Studying abroad is a dream for many students around the world. But the cost of tuition, travel, and living expenses can be too high. That’s why fully funded scholarships are so important. They help cover all or most of the costs, so you can focus on your education.
In this blog post, we will share the top fully funded scholarships for international students in 2025. These scholarships cover tuition fees, accommodation, travel, and sometimes even a monthly allowance. Most of them are open to students from all countries.
Let’s take a look at the best options available.
1. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
The Chevening Scholarship is one of the most popular fully funded scholarships in the world. It is funded by the UK government.
What it covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance
- Travel costs to and from the UK
- Arrival allowance
- Visa application fees
Who can apply:
- Students from over 160 countries
- Must have at least two years of work experience
- Should apply for a one-year master’s degree at any UK university
Application opens:
- Usually in August and closes in November every year
2. Fulbright Scholarships (USA)
The Fulbright Program is a highly respected scholarship by the US government.
What it covers:
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
- Airfare
- Health insurance
- Books and study materials
Who can apply:
- International students for master’s or PhD programs
- Applicants must show strong academic records and leadership potential
Application opens:
- Varies by country but typically opens in February–May
3. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
DAAD stands for the German Academic Exchange Service. They offer a variety of scholarships for international students.
What it covers:
- Full tuition fees (most German universities already have no tuition)
- Monthly stipend (around €850–€1200)
- Travel allowance
- Health insurance
Who can apply:
- Students applying for postgraduate studies in Germany
- Usually require a bachelor’s degree and some work experience
Application opens:
- Applications open throughout the year depending on the course
4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EU)
Erasmus Mundus offers scholarships for students to study in two or more European countries as part of a joint master’s program.
What it covers:
- Full tuition
- Monthly stipend (around €1000)
- Travel and installation allowance
- Health insurance
Who can apply:
- International students with a bachelor’s degree
- Students willing to study in different EU countries
Application opens:
- Usually from October to January each year
5. Australia Awards Scholarships
These scholarships are funded by the Australian Government for students from developing countries.
What it covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Return air travel
- Contribution to living expenses
- Health coverage
Who can apply:
- Students from Asia, Africa, and the Pacific
- Must return to their home country after study
Application opens:
- Usually from February to April
6. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
The Swiss government offers scholarships to students from more than 180 countries.
What it covers:
- Monthly stipend
- Tuition fees
- Health insurance
- Travel allowance
Who can apply:
- Postgraduate students and researchers
- Requires a strong academic background
Application opens:
- Usually from August to December
7. Gates Cambridge Scholarships (UK)
Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, these are available at the University of Cambridge.
What it covers:
- Full tuition
- Living expenses
- Travel allowance
- Visa and health costs
Who can apply:
- Students outside the UK applying for postgraduate study at Cambridge
- Must show leadership skills and a commitment to improving lives
Application opens:
- Typically in September, deadline in December
8. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships
The MEXT Scholarship is for students who want to study in Japan.
What it covers:
- Full tuition
- Monthly stipend
- Round-trip airfare
Who can apply:
- Undergraduate and graduate students
- Must apply through the Japanese embassy in your country
Application opens:
- Usually around April–May
9. Chinese Government Scholarships
Offered by the Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC), this scholarship is available for students worldwide.
What it covers:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Monthly stipend
- Health insurance
Who can apply:
- Undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students
- Must apply through a Chinese university or embassy
Application opens:
- Usually from December to April
10. Rotary Peace Fellowships
The Rotary Foundation offers this scholarship for students who want to work in peace and conflict resolution.
What it covers:
- Tuition and fees
- Room and board
- Travel expenses
- Internship and field-study costs
Who can apply:
- Students with a bachelor’s degree and three years of work experience
- Strong commitment to peace-building
Application opens:
- Applications open in February and close in May
Final Thoughts
These scholarships can open the door to world-class education without the financial burden. If you’re planning to study abroad in 2025, start preparing now. Make sure you meet all the requirements, gather the necessary documents, and apply early.
Tip: Always double-check each scholarship’s official website for the most accurate and updated information.
FAQs About Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students
1. What is a fully funded scholarship?
A fully funded scholarship covers all major expenses such as tuition fees, living costs, airfare, and sometimes even health insurance.
2. Can I apply to more than one scholarship?
Yes, you can apply to multiple scholarships at once. Just make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for each.
3. Do I need to take IELTS or TOEFL?
Most scholarships require proof of English proficiency like IELTS or TOEFL. However, some may waive it if you studied in English before.
4. When should I start applying for 2025 scholarships?
Most scholarships open in mid-2024. It’s a good idea to start researching and preparing documents at least 6–9 months before the deadline.
5. Are these scholarships open to all countries?
Most of them accept students from around the world, but some are limited to specific regions. Check the eligibility criteria on the official website.
Ready to take the next step toward your dream education?
Start exploring, preparing, and applying today. Your fully funded study abroad opportunity might just be one application away!
