Students who want to broaden their horizons and experience other cultures have a wealth of opportunities available to them through international education. But the high costs entailed frequently serve as a barrier, particularly for students from developing countries.
This is where fully funded scholarship programs can help because they offer a priceless chance to study abroad without having to worry about tuition or living costs.
In this comprehensive guide, we will look at some of the most generous, fully funded scholarships available for international students planning to enroll in undergraduate or graduate programs abroad in 2023-2024. Whether you want to study in the US, UK, Australia, or elsewhere, there are options to help fund your dreams of an international education.
What is a Fully Funded Scholarship?
A fully funded scholarship is one that covers your entire cost of education at an international university. This includes:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation/housing
- Health insurance
- Visa fees
- Flight tickets
- Stipend for living expenses
Such scholarships ease the huge financial burden that would otherwise prevent many qualified students from accessing education abroad. They are offered by governments, public universities, private foundations, and organizations.
Popular Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships
Here are some amazing fully funded undergraduate scholarship programs for international students starting in 2023/2024:
1. Schwarzman Scholarship at Tsinghua University, China
The prestigious Schwarzman Scholarship fully funds international students to pursue a one-year Master’s degree at Tsinghua University in Beijing – one of China’s most renowned universities. 145 Schwarzman Scholars from across the globe are selected annually to live and study together at Schwarzman College.
The all-expenses-paid scholarship covers tuition fees, room and board, healthcare, travel expenses, and a stipend of $24,000 to cover living costs in Beijing. Scholars gain access to leadership training, Chinese language classes, travel in China, and global networking opportunities. It is an unparalleled opportunity for future leaders looking to understand China’s role in global trends.
Eligibility: High academic and leadership achievements, proficiency in English, undergraduate degree required.
2. UK Government Chevening Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding students from over 160 eligible countries to pursue one-year postgraduate study at any UK university. The scholarship provides full financial support, including – tuition fees, a monthly stipend, economy airfare, visa application fees, research costs, etc.
Chevening scholars gain access to a wide network of professionals and leaders. They also participate in exclusive events, workshops, and opportunities to explore the UK and its cultures. The one-year Master’s degree from a UK university provides global exposure that elevates a student’s career prospects.
Eligibility: Strong academic background, commitment to country, demonstrable leadership skills, work experience, etc.
3. Australian Awards Scholarships
The Australian Awards Scholarships are prestigious scholarships funded by the Australian government to allow students from developing countries to study undergraduate or graduate courses at participating Australian universities.
The scholarship covers full tuition fees, return air travel, Overseas Student Health Cover, establishment and visa costs, living allowance for basic expenses, etc. Scholars can pursue degrees in areas like public health, engineering, governance, agriculture, and more.
Eligibility: Citizens of participating Asian, Pacific, African, and Middle Eastern countries, minimum 65% grades, English proficiency, etc.
4. Gates Cambridge Scholarships
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship offers full funding for international postgraduate students from outside the UK to pursue full-time residential courses at the University of Cambridge. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation funds Gates Cambridge Scholarships.
The scholarship covers the entire cost of studies, including tuition fees, maintenance allowance, one economy class return airfare, visa application fees, and more. It allows scholars to benefit from the prestigious education and unparalleled network offered at the University of Cambridge.
Eligibility: Outstanding intellectual and leadership potential, a commitment to improving others’ lives, good academic qualifications etc.
Top Fully Funded Graduate Scholarships
Graduate students looking to fund a Masters or PhD abroad should look at these fully funded scholarship programs:
5. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Sponsored by the US Department of State, the prestigious Fulbright scholarship provides full funding for international students to complete postgraduate study or research at US universities. Fulbright covers tuition, textbook, airfare, health insurance and living stipends for the program duration.
Fulbright scholars gain leadership skills, experience American culture and academia first-hand and access to global alumni network. Thousands of students worldwide benefit from this program annually and gain skills to make an impact.
Eligibility: Strong academic and professional background, English fluency, leadership potential, cultural ambassadorship, etc.
6. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees
The Erasmus+ program, funded by the European Union, offers full scholarships for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programs, where students study across at least two European countries.
