health insurance
- Join orientation webinars or groups
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can undergraduates apply for study abroad scholarships?
Yes. Many scholarships are open to undergraduates, especially through exchange programs and regional initiatives.
Q2: Do I need to speak the local language?
Not always. Many scholarships fund English-taught programs, even in non-English speaking countries.
Q3: What is a fully funded scholarship?
It covers tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance—with no repayment required.
Q4: Can I study in the U.S. or UK with a 3.0 GPA?
Yes. Many programs accept GPAs as low as 2.5, especially if supported by strong extracurriculars and essays.
Start Your Global Education Journey
A study abroad scholarship can change your life, opening global doors and accelerating your career. The competition may be tough—but the reward is huge.
Whether you’re a high school senior or a graduate student, now is the time to start your scholarship search. Organize your documents, set deadlines, and apply consistently.
Your dream university is waiting—and with the right scholarship, it could be completely free.