Studying abroad is a dream for many, but the cost can be a major hurdle. Fortunately, there are numerous scholarships available specifically for international students, helping to make global education more accessible. Here is a guide to some of the best scholarships for international students in 2025, including eligibility requirements, benefits, and application details.
1. American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGL)
This scholarship is designed for international students who want to pursue a bachelor's degree in the U.S. at American University and are committed to social change.
- Eligibility: International students with excellent academic performance and leadership skills.
- Benefits: Covers full tuition, room, and board.
- Deadline: December.
- How to Apply: Visit the American University website for details.
2. Australia Awards Scholarships
These scholarships aim to promote development in partner countries by providing opportunities for international students to study in Australia.
- Eligibility: Citizens from selected countries in Asia, the Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East.
- Benefits: Full tuition, travel expenses, health coverage, and living allowance.
- Deadline: Varies by country.
- How to Apply: Applications are available on the Australia Awards website.
3. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Switzerland offers scholarships for postgraduate research and doctoral students from over 180 countries, helping them pursue research or advanced studies at Swiss institutions.
- Eligibility: Postgraduate students from partner countries with a solid academic record.
- Benefits: Monthly stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance.
- Deadline: Varies by country.
- How to Apply: Application details are available through the Swiss Embassy in your home country.
4. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships
The MEXT Scholarship is offered by the Government of Japan to international students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, and research studies in Japan.
- Eligibility: International students with strong academic performance and interest in studying in Japan.
- Benefits: Full tuition, travel expenses, and monthly stipend.
- Deadline: May.
- How to Apply: Applications are available through Japanese embassies and consulates.
5. University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships (Canada)
This prestigious scholarship at the University of Toronto supports international students who show exceptional academic and leadership abilities.
- Eligibility: International high school seniors applying to undergraduate programs at U of T.
- Benefits: Covers tuition, books, and living expenses.
- Deadline: January.
- How to Apply: Application instructions can be found on the University of Toronto’s website.
6. Orange Knowledge Programme (Netherlands)
Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this program offers scholarships to students from developing countries to pursue short courses and master’s degrees in the Netherlands.
- Eligibility: Students from selected developing countries.
- Benefits: Tuition, travel expenses, and monthly allowance.
- Deadline: Varies by program.
- How to Apply: Applications are available through Dutch universities.
7. Korean Government Scholarship Program (Global Korea Scholarship)
This scholarship supports international students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or research studies in South Korea.
- Eligibility: Students from eligible countries with strong academic performance.
- Benefits: Full tuition, airfare, living stipend, and Korean language training.
- Deadline: October.
- How to Apply: Apply through Korean embassies or designated universities.
8. New Zealand International Scholarships
This scholarship supports students from developing countries in Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean who want to pursue studies in New Zealand.
- Eligibility: Students from eligible countries with leadership potential.
- Benefits: Full tuition, travel expenses, living allowance, and insurance.
- Deadline: Varies by region.
- How to Apply: Apply through the New Zealand Government website.
9. Scotland Saltire Scholarships
The Scottish Government offers this scholarship for international students from Canada, China, India, Japan, Pakistan, and the U.S. to study in Scotland.
- Eligibility: Students with an offer for a master’s program at a Scottish university.
- Benefits: £8,000 towards tuition.
- Deadline: May.
- How to Apply: Details are available on the Saltire Scholarships website.
10. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France)
This scholarship, funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, supports international students pursuing a master’s or PhD in France.
- Eligibility: Students from non-French countries with strong academic backgrounds.
- Benefits: Monthly allowance, travel expenses, and health insurance.
- Deadline: January.
- How to Apply: Applications are available through French universities.
11. Chinese Government Scholarship
China offers a scholarship program for international students who want to study at various Chinese universities at undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.
- Eligibility: International students with an excellent academic record.
- Benefits: Full tuition, accommodation, stipend, and health insurance.
- Deadline: April.
- How to Apply: Apply through the Chinese Embassy in your home country.
12. Hungarian Government Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship
This scholarship provides funding for international students to study full degree programs at Hungarian universities.
- Eligibility: Students from eligible countries.
- Benefits: Tuition, monthly allowance, housing, and health insurance.
- Deadline: January.
- How to Apply: Application instructions are available on the Stipendium Hungaricum website.
13. Erasmus+ Program
Erasmus+ offers scholarships for students to study or complete an internship in various European countries, promoting cross-cultural experiences.
- Eligibility: Students at participating universities in Erasmus+ partner countries.
- Benefits: Tuition, travel expenses, and monthly stipend.
- Deadline: Varies by university.
- How to Apply: Contact your university’s international office or visit the Erasmus+ website.
14. Canadian Vanier Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships support international doctoral students in pursuing research and advanced studies in Canada.
- Eligibility: International PhD students with excellent academic and research potential.
- Benefits: $50,000 per year for three years.
- Deadline: November.
- How to Apply: Visit the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships website for application details.
15. Rotary Foundation Global Study Grants
The Rotary Foundation offers grants for graduate-level academic studies abroad in areas that align with Rotary's areas of focus, such as peace, health, and education.
- Eligibility: Graduate students with an interest in promoting peace, improving health, or supporting education.
- Benefits: Up to $30,000 for tuition, room and board, and other expenses.
- Deadline: Varies.
- How to Apply: Visit the Rotary Foundation’s website for details.
Tips for Applying to Scholarships
- Research Thoroughly: Make sure you fully understand each scholarship’s requirements and benefits to increase your chances.
- Prepare Early: Some scholarships require several documents, including transcripts, personal statements, and recommendation letters.
- Focus on Leadership and Community Service: Many international scholarships favor applicants with strong leadership and service experience.
- Write a Strong Personal Statement: Explain why you’re interested in the scholarship and how it aligns with your goals.
- Keep Track of Deadlines: Create a calendar to ensure you submit all applications on time.
Conclusion
With these scholarships, international students can access educational opportunities worldwide without financial stress. Applying to multiple scholarships increases your chances, so don’t hesitate to explore as many options as possible. Start preparing early, and take the next step towards your dream education abroad.