The scholarship covers tuition fees, living and travel costs, insurance, and a stipend for 2 years. Students gain exposure to European culture and education, learn new languages, and build cross-border networks.
Eligibility: Undergraduate degree related to a chosen masters program, English proficiency, not having lived in Europe for too long, etc.
7. University of Melbourne Graduate Scholarship
The University of Melbourne’s flagship scholarship for international students is highly prestigious and covers full tuition fees and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for graduate study. Around 150 scholarships are awarded annually.
Scholars can pursue master’s or Ph.D. programs across disciplines like engineering, science, biomedicine, humanities, music, and more. The university provides a transformative student experience and a global alumni network.
Eligibility: High GPA, research proposal, demonstrated leadership and communication skills.
8. German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Scholarships
DAAD offers scholarships across bachelor’s, master’s and PhD programs at public German universities for high-achieving international students. The scholarship includes payments towards living costs, health insurance, rent, transportation, tuition fees, etc.
DAAD scholars experience high-quality German higher education, intensive language training, mentoring, and access to a global alumni network of powerful individuals. Fields like engineering, sciences, arts, and humanities are covered.
Eligibility: Strong academics, extracurriculars, research proposal, and language skills based on the program.
9. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
The Swiss government offers excellent scholarships for international students pursuing graduate studies at public universities in Switzerland. The program is aimed at future leaders and covers a wide range of academic fields.
This prestigious scholarship covers tuition fees, living allowance, housing allowance, health insurance, airfare, and other expenses for the entire study duration. Scholars experience Switzerland’s high-quality education, breathtaking landscape, and cultural diversity.
Eligibility: Masters or Ph.D. students with excellent academic records, extracurricular activities, research proposals, languages, etc.
10. University of Waterloo International Master’s and Doctoral Awards
This prestigious Canadian university provides substantial funding for high-caliber international students pursuing research-focused graduate degrees like Master and PhDs. The award values range from CAD $5,000 to $50,000 based on academic merit.
The award covers tuition fees and living costs in part or full to assist meritorious students in their advanced studies and research at Waterloo. Scholars gain access to cutting-edge research facilities and a leading innovation ecosystem.
Eligibility: Strong research potential, academic excellence, publications, recommendations, and English language skills.
11. Clarendon Fund at the University of Oxford
Prestigious Clarendon Scholarships fully fund graduate study at the University of Oxford – one of the world’s top-ranked universities. It covers all tuition and college fees, living expenses, and travel grants for scholars from across the world.
Up to 140 high-achieving students annually receive this honor to pursue degrees in subjects ranging from arts and humanities to social sciences and physical sciences at Oxford. It provides access to a world-class education.
Eligibility: Academic excellence, strong research proposal, outstanding potential, extracurricular achievements.
12. Hubert H Humphrey Fellowships
This Fulbright sponsored fellowship offers full scholarships for accomplished mid-career professionals from developing countries to pursue graduate studies and related professional experiences at American universities for 10 months.
The fellowship provides financial support to cover stipends, tuition, travel, living costs, insurance, and more. Humphrey fellows return home equipped with valuable knowledge and skills in fields like public policy, journalism, public health, etc., to better serve their communities.
Eligibility: Proven leadership skills, commitment to the public good, 5 years of work experience minimum, English fluency.
Fully Funded Scholarship Application Process
Students interested in fully funded scholarships should keep these key tips in mind:
- Research scholarships that fit your nationality, field of study, academic merit, etc. Review eligibility criteria thoroughly.
- Prepare a strong application highlighting academic achievements, leadership skills, research potential, and social impact.
- Submit all required documents – transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, essays, etc.
- Apply well in advance of deadlines. Many scholarships have rolling deadlines.
- Get help editing essays, resumes, and other application materials. Ask mentors or professors to review.
- Prepare thoroughly for tests and interviews that are part of the selection process.
- Follow up with the scholarship administrators regularly post applications.
Conclusion
Fully funded international scholarships open doors to some of the world’s best universities. They represent an invaluable opportunity to access quality education, gain global exposure and pursue your academic passions. With proper research and preparation, students worldwide can benefit from these generous scholarship programs and embark on a journey that can transform their lives and careers.