Introduction
Each year, thousands of international students seek life-changing opportunities to study abroad. Scholarships are one of the most powerful tools to help achieve this dream, especially for students who may not have the financial capacity to afford tuition, living costs, or travel. In 2025, numerous global scholarships are opening doors to undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs across prestigious universities and government institutions. This comprehensive guide covers the Top 75 Scholarships International Students Should Watch Out for in 2025, including eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.
Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Fully funded by the UK government, Chevening offers a one-year master’s degree program at any UK university for future global leaders.
Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
For students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries who wish to pursue a full-time master’s or PhD in the UK.
Gates Cambridge Scholarships (UK)
One of the most prestigious scholarships, funded by the Gates Foundation, for postgraduate students at the University of Cambridge.
Rhodes Scholarships (UK)
Covers full postgraduate study at Oxford University, awarded to students demonstrating academic excellence and leadership.
Clarendon Scholarships (UK)
Fully funded graduate scholarships at the University of Oxford, covering tuition and generous stipends.
DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
For students from developing countries to pursue postgraduate degrees in development-related fields.
DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Program (Germany)
Focuses on public policy and good governance, fully funding selected master’s programs in Germany.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EU)
Offers full scholarships for joint master’s programs delivered by a consortium of European universities.
Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (Sweden)
Fully funded master’s scholarships for global leaders from eligible countries.
Karolinska Institute Global Master’s Scholarships (Sweden)
Covers tuition for master’s programs in medicine and health sciences.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
One of the most well-known U.S. government scholarships for master’s or PhD programs across American universities.
AAUW International Fellowships (USA)
For women pursuing graduate and postgraduate studies in the United States.
Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (USA)
Fully funds graduate education at Stanford University for leaders and changemakers.
Yale Young Global Scholars (USA)
Short-term academic enrichment for outstanding high school students from around the world.
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship (USA)
For mid-career professionals in public service fields to pursue non-degree study and leadership training in the U.S.
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (Canada)
Full undergraduate scholarship at the University of Toronto for exceptional international students.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Canada)
Canada’s most prestigious PhD scholarship program based on academic excellence, leadership, and research potential.
Trudeau Foundation Scholarships (Canada)
Offers funding for doctoral candidates in social sciences and humanities.
University of British Columbia International Leader of Tomorrow Award (Canada)
Undergraduate scholarship for students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership.
Canadian Commonwealth Scholarships
For students from Commonwealth countries to undertake graduate study in Canada.
Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)
Fully funded scholarships for students from developing countries to study in Australia.
Destination Australia Scholarships
Offered by the Australian Government for students studying in regional Australia.
Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarships (Australia)
Support for domestic and international postgraduate research students in Australia.
University of Sydney International Research Scholarships (Australia)
Covers tuition and living costs for high-quality international PhD applicants.
Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships (Australia)
Offers fee remission and living allowance for master’s and PhD candidates.
Monash University International Merit Scholarships (Australia)
For high-achieving students across undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Griffith Remarkable Scholarships (Australia)
Tuition scholarships for exceptional international applicants.
University of Adelaide Global Citizens Scholarship
Supports students who have demonstrated academic merit and leadership.
New Zealand Manaaki Scholarships
Fully funded government scholarships for students from developing countries to study in New Zealand.
Tongarewa Scholarship at Victoria University of Wellington (New Zealand)
Merit-based scholarship for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Chinese Government Scholarship (China)
Offers full tuition, accommodation, and monthly stipends to international students across Chinese universities.
Schwarzman Scholars Program (China)
A fully funded master’s program in global affairs at Tsinghua University.
Zhejiang Normal University Scholarships (China)
Covers tuition, accommodation, and living expenses for undergraduate and graduate students.
King Abdulaziz University Scholarships (Saudi Arabia)
Fully funded undergraduate, master’s, and PhD scholarships.
Islamic Development Bank Scholarships
Provides funding for students from member countries to study abroad in STEM and development fields.
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program
For outstanding students from developing countries who have no other means of financing their education.
OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) Scholarship
For students from developing countries pursuing master’s degrees in development-related programs.
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program (France)
Funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs for master’s and PhD study.
