Going abroad for higher education opens incredible doors but costs remain a concern. As an international student, you may feel additional barriers to accessing financial aid. This guide aims to inspire hope by showcasing generous scholarships developed especially for your needs.
With dedicated research and compelling applications, let these opportunities fuel your education ambitions. Whether pursuing undergraduate, master’s, or PhD programs, funding options exist from sponsors devoted to making international study achievable.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Offering over 8,000 scholarships annually, Fulbright supports students and young professionals to study, teach, or research in over 140 countries including the U.S.
Eligibility:
- Certain nationality/residency requirements apply
- Demonstrate leadership and academic merit
- Have secured admission to a U.S. college/university
Award: Covers tuition, living costs, and transportation.
Deadlines: Vary by country but typically fall season each year.
Commonwealth Scholarships
Funded by the UK government, these sponsor citizens of Commonwealth nations to pursue postgraduate study at any UK university.
Eligibility:
- Passport of Commonwealth country except UK
- Academic excellence with minimum Upper Second class honors degree
- Strong study/research proposal, letters of reference
Award: Full economic costs including tuition, living expenses, and fares.
Deadline: Early October each year.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
The EU’s prestigious program offers partial-full scholarships for top international students to study for two validated master’s degrees across Europe.
Eligibility:
- Non-EU citizens meeting admission requirements
- Research proposal and language proficiency
- Courses taught fully in English at partner universities
Award: Tuition, living stipend, travel allowance, insurance.
Deadline: Multiple intakes with February/March deadlines.
International Student Exchange Programs
Study abroad semester exchanges let students pay home institution fees while immersing in another culture and earning credits. Over 300 colleges worldwide participate.
Opportunities: Exchanges through IIE, EA, GoEdu, TuitionExchange, and more match your major/level.
Benefits: Pay tuition/housing at your home university during approved exchange semesters abroad.
Deadlines: Fall – February/March, Spring – September/October, Summer – February.
DAAD German Academic Exchange Service
Offers diverse German government scholarships for degree/non-degree study, research, and internships in any subject area in Germany.
Eligibility and awards vary by program, from Undergraduate Scholarships to Doctoral Research Grants.
Deadlines are typically in April/May/June/November for the following academic year.
This glimpse barely scratches the surface of funding internationally. Consider all options and start researching/planning early. With diligence, you can achieve your global dreams.
