Studying abroad is a dream for many, but the cost can be overwhelming. The good news? In 2025, dozens of prestigious universities and global institutions are offering fully funded scholarships to international students — covering tuition fees, travel, living expenses, and even monthly stipends.
Whether you’re pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree, this guide will walk you through some of the top scholarships you can apply for to study abroad for free.
1. Chevening Scholarships – UK
Sponsored by the UK government, Chevening is one of the most prestigious scholarships worldwide. It covers full tuition, airfare, and living expenses for a one-year master’s degree at any UK university.
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Eligibility: Any nationality (outside the UK)
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Level: Master’s
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Deadline: November 2025
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Benefits: Full financial support + access to a global alumni network
2. DAAD Scholarships – Germany
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers thousands of fully funded scholarships for international students at master’s and doctoral levels.
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Eligibility: Developing and emerging countries
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Level: Master’s & PhD
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Deadline: Varies by program
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Benefits: Tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance, travel allowance
3. Fulbright Foreign Student Program – USA
This flagship U.S. government program supports international students in pursuing graduate-level studies or research in the U.S.
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Eligibility: 155+ countries
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Level: Master’s & PhD
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Deadline: Country-specific
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Benefits: Tuition, airfare, living stipend, health coverage
4. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships – Switzerland
Ideal for researchers and doctoral candidates, this program offers funding for students at top Swiss universities.
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Eligibility: Postgraduate researchers
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Level: PhD & postdoc
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Deadline: September 2025
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Benefits: Monthly stipend, tuition waiver, housing allowance
5. MEXT Scholarships – Japan
The Japanese government provides full scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and research programs.
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Eligibility: Non-Japanese nationals
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Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Research
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Deadline: Varies (usually through Japanese embassies)
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Benefits: Full tuition, monthly stipend, round-trip airfare
6. Knight-Hennessy Scholars – Stanford University, USA
Stanford’s top-tier scholarship funds graduate students across all disciplines.
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Eligibility: All countries
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Level: Graduate (Master’s & PhD)
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Deadline: October 2025
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Benefits: Full tuition, living stipend, leadership training
7. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees – EU
A unique opportunity to study across multiple European countries with one fully funded program.
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Eligibility: All nationalities
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Level: Master’s
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Deadline: January–March 2025
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Benefits: Tuition, travel, installation, and monthly living allowance
Tips to Boost Your Scholarship Chances
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Start early: Some applications open up to a year in advance.
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Write a compelling personal statement: Highlight your vision, impact, and motivation.
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Get strong recommendation letters: From academic or professional mentors.
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Proofread everything: Typos can ruin an otherwise perfect application.
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Apply to multiple programs: Increase your chances by diversifying.