Emile Boutmy Scholarship (France)
For non-EU students applying to Sciences Po in France.
ENS International Selection Scholarships (France)
Fully funds outstanding international students pursuing master’s degrees at École Normale Supérieure.
Holland Scholarship (Netherlands)
For international students outside the European Economic Area to study at Dutch universities.
Amsterdam Excellence Scholarships (Netherlands)
Full scholarships for high-achieving non-EU master’s students.
Leiden University Excellence Scholarships (Netherlands)
For outstanding non-EU students pursuing master’s programs.
ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarships (Switzerland)
Merit-based scholarships for master’s students, including full tuition and stipends.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Supports international researchers and artists for postgraduate studies in Switzerland.
Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary)
Government-funded scholarships for full degree programs at Hungarian institutions.
Romanian Government Scholarships
For international students pursuing undergraduate or graduate study in Romania.
Slovak Government Scholarships
Offers study opportunities for students from developing countries.
University of Bologna Study Grants (Italy)
Tuition waivers and living allowances for international undergraduate and master’s students.
Bocconi Merit and International Awards (Italy)
For academically outstanding undergraduate and graduate students at Bocconi University.
Politecnico di Milano Scholarships (Italy)
Merit-based scholarships for engineering and architecture programs.
University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships (Switzerland)
For students pursuing science master’s programs.
University of Lausanne Master’s Grants (Switzerland)
Partial scholarships for students pursuing master’s degrees in selected disciplines.
Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships
Offers undergraduate and graduate scholarships for study at Japanese universities.
Korea Global Korea Scholarships (GKS)
Supports international students pursuing undergraduate and graduate programs in South Korea.
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships
For high-performing students from non-EU/EEA countries to study at Irish institutions.
Trinity College Dublin Global Excellence Scholarships
Tuition-based awards for outstanding non-EU students.
DAAD MIDE Scholarships (Germany)
Focuses on international and development economics, offering full funding.
Glasgow International Leadership Scholarships (UK)
For postgraduate students demonstrating leadership potential.
Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships (UK)
Supports PhD research students from outside the EU.
UCL Global Masters Scholarships (UK)
Assists students from lower-income backgrounds with tuition and living expenses.
University of Nottingham Developing Solutions Scholarships (UK)
For students committed to development in their home countries.
Queen Mary Global Excellence Scholarships (UK)
For outstanding undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
University of Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarships (UK)
For PhD applicants with high academic and research potential.
University of Manchester Global Futures Scholarship
Awards for international students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
Brunel International Excellence Scholarships
Merit-based support for all levels of study.
University of Leeds International Scholarships
Provides partial tuition coverage for international students.
Sheffield Hallam Transform Together Scholarships
50% tuition waivers for full-time study.
Loughborough University International Scholarships
Includes automatic merit-based scholarships for undergraduates and postgraduates.
University of Exeter Global Excellence Scholarships
Recognizes high academic performance.
Durham University International Scholarships
Supports undergraduate and master’s study in selected fields.
University of Bath Global Leaders Scholarship
For students demonstrating academic excellence and leadership.
University of Surrey International Excellence Scholarship
For outstanding undergraduate and postgraduate applicants.
Cardiff University Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship
For non-EU students who excel academically.
Tips for Winning a Global Scholarship in 2025
To increase your chances of winning one of these prestigious scholarships:
- Apply early and follow the guidelines strictly
- Write a powerful personal statement
- Secure strong letters of recommendation
- Demonstrate community service and leadership
- Maintain excellent academic records
- Prepare well for language proficiency tests
Common Documents Required
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency
- Letters of recommendation
- Motivation or personal statement
- Passport/ID copy
- Resume or CV
- Admission offer letter (for some scholarships)
What to Avoid When Applying
- Missing deadlines
- Using generic application essays
- Not tailoring applications to each program
- Failing to meet eligibility requirements
Conclusion
As competition increases globally, applying for scholarships in 2025 requires strategy, dedication, and careful planning. These 75 scholarships represent some of the most generous and respected opportunities worldwide. With proper preparation and a strong application, you could be on your way to achieving an international education dream. Always remember to research thoroughly, prepare early, and apply only to opportunities that align with your academic and career goals.