Dreaming of studying at Oxford, Cambridge, or a top Canadian or German university, but worried about the cost? You are not alone. Every year, thousands of bright students miss out on world-class education simply because they don’t know where to look for the right financial support.
The good news is that some of the world’s most prestigious and fully funded scholarships are designed to help ambitious students like you. Whether you are aiming for a Master’s in the UK, a PhD in Canada, or a research programme in Germany, these scholarships don’t just cover your tuition, they take care of everything from living costs to airfare and even visa fees.
This blog has compiled a comprehensive list of the most popular international scholarships, including eligibility criteria, coverage details, top universities involved, and upcoming deadlines.
Why Should You Apply for Popular Scholarships?
Applying for popular scholarships gives you a shot at studying at top global universities without the burden of heavy expenses. These scholarships don’t just reduce financial stress they open doors to world-class education, global exposure, and better career prospects. They are highly competitive, yes but with the right planning, profile, and timing, you could be exactly who they are looking for.
- Access Top Universities: Get the chance to study at some of the world’s best institutions, without worrying about sky-high fees.
- Minimise Financial Burden: Scholarships cover major costs like tuition, living expenses, and even travel, making studying abroad more affordable.
- Enhance Global Exposure: Studying on a scholarship often means joining a diverse, international community, which is great for networking and personal growth.
- Improve Career Prospects: Graduating debt-free from a reputed global university can open doors to better job opportunities and higher earning potential.
- You Have a Chance: They are competitive, but with the right preparation, strong academics, and a standout application, you could be selected.
So, which scholarships should you aim for? Let’s get into the details.
The Most Popular Scholarships Worldwide
- Chevening Scholarship
The Chevening Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded international scholarship programme funded by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations. It enables outstanding emerging leaders from over 160 countries and territories to pursue one-year master’s degrees at UK universities.
| Country | UK |
| Eligible Students | Must be a citizen or hold refugee status in an eligible countryHold a bachelor’s degree equivalent to a UK 2:1 honoursMinimum 2 years of work experienceApply to three eligible UK master’s programmesSecure an unconditional offer from at least one course before the deadline |
| Coverage | Full tuition fees at a UK universityReturn economy airfare to and from the UKMonthly living stipend (amount varies by location)Arrival allowanceVisa application feesHomeward departure allowanceContribution for TB testing (if required)Travel top-up allowance |
| Top Universities Covered | Some universities actively partner with Chevening, including King’s College LondonUniversity of YorkImperial College LondonUniversity of OxfordMany other partner universities across the UK |
| Application Deadline | For the 2026 intake, applications are expected to open in early August 2025 and close by early November 2025. Check the Chevening website for official dates. |
- Rhodes Scholarship
The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious international scholarship programmes. It provides fully funded opportunities for outstanding students worldwide to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. The scholarship supports study at the master’s or doctoral level, typically for two years, with the possibility of extension to a third year for doctoral candidates.
| Country | UK |
| Eligible Students | For Indian students Must be an Indian citizen with an Indian passport (PIO/OCI not eligible)Age: 18–23 years as of Oct 1, 2025 OR You must be below 27 on 1st October 2025Must have completed or be in the final year of UG degree by July 2025 with a strong academic recordMust have studied in India for at least 4 of the past 10 yearsMust show leadership, academic excellence, and community commitmentEnglish proficiency is required if that’s not a first language |
| Coverage | Full University & College fees at OxfordLiving stipend £15,144 per yearOne return economy airfareUniversity application feeTenure: 2 years (extendable to 3 for DPhil)Additional support for dependents & academic needs (case by case) |
| Top Universities Covered | The University of Oxford |
| Application Deadline: | The application deadline for Indian students is 23rd July 2025 |
Read More: How To Apply To Oxford University
- GREAT Scholarships
The GREAT Scholarships are prestigious awards offered by the British Council in collaboration with the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and participating UK universities. These scholarships provide financial support to international students pursuing one-year postgraduate courses in the UK.
| Country | UK |
| Eligible Students | Must be a citizen and resident of an eligible countryHold a bachelor’s degree with a strong academic recordMeet the UK university’s English language requirementsApply for a full-time, one-year taught master’s courseMust be a self-funded international student (not sponsored) |
| Coverage | Provides a minimum of £10,000 towards tuition fees for one-year postgraduate taught programs. |
| Top Universities Covered | There are several universities; below are a few University College London (UCL)University of EdinburghUniversity of ManchesterUniversity of WarwickUniversity of BathUniversity of SheffieldUniversity of Nottingham |
| Application Deadline | The application deadlines for the GREAT Scholarships vary by university. You must check the specific deadline for each institution you are interested in. For detailed information, please visit the official British Council GREAT Scholarships page or the university’s scholarship webpage. |
- Commonwealth Scholarship
The Commonwealth Scholarships (UK) are prestigious, fully funded scholarships offered to citizens of eligible low and middle-income Commonwealth countries to pursue full-time Master’s degree study in the UK.
