Studying abroad does not have to mean paying full tuition out of pocket. Thousands of scholarships and grants for international students are offered by governments, universities, and private foundations, and many are open to applicants from a wide range of countries. This guide profiles ten of the most established funding programs, explains who each one suits, and shows you how to find and apply for others that match your profile.
Funding rarely falls into your lap. Students who succeed treat the search like a project: they identify programs early, read the official eligibility rules carefully, and prepare documents well before deadlines. The sections below give you both the list and the process, so you can move from browsing to submitting a competitive application.
Scholarships vs. Grants: What Is the Difference?
The two terms are often used interchangeably, but they usually describe different things. A scholarship is typically awarded for merit—academic achievement, talent, or leadership potential—and often comes with conditions such as maintaining a minimum grade average.
A grant is generally need-based or project-based. It may fund tuition, living costs, research, or a specific activity, and it usually does not need to be repaid as long as you meet the conditions attached to it.
In practice, many programs blend the two. A single award might cover tuition, a monthly stipend, and travel costs while expecting you to maintain academic progress and sometimes return home after graduation. Always read the terms before accepting.
- Scholarships: merit-focused, often renewable, may require a minimum GPA.
- Grants: need or project-focused, tied to specific costs or activities.
- Both can be full or partial, and both usually carry reporting or progress requirements.
- Neither is the same as a student loan, which must be repaid.
The Top 10 Scholarships and Grants for Studying Abroad
The programs below are long-running and well documented, which makes them a reliable starting point. Requirements, deadlines, and award amounts change, so confirm every detail on the official page before you apply.
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (United States)
Funded by the U.S. government, the Fulbright program brings international students to American universities for graduate study, research, or teaching assistantships. Most applicants apply through the Fulbright commission or U.S. embassy in their home country rather than directly to the U.S. government.
It typically covers tuition, a living stipend, airfare, and health insurance, and it is highly competitive. Start by checking the Fulbright Foreign Student Program official page and your country’s local Fulbright commission for the application process.
2. Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom)
Chevening funds one-year master’s degrees in the UK for students from eligible countries. It is funded by the UK government and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and awards generally cover tuition, living costs, and return flights.
Applicants usually need at least two years of work experience and must meet English language requirements. Review the Chevening Scholarships official eligibility and application pages for your country’s specific criteria.
3. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a wide range of scholarships for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral study in Germany. Awards vary by program and can cover monthly stipends, travel, and insurance.
DAAD maintains a searchable database so you can filter by subject, degree level, and country of origin. Use the DAAD scholarship database to find programs that match your profile.
4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees (European Union)
Erasmus Mundus programs are integrated master’s degrees delivered by consortia of universities in different European countries. Students typically study in at least two countries, and a limited number of full scholarships cover tuition, travel, and living costs.
Each program has its own application and selection process, so you apply to the specific joint master’s degree rather than to a central office. Browse the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s catalogue to see available programs and their scholarship conditions.
5. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program (France)
France’s Eiffel program funds master’s and doctoral students from abroad to study at French institutions. It targets future leaders in priority fields and is awarded through nomination by the French host university rather than by direct student application.
Because institutions submit nominations, you need to be admitted to a French program first and then be selected by that institution. Check the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship official page for eligibility and the nomination process.
6. Australia Awards Scholarships
Australia Awards fund students from partner countries to study at Australian universities, mainly at postgraduate level. The program is managed by the Australian government and focuses on development priorities in the applicant’s home country.
Awards generally cover tuition, return air travel, a living allowance, and health cover. Eligibility is tied to your nationality and development sector, so check the Australia Awards official information for your country.
7. Canada Vanier Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship supports doctoral students, including international applicants, at Canadian universities. It provides a substantial annual stipend for up to three years of doctoral study.
Applicants must be nominated by the Canadian university they plan to attend, and selection is based on academic excellence, research potential, and leadership. See the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship official website for nomination details.
8. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Switzerland offers government scholarships for foreign researchers and artists to study or conduct research at Swiss institutions. Awards are available for doctoral and postdoctoral research as well as some other categories.
Applications are usually handled through the Swiss embassy in your country, and eligibility varies by country of origin. Review the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships official page for the current country list and requirements.
9. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships
MEXT scholarships are offered by the Japanese government for international students at undergraduate, graduate, and research levels. They typically cover tuition, a monthly allowance, and travel, and many students apply through a Japanese embassy or their university.
The application route matters: embassy recommendation and university recommendation have different timelines and requirements. Check the Study in Japan official scholarship information for the process that applies to you.
10. University-Specific Merit and Need-Based Awards
Many universities run their own scholarship and grant schemes for international students, and these are often less competitive than national programs because the applicant pool is smaller. Awards can range from partial tuition discounts to full funding packages.
Search each university’s financial aid or international admissions pages directly. Institutions such as the University of Oxford graduate funding pages and MIT financial aid information, for example, list their own awards and how to apply.
