In this post, we will look at the top international scholarships in 2025.
Studying abroad can totally change your life. Not only does it help you build a global network, but it also gives you the chance to dive into a new culture, which can really boost both your education and career.
Other benefits of pursuing international education include:
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- Improve your language skills
- Broaden your academic horizon
- Learn about new cultures and perspectives
- Build independence and adaptability
- Travel the world and explore new places
More and more students are choosing to study outside their home countries. For example, according to Open Doors data, in the 2021-2022 school year, over 188,000 American students went abroad. By 2023, more than a million international students were studying in the U.S. And it’s not just undergrads—graduate students are also jumping on the trend and heading overseas for their studies.
However, the rising cost of international education often becomes a barrier to many. Research from the International Institute of Education suggests that studying abroad typically costs around $18,000 per semester or $36,000 per year. Some places, like the UK, tend to fall within a range, with costs typically between $8,000 and $21,000.
In addition to tuition, you’ll need to budget for other costs. You’ll also need to consider housing (if not included), meals, airfare, transportation, entertainment, and books and supplies.
So, if you’re looking to make your international education dreams come true in 2025, this article is for you. We’ll cover the types of scholarships you can apply for, highlight some of the top scholarships for studying abroad, and give you tips on how to land one successfully.
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Types of Scholarships for Studying Abroad
There are several types of scholarships available for studying abroad, each serving a different purpose.
Need-Based Scholarships
Need-based scholarships are awarded mainly or solely based on the applicant’s financial needs. Because of this, the application process for these scholarships typically focuses on providing relevant financial information rather than academic achievements or other criteria.
You might be wondering how to show that you need financial help for scholarships. There’s no set income level that automatically decides if you qualify.
Each scholarship has its own way of figuring out financial needs. They might:
- Look at your family’s income to see how much assistance you need.
- Ask how much support you’ll get from your family, and then calculate the gap.
- Want to know about any loans or other scholarships you’re receiving.
Every scholarship has its own method, but the bottom line is that if you can’t afford to pay for college, you qualify for financial help.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships for international students are those that award students based on any of the following factors:
- academic performance
- athletic ability
- artistic talent
Unlike need-based aid, merit-based aid doesn’t consider your financial situation. Instead, it’s given as a reward for your accomplishments. Most merit-based financial aid is renewable, meaning you’ll receive the scholarship each year under certain conditions.
Government-Funded Scholarships
Governments all over the globe offer scholarships to international students to encourage diversity and bring talent to their universities. Government-funded scholarships for international students usually cover:
- full tuition fees
- living expenses
- travel costs
The goal here is to attract global talent and help international students experience life in their country. Think of them as the I’ll-pay-for-your-education-if-you-study-here kind of deal.
University-Specific Scholarships
Many universities offer scholarships directly to international students to help attract the best and brightest from all over the globe. This type of scholarship coverage ranges from partial to full tuition coverage. Some universities also provide additional benefits like stipends or accommodation support.
These scholarships often come with high competition. However, they can make a huge difference in reducing your costs while studying at a prestigious institution.
Private and Organization-Based Scholarships
Private scholarships for studying abroad are funded by private organizations, corporations, non-profits, and even philanthropists. Some well-known organizations and businesses create scholarships to give back to the community and promote education. Private scholarships can come with unique eligibility criteria and may be based on a range of factors, such as academic performance, career goals, or even field of study. Others combine financial need and academic performance.
Top International Scholarships for 2025
Here are the best international scholarships you should take a look at for 2025.
Chevening Scholarships (UK)
- Award: Full tuition, travel expenses, and living allowance
- Eligibility: At least two years of work experience from a Chevening-eligible country
- How to Apply: Online application through the Chevening website
Among the UK scholarships available for international students, Chevening is considered one of the most prestigious and competitive fully funded scholarships in 2025. It offers fully funded master’s degrees for up-and-coming leaders, influencers, and decision-makers. Plus, it also serves as a great way for students to build a lasting connection with the UK throughout their careers.
The scholarship covers everything you need to study for any eligible master’s degree at any UK university. As a Chevening scholar, you can access exclusive academic, professional, and cultural experiences. Every year, more than 1,000 scholarships are awarded, highlighting the UK’s ongoing commitment to shaping tomorrow’s leaders.
DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
- Award: Tuition fees, travel expenses, and a monthly allowance
- Eligibility: Equivalent to a German university degree, meet language proficiency
- How to Apply: Online application (through German Academic Exchange Service or the DAAD website)
The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) is one of the best programs for students interested in studying, conducting research, or learning German in Germany. The DAAD is the largest funding organization of its kind. It offers over 1,000 study-abroad scholarships for international students annually.
DAAD offers research grants for PhD students, with full doctoral scholarships primarily for those from developing countries. Master’s scholarships are available, especially for students from industrial countries. Some programs are focused on developing countries, such as “Study scholarships for STEM disciplines” and “EPOS.”