| Country | UK |
| Eligible Students | Citizen, refugee, or British Protected Person from an eligible Commonwealth countryPermanently residing in an eligible Commonwealth countryHold a 2:1 degree or 2:2 with a relevant master’s by September 2025Meet the UK university’s English language requirements |
| Coverage | Full tuition fees.Monthly stipend for living expenses.Travel costs (return airfare to the UK).Arrival allowance.Visa application costs.Other allowances related to study and health insurance. |
| Top Universities Covered | There are several universities; below are a few Aston UniversityBangor UniversityDurham University De Montfort University Glasgow University Heriot Watt University Liverpool Hope University |
| Application Deadline | The deadline for the 2025-26 Commonwealth Shared Scholarships is 12 December 2024 |
- DAAD Scholarship
The DAAD Scholarship, offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst), is one of the most prestigious and comprehensive funding programmes for international students pursuing higher education in Germany. It supports students at various academic levels, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral studies, as well as research stays.
| Country | Germany |
| Eligible Students | Graduates holding a recent bachelor’s degree (not older than six years) for master’s scholarships.Doctoral candidates with a relevant master’s degree.Applicants must have at least two years of relevant professional or research experience for many postgraduate and doctoral scholarships.Language proficiency required: English (IELTS 6.0+, TOEFL iBT 80+) or German (TestDaF level 4, DSH-2, or B1/B2 for some programs) |
| Coverage | Graduate students receive a monthly stipend of €934, while doctoral students are awarded €1,300 per month. |
| Top Universities Covered | Technical University of Munich (TU Munich)Heidelberg UniversityHumboldt University of BerlinRWTH Aachen University And many other German universities offer eligible programmes. |
| Application Deadline | It varies by specific DAAD scholarship programme, but it generally falls between October and December for scholarships starting the following academic year. |
- Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a fully funded award offered to exceptional international students to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge. Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the scholarship covers full tuition, a generous living allowance, travel costs, and visa expenses. It is awarded to candidates who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, strong leadership potential, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of others. Over 80 scholarships are granted each year across various disciplines.
| Country | UK |
| Eligible Students | Must be a citizen of any country outside the UK.Course Type: Apply for a full-time postgraduate course at Cambridge:PhD (full or part-time)MLitt1-year postgraduate course (some exclusions apply)If you are already studying at Cambridge, you must be applying for a new course. |
| Coverage | Full tuition (University Composition Fee)Maintenance allowance of £21,000/year (up to 4 years for PhD)One economy return airfare to/from CambridgeFull coverage of visa fees & UK Immigration Health Surcharge |
| Top Universities Covered | The University of Cambridge |
| Application Deadline | Application dates for the 2026 batch are currently not available. Check the university website to stay updated |
Read More: Cambridge University Acceptance Rate 2025
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) are prestigious awards established by the Government of Canada to attract and retain world-class doctoral students. These scholarships support students who demonstrate leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in graduate studies in the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and engineering, or health-related fields.
| Country | Canada |
| Eligible Students | Open to Canadian citizens, PRs, and international students in Canada on a valid study permitMust be nominated by one Canadian institution with a Vanier CGS quota |
| Coverage | $50,000 CAD annually for three years.The scholarship covers living expenses, tuition fees, and other costs related to doctoral studies.Renewable annually for up to three years, subject to satisfactory academic progress. |
| Top Universities Covered | Covers 20+ top Canadian universities, including but not limited to those with Vanier CGS quotas. University of TorontoUniversity of British ColumbiaMcGill UniversityUniversity of AlbertaDalhousie UniversityUniversity of WaterlooUniversity of Calgary |
- Japanese Government MEXT Scholarships (Japan)
The Japanese Government MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) Scholarships are fully funded scholarships offered to international students to study in Japan at undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and training levels. These scholarships aim to accept excellent human resources from foreign countries to promote international exchange and academic development in Japan.
| Country | Japan |
| Eligible Students | For Undergraduate students Must be citizens of countries with diplomatic ties to Japan (not Japanese nationals)Should be 18 years or older at the time of admissionCompleted 12 years of schooling with at least 80% in Classes X, XI, and XIIWilling to learn the Japanese language and cultureMust be in good health (medical certificate required)Must apply for a fresh student visa For Postgraduate students Must hold a relevant Bachelor’s degree with at least 70% marksFor doctoral programs: Master’s degree with 70% in a related fieldResearch students: Under 35 years of age with 16 years of educationTeacher Training: Under 35 with 5 years of teaching experienceYoung Leaders Program (YLP): Under 40 with practical admin/public sector experience |
| Coverage | Full tuition and entrance exam feesMonthly stipend (approx. ¥117,000 to ¥145,000)Round-trip airfareAccommodation in university dormitories |
| Top Universities Covered | All major Japanese universities approved by MEXT, including top-ranking institutions offering a wide range of fields such as Social Sciences, Humanities, Natural Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Agriculture, etc. |
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme is a prestigious award from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs to attract top international students to pursue Master’s or PhD degrees in France. Designed to develop future global leaders, the scholarship supports studies in priority fields like science, engineering, law, economics, and political science.
