As a gifted, ambitious, or hardworking international student, the finest scholarships are within your reach. We present the top ten distinguished international scholarship programs designed to attract the brightest minds worldwide. If you hail from a developing nation, don't forget to check out our recommended scholarships specifically for students from developing countries.
Government-Funded Scholarships for International Students
Fulbright Scholarships (USA)
Standing as the symbol of the international exchange scholarship program between the U.S. Government and 155 countries, the Fulbright Scholarship Program annually presents around 1,800 scholarships to top-tier foreign students aiming to pursue a Masters or PhD Degree in the United States. The program offers comprehensive funding that covers tuition, textbooks, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance for the entire duration of the study.
It is worth mentioning the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, which offers a year of professional development in the U.S. for seasoned professionals from selected countries worldwide.
Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Chevening Scholarships represent the British Government's premier global scholarship program. Each year, it offers scholarships to approximately 1000 exceptional students from over 130 countries who aspire to pursue postgraduate study in the UK. The Chevening Scholarships are full scholarships covering tuition fees, monthly stipend, and various one-off allowances, along with international travel to and from the UK.
For other scholarship opportunities in the UK, check out Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships and Global Wales Postgraduate Scholarships.
Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)
Formerly known as Australian Development Scholarships (ADS), Australia Awards Scholarships offer opportunities for individuals from developing countries, particularly those in the Indo-Pacific region, to undertake full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study at participating Australian universities and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions.
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme (France)
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme seeks to attract the most outstanding foreign students for master’s and PhD degree programs at participating French Universities. Besides a monthly allowance, the scholarship covers various other expenses such as return trip, health insurance, and cultural activities, although it does not cover tuition fees.
For a comprehensive list of Foreign Government Scholarships for International Students, check our dedicated list.
University-Funded International Scholarships
Gates Cambridge Scholarships (UK)
The Gates Cambridge Scholarships are considered one of the most prestigious international scholarships, open to all international students from around the globe. These scholarships are full-cost awards for graduate study and research in any subject available at the University of Cambridge, covering university fees, maintenance allowances, airfare, and more. Approximately 100 new Gates Scholars are awarded annually.
Clarendon Scholarships at University of Oxford (UK)
The Clarendon Scholarship Fund is an esteemed graduate scholarship scheme, offering around 140 new scholarships each year to eligible graduate applicants (including international students) at the University of Oxford. Clarendon Scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and potential across all degree-bearing subjects at the graduate level at the University of Oxford. The scholarships fully cover tuition and college fees and offer a generous grant for living expenses.
For other scholarship opportunities at the University of Oxford, consider Rhodes Scholarships and Rhodes Global Scholarships which support exceptional international students from selected countries.
Knight-Hennesy Scholars Program at Stanford University (USA)
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program at Stanford University fosters a diverse, multidisciplinary
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community of budding leaders from all corners of the world, equipping them with the skills to innovate, collaborate, and communicate effectively as they prepare to tackle society's complex challenges. The scholarships are designed for full-time Masters and PhD degrees in any subject offered at Stanford. Knight-Hennessy Scholars are awarded a fellowship that covers tuition and associated fees, a living and academic expenses stipend, and a travel grant.
Schwarzman Scholars Program at Tsinghua University (China)
The Schwarzman Scholars Program, designed to groom the next generation of global leaders, stands as the first scholarship created to address the geopolitical landscape of the 21st Century. The program offers the world’s brightest students the chance to enhance their leadership skills and professional networks through a one-year Master’s Degree at Tsinghua University. The scholarship covers tuition and fees, room and board, travel to and from Beijing at the beginning and end of the academic year, an in-country study tour, required course books and supplies, a Lenovo laptop and smartphone, health insurance, and a personal stipend.
For a comprehensive list of International University Scholarships offered by Top Universities, check our dedicated list.
Institute-Funded International Scholarships
Rotary Foundation Global Study Grants (Various Countries)
The Rotary Foundation provides scholarship funding through the Rotary Foundation Global Grant scholarships. These scholarships fund graduate-level coursework or research for one to four academic years. The minimum budget for a global grant scholarship stands at $30,000.
Joint Japan World Bank Scholarships (Various Countries)
The Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) sponsors students from developing countries to pursue graduate studies leading to a master’s degree from preferred universities worldwide. Scholars are expected to return to their home countries to contribute to their country's development. The scholarship covers travel costs, tuition, and a monthly allowance.
For a comprehensive list of Institution-funded Scholarships, check our dedicated list.
Finally, let's not forget about the aim of these scholarships. They are not just about providing financial support; they are about empowering students like you to be agents of change. They are about fostering a generation of leaders who will drive development in their own countries and around the world.
