International Student Scholarships: University Guide

International students can access scholarships from universities and private organisations to help fund their studies. While it is challenging to find fully funded scholarships for international students, they do exist. Most universities will offer some kind of financial aid for international students, and there are also scholarships available from private organisations and donors. International students may need to take SAT or ACT tests to be eligible for some scholarships. According to the Fulbright Commission, over 600 American universities offer scholarships worth $20,000 or more to international students. These scholarships are typically assessed based on academic merit, financial need, or extracurricular contribution.

How a International Student Can Get a Scholarship in a University

University scholarships

Where to Find University Scholarships

Types of University Scholarships

There are two main types of university scholarships:

• Partially funded scholarships: These will cover only some of a student’s expenses, so you may need to find other ways to fund the remainder of your degree.
• Fully funded scholarships: These will cover all expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation, and living costs for the duration of your degree.

Tips for Getting a University Scholarship

• Research all the different types of scholarships available, including those offered by governments, universities, companies, and charities.
• Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, including academic grades, country/region of residence, and financial requirements.
• Maintain good grades as you will often need to list these on your application.
• Take part in extracurricular activities, especially those related to your degree, to boost your application.
• Connect with current university students, alumni, school counselors, or university admissions officers for insights and guidance on applying.
• Ensure you have all the required supporting documents, such as acceptance letters, proof of financial need, language test results, and academic transcripts.
• Write a strong personal statement outlining your achievements, extracurricular activities, academic goals, and how the scholarship will help you develop these skills.
• Secure recommendation letters from teachers or professionals that align with the scholarship requirements.
• Proofread your application thoroughly and, if possible, have someone else review it too.
• Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute issues.
• Apply to multiple scholarships to increase your chances of success, but keep a list of all deadlines and requirements to stay organized.

Remember, each scholarship is unique, so be sure to tailor your application to fit the specific criteria and requirements of each opportunity.

Academic or merit-based scholarships

Most universities offer merit-based scholarships, and international students are often eligible to apply. These scholarships can be highly competitive, and applicants are assessed on their academic records, leadership skills, writing skills, and other achievements.

University-specific scholarships

• The University of Sheffield offers 75 International Undergraduate Merit Scholarships worth £10,000 towards tuition fees for eligible students starting an undergraduate degree programme in autumn 2025.
• Syracuse University offers several merit scholarship awards to international students, recognising academic, personal, and creative achievements. These include the Founders' Scholarship, the Chancellor's Scholarship, and the Dean's Scholarship.
• Clark University in Massachusetts offers the Presidential Scholarship, which covers full tuition and on-campus room and board for all four years, to both domestic and international students, regardless of financial need.
• Brandeis University in Massachusetts has the Wien International Scholarship Program, which brings scholars from around the world to the university based on their academic excellence and desire to effect positive change in their communities.
• American University in Washington, D.C., offers partial merit scholarships based on academic excellence to first-year applicants, including international students.
• Iowa State University offers scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 per year to international students, who are automatically considered for the merit-based award.
• Michigan State University has the Global Spartan Leadership programme, which awards $8,000 to international undergraduates who complete the programme requirements.
• University of Minnesota offers grants of $5,000 and $10,000 per year to international students.
• University of Oregon awards 30-40 scholarships to international students each year, ranging from $7,500 to $30,000 per year.
• Wesleyan University's Freeman Asian Scholars Program provides full tuition scholarships for a four-year course to 11 exceptionally able Asian students at the undergraduate level.

Government-funded scholarships

• Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA): This popular scholarship programme enables graduate students, young professionals, and artists from abroad to study or research in the United States for one year or longer. It covers expenses including tuition, textbooks, airfare, living stipend, and health insurance.
• Chevening Scholarships (UK): The UK government's global scholarship programme offers awards to outstanding scholars with leadership potential from around the world to pursue postgraduate courses at UK universities. Chevening Scholarships typically cover tuition fees, a living allowance, airfare, and additional grants.
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: This scholarship programme aims to attract and retain world-class doctoral students, making Canada a global centre of excellence in research and higher learning. The scholarship is worth $50,000 per year for three years.
• Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme (France): This scholarship programme attracts the best foreign students to French higher education institutions for Master's and PhD degree programmes. Eiffel scholarship-holders receive a monthly allowance and support for expenses such as travel, social security, and cultural activities.
• Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships: These scholarships provide graduates from all fields the opportunity to pursue doctoral or postdoctoral research at Swiss universities. The scholarship covers a monthly allowance, tuition fees, health insurance, and a lodging allowance.

