For many international students, government funding in the form of grants, bursaries and scholarships is the only way they can pursue their dream of studying abroad. So before you apply to your dream university overseas, find out what types of funding are available to you. Here are our top 5 government-funded scholarships for international students 2021/22.
Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Starting in 1983, Chevening has provided scholarships and fellowships to more than 50,000 people from around the world. Their aim is to provide outstanding scholars with the opportunity to study a one-year masters degree qualification at any UK university.
What’s included?
- Payment of tuition fees
- Economy travel (flights) to and from your country of residence
- An arrival allowance
- The cost of an entry clearance (visa) application
- A departure allowance
- A contribution of up to £75 for TB testing, where is required
- A travel top-up allowance
- A monthly personal living allowance (stipend) to cover accommodation and living expenses. The monthly stipend will depend on whether you are studying inside or outside London. These rates are subject to annual review.
Applications open in August and close in November each year. If successful, you will be asked to attend an interview in June and be given an offer in July. Studies will start soon after in September/ October. Find out more.
Australia Awards Scholarships
Australia is one of the best destinations for international students. It has a high standard of higher education, multicultural and welcoming student communities and some of the “most liveable” cities in the world (The Global Liveability Index 2021).
Each year, Australia Awards Scholarships provides students from participating countries with full-time undergraduate and postgraduate study opportunities. To be eligible, you must live in Asia, the Pacific, Africa or the Middle East. A full list of participating countries can be found here.
What’s included?
- Full tuition fees
- Return air travel to and from Australia
- Contribution towards accommodation expenses, textbooks and study materials
- Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE)
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Pre-course English (PCE) fees
Application opening and closing dates depend on your country of residence. Find a full list here. Find out more.
Fulbright Foreign Students Program (USA)
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program provides international students with the opportunity to study at a master’s or PhD level in America. Approximately 4,000 students receive these scholarships each year. Like other government-funded scholarships, Fulbright scholars are required to return to their home country after studying. Find out more.
Applications are processed by bi-nation Fulbright Commissions or U.S Embassies so foreign students must apply through the Embassies in their home countries. A full list of these countries and bodies can be found here.
What’s included?
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
- Return economy flights
- Health insurance
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships (EU)
The Erasmus Programme is an international student exchange programme, established in 1987. It’s a well known and supported scheme funded by the European Union. There are a wide range of opportunities available with Erasmus, including:
- Study abroad with Erasmus+
- Traineeships abroad
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
- Erasmus+ Master Degree Loans
Each program has a different set of key selection criteria which are available in the Erasmus+ Programme Guide. Make sure you read through the guide carefully and allow enough time to prepare your application.
What’s included?
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly stipend for living expenses
- Participant costs
- Travel
- Health insurance
Open and close dates for applications depend on each program. Find out more.
New Zealand Aid Programme Scholarships
New Zealand offers a wide range of scholarships for international students looking to study at bachelors, masters or PhD level. These scholarships are fully-funded and for students living in commonwealth countries.
These scholarships give international students a chance to improve their knowledge and help their country of origin to grow its talents. Priority will be given to students looking to study subjects that are most relevant to the developmental needs of their home country.
What’s included?
- Full tuition fees and a living allowance (NZ$491 per week)
- An establishment allowance (NZ$3000)
- Medical insurance when you are in New Zealand
- Travel to and from your own country
- Travel insurance
Applications close in Feb/March each year. Find out more.
