- Top Countries Offering the Most Scholarships for International Students in 2025
Introduction
Dreaming of studying abroad but worried about the cost? Good news! Several countries offer fully funded scholarships to international students, covering tuition, living expenses, and even travel costs.
Whether you’re aiming for a Master’s, PhD, or undergraduate degree, this guide explores the top countries providing the most scholarships in 2025—plus how to apply and increase your chances of winning one!
1. United States (USA) – Land of Endless Opportunities
The USA is a top destination for international students, offering numerous fully funded and partial scholarships.
Top Scholarship Programs in the USA
The United States is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, but studying there can be expensive.
Fortunately, numerous fully funded and partial scholarships help international students cover tuition, living expenses, and even travel costs.
If you’re looking to study in the U.S. on a scholarship, here are the
Top scholarship programs you should consider.
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (Fully Funded)
The Fulbright Program: is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world, offering full funding for master’s and PhD students from over 160 countries. It covers:
✅ Full tuition fees
✅ Monthly stipend for living expenses
✅ Travel costs (round-trip airfare)
✅ Health insurance
2. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (Stanford University – Fully Funded)
This highly competitive scholarship provides full funding for any graduate program at Stanford University.
The scholarship covers:
✅ Full tuition fees
✅ Stipend for living expenses
✅ Additional funds for travel and personal development
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) application to join the 2025 cohort is now closed. The application for the 2026 cohort will open in summer 2025.
Application Steps:
- Prepare Your Application: Familiarize yourself with the KHS application requirements, which include:
- Online application form
- Resume
- Transcripts and test scores
- Recommendation letters
- Short answers and essay
Detailed information on each component is available on the KHS website.
- Concurrent Applications: You must apply separately but concurrently to both the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program and your chosen Stanford graduate degree program(s). Each program has its own application process and deadlines.
- Stay Informed: Sign up for updates on the KHS program and application process to receive timely information and invitations to admission events.
For the most current information and to access the application portal when it opens, visit the official knight-hennessey.stanford.edu
Ensure you review all requirements and deadlines carefully to submit a complete and timely application.
3. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program (Fully Funded)
This non-degree scholarship program is designed for mid-career professionals who want to enhance their leadership skills in the U.S. It covers:
✅ Tuition and fees
✅ Monthly stipend
✅ Health insurance
✅ Airfare
To apply for the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, Nigerian applicants should follow these steps:
- Application Portal: Access the online application through the Institute of International Education’s portal: https://apply.iie.org/huberthhumphrey.
- Account Creation: First-time applicants need to create an account on the application portal.
- Submission: Complete and submit your application online.
For detailed information on eligibility criteria and application procedures, visit the official Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program website: https://www.humphreyfellowship.org/how-to-apply.
Additionally, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria provides specific guidelines for applicants: https://ng.usembassy.gov/humphrey-fellowship/.
Ensure you review all requirements and deadlines carefully to submit a complete and timely application.
4. AAUW International Fellowships (For Women – Partially Funded)
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers scholarships for women pursuing master’s or PhD programs in the U.S. The award provides:
✅ $18,000 to $30,000 in funding
✅ Support for research and dissertation projects
5. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)
This scholarship is co-funded by the World Bank and Japan, offering full funding for students from developing countries to study in the U.S.
The U.S. offers incredible scholarship opportunities for international students, but competition is tough.
Start early, prepare strong application documents, and apply for multiple scholarships to increase your chances!
Why Choose the USA?
✔ World-class universities (Harvard, MIT, Stanford, etc.)
✔ Research and career opportunities
✔ Scholarships available for all study levels
Eligibility & How to Apply
Strong academic background
English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
Leadership and extracurricular activities
Apply via official scholarship websites or university portals
2. United Kingdom (UK) – Home to Prestigious Scholarships
The UK offers some of the most competitive scholarships, especially for postgraduate students.
Top Scholarships in the UK
Chevening Scholarships – Covers full tuition, living allowance, and travel for master’s students.
Commonwealth Scholarships – For students from Commonwealth countries pursuing master’s and PhD degrees.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship – Fully funded scholarships at Cambridge University.