Other scholarships

• The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship awards up to $12,500 to international students wanting to study at a graduate level in America.
• The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme provides a limited number of scholarships each year for outstanding students from selected developing countries to pursue postgraduate studies. The scholarships are 50% grant and 50% loan.

External scholarships

MPOWER Financing

MPOWER Financing offers scholarships for international and DACA students. Its Global Citizen Scholarship Program is open throughout the year and has broad eligibility criteria. MPOWER also offers niche scholarships, including:

• Women in STEM Scholarship: For international and DACA female students pursuing a career in STEM, the medical field, or education.
• Monthly Scholarship Series: Three $1,000 scholarships are awarded to three international students based on a new scholarship topic each month.
• Chasing Dreams Never Ends Scholarship: For graduate students with Chinese citizenship.

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

The US government's Fulbright Foreign Student Program has supported international students studying in the US for over 80 years. It is one of the most widely recognised and prestigious scholarship programmes in the world. The program also includes the Fulbright Program for Foreign Students and Foreign Language Teaching Assistants, which awards about 4,000 scholarships to international students each year across 160 countries.

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme

The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships for students from select developing countries who have no other means of financing their postgraduate studies. The scholarship is half grant and half loan, meaning half of the award must be paid back within five years of graduating.

The American Association of University Women Fellowship

The American Association of University Women offers fellowships for non-American women pursuing master's or doctoral degrees in the US. Fellowships range from $18,000 to $30,000, depending on the degree. Priority is given to women who demonstrate a commitment to the advancement of women and girls, and the scholarship may be reapplied for each year of the program.

Rotary Peace Fellowship

The Rotary Peace Fellowship offers master's and certificate programs for individuals committed to peace and conflict resolution. The certificate program is for mid-career professionals who wish to promote peace in their region. The fellowship covers all educational costs.

P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship

The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship awards scholarships to women from other countries who are earning graduate degrees in the US or Canada.

The Amelia Earhart Fellowship

The Amelia Earhart Fellowship, created by Zonta International, is available to 30 women pursuing doctoral degrees in aerospace engineering and space sciences.

Google Generation Scholarships

Google has developed scholarships for students studying computer science, gaming, and technology.

The Rhodes Scholarship

The Rhodes Scholarship provides support for students from any part of the world to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford.

Chevening Scholarships

Chevening is a UK-government scholarship scheme that offers fully-funded master's courses at UK universities for students from 160 countries.

The Commonwealth Master's Scholarships

These scholarships are available for international students from Commonwealth countries pursuing master's programmes in the UK.

The World Bank Scholarship Programme

The World Bank Scholarship Programme is open to students wishing to study development-related topics for their master's degrees.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Programme

The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Programme offers funding and mentorship opportunities for students across Africa to study abroad.

Government scholarships

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most popular government-funded scholarships for international students. It offers scholarships to graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study in the US for one year or more. The scholarship is open to international students in all fields excluding medicine. The Fulbright Program also includes the John McCain International Scholarship, which is aimed at students who are children of active-duty military personnel.

Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program

This is a non-degree scholarship program for international experienced professionals wishing to undertake 10 months of academic study in the US. Although the funding does not support degree qualifications, students can study and develop their knowledge at academic institutions across the US.

Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX)

The CBYX offers merit-based scholarships to recent vocational graduates and young professionals. The scholarship provides a one-year professional study and training experience in their fields of interest in Germany.

Boren Award for International Study

The Boren Award is an initiative of the National Security Education Program, providing funding for US undergraduate students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to US interests and underrepresented in study abroad.

Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships

FLAS Fellowships are offered to outstanding undergraduate and graduate students who wish to engage in area studies and world language training. Students must be enrolled at and apply through a FLAS-recipient institution.

Rotary Peace Fellowship

The Rotary Peace Fellowship is available to master's degree students studying within one of Rotary's Peace Centers, such as Duke University or the University of North Carolina. The fellowship is also offered as a certificate program for mid-career professionals who wish to promote peace in the program's region.

Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship

The Aga Khan Foundation offers scholarships to students from select developing countries who have no other source of financial aid for their graduate studies. The scholarships are 50% grant and 50% loan, which must be paid back within five years of graduating.

American Association of University Women Fellowships

The American Association of University Women offers fellowships for non-American women who want to earn a Master's or doctorate in the USA. Priority is given to women who demonstrate a commitment to the advancement of women and girls, and the scholarship may be reapplied for each year of the program.

Civil Society Leadership Awards

The Civil Society Leadership Awards offer full scholarships for Master's students from specific countries who are dedicated to fostering social change.

Other Government Scholarships

There are also other government scholarships offered by specific US states or cities, such as the New York University Wagner International Scholarships, as well as scholarships offered by the governments of other countries, such as the UK, for international students wishing to study at their universities.

