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What Are Fully Funded Scholarships?

Fully funded scholarships cover the full cost of your education abroad. This means that you don’t have to pay anything for your tuition fees, accommodation, food, travel, health insurance, and other expenses. You can focus on your studies and enjoy your experience without worrying about money. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, believe it or not, there are many fully funded scholarships available for international students who want to pursue their undergraduate, master’s, or PhD degrees in different countries and fields of study. These scholarships are offered by governments, universities, organizations, foundations, and individuals who want to support talented and motivated students from all over the world.

Why should you apply for fully funded scholarships?

Applying for fully funded scholarships can be a life-changing decision for you. Here are some of the benefits of getting a fully funded scholarship:

• You can study at some of the most prestigious and renowned universities in the world, such as Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge, Yale, Stanford, MIT, and many more. You can access world-class education, facilities, resources, and networks that will boost your academic and professional development.
• You can explore different cultures, languages, and perspectives by living and studying in a foreign country. You can broaden your horizons, learn new skills, make new friends, and have fun. You can also travel to other places and discover new things.
• You can save a lot of money and avoid getting into debt. Studying abroad can be very expensive, especially if you have to pay for everything yourself. With a fully funded scholarship, you don’t have to worry about tuition fees, loans, or financial aid. You can graduate debt-free and start your career with a clean slate.
• You can improve your chances of getting a good job and a higher salary. Having a degree from a reputable university and a scholarship on your resume can make you stand out from the crowd and impress potential employers. You can also benefit from the alumni network and career services of your university and scholarship provider. You can find opportunities to work in your field of interest, either in your home country or abroad.

How to apply for fully funded scholarships?

Applying for fully funded scholarships can be a challenging and competitive process, but it is not impossible. Here are some tips on how to prepare and apply for fully funded scholarships:

• Start your search early. Don’t wait until the last minute to look for scholarships. Many scholarships have deadlines that are months or even a year before the start of the academic year. You need to give yourself enough time to research, prepare, and submit your application. You can use online platforms, databases, blogs, and newsletters to find scholarships that match your profile and preferences. You can also ask your teachers, mentors, friends, or family for recommendations and advice.
• Choose the right scholarship for you. Don’t apply for every scholarship you find. Be selective and realistic. Choose the scholarships that suit your academic background, achievements, goals, and interests. Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria and the requirements of the scholarship. Read the instructions carefully and follow them. Don’t waste your time and energy on scholarships that are not relevant or feasible for you.
• Prepare a strong application. Your application is your chance to showcase your personality, potential, and passion. You need to convince the scholarship committee that you are the best candidate for the scholarship. To do that, you need to prepare a compelling personal statement, a clear and concise resume, a well-written research proposal (if applicable), and strong letters of recommendation. You also need to provide evidence of your academic excellence, extracurricular activities, leadership skills, and social impact. You need to proofread and edit your application before submitting it. You can also ask someone else to review your application and give you feedback.
• Prepare for the interview. If you are shortlisted for the scholarship, you will most likely have to go through an interview. The interview is your opportunity to demonstrate your communication skills, confidence, and enthusiasm. You need to prepare for the interview by researching the scholarship provider, the university, and the country. You need to practice answering common and specific questions related to your application, your field of study, and your future plans. You need to dress professionally, be punctual, be polite, and be yourself.

Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students in 2024-2025

Now that you know what fully funded scholarships are, why you should apply for them, and how to apply for them, let’s take a look at some of the best fully funded scholarships for international students in 2024-2025. Here are the top 10 fully funded scholarships that you should consider applying for:

1. British Chevening Scholarships

The British Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship program that offers full or partial funding for one-year master’s degrees at any UK university. The scholarships are open to outstanding leaders and professionals from over 160 countries and territories who have at least two years of work experience. The scholarships cover tuition fees, monthly stipend, travel costs, visa fees, and health insurance. The scholarships also provide access to exclusive events, networking opportunities, and online courses. The application deadline for the 2024-2025 cycle is November 2, 2023. You can find more information and apply here¹.

2. Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is a European Union initiative that supports joint master’s and doctoral programs offered by consortia of universities from different countries in Europe and beyond. The scholarship covers the participation costs, monthly allowance, travel and installation costs, and insurance costs for the entire duration of the program. The scholarship is open to students from any country who have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent for master’s programs and a master’s degree or equivalent for doctoral programs. The application deadline varies depending on the program, but most of them are between October and January. You can find more information and apply here².

3. Rhodes Scholarship

The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the oldest and most prestigious scholarships in the world. It was established in 1902 by the will of Cecil Rhodes, a British businessman and politician who wanted to promote international understanding and peace. The scholarship enables exceptional students from 64 countries to pursue a postgraduate degree at the University of Oxford, one of the world’s leading universities. The scholarship covers all university and college fees, a personal stipend, a settling-in allowance, a health insurance, and a travel allowance. The scholarship also offers a comprehensive program of personal and professional development, mentoring, and networking. The application deadline varies depending on the country, but most of them are between June and October. You can find more information and apply here³.