Rhodes Scholarship – One of the oldest and most prestigious scholarships, available at Oxford University.
Why Choose the UK?
✔ Shorter degree programs (1-year master’s, 3-year PhD)
✔ High employment rate for graduates
✔ Globally recognized degrees
Eligibility & How to Apply
Strong academic record (usually a minimum of 2:1 degree)
Proof of leadership potential
Online application via official portals
3. Germany – Tuition-Free Education + Scholarships
Germany is one of the few countries offering tuition-free education, even for international students. Additionally, there are numerous fully funded scholarships available.
Top Scholarships in Germany
DAAD Scholarships – For master’s and PhD students; covers tuition, living expenses, and travel.
Deutschlandstipendium – Offers financial support for talented students.
Erasmus+ Program – Provides funding for studying in Germany as part of an exchange program.
Why Choose Germany?
✔ Free or low-cost education at public universities
✔ Strong focus on research and innovation
✔ Numerous funding opportunities
Eligibility & How to Apply
Academic excellence
IELTS/TOEFL or German proficiency (for some programs)
Apply through DAAD or university websites
4. Canada – A Top Choice for International Students
Canada is known for its affordable education and welcoming policies for international students.
Top Scholarships in Canada
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships – For PhD students in Canada.
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships – Fully funded scholarships at the University of Toronto.
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) – Merit-based funding for master’s and PhD students.
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships – For postdoctoral researchers.
Why Choose Canada?
Common Mistakes to avoid when applying for Scholarships
✔ High-quality education and research facilities
✔ Post-graduation work opportunities
✔ Multicultural environment
Eligibility & How to Apply
Excellent academic records
Proof of financial need (for some scholarships)
Apply via university portals or official government websites
5. Australia – Generous Government-Funded Scholarships
Australia offers some of the most generous scholarships for international students at all levels.
Top Scholarships in Australia
Australia Awards Scholarships – Covers full tuition, living expenses, and travel for students from developing countries.
Research Training Program (RTP) – Fully funded scholarships for PhD and master’s by research students.
Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarship – Supports international students pursuing a master’s or PhD.
Why Choose Australia?
✔ Top universities like ANU, Melbourne, and Sydney
✔ High demand for skilled graduates
✔ Work opportunities after graduation
Eligibility & How to Apply
Minimum academic qualifications
English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
Apply through the Australian government website or university portals
6. China – A Rising Power in International Education
China has become a major destination for affordable and high-quality education, with many fully funded scholarships available.
Top Scholarships in China
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) – Covers full tuition, accommodation, and living stipend.
Belt and Road Scholarship – Supports students from Belt and Road countries.
Confucius Institute Scholarships – For students studying the Chinese language.
Why Choose China?
✔ Low-cost or free education
✔ High demand for international talent
✔ Scholarships cover living expenses and health insurance
Eligibility & How to Apply
No age limit for some scholarships
Academic excellence required
Apply through the Chinese Scholarship Council website
7. Netherlands – A Top Choice for Research and Innovation
The Netherlands offers various fully funded and partial scholarships for international students.
Top Scholarships in the Netherlands
Holland Scholarship – For non-EU international students.
Orange Knowledge Program – Fully funded scholarships for professionals from developing countries.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees – Covers full tuition and living expenses.
Why Choose the Netherlands?
✔ English-taught programs
✔ High-ranking universities
✔ Strong industry-university collaboration
Eligibility & How to Apply
High academic performance
IELTS/TOEFL required
Apply through Dutch university websites
Which Country Should You Choose?
Choosing the right country depends on your academic goals, budget, and career plans. If you want:
✔ Research opportunities → USA, Germany, Netherlands
✔ Affordable tuition → Germany, China, Canada
✔ High scholarship funding → UK, Australia, USA
✔ Post-graduation work visas → Canada, Australia, Netherlands
No matter where you apply, start early, prepare strong application documents, and apply for multiple scholarships to increase your chances.
Need Help Finding Scholarships?
Check official government portals, university websites, and platforms like ScholarshipPositions.com, DAAD, and Chevening for updated scholarship listings.
Start applying today! Your dream scholarship is waiting.
ScholarshipPositions.com
