List of Fully Funded Masters Scholarships for International Students 2025. Earning a master’s degree overseas can greatly improve your chances in both the classroom and the workplace. For many students, though, the cost of tuition, living fees, and transportation can be a significant obstacle. Thankfully, there are many fully funded scholarships available in 2025 for students from outside the country. These scholarships pay for living expenses, tuition, and perhaps even travel expenses, allowing you to concentrate solely on your studies.
We have put together an extensive list of fully financed master’s scholarships for overseas students in 2025 in this guide. Prestigious colleges, governments, and organisations from all around the world offer these scholarships. There is a chance for you to study in the USA, Europe, Asia, or Australia, depending on your interests.
1. The UK’s Chevening Scholarships
The Chevening Scholarships are one of the most prestigious fully funded scholarships for international students to study a master’s degree in the UK. These scholarships are funded by the UK government and are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be citizens of Chevening-eligible countries, have at least two years of work experience, and apply to three eligible UK universities.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, living allowance, airfare, and additional grants to cover essential expenditures.
- Application Deadline: November 2024 for the 2025 academic year.
Tip: Chevening scholarships are highly competitive, so make sure to highlight your leadership potential and community impact in your application.
2. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) offers fully funded scholarships for international students to pursue master’s degrees in Germany. This is an excellent opportunity for students from developing countries to further their education in Germany’s world-renowned institutions.
- Eligibility: Open to students from developing countries with a bachelor’s degree and at least two years of professional experience.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, a monthly stipend for living expenses, health insurance, travel allowance, and study/research subsidies.
- Application Deadline: Varies by programme, typically between October and December 2024.
Tip: While many programs are taught in English, having basic German language skills can enhance your experience and improve your chances of success.
3. Fulbright Foreign Student Programme (USA)
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program offers fully funded scholarships for international students to pursue a master’s degree in the United States. Sponsored by the U.S. government, this scholarship supports talented students from over 160 countries around the world.
- Eligibility: Open to international students who hold a bachelor’s degree and demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to returning to their home country after completing their studies.
- Coverage: Tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and travel expenses.
- Application Deadline: Varies by country, but typically between February and October 2024.
Tip: Be prepared to explain how your studies in the U.S. will benefit your home country and your career aspirations in your application.
4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree Scholarships (Europe)
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) Scholarships are fully funded scholarships for students wishing to study in Europe.
- Eligibility: Open to students from any country who hold a bachelor’s degree and meet the program’s specific academic requirements.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, travel costs, living expenses, and insurance.
- Application Deadline: December 2024 to January 2025, depending on the program.
Tip: Choose an Erasmus Mundus program that aligns closely with your career goals and academic background. This will increase your chances of selection.
5. Australia Awards Scholarships
The Australia Awards Scholarships are fully funded scholarships provided by the Australian government to students from developing countries in Asia, the Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East. These scholarships aim to promote growth and development in the recipients’ home countries through education.
- Eligibility: Open to students from eligible countries in Asia, the Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East. Applicants must meet the specific eligibility criteria for their home country.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, travel costs, establishment allowance, living expenses, health insurance, and academic support.
- Application Deadline: April 30, 2025.
Tip: Focus on how you plan to contribute to the development of your home country after completing your studies, as this is a key criterion for the Australia Awards.
6. Rotary Peace Fellowship (Global)
The Rotary Peace Fellowship is a fully funded scholarship for students pursuing a master’s degree in peace and conflict studies at one of Rotary’s Peace Centres around the world. The program aims to develop peace leaders who can resolve conflicts and foster peace in their communities.
- Eligibility: Open to students from all countries with at least three years of work experience in peace and development-related fields.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, living expenses, travel expenses, and internship/field study costs.
- Application Deadline: May 2025 for the 2026 academic year.
Tip: Highlight your commitment to peacebuilding and how you’ve contributed to resolving conflicts in your community when applying.
7. Gates Cambridge Scholarships (UK)
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship for international students to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Cambridge.
- Eligibility: Open to students from any country outside the UK who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving society.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, a living allowance, airfare, and additional funding for academic development.
- Application Deadline: December 2024 for U.S. citizens and January 2025 for all other applicants.
Tip: Focus on how you plan to use your education to address global challenges and make a positive impact on society in your application.
8. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Switzerland)
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships provide fully funded opportunities for international students to pursue master’s or PhD degrees at public universities in Switzerland. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit.
- Eligibility: Open to international students with a bachelor’s degree and excellent academic records. Applicants must be accepted into a Swiss public university.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, monthly stipend, health insurance, airfare, and accommodation allowance.
- Application Deadline: Varies by country, typically between September and December 2024.
Tip: Having a strong research proposal or a clear plan for your studies can improve your chances of being selected for this prestigious scholarship.
9. New Zealand Government Scholarships
The New Zealand Government Scholarships offer fully funded opportunities for students from developing countries to pursue a master’s degree in New Zealand. These scholarships aim to foster development in students’ home countries by providing them with advanced education.
- Eligibility: Open to students from eligible developing countries who have a bachelor’s degree and meet the country-specific criteria.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, travel costs, living allowance, and health insurance.
- Application Deadline: February 28, 2025.
Tip: Make sure to demonstrate how studying in New Zealand will help you contribute to the growth and development of your home country.
10. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Programme
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Programme provides fully funded scholarships to students from developing countries who are pursuing a master’s degree in development-related fields. The programme aims to empower students to address economic and social challenges in their home countries.
- Eligibility: Open to students from World Bank member developing countries with a bachelor’s degree and professional experience in development-related fields.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, living allowance, health insurance, and travel expenses.
- Application Deadline: March 2025.
Tip: Focus on how your studies will equip you with the skills to address key development challenges in your home country in your application.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned fully funded master’s scholarships for international students in 2025 offer fantastic chances for students to continue their education without having to worry about money. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other study-related expenses, allowing students to focus on their academic and personal growth.
There are plenty of scholarships available for students from all over the world, regardless of where you want to study—in the UK, the USA, Germany, Australia, or somewhere else.
FAQs
1. Can I apply for multiple fully funded scholarships at once?
Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships, provided you meet the eligibility requirements for each. However, be sure to tailor your application to the specific criteria of each scholarship.
2. What documents are required for fully funded master’s scholarship applications?
Most scholarships require academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS), and sometimes a research proposal.
3. When should I start applying for master’s scholarships for 2025?
You should start preparing your applications in mid-2024, as many deadlines for scholarships fall between October 2024 and March 2025.
4. Are fully funded scholarships competitive?
Yes, fully funded scholarships are highly competitive, but you can increase your chances by submitting a strong application that highlights your academic achievements, leadership skills, and commitment to your field of study.
5. Are there scholarships available for specific fields of study?
Yes, many fully funded scholarships are available for specific fields, such as development, science, technology, engineering, and social sciences. Be sure to search for scholarships that align with your academic and career goals.
By applying early and preparing a well-organised application, you can take advantage of these scholarships and pursue your dream of studying abroad in 2025.