Quick Comparison of the Ten Programs
| Program | Host Country | Typical Level | Main Funding Covered | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fulbright Foreign Student Program | United States | Graduate | Tuition, stipend, travel, insurance | Via home-country commission or embassy |
| Chevening Scholarships | United Kingdom | Master’s | Tuition, living costs, flights | Direct online application |
| DAAD Scholarships | Germany | Undergraduate to doctoral | Varies by program | Program-specific application |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s | Multiple EU countries | Master’s | Tuition, travel, living costs | Apply to the joint program |
| Eiffel Excellence Scholarship | France | Master’s and doctoral | Stipend and allowances | Nominated by host institution |
| Australia Awards Scholarships | Australia | Mostly postgraduate | Tuition, travel, living allowance, health cover | Country-specific application |
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship | Canada | Doctoral | Annual stipend for up to three years | Nominated by university |
| Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships | Switzerland | Doctoral and postdoctoral | Stipend and allowances | Via Swiss embassy |
| MEXT Scholarships | Japan | Undergraduate to research | Tuition, allowance, travel | Embassy or university recommendation |
| University-specific awards | Varies | Varies | Partial to full funding | Direct to the university |
How to Check Eligibility Before You Apply
Most rejections happen at the eligibility stage, not the interview stage. Before you invest hours in an application, confirm that you actually qualify.
- Nationality and residency: many programs only accept applicants from specific countries.
- Degree level: some fund only master’s study, others only doctoral research.
- Field of study: priority subjects are often listed explicitly.
- Age limits: a few programs set maximum or minimum ages.
- Work experience: some require a set number of years in a relevant field.
- Language proficiency: test scores and accepted exams are usually specified.
- Return obligations: some awards expect you to return home after graduation.
Read the official eligibility criteria line by line and keep a short checklist. If a requirement is unclear, contact the program office rather than guessing.
Documents You Will Usually Need
Applications across these programs share a similar document set. Preparing them once makes it easier to apply to several programs.
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates, often translated and certified.
- Language test results such as IELTS or TOEFL, or proof of exemption.
- Letters of recommendation from professors or employers.
- A statement of purpose or study plan tailored to each program.
- A current CV or résumé.
- Passport or national ID copy.
- Research proposal, if you are applying for a research or doctoral award.
Some programs also require a medical certificate, police clearance, or proof of admission to a host university. Check the specific requirements page for each award.
How to Find Scholarships That Fit You
Beyond the ten programs above, a wider search will surface options matched to your country, subject, and level. Use official sources rather than paid directories.
- Government study-abroad portals for your home country and destination country.
- University financial aid and international admissions pages.
- National scholarship agencies and education ministries.
- Professional associations in your field, which sometimes fund study.
- Embassy and cultural institute websites.
For visa and post-study work rules, always check the destination country’s government immigration portal, since funding often interacts with visa conditions.
Writing a Strong Application
Most competitive awards are decided on the strength of your statement and references, not just your grades. A few practical habits make a real difference.
- Tailor your statement to each program’s stated priorities instead of sending a generic version.
- Explain why you need the funding and what you plan to do with the qualification.
- Choose referees who know your work well and give them enough time.
- Show a clear link between your study plans and your home country or field.
- Proofread carefully and follow formatting instructions exactly.
Treat the application as a demonstration of your planning ability. Programs want evidence that you can follow instructions, meet deadlines, and think clearly about your goals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Small errors can disqualify strong applicants. Watch for these recurring problems.
- Missing the deadline because you waited for admission results that arrive later.
- Applying to a program you are not eligible for.
- Using unofficial websites that charge fees for information available free on official pages.
- Submitting documents that are not translated or certified as required.
- Ignoring conditions attached to the award, such as return obligations or grade minimums.
- Assuming one scholarship will cover everything; many awards are partial.
Conclusion
The best-funded study-abroad journeys usually start with a short list of programs that genuinely match your profile, followed by careful reading of official requirements and early preparation of documents. The ten programs above give you a strong starting point, and the same research habits will help you find university awards and country-specific grants that fit you even better. Apply to more than one program, keep your records organized, and always confirm details on the official pages before submitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for more than one scholarship at the same time?
Usually yes, and it is a sensible strategy. Check each program’s rules, though, because some awards prohibit holding another major scholarship at the same time, and a few require you to disclose other funding offers.
Do I need to be admitted to a university before applying for a scholarship?
It depends on the program. Some, like Fulbright and Chevening, let you apply before admission and may help with placement, while others, such as the Eiffel program, require nomination by a host institution after admission. Read the official process for each award.
Are these scholarships open to students from any country?
No. Most programs limit eligibility by nationality or partner country. Fulbright, Chevening, Australia Awards, and MEXT all have country-specific criteria, so check the official page for your country of citizenship.
Do scholarships cover living costs as well as tuition?
Many major government programs do, often including a monthly stipend, travel, and insurance. Others cover only tuition or a partial amount. The award description on the official page will state exactly what is included.
Can I work while studying abroad on a scholarship?
Work rights depend on your student visa and the scholarship terms, not the scholarship alone. Check the destination country’s government immigration portal and the award conditions before taking a job.
What if my grades are not exceptional?
Merit awards are competitive, but plenty of funding is need-based or project-based. University-specific grants, subject-related awards, and some DAAD programs weigh your research plans and background as much as your grades.
Are there scholarships for undergraduate study abroad?
Yes, though they are fewer than graduate awards. MEXT, DAAD, and many university-specific programs fund undergraduates, and some national agencies in your home country offer undergraduate grants.
How early should I start preparing my application?
Give yourself several months. Language tests, certified translations, and reference letters take time, and some programs open applications well before the study year begins. Starting early also lets you apply to several programs.
Do I have to repay a scholarship or grant?
Generally no, as long as you meet the conditions. Some awards, however, include return obligations or require repayment if you withdraw without a valid reason. Read the terms before accepting.
Where can I verify that a scholarship is legitimate?
Use official sources only: government education or foreign affairs websites, university financial aid pages, and the scholarship provider’s own site. Avoid paid directories and anyone asking for application fees to access official programs.