🇬🇧 1. Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom)
Overview
Chevening is the UK government’s global scholarship program, one of the most prestigious merit-based awards worldwide. It selects future leaders based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and career vision.
Who Can Apply?
- Graduates or final-year students
- Minimum 2:1 degree (or equivalent)
- Leadership experience in community, work, or public service
- Fluent in English (TOEFL/Duolingo/PTE acceptable)
Coverage
âś” Full tuition fees
âś” Monthly living stipend
âś” Return airfare
âś” Visa & travel cost
âś” Arrival allowance and health coverage
Fields
All academic disciplines.
Selection Criteria
- Academic quality
- Leadership traits
- Career plan relevance
- Ability to contribute to Home country development
How to Apply
- Create an account on the Chevening portal
- Submit two essays (leadership & networking focus)
- Provide two references
- Attend interview
Tips
- Tailor essays to UK policy & your field
- Show leadership impact with specific examples
🇪🇺 2. Erasmus+ Joint Master Degrees (Europe)
Overview
Erasmus+ supports high-quality joint master’s programs across multiple European universities. These are merit-based and extremely competitive.
Who Can Apply?
- Undergraduate degree holders
- Strong academic records
- International applicants
Coverage
âś” Full tuition fee scholarship
âś” Monthly stipend (living + travel)
âś” Mobility costs between countries
Fields
Wide range including engineering, humanities, sciences, business.
Selection Criteria
- GPA and academic performance
- Motivation & relevance of study
- Cultural adaptability
How to Apply
- Choose a joint master’s program
- Apply via centralized Erasmus portal
- Submit official transcripts + letters
Tips
- Choose programs with consortium universities you prefer
- Explain why a multi-country study model fits your goals
🇩🇪 3. DAAD Merit Scholarships (Germany)
Overview
DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers multiple scholarship streams focused on research, international cooperation, and academic talent development.
Who Can Apply?
- Bachelor’s holders (for master’s)
- Master’s holders (for PhD/research)
- Outstanding academic achievement
Coverage
âś” Monthly stipend (varies by level)
âś” Travel allowance
âś” Health insurance
âś” Research support
âś” Tuition fees often waived
Fields
Mostly STEM, social sciences, arts, public policy.
Selection Criteria
- High GPA
- Fit with German university focus
- Research orientation (for PhD)
How to Apply
- Find DAAD program that matches your profile
- Prepare CV, SOP, references
- Apply through DAAD portal + university
Tips
- include detailed research proposal
- Show how your background fits German research capacity
🇨🇳 4. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
Overview
CSC Scholarships support international students to study in China across undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels.
Who Can Apply?
- High GPA applicants
- Motivated to study in China or Chinese culture
- Non-Chinese citizens
Coverage
âś” Full tuition
âś” Monthly stipend
âś” Accommodation (often)
âś” International travel allowance
Fields
All major academic fields.
Selection Criteria
- Academic performance
- Motivation letter aligned with China’s development goals
How to Apply
- Choose Chinese universities through CSC portal
- Submit application with required documents
- Apply through Chinese embassy in some countries
Tips
- Demonstrate interest in China’s culture, economy, or global role
- Apply early before embassy deadlines
🇹🇷 5. Turkey Scholarships (Türkiye Burslari)
Overview
Generous government-funded program supporting students worldwide for bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD.
Who Can Apply?
- High school graduates (for undergraduate)
- Bachelor’s holders (for master’s and PhD)
Coverage
âś” Full tuition
âś” Monthly stipend
âś” Accommodation
âś” Health insurance
âś” Turkish language course (optional)
Selection Criteria
- High academic achievement
- Clear study plan
- Leadership potential
How to Apply
- Create an account on the official portal
- Submit academic documents + SOP
- Include optional reference letters
Tips
- Highlight how your field aligns with Turkey’s development
🇫🇮 6. Finland Government Scholarship Pool
Overview
Finland offers academic scholarships mainly for postgraduate and research programs at Finnish universities.
Who Can Apply?
- Master’s & PhD applicants
- Strong academic performance
- Research interest
Coverage
âś” Tuition coverage
âś” Monthly living support
Fields
Varies by university and department.