| Country | France |
| Eligible Students | Non-French nationals only (no dual French citizenship)Master’s: under 27 years | PhD: under 32 yearsStrong academic record with top-class rankNot already studying in France (Master’s level)No overlap with other French govt scholarshipsThe course must be listed on Études en France (for non-EU applicants) |
| Coverage | Monthly stipend: €1,181 (Master’s) / €1,700 (PhD)Health insurance coverageRound-trip airfare to and from France (valid up to 1 year post-scholarship) |
| Top Universities Covered | Top universities covered include Université Paris Cité, ENS de Lyon, Sciences Po, L’Institut Agro Montpellier, Toulouse School of Management, and other institutions recognised by Campus France. |
- GKS (Global Korea Scholarship)
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), also known as the Korean Government Scholarship Programme, is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship offered by the Korean government to international students for undergraduate, graduate, and research studies at top universities in South Korea. Its main objectives are to promote global educational exchange and foster stronger international friendships.
| Country | Korea |
| Eligible Students | Applicants’ parents shouldn’t hold Korean citizenship. Must be below the age of 25 No criminal recordHigh school completion (undergrad) / Bachelor’s or Master’s (grad)Minimum 80% marks or equivalent CGPA |
| Coverage | Airfare: Full reimbursement for round-trip travelSettlement Allowance: One-time KRW 200,000Living Allowance: Up to KRW 900,000/monthMedical Insurance: KRW 20,000/monthTuition Fees: Covered up to KRW 5,000,000Research Grant: Up to KRW 240,000/semester (for research programmes) |
| Top Universities Covered | Some of the universities covered under this scholarship include Ajou University, Busan University of Foreign Studies, Chonnam National University, Chung-Ang University, Chungbuk National University, Chungnam National University, Daegu University, and Daejeon University. |
How Can You Apply For Popular Scholarships?
Applying for top international scholarships may seem daunting, but here’s a simple step-by-step approach that works across most major programmes:
1. Shortlist Scholarships
- Choose scholarships that match your country, degree level, and field of study.
- Check eligibility criteria carefully (age, academics, experience, etc.).
2. Research Universities & Courses
- Apply to eligible universities/programmes covered under each scholarship.
- Some require you to secure an offer first, while others let you apply in parallel.
3. Gather Key Documents
- Academic transcripts & degree certificates
- Valid passport
- English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/GRE/GMAT if required)
- Letters of recommendation
- CV/Resume
- Statement of purpose or scholarship essay
4. Apply Through Official Portals
Each scholarship has its own portal or integrated university system. Be mindful of two-step processes:
- Apply to the university
- Apply for the scholarship separately.
5. Track Deadlines
- Deadlines often start 8–12 months before the intake.
- Set reminders for both university and scholarship deadlines, they are often different!
6. Ace the Interview (If Required)
- Some scholarships like Rhodes, Chevening, and Gates Cambridge include an interview round.
- Be ready to discuss your goals, leadership, social impact, and why you are a good fit.
Fully funded scholarships can make your study abroad dreams a reality, covering tuition, living costs, travel, and more. While they are competitive, the proper research, planning, and profile can take you far. From Chevening to DAAD to Vanier, the world’s top scholarships are within reach—if you know where to look.
Need help finding and applying for the right one? UniScholars has your back. Get expert guidance, shortlisting support, and insider tips—all in one place.
FAQs
Q. Which country offers 100% scholarships?
Ans: While no country guarantees 100% scholarships to all applicants, several, like the USA, UK, Germany, Australia, Canada, China, Switzerland, and Japan, offer highly competitive fully funded scholarships. These typically cover tuition fees, living expenses, and sometimes travel and health insurance for international students.
Q. Which is the hardest scholarship to get?
Ans: The Rhodes Scholarship is considered the hardest to get, with top global applicants competing for limited spots at Oxford. Other highly competitive ones include the Fulbright, Gates Cambridge, and Yenching Academy scholarships.
Q. Which is the most popular scholarship in the UK?
Ans: The Chevening Scholarship is the most popular and prestigious UK scholarship for international students. Funded by the UK government, it offers full financial support for a one-year master’s degree at any UK university, covering tuition, living expenses, and travel.
Q. Is getting a scholarship for international students to study abroad difficult?
Ans: Yes, getting a scholarship can be challenging for international students due to high competition and strict eligibility criteria. However, many students successfully secure funding each year with strong academics, a compelling personal statement, and timely applications.
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I have done Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts from India and completed my graduation in the year 2022 .I am 22 years old. After graduation, I have done 1 year paid internship from USA .Now, I would like to take occupational experience and learn culinary skills and also do masters in Culinary arts.How can I find the college n best course / country where I can persue studying further