Country/region-based scholarships

When it comes to finding country or region-based scholarships, there are a plethora of options available for international students. Here is a list of scholarships and grants, categorized by country or region:

North America:

The North American region, including the United States and Canada, offers several scholarship opportunities for international students:

• Fulbright Foreign Student Program: One of the most popular US government-funded scholarships for international students. It offers scholarships for graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study in the US for a year or more.
• Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program: A non-degree scholarship program for international experienced professionals to pursue 10 months of academic study in the US without earning a degree.
• #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship: Aimed at international students studying any subject at participating colleges or universities in the US. Applicants are required to submit an essay or video demonstrating their interest in promoting intercultural learning and exchange.
• Civil Society Leadership Awards: This scholarship offers full funding for master's-level students from eligible countries to study in the US or another host country.
• David P. Shapiro Autism Scholarship: A $1,000 scholarship open to current or prospective students in the US diagnosed with autism.
• Preply Scholarship: Open to all students, including international, aged 16-35. Three winners will receive an award of up to $2,000 by submitting a 500-word essay.
• Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship: A $2,000 prize for students enrolled in high school, undergraduate, or graduate programs in the US or another country. Applicants need to submit an essay, and the scholarship is open to all nationalities.
• Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship: Awarded twice a year to passionate international students wishing to study in the US, with a value of $1,000.
• East-West Center Scholarships and Fellowships: Funding opportunities for nationals from the Asia-Pacific region to study in the US at specific institutions.
• Japan-United States Friendship Commission: An initiative by Japan and the US offering grant programs to Japanese students wishing to study in the US and vice versa.
• Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program: Scholarships for 11 exceptional Asian students to study at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, covering tuition and fees.
• Global Affairs Canada: Offers 650 short-term exchange scholarships for Latin American and Caribbean citizens wishing to study in Canada.
• Canada-ASEAN Scholarships: Scholarships for students from ASEAN member states (Southeast Asia) to participate in short-term exchange programs for study and research in Canada.
• University of Alberta China and India Centenary Scholarships: Scholarships for Chinese and Indian students at the University of Alberta in Canada.
• University of Toronto (Hong Kong) Foundation: Offers scholarships for students from Hong Kong.
• Dag Hammarskjöld Journalism Fellowships: Journalism fellowships for African, Asian, Latin American, and Caribbean nationals.

Europe:

Europe is a popular destination for international students, and there are several country/region-based scholarships available:

• Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: An initiative by the European Commission to fund students from around the world to study in selected institutions in Europe.
• VLIR-UOS Training and Masters Scholarships: Scholarships for students from developing countries in Africa, Asia, or Latin America to pursue master's degrees in Belgium.
• Charles University Faculty of Social Sciences Development Scholarships: Charles University in the Czech Republic offers six scholarships for students from developing countries to study in the Faculty of Social Sciences.
• Eiffel Scholarships: Funding opportunities for master's and PhD students from outside France to study in France.
• INSEAD Business School International Scholarships: Over 90 business school scholarships, many of which are aimed at students from developing regions.
• DAAD Scholarships: Scholarships for master's students from developing countries in Asia, Africa, Pacific Islands, Central and South America, and Central and Eastern Europe to study in Germany.
• Embassy of Ireland, Tanzania Fellowship Training Programme: Scholarships for Tanzanian students to pursue eligible master's degrees in Ireland.
• University of Groningen Talent Grant for Non-EEA Countries: Funding for specific master's programs at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands for students from Brazil, China, Indonesia, Korea, Mexico, or Russia.
• Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Piet Rietveld Scholarship: A scholarship for a student from a developing country to study a master's in spatial, transport, and environmental economics in the Netherlands, covering tuition fees and living costs.
• Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange: Scholarships for students from developing countries to study tuition-free master's degrees in Poland.
• Slovak Government Scholarships: Funding provided by the Slovakian government for students from developing countries.
• IMD MBA Scholarships: Scholarships for students from developing countries to pursue an MBA at IMD Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland.
• Swedish Institute Study Scholarships: Scholarships covering tuition fees and living costs for full-time master's students from developing countries in Sweden.
• Commonwealth Master's Scholarships: Scholarships for students from developing countries in the Commonwealth to study at the master's level in the United Kingdom.
• British Council Scholarships: Scholarships for Indian students to study in the UK.
• Saïd Foundation Scholarships: Scholarships for Iraqi, Jordanian, Lebanese, Palestinian, and Syrian postgraduate students to study in the UK.

Australia and New Zealand:

Australia and New Zealand also offer scholarships for international students:

Frequently asked questions