Dreaming of a world-class education? Yearning to make a real impact in your home country? Look no further! We’ve curated a list of the most prestigious scholarships available for international students like you. From Australia to the Netherlands, Germany to the United States, these scholarships offer a gateway to knowledge, skills, and life-changing experiences.
Government-funded Scholarships
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Australian Awards Scholarships (Australia)
Formerly known as Australia Development Scholarships (ADS), the Australian Awards Scholarships are prestigious opportunities for international students from selected countries in Asia, the Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East. These scholarships are specifically designed for those seeking to study at Australian universities. Available for vocational education and training courses, undergraduate degrees, postgraduate degrees, and Ph.D. degrees, the scholarships offer numerous benefits. These include full tuition fees, return air travel, an establishment allowance, contribution to living expenses (CLE), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and more. The Australian Awards Scholarships open doors to world-class education and valuable experiences in Australia.
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DAAD Scholarships for Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (Germany)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides scholarships for a range of postgraduate courses that have special relevance to developing countries at German universities. International students and young professionals from developing countries in Africa, Asia, the Pacific Islands, Central and South America, and Central and Eastern Europe are specifically targeted for these scholarships. The scholarships cover a variety of full or partial expenses, enabling students to pursue their desired programs. These scholarships offer a gateway to academic excellence and the opportunity to contribute to development in their home countries.
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Swedish Institute Study Scholarships (Sweden)
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to highly-qualified international students from developing countries who wish to pursue full-time Master’s studies at Swedish universities. The scholarships cover various aspects of student life, including tuition fees, living expenses, travel grants, and insurance. With approximately 550 scholarships available, the Swedish Institute Study Scholarships provide a pathway to high-quality education and a multicultural learning environment in Sweden.
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VLIR-UOS Scholarships (Belgium)
VLIR-UOS awards scholarships to students from 54 developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America who are interested in pursuing an English Taught Training or a Master’s Program related to development at universities in Belgium. These scholarships cover a wide range of expenses, such as tuition fees, accommodation, allowances, travel costs, and other program-related expenses. By providing comprehensive support, VLIR-UOS Scholarships empower students to acquire knowledge and skills that contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.
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New Zealand International Scholarships (New Zealand)
The New Zealand International Scholarships offer an exceptional opportunity for international students from selected developing countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. These scholarships focus on post-graduate study in specific subject areas that can assist in the development of their home countries. The scholarships cover various aspects of studying abroad, including tuition fees, travel costs, living allowances, and insurance. The New Zealand International Scholarships enable students to gain valuable knowledge and skills while experiencing the diverse culture of New Zealand.
Institution-funded Scholarships
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Joint Japan World Bank Scholarships (specified countries)
The Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program provides scholarships to students from developing countries, enabling them to pursue development-related studies at selected universities around the world. This program offers annual awards that cover the cost of completing a master’s degree or its equivalent. The scholarships include tuition fees, subsistence allowance, and travel costs, providing students with the necessary support to excel in their chosen fields and contribute to the development of their countries.
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OFID Scholarships (any approved country)
OFID (The OPEC Fund for International Development) offers fully-funded scholarships to qualified applicants from developing countries who wish to study for a Master’s degree in an accredited university worldwide, subject to approval. The winner of the OFID Scholarship Award receives tuition support of up to US$50,000, along with a monthly allowance to cover living expenses, books, and accommodation. The OFID Scholarships create opportunities for talented individuals to pursue higher education and make a meaningful impact in their home countries.
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Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships (any country)
The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from selected developing countries who have no other means of financing their studies. Scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant: 50% loan basis through a competitive application process conducted once a year. The Foundation assists students with tuition fees and living expenses only. Students have the freedom to choose a reputable university of their choice, subject to approval. The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships empower deserving individuals to pursue their academic goals and contribute to positive change in their societies.
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Wells Mountain Foundation Scholarships for Developing Countries (any country)
The Wells Mountain Foundation funds Empowerment through Education scholarships for individuals in developing nations or situations of extreme poverty. These scholarships can be utilized for studying in a university of the student’s choice, either in their home country or another developing country. The average scholarship amount awarded is $1400, which can be used for tuition and fees, books and materials, and other approved costs. The Wells Mountain Foundation Scholarships provide financial support to students who face significant barriers to education, enabling them to realize their full potential and create positive change in their communities.
University-funded Scholarships:
The Developing Solutions Scholarships at the University of Nottingham are designed for international students from Africa, India, or one of the developing countries of the Commonwealth. These scholarships aim to empower students to study for a Master’s Degree and make a difference in the development of their home country. Each year, 105 scholarships are awarded, with 30 scholarships covering the full tuition fee and 75 scholarships covering 50% of the tuition fee. The Developing Solutions Scholarships at the University of Nottingham provide a platform for students to gain valuable knowledge and skills, equipping them to contribute to sustainable development in their respective regions.
The Louis Dreyfus-Weidenfeld Scholarship and Leadership Programme support outstanding students from transition and emerging economies throughout Africa, Asia, and South America. These scholarships enable students to pursue a graduate degree at Oxford University in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, environmental and water management, economics, public policy, and foreign policy. The scholarships cover 100% of university and college fees, along with a grant for living costs. The Louis Dreyfus-Weidenfeld Scholarship and Leadership Programme at Oxford University provide a transformative educational experience and nurture future leaders committed to addressing global challenges.
The Erik Bleumink Fund Scholarships are usually awarded to talented students and young researchers from developing countries. These scholarships support pursuing a one-year or two-year Master’s degree program or a four-year Ph.D. program offered at the University of Groningen. The grant covers tuition fees, international travel, subsistence, books, and health insurance. The Erik Bleumink Scholarships at the University of Groningen offer a pathway to academic excellence and facilitate the growth of individuals who will contribute to the development of their home countries.
The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship at the American University is targeted at high-achieving international students who are dedicated to positive civic and social change. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree at the American University. It is specifically intended for students who plan to return to their home countries and make a difference in under-resourced, underserved communities. The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship covers full tuition and room & board, empowering students to gain a comprehensive education and become catalysts for positive transformation in their societies.
Read also: Top 5 Asia’s Government Scholarships To Look Up To
In conclusion, these top scholarships for international students open doors to unparalleled educational opportunities and empower individuals to become catalysts for change in their home countries. Whether it’s studying in Australia, Germany, Sweden, Belgium, New Zealand, or pursuing global programs, the journey toward a brighter future starts with these prestigious scholarships.