Here are other top DAAD Scholarships:
- The “Hilde Domin Programme” supports students at risk of losing their educational rights. Nominations for the program come from institutions based in Germany.
- DAAD offers “In-Country” or “In-Region” funding for graduate, doctoral, or postdoc programs. This funding allows you to receive support for studies or research in your home country or region.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EU)
- Award: Travel expenses, visa fees, living allowance
- Eligibility: Relevant academic background, meet program requirements
- How to Apply: Direct application to the Erasmus Mundus program
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree is one of the best study abroad scholarships for international students. If you qualify, you can study for a very low cost at multiple universities across Europe and beyond.
You’ll receive either:
- A joint degree (a single certificate issued by at least two universities)
- Multiple degrees (certificates from at least two universities in the consortium)
EMA values community and includes students, alumni, and key partners like the EC and EU Delegations. It runs workshops to promote higher education in Europe but doesn’t handle application processes or internal rules for EMJMD programs. Once accepted into an EMJMD, students can join EMA for continued support during and after their studies.
Australia Awards Scholarships
- Award: Tuition fees, return airfare, accommodation and study material allowance, living expenses, health cover, pre-study English and academic support
- Eligibility: From an eligible country, meet academic requirements, plan to return home after studies.
- How to Apply: Online application through the Australia Awards website
Australia Awards Scholarships is managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It offers full funding for students from developing countries. However, this is especially geared toward students in the Indo-Pacific region. It’s one of the best study abroad financial aid options, offering various benefits, from tuition fees to living expenses, as well as support for health coverage and academic needs.
If you’re awarded a scholarship, you’ll get the chance to study at top Australian universities and TAFE institutions. Whether you’re doing an undergrad or postgrad program, the goal is to help you build skills that will make a real difference back home.
Japan MEXT Scholarships
- Award: Full tuition, travel expenses, and living stipend
- Eligibility: From an eligible country, meet academic requirements
- How to Apply: Apply through the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country
Another popular international student destination is Japan. Japan, through the Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship, offers seven types of international scholarships:
- Research students
- Teacher training students
- Undergraduate students
- Japanese studies students
- College of Technology students
- Specialized Training College students
- Young Leaders Program (YLP) students
Each scholarship has its own set of qualifications and application procedures. Applying for a Japanese Government Scholarship can be done in two ways:
- Embassy Recommendation: Apply through a Japanese embassy or consulate in your country. They screen and recommend candidates. Requirements may vary by country, so check with the embassy.
- University Recommendation: Apply through a Japanese university with an exchange agreement with your school. The university screens candidates and recommends them to MEXT. Not all universities can make recommendations, so confirm with the school.
Other notable international scholarships in 2025 include:
- Chinese Government Scholarships
- Fulbright Scholarships USA
- ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarships Switzerland
- Ton Duc Thang University Graduate Scholarship
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Tips for Securing an International Scholarship
Hundreds of study abroad scholarships and grants are available; just waiting for you to apply! However, they’re also very competitive—often more so than other scholarships since you’ll be up against students worldwide.
Here are a few tips on how to apply for international scholarships:
1. Start early and research thoroughly. With so many resources available, it’s important to start early. This will give you a lot of time to narrow down your options, check eligibility requirements, and avoid missing deadlines.
2. Meet eligibility criteria and deadlines. It might seem obvious, but you’ll be surprised at just how many students overlook this process. If you don’t meet the requirements, your application could be disqualified before it’s even looked at.
3. Write a strong personal statement. Begin by fully understanding the scholarship’s requirements and tailor your application to match. Share your achievements, future goals, and why you’re a great fit for the scholarship. Be honest, but also make sure your passion for studying abroad shines through!
4. Get strong recommendation letters. Strong references can make a huge difference. Choose professors, employers, or mentors who can speak to your character and abilities. Be clear about why you’re applying for the scholarship and how their recommendation can support your application.
5. Prepare for scholarship interviews. If your scholarship requires an interview, practice answering common questions such as, “Why do you want to study abroad?” or “What are your plans?” Confidence is key!
Additional Financial Aid Options for Studying Abroad
Scholarships are great, but they might not cover everything. Here are a few other ways to fund your studies abroad:
- Grants and Fellowships: These are similar to scholarships but are often focused on specific fields of study or research. If you’re working on a particular project, definitely check them out.
- Work-Study Opportunities: Many countries let international students work part-time while studying. It’s a great way to help with everyday expenses.
- Affordable Loan Programs: If scholarships aren’t quite enough, you might want to look into student loans. Some countries offer loans with good repayment terms for international students.
Conclusion: Your Journey to Studying Abroad
Apply for as many international scholarships 2025 has to offer. It might feel like a lot but don’t just count on one application to cover everything. The more you apply, the better your chances of landing a great scholarship. Start early, apply often, and keep your fingers crossed—you’ve got this!