List of Fully Funded Scholarships in Asia 2025. With some of the most prestigious universities in the world and rapidly expanding economies, Asia is a popular destination for international students. For undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students, the region offers a wide range of fully funded scholarships that cover living expenses, tuition fees, and sometimes even travel expenses, relieving financial burdens so students can concentrate on their studies and take advantage of rich cultural experiences.
We have put together a list of fully financed scholarships in Asia for 2025 that are open to international students. Whether you want to study in South Korea, Japan, China, Singapore, or another Asian nation, these scholarships can help you reach your professional and academic objectives.
1. Scholarships from the Japanese Government (MEXT)
The MEXT Scholarships are offered by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) to international students at all levels of study. The scholarships cover tuition, travel expenses, and living costs, making them one of the most generous scholarships for studying in Japan.
- Eligibility: Open to students from MEXT-approved countries. Candidates must be under 35 years of age for master’s and PhD programmes and under 25 for undergraduate programs.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, monthly stipend, and travel expenses.
- Application Deadline: Varies by country, typically between April and June 2024.
Tip: Contact the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country for specific details on the application process and deadlines, as they vary by location.
2. Singapore Government Scholarships (SINGA)
The Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) is a fully funded scholarship for international students pursuing a PhD in Singapore. This scholarship is a collaboration between the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), the National University of Singapore (NUS), the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD).
- Eligibility: Open to international students with excellent academic records and a passion for research. The scholarship is available for PhD programs in science and engineering.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, monthly stipend, travel grant, and settlement allowance.
- Application Deadline: December 1, 2024, for the 2025 academic year.
Tip: Prepare a strong research proposal and highlight your research experience, as SINGA is highly research-oriented.
3. Chinese Government Scholarships (CSC)
The Chinese Government Scholarships are funded by the China Scholarship Council (CSC) and are available for international students at all levels of study. These scholarships aim to promote educational exchange and cooperation between China and other countries.
- Eligibility: Open to students from all countries. Specific criteria vary based on the scholarship type and university.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, accommodation, health insurance, and a monthly living stipend.
- Application Deadline: March 2025, though deadlines may vary by program and university.
Tip: Research the Chinese universities that participate in the CSC Scholarship programme and choose those that align with your academic interests.
4. Korean Government Scholarship Programme (KGSP)
The Korean Government Scholarship Programme (KGSP), also known as the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), provides fully funded opportunities for international students to pursue undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degrees in South Korea. The scholarship aims to foster international relations and promote Korean culture.
- Eligibility: Open to students from GKS-participating countries with a strong academic background and a good command of English or Korean.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, round-trip airfare, monthly allowance, medical insurance, and settlement allowance.
- Application Deadline: October 2024 for undergraduate programmes, March 2025 for graduate programmes.
Tip: KGSP is highly competitive, so emphasise your academic achievements and your interest in Korean culture in your application.
5. Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Programme (ADB-JSP)
The ADB-JSP offers fully funded scholarships to students from ADB’s developing member countries to pursue graduate studies in development-related fields in Asian countries. This scholarship is aimed at students who wish to contribute to the development of their home countries after their studies.
- Eligibility: Open to students from ADB’s developing member countries who have at least two years of professional experience and demonstrate academic excellence.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, travel expenses, living allowance, and medical insurance.
- Application Deadline: Varies by institution, typically between January and March 2025.
Tip: Tailor your application to show how your studies will benefit the development of your home country, as this is a primary criterion for ADB-JSP.
6. Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme offers fully funded scholarships to international students pursuing a PhD at one of Hong Kong’s leading universities. The scholarship is open to students from all disciplines and aims to attract the brightest minds to Hong Kong.
- Eligibility: Open to international students with outstanding academic records and research potential. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree, depending on the programme requirements.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, monthly living stipend, and travel allowance.
- Application Deadline: December 1, 2024, for the 2025 academic year.
Tip: Prepare a compelling research proposal and secure strong letters of recommendation to enhance your application.
7. Taiwan Government Scholarships
The Taiwan Government Scholarships are available for students at all levels, including undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programmes. These scholarships are offered by the Taiwan Ministry of Education and are intended to promote cultural exchange and education.
- Eligibility: Open to international students from eligible countries. Requirements vary depending on the programme and level of study.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, a monthly stipend, and an allowance for books and research expenses.
- Application Deadline: Varies by country, generally between January and April 2025.
Tip: Contact the Taiwan Embassy or Representative Office in your country to learn more about the application requirements and deadlines specific to your location.
8. Thailand International Postgraduate Programme (TIPP)
The Thailand International Postgraduate Programme (TIPP) offers fully funded scholarships for international students to pursue master’s degrees in Thailand. The programme is designed for students from developing countries and covers a wide range of development-related fields.
- Eligibility: Open to students from eligible developing countries who meet the academic and language requirements of the chosen programme.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, monthly stipend, accommodation, and travel expenses.
- Application Deadline: Varies by programme, typically between March and May 2025.
Tip: Emphasise your commitment to contributing to development in your home country, as this is a key focus of TIPP.
9. Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Scholarships
The ICCR Scholarships are awarded by the Indian government to international students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degrees in India. These scholarships aim to promote cultural exchange and strengthen international relations.
- Eligibility: Open to students from eligible countries who have completed the necessary education level required for their chosen programme.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation, and travel expenses.
- Application Deadline: March 2025, though dates may vary by programme and country.
Tip: Be sure to demonstrate your interest in Indian culture and your academic commitment, as cultural exchange is a key focus of this scholarship.
10. Chulabhorn Graduate Institute Postgraduate Scholarship Programme (Thailand)
The Chulabhorn Graduate Institute (CGI) Postgraduate Scholarship Programme offers fully funded scholarships for students pursuing master’s degrees in the fields of applied biological sciences, environmental toxicology, and chemical sciences. The programme is aimed at students from developing countries in Asia, Africa, and the Pacific.
- Eligibility: Open to students from developing countries with a bachelor’s degree in science-related fields and a strong academic record.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, travel costs, accommodation, and a monthly stipend.
- Application Deadline: October 2024 for the 2025 academic year.
Tip: Highlight your academic background in science and your research interests, as these are critical for selection into this program.
Conclusion
International students have a rare opportunity to experience a world-class education and immerse themselves in diverse cultures through the fully funded scholarships in Asia for 2025. With the help of these scholarships, students can concentrate on their education and personal development because they will receive financial support for living expenses, tuition, and other costs.
FAQs
1. Can I apply for multiple fully funded scholarships in Asia?
Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships, but ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for each. Tailor your application to align with the specific goals of each scholarship programme.
2. What documents are typically required for fully funded scholarships in Asia?
Most scholarships require academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and proof of English or relevant language proficiency. Some may also require a research proposal for graduate programmes.
3. When should I start applying for scholarships in Asia for the 2025 academic year?
It’s advisable to start preparing your applications by mid-2024, as many scholarship deadlines fall between late 2024 and early 2025.
4. Are fully funded scholarships in Asia competitive?
Yes, fully funded scholarships in Asia are competitive, especially those offered by top universities. Submitting a strong, well-prepared application that highlights your achievements and goals will improve your chances.
5. Are there scholarships for specific fields of study in Asia?
Yes, many scholarships focus on specific fields like science, engineering, social sciences, and public health. Research each scholarship to find the ones that best match your academic and career interests.
By preparing early and crafting a compelling application, you can take advantage of these fully funded scholarships and embark on an enriching educational journey in Asia.