4. Fulbright Scholarship

The Fulbright Scholarship is the flagship program of the US government that aims to foster mutual understanding and cooperation between the US and other countries through educational and cultural exchange. The scholarship offers various opportunities for students, scholars, teachers, professionals, and artists from over 160 countries to study, research, teach, or learn in the US. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and travel costs. The scholarship also provides orientation, enrichment, and support activities. The application deadline varies depending on the country and the program, but most of them are between February and October. You can find more information and apply here⁴.

5. European Scholarships

The European Scholarships are a group of scholarships funded by the European Commission, the executive branch of the European Union. The scholarships aim to support the development of higher education and research in Europe and beyond. The scholarships include the following programs:

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions: These are grants for researchers at all stages of their careers, from PhD candidates to experienced researchers, to conduct research in any discipline and any country. The grants cover living, travel, and family costs, as well as research and training costs. The application deadline is usually in September. You can find more information and apply here⁵.
• Jean Monnet Actions: These are grants for institutions and individuals to promote excellence in teaching and research on European integration. The grants cover the costs of teaching, research, conferences, publications, and networking activities. The application deadline is usually in February. You can find more information and apply here.
• Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme: This is a grant for African higher education institutions to set up partnerships and exchange programs for students and staff within Africa. The grant covers travel costs, subsistence costs, tuition fees, insurance costs, and visa costs. The application deadline is usually in May. You can find more information and apply here.

6. Eiffel Scholarship

The Eiffel Scholarship is a French government scholarship that aims to attract the best and brightest international students to pursue master’s or PhD degrees in France. The scholarship is open to students from developing and emerging countries who want to study in the fields of engineering, economics, management, law, or political science. The scholarship covers a monthly allowance, a return ticket, health insurance, and cultural activities. The scholarship does not cover tuition fees, but the French higher education institutions that host the students usually waive them. The application deadline for the 2024-2025 cycle is January 7, 2024. You can find more information and apply here.

7. DAAD Scholarship

The DAAD Scholarship is a German academic exchange service that offers various scholarships and grants for international students, researchers, and academics to study, research, or teach in Germany. The scholarship covers tuition fees, monthly stipend, health insurance, travel allowance, and language course. The scholarship is open to students and scholars from all disciplines and all levels of education, from undergraduate to postdoctoral. The application deadline varies depending on the program and the country, but most of them are between August and November. You can find more information and apply here.

8. MEXT Scholarship

The MEXT Scholarship is a Japanese government scholarship that aims to foster friendship and understanding between Japan and other countries through cultural and academic exchange. The scholarship offers various programs for international students who want to study at Japanese universities or colleges, such as undergraduate, research, teacher training, Japanese studies, and specialized training. The scholarship covers tuition fees, monthly allowance, airfare, and other expenses. The scholarship is open to students from over 160 countries who have completed 12 years of school education or have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The application deadline varies depending on the program and the country, but most of them are between April and July. You can find more information and apply here.

9. Commonwealth Scholarship

The Commonwealth Scholarship is a UK-funded scholarship that supports students from Commonwealth countries to pursue higher education in the UK or in other Commonwealth countries. The scholarship offers different schemes, such as master’s, PhD, split-site, distance learning, medical, and professional fellowships. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living allowance, airfare, and other costs. The scholarship is open to students from low and middle income Commonwealth countries who have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent with at least a second class upper division. The application deadline varies depending on the scheme and the country, but most of them are between August and December. You can find more information and apply here.

10. Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation that enables outstanding students from outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge, one of the world’s top universities. The scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge, including tuition fees, maintenance allowance, airfare, visa fees, and family allowance. The scholarship also provides academic and personal development, leadership and social activities, and mentoring and networking opportunities. The scholarship is open to students from any country and any discipline who have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent with excellent academic performance and leadership potential. The application deadline for the 2024-2025 cycle is October 13, 2023 for US citizens and January 5, 2024 for other citizens. You can find more information and apply here.

Conclusion

These are the top 10 fully funded scholarships for international students in 2024-2025 that you should consider applying for. These scholarships can help you achieve your academic and career goals, as well as enrich your personal and professional growth. However, these scholarships are not the only ones available. There are many other scholarships and grants that you can find and apply for, depending on your eligibility, preferences, and aspirations. You can use online tools, such as Bing, to search for more scholarships and get more information. You can also consult your teachers, mentors, or counselors for guidance and support. Remember, applying for scholarships is not easy, but it is worth it. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. So, don’t hesitate and start your application today. You never know, you might be the next lucky winner of a fully funded scholarship. Good luck!