Top 5 Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students

Studying abroad is a dream for many, but the high cost of education often becomes a serious barrier. Fortunately, there are fully funded scholarships that make studying at top universities accessible — even for students with limited financial means. These programs cover all education-related expenses, including accommodation, meals, transportation, visa fees, and more.

In this article, we have compiled the 5 most prestigious scholarships for international students, offering unique opportunities for study and research.

Contents:

• DAAD (Germany)
• Chevening (UK)
• Erasmus+ (Europe)
• Fulbright (USA)
• CSC (China)
• How to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Scholarship

DAAD — German Academic Exchange Service

DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) is one of the most well-known organizations offering scholarships for international students. The program has been active for over 100 years and supports both short-term research stays and full-fledged master’s and doctoral programs.

What it covers:

• Tuition at a German university
• Monthly stipend (usually €850–1,200 depending on the level)
• Health insurance
• Relocation support (flight, visa, sometimes German language courses)

Who it’s for:

DAAD is open to candidates from almost any country and covers dozens of academic fields — from engineering and medicine to the humanities. Key requirements include strong academic performance, high motivation, and sufficient proficiency in English or German.

Why it matters:

DAAD education grants allow students to integrate into Germany’s academic environment, which values research freedom and practical, hands-on learning. Participants become part of a large international alumni network, which can support their future career development.

Official website: daad.de — Scholarships & Funding

Chevening — UK Government Scholarships

Chevening Scholarships are prestigious fully funded scholarships offered by the UK government. The program is designed for talented young professionals planning to pursue a master’s degree at a UK university. You can find the list of partner universities here.

What it covers:

• Full tuition fees
• Travel expenses to and from the UK
• Monthly living allowance
• Visa costs and some additional education-related expenses

Who it’s for:

Chevening is aimed at candidates with a university degree, strong English skills, and at least two years of work experience. Academic achievements are important, but demonstrated leadership potential is equally valued.

Why it matters:

These scholarships for international students fully cover the cost of one-year master’s programs at prestigious UK universities. Chevenhees not only expand their professional networks but also become part of a unique global alumni network, connecting specialists worldwide.

Official website: chevening.org

Erasmus+ / Erasmus Mundus — European Union Programs

Erasmus+ is a large-scale European Union initiative aimed at promoting education, youth development, and international mobility. One of its most popular streams is Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, collaborative master’s programs run by multiple universities across different European countries.

What it covers:

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly living allowance (around €1,000)
• Relocation, travel, and insurance expenses
• Additional support for students with special needs

Who it’s for:

Erasmus+ is open to candidates worldwide, including students from non-EU countries. Eligible applicants include bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students, as well as participants in short-term programs. A key requirement is enrollment in one of the Erasmus+ partner universities.

Why it matters:

A distinctive feature of the program is that students study in two or three countries, gaining a unique multicultural experience — plus the opportunity to earn degrees from multiple European universities. Competition is high, but the large number of available programs increases the chances of securing fully funded scholarships.

Official websites:

• General student information: erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu
• Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters: Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters

Fulbright Foreign Student Program — US Government Initiative

Fulbright is one of the most prestigious international educational initiatives, funded by the US Department of State. Since its establishment in 1946, the program has enabled tens of thousands of students and researchers to study and conduct research at American universities.

What it covers:

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly living allowance
• Health insurance
• Travel to and from the USA
• Additional education-related expenses (e.g., study materials)

Who it’s for:

The program is designed for bachelor’s degree holders who wish to continue their studies at the master’s or doctoral level, as well as for researchers. Key requirements include strong academic preparation, leadership potential, and a commitment to contribute to the development of one’s home country after returning. Candidates must also be citizens of a Fulbright-eligible country (US citizens or dual citizens are not eligible).

Why it matters:

Fulbright scholarships for international students not only cover all expenses but also open doors to top US universities. Alumni become part of a global Fulbright network, including politicians, scientists, public figures, and even Nobel laureates.

Official website: foreign.fulbrightonline.org

CSC — Chinese Government Scholarship

CSC (China Scholarship Council) is a Chinese government program offering fully funded scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies at Chinese universities. It covers a wide range of fields — from engineering and medicine to the humanities.

What it covers:

• Full tuition fees
• On-campus accommodation or monthly housing allowance
• Monthly stipend (around 2,500–3,500 CNY depending on the program level)
• Health insurance
• Occasionally, preparatory Chinese language courses

Who it’s for:

CSC is open to applicants worldwide who wish to study in China. The program is especially attractive for those interested in learning the Chinese language and culture and pursuing a career in an international context with a focus on Asia.

Why it matters:

These education grants provide access to high-quality education in a rapidly growing economy and allow students to build academic and professional connections in China. For many, it is an opportunity to combine studies with a unique cultural experience and future career prospects.

Official resources:

• Applicant portal (English): chinesescholarshipcouncil.com
• Official CSC website (Chinese): csc.edu.cn

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Scholarship

1. Start early and stay organized

Plan your steps at least 6–12 months before the application deadline. This allows you to study the requirements of different programs, gather documents, and prepare strong applications. Ideally, create a table or calendar to track deadlines and requirements for each scholarship.

2. Target programs you can realistically win

Choose programs that match your profile: field of study, country, and academic requirements. Separate your list into highly competitive and more accessible education grants — the latter can serve as a “safety net” in case your application to a more prestigious scholarship is not successful.

3. Prepare a strong motivation letter or essay

Dedicate time and effort to crafting a high-quality essay. This is your chance to present yourself, explain why you are the right candidate, and show how the program will help you achieve your goals and how those goals align with the program’s mission. Write in your own voice and include personal examples whenever possible.

4. Pay attention to recommendations

Contact your referees well in advance — at least two weeks before the deadline. Provide them with information about the scholarship and your motivation letter. This will help them write detailed and persuasive recommendations.

5. Demonstrate leadership and social involvement

Participation in volunteer projects, clubs, academic or community activities can make you stand out among other applicants. Important: always be honest and never claim achievements you haven’t accomplished. Even minor dishonesty can damage your reputation and ruin your chances of receiving a scholarship.

6. Use feedback wisely

If your application is rejected, don’t get discouraged. Try to understand why it was unsuccessful. Request feedback from program organizers if possible, and use advice from friends and mentors to improve future applications.

7. Consider a “gap year” or a year of activity before enrollment

You can use this time productively: engage in projects, volunteer, or study a language — all of which strengthen your portfolio. Just make sure you meet age and eligibility requirements. For example, for the DAAD program, a bachelor’s degree must have been completed within the last six years.