Selection Criteria
- Solid academic record
- Clear research / study plan
How to Apply
- Secure admission to Finnish university
- Apply for scholarship through their funding office
- Submit strong SOP
Tips
- Align with faculty research to increase competitiveness
🇳🇱 7. Holland Scholarships (Netherlands)
Overview
Merit scholarships for international students from non-EU countries enrolling in Dutch institutions.
Who Can Apply?
- Non-EU study applicants
- Strong academic record
Coverage
✦ Partial funding but often combined with other awards
Fields
All study areas.
Selection Criteria
Merit, motivation.
How to Apply
Apply directly through university scholarship pages.
Tips
Use this as part of a scholarship bundle with other awards.
🇨🇦 8. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Overview
Canada’s most prestigious doctoral scholarship program.
Who Can Apply?
- PhD candidates early in their programs
- Excellent academic record
- Research leadership
Coverage
âś” High stipend (research allowance)
âś” 3 years funding
Fields
Health research, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences.
Selection Criteria
- Academic excellence
- Research leadership potential
How to Apply
Nomination by Canadian university + application.
Tips
Secure reference from professors early.
🇺🇸 9. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
Overview
Highly respected merit scholarship fostering academic exchange.
Who Can Apply?
- Master’s & PhD applicants
- Strong academic history
Coverage
âś” Tuition + living allowance
âś” Travel allowance
âś” Health coverage
Fields
All fields.
Selection Criteria
Academic excellence + leadership + clear goals.
How to Apply
Apply through embassy or binational Fulbright commission.
Tips
Prepare strong essays aligning with program purpose.
🇨🇠10. ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship (Switzerland)
Overview
Awarded to outstanding students at ETH Zurich.
Who Can Apply?
- Master’s or doctoral applicants
- Exceptional academic records
Coverage
âś” Tuition
âś” Living costs (allowance)
Fields
STEM & advanced sciences.
Selection Criteria
Academic excellence + recommendation strength.
How to Apply
Submit through ETH application portal.
Tips
Emphasize technical achievements and research skills.
🇦🇺 11. Australia Awards Scholarships
Overview
Merit-based scholarships for students from Asia-Pacific, Africa.
Who Can Apply?
- Master’s & PhD
- Leadership potential
Coverage
âś” Full tuition
âś” Living allowance
âś” Travel costs
âś” Health insurance
Fields
Development priority fields (education, health, governance)
Selection Criteria
Academic and alignment with development impact.
How to Apply
Apply via official government portal.
Tips
Show link between your Home country development and study
🇪🇸 12. Spanish Government Scholarships
Overview
Awarded to international students in Spanish universities.
Who Can Apply?
Undergraduate, Master’s & PhD
Coverage
Tuition + stipend
Criteria
Academic records
Apply
Through university + government portal
Tips
Learn basic Spanish for added edge
🇰🇷 13. Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP / GKS)
Overview
Fully funded government scholarship for global students
Coverage
Tuition + stipend + travel
Criteria
Academic merit + future potential
How to Apply
Submit through Korean consulate or university
Tips
Strong SOP pointing to Korea’s academic environment
🇯🇵 14. MEXT Scholarships (Japan)
Overview
Japanese government scholarship for long-term study
Coverage
Full tuition + monthly stipend + travel
Criteria
High GPA
Apply
Through embassy + university recommendations
Tips
Show genuine interest in research or specialization
🇦🇹 15. Austrian Government Scholarships
Overview
High-value awards for advanced study
Coverage
Tuition + living
Apply
Through Austrian institutions’ pages
Tips
Show clarity on research goals
đź§ Merit Scholarship Selection Criteria (Common)
| Component | Importance |
|---|---|
| GPA / Academic record | Very High |
| Statement of Purpose | High |
| References | High |
| Leadership / Achievements | Medium to High |
| English or Language Proof | Medium |
đź“… Application Timeline
| Phase | Action |
|---|---|
| 12 Months Before Intake | Research programs + shortlist |
| 9–10 Months Before | Prepare documents + draft SOP |
| 6–8 Months Before | Apply to scholarships |
| 3–5 Months Before | Visa preparation |
| 1–2 Months Before | Arrival planning |
🏆 Tips to MAXIMIZE Success
âś” Maintain strong academics
âś” Build a strategic application plan
âś” Start early
âś” Write tailored SOPs
âś” Ask professors early for references
âś” Follow every guideline meticulously
