Studying abroad is a major goal for many students, but the primary obstacle is often the high cost. Fully funded scholarships for college are the best solution, as they provide comprehensive financial support. These prestigious awards are designed to attract talented international students and cover more than just academic fees.
“Fully funded” typically means the scholarship covers full tuition, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, and health insurance. These awards are highly competitive and are offered by governments, foundations, and universities in countries like Germany, the UK, Australia, and Japan. Applicants are judged on academic merit, leadership potential, and their potential to contribute to their home country.
This guide details some of the most sought-after scholarships for international students. To build a strong application, you must carefully review the eligibility criteria, specific application deadlines, and country-specific requirements for each program.
Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship (Study in Germany)
This scholarship is for international students from the “Global South” (Asia, Africa, Latin America) who wish to study in Germany. It supports students who demonstrate a strong commitment to social and political values, such as social democracy and justice.
- Key Eligibility:
- Applies to: Students from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe.
- Level: Open to Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD students.
- Requirement: Must show strong academic merit and commitment to socio-political goals. Sufficient German language skills (C1) are required.
- Coverage: Provides a monthly stipend (e.g., €861 for Master’s students), health insurance, and funds for travel and books.
- University: Can be used at any public or state-recognized German university or polytechnic.
- Apply Now: For full details on socio-political requirements: FES Scholarship
British Columbia (BC) Graduate Scholarship (Canada)
This award supports outstanding graduate students (both domestic and international) at universities in British Columbia, Canada. Applicants do not apply directly; instead, they must be nominated by their university based on their academic achievements and research potential.
- Key Eligibility:
- Applies to: International and domestic graduate students.
- Level: Must be enrolled in a full-time, research-based Master’s or PhD program.
- Requirement: Must be nominated by a participating BC university.
- Coverage: The program provides a one-time award of $15,000 to top graduate students.
- University: Only available at 10 specific public universities in British Columbia, such as the University of British Columbia (UBC), Simon Fraser University (SFU), and the University of Victoria (UVic).
- Apply Now: For a list of participating universities: BC Graduate Scholarship Link
British Council GREAT Scholarships (Fully Funded in the UK)
The GREAT Scholarship is a program by the UK’s GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council. It provides funding for international students to pursue a one-year postgraduate (Master’s) degree at a UK university, promoting the UK as a study destination.
- Key Eligibility:
- Applies to: Must be a citizen of a participating GREAT country (e.g., India, Pakistan, China, Nigeria).
- Level: Must be applying for a one-year, full-time postgraduate Master’s course.
- Requirement: Must meet the academic and English language requirements of the chosen UK university.
- Coverage: Provides a minimum of £10,000 towards the tuition fee.
- University: Available only at participating UK higher education institutions; the list changes each year.
- Apply Now: To find participating countries and universities: British Council GREAT Scholarship
Fully Funded High School Scholarships
While this post focuses on college, some fully funded programs cover the final years of high school abroad. These awards are excellent preparation for top universities and focus on intercultural exchange, leadership, and rigorous academics.
- Key Eligibility:
- Applies to: High-achieving students, typically aged 16-18.
- Requirement: Based on academic merit, leadership potential, and adaptability.
- Process: Involves a rigorous selection process including essays and interviews.
- Coverage: Often covers full tuition, room and board, travel expenses, and books.
- University: These are for international high schools, such as UWC (United World Colleges), AFS Intercultural Programs, or the Kennedy-Lugar YES Program.
- Official Link: For an example, see the UWC application: Apply Now
Fully Funded Scholarships in Japan (MEXT Scholarship)
This category is led by the MEXT Scholarship (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology). It is Japan’s premier government-funded, fully comprehensive scholarship for international students at all academic levels.
- Key Eligibility:
- Applies to: Citizens of countries with diplomatic relations with Japan.
- Level: Open for Research (Graduate), Undergraduate, and College of Technology students.
- Requirement: Must be recommended by a Japanese embassy/consulate or a Japanese university. Age limits apply.
- Coverage: Covers full tuition, admission fees, round-trip airfare, and a monthly stipend (approx. 117,000 JPY for undergraduates).
- University: Can be used at most national and many private universities across Japan.
- Official Link: To find your local Japanese embassy’s requirements: Official MEXT (Study in Japan)
Destination Australia Scholarship
An Australian government program designed to support international and domestic students studying in regional Australia. The scholarship’s goal is to grow regional education providers and offer students a high-quality learning experience outside of major cities.
- Key Eligibility:
- Applies to: New international and domestic students.
- Level: Must be studying a Certificate IV to PhD level course (e.g., Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD).
- Requirement: Must study at a registered campus in regional Australia.
- Coverage: Provides $15,000 per year per student to support study and living expenses.
- University: Only available at approved tertiary education providers located in designated regional areas.
- Official Link: For the list of eligible providers: Destination Australia Program
Fully Funded Australian Scholarships (Australia Awards)
This primarily refers to the “Australia Awards,” the Australian government’s flagship international scholarship program. It aims to foster leadership and development in partner countries. This category also includes major university-specific scholarships.
- Key Eligibility:
- Applies to: Citizens of participating countries (mainly in Asia, the Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East).
- Level: Primarily for Master’s and PhD programs.
- Requirement: Often requires at least two years of relevant work experience.
- Coverage: Covers full tuition, return air travel, establishment allowance, and a living stipend (stipend).
- University: Can be used at participating Australian universities, such as the University of Melbourne, Australian National University (ANU), or University of Sydney.
- Official Link: To check your country’s eligibility: Australia Awards Scholarship
