Pursuing a master’s degree abroad can be one of the most rewarding decisions you make but the cost of tuition and living expenses often stops many talented students in their tracks. The good news? There are fully funded master’s programs available specifically for international students that cover tuition, living expenses, travel stipends, and more.
Whether you’re interested in STEM, business, public policy, or humanities, several scholarships and funding schemes help make global education truly accessible. Here’s a complete guide to fully funded master’s programs for international students including top opportunities, requirements, and application tips.
What “Fully Funded” Really Means
A fully funded master’s typically includes:
Full tuition waiver
Monthly living stipend
Health insurance
Travel grants or settling allowance
Research, books, or conference funding (in many cases)
Unlike partial scholarships that cover only tuition, these awards let you focus entirely on your studies without worrying about finances.
Top Fully Funded Master’s Opportunities Worldwide
Chevening Scholarships (UK)
About: UK government’s flagship scholarship for global leaders.
- Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, travel costs, arrival allowance, visa support, networking events.
- Duration: 1 year
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree, leadership experience, work experience, strong English.
- Best for: Social sciences, policy, business, international relations.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Canada)
About: Prestigious Canadian scholarship for doctoral and master’s level research.
- Coverage: $50,000/year stipend for up to 2–3 years
- Eligibility: Academic excellence, leadership potential, research alignment.
- Best for: STEM, health, social sciences with research focus.
Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)
About: Australian government funding for students from developing countries.
- Coverage: Full tuition, travel, living allowance, health insurance.
- Duration: 2 years (Masters)
- Eligibility: Strong academics, leadership potential, alignment with development goals.
- Best for: Development studies, policy, public health, environment.
Erasmus+ Joint Master Degrees (Europe)
About: EU-funded program offering scholarships to study across multiple European universities.
- Coverage: Tuition + living allowance + travel stipend + insurance.
- Duration: 1–2 years
- Eligibility: High academic performance, motivation, sometimes work experience required.
- Best for: International business, sustainability, engineering, technology.
Norwegian Education (Norway)
About: Many universities in Norway are tuition-free for all international students.
- Coverage: No tuition (living costs still apply, but many cities offer student support).
- Top Institutions: University of Oslo, NTNU, University of Bergen
- Best for: Social sciences, natural sciences, technology.
New Zealand Scholarships (New Zealand)
About: Government scholarships include the New Zealand Development Scholarships and university-specific funding.
- Coverage: Full tuition, living allowance, travel costs.
- Eligibility: Country-specific quotas and development goals.
- Best for: Engineering, business, environmental science.
Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP) (South Korea)
About: Fully funded master’s and PhD scholarships for international students.
- Coverage: Full tuition + monthly stipend + airfare + health insurance.
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree, language requirements (TOPIK/English).
- Best for: STEM, humanities, arts, Korean studies.
DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
About: Germany’s premier international scholarship program.
- Coverage: Monthly stipend, travel allowance, health insurance, tuition (often waived).
- Eligibility: Strong academic record, motivation, sometimes German language proficiency for specific programs.
- Best for: Engineering, development, environmental studies, arts.
Eligibility Tips for Fully Funded Programs
Academic excellence: Most programs require strong academic records (GPA 3.0+ or equivalent).
Leadership or impact experience: Scholarships like Chevening and Australia Awards prioritise leadership potential.
Relevant work or research experience: Especially for research-focused scholarships.
Strong English proficiency: IELTS/TOEFL scores are often required (some waive this if your prior degree was in English).
Compelling personal statement: Explain goals, impact, and why you deserve the scholarship.
How to Increase Your Chances
Start early. fully funded scholarships often have earlier deadlines than university admissions.
Tailor your personal statement to each scholarship’s goals and mission.
Secure strong references (academic + professional) that speak to your abilities and fit.
Attach a clear study or research proposal (especially for STEM & research awards)
Proofread all documents carefully.
Fully Funded Master’s Programs
| Scholarship/Program | Country | Coverage | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevening | UK | Full tuition + living + travel | 1 year | Leadership, social sciences |
| Vanier Canada | Canada | High stipend + research | 2–3 years | Research masters & PhD |
| Australia Awards | Australia | Tuition + living + travel | 2 years | Development, policy |
| Erasmus+ Joint Masters | Europe | Tuition + stipend + travel | 1–2 years | International/business |
| KGSP | South Korea | Tuition + stipend + airfare | 2 years | STEM, arts, humanities |
| DAAD | Germany | Stipend + travel + insurance | 1–2 years | STEM, environment |
Fully funded master’s programs are real and within reach if you plan early, present a strong profile, and choose opportunities that match your goals. From government scholarships to tuition-waived countries, the options span the UK, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
FAQ
Q1: Do these programs require GRE/GMAT?
Only some do, especially for research or business degrees. Always check specific scholarship requirements.
Q2: Is work experience necessary?
Not always, but it can boost your application especially for leadership-focused awards.
Q3: Can I apply to multiple scholarships at once?
Yes, as long as deadlines don’t conflict. Preparing multiple strong applications increases your chances.
Q4: Can online master’s be fully funded?
Some institutions offer full funding for online programs, but it’s less common than on-campus funding.
