One of the best ways to reduce the cost of studying abroad is through government-funded scholarships. These awards are funded by national governments to attract international talent. These scholarships can cover tuition, living expenses, travel, and more, making world-class education accessible for students from low- and middle-income countries.

Below are some of the best countries where governments offer generous scholarships for international students.

United Kingdom

Chevening Scholarships

• Fully funded for master’s degrees at UK universities
• Covers tuition, living allowance, travel, and more
• Open to students from eligible countries
• Focus on leadership and future impact

Commonwealth Scholarships

• Government-funded for students from Commonwealth countries
• Usually covers full tuition, stipend, living costs, travel
• Strong emphasis on development impact

Why the UK?
The UK offers prestigious awards that open doors to top universities and global networks — ideal for future leaders and professionals.

Canada

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

• For doctoral and master’s students
• Highly competitive, research-focused
• High stipend + research funding

Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS)

• Supports master’s and doctoral research
• Paid by the federal government

Why Canada?
Canada’s scholarship programs are designed to attract top talent and support research and innovation. Many Canadian universities also have additional government partnerships.

Australia

Australia Awards

• Fully funded scholarships for students from eligible countries
• Covers tuition, travel, living allowance, health insurance
• Often tied to development goals and international cooperation

Why Australia?
These awards focus on capacity building and leadership, especially for students from Asia, Africa, and the Pacific.

New Zealand

New Zealand Scholarships

• Fully funded for eligible countries
• Covers tuition, living costs, travel, and health insurance
• Includes a return-service requirement (applicants return home to contribute)

Why New Zealand?
These scholarships help students gain skills that can benefit their home countries while studying at world-class institutions.

Germany

DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)

• One of the largest scholarship programmes in the world
• Offers funding for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral research
• Covers living allowance, travel, and study support

Why Germany?
DAAD supports a wide range of fields and places emphasis on research and international collaboration.

France

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme

• Fully funded for international students at master’s and doctoral levels
• Covers tuition, living costs, health insurance, and travel
• Prioritises engineering, law, economics, and political science

Why France?
Designed to attract top talent and strengthen international academic partnerships.

Japan

MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarships

• Scholarships funded by Japan’s Ministry of Education
• Covers full tuition, living allowance, and travel
• Available for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programmes

Why Japan?
MEXT is one of the most generous government scholarship schemes in Asia.

South Korea

KGSP

• Fully funded scholarship for master’s and PhD study
• Includes airfare, monthly allowance, tuition, insurance
• Aims to attract global talent

Why Korea?
Great for STEM, humanities, and arts with strong opportunities for research.

Netherlands

Holland Scholarship

• Designed for students outside the EU/EEA
• Offers funding towards tuition and living expenses
• Part of Dutch government’s efforts to internationalise higher education

Why the Netherlands?
Many English-taught programmes with strong international student support.

Sweden

Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarships

• Fully funded for master’s programs
• Monthly stipend + tuition + travel
• Focus on future leaders and global development

Why Sweden?
Known for innovation, sustainability, and high living standards.

Ireland

Government of Ireland Scholarships

• Supports international students in select programmes
• Often combined with university funding

Why Ireland?
A growing hub for tech, business, and research.

Norway

Although Norway’s Quota Scheme ended in 2020, many institutions now offer government-linked scholarships and tuition exemptions for international students.

Why Norway?
Public universities charge no tuition; additional funding may be available for specific fields or partnerships.

Other Notable Government Scholarship Initiatives

Program	Country	Coverage
Erasmus+	Europe (EU)	Tuition + travel + stipend
ADB-JSP (Asian Development Bank)	Asia Pacific	Tuition + living + travel
Fulbright Foreign Student Program	USA	Tuition + stipend + travel
Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships	Global	Partial/Full funding based on need

How to Apply

Start early: Most government scholarships have early deadlines.
Strong Statement of Purpose: Clearly explain your goals and impact.
Proof of leadership or service: Many awards prioritise future leaders.
Research eligibility: Some awards are country-specific (e.g., Australia Awards, New Zealand Scholarships).

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