Pursuing higher education abroad can be a life-changing experience—but it often comes with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, many governments around the world are investing in international talent by offering fully funded scholarships that cover tuition, living expenses, travel, and more. These government-funded scholarships are typically merit-based and designed to attract top students from around the world, supporting academic excellence and international cooperation.
In this comprehensive 2025 guide, we’ll explore the best fully funded government scholarships by country, outlining what they offer, who is eligible, and how to apply. Whether you're a high-achieving student from a developing country or a professional seeking a postgraduate degree, these scholarships can open doors to prestigious institutions—with zero cost to you.
1. Germany – DAAD Scholarships
Program: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Level: Master’s and PhD
Eligibility: International students from developing and emerging countries
Fields: All disciplines, with priority for development-related fields
Benefits:
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Full tuition at German public universities (many are already tuition-free)
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Monthly living stipend (€934 for master’s, €1,300+ for PhD)
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Travel allowance
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Health insurance
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Research and thesis support
Why It’s Great: DAAD is one of the largest and most respected scholarship organizations in the world, offering hundreds of programs every year.
🇬🇧 2. United Kingdom – Chevening Scholarships
Program: UK Government’s Global Scholarship Programme
Level: One-year Master’s degrees
Eligibility: Citizens from over 160 eligible countries
Fields: Open to all fields at any UK university
Benefits:
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Full tuition fees
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Monthly stipend
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Travel costs
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Visa fees
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Arrival and departure allowances
Why It’s Great: Chevening Scholars join an elite alumni network and gain access to leadership training and global opportunities.
🇨🇦 3. Canada – Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Program: Vanier CGS
Level: Doctoral (PhD)
Eligibility: Canadian and international students
Fields: Health, social sciences, engineering, and humanities
Benefits:
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CAD $50,000 per year for three years
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Can be used at top Canadian universities
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Additional support for research and mobility
Why It’s Great: Highly competitive and prestigious, this scholarship targets world-class doctoral students with leadership potential.
🇺🇸 4. United States – Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Program: Fulbright Program
Level: Master’s and PhD
Eligibility: International students from over 160 countries
Fields: Open to all disciplines
Benefits:
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Full tuition and fees
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Monthly stipend
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Travel and relocation costs
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Health insurance
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Research and conference funding
Why It’s Great: Fulbright is one of the oldest and most recognized scholarships in the world, fostering international exchange and leadership.
🇹🇷 5. Turkey – Türkiye Bursları
Program: Turkey Scholarships
Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD
Eligibility: Open to all nationalities (except Turkish citizens)
Fields: Wide range of academic fields, including science, arts, engineering, and humanities
Benefits:
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Tuition waiver
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Monthly stipend
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Free university accommodation
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Health insurance
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Turkish language training
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Round-trip airfare
Why It’s Great: Covers everything you need to live and study in Turkey, with cultural integration and language support included.
🇨🇳 6. China – Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
Program: CSC Scholarships
Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD
Eligibility: International students from over 180 countries
Fields: Available in science, engineering, business, medicine, arts, and more
Benefits:
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Full tuition
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Monthly allowance (CNY 3,000+ for master’s, CNY 3,500+ for PhD)
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Accommodation or housing subsidy
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Comprehensive health insurance
Why It’s Great: Offers access to top Chinese universities and supports long-term academic growth in a fast-developing country.
🇯🇵 7. Japan – MEXT Scholarships
Program: Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship
Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, and Doctoral
Eligibility: International students recommended through embassies or universities
Fields: Science, technology, education, social sciences, humanities
Benefits:
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Full tuition coverage
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Monthly stipend (¥117,000+)
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Round-trip airfare
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Japanese language courses (if required)
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Accommodation assistance
Why It’s Great: A complete package to study in Japan, with strong emphasis on academic excellence and cultural immersion.
🇫🇷 8. France – Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
Program: Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence
Level: Master’s and PhD
Eligibility: Students from developing countries
Fields: Engineering, law, political science, economics, and management
Benefits:
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Monthly stipend (€1,181 for master’s, €1,700 for PhD)
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International travel
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Health insurance
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Cultural activities and housing help
Why It’s Great: Specifically designed to attract top global talent to French universities.
🇸🇦 9. Saudi Arabia – King Abdulaziz University Scholarships
Program: KAU Fully Funded Scholarships
Level: Master’s and PhD
Eligibility: International students
Fields: Science, engineering, computing, business, and more
Benefits:
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Full tuition coverage
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Monthly allowance
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Free accommodation
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Health care
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Round-trip tickets
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Research and conference funds
Why It’s Great: Strong financial and academic support for international students in a research-driven environment.
🇷🇺 10. Russia – Open Doors Scholarship Project
Program: Russian Government Scholarship via “Open Doors” Olympiad
Level: Master’s and PhD
Eligibility: International students
Fields: Mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, and more
Benefits:
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Full tuition
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Support for relocation
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Language preparation courses (if needed)
Why It’s Great: Access to leading Russian universities with emphasis on academic competition and excellence.
📝 How to Apply for Government Scholarships
1. Research Early
Many applications open 6–12 months before academic year starts. Bookmark official pages and set reminders.
2. Meet the Requirements
Common requirements include:
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Academic transcripts
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Proof of English or native language proficiency
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Research proposals (for graduate-level)
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Motivation letters and recommendation letters
3. Apply via Official Channels
Use government portals, university pages, or embassies. Avoid third-party agents unless officially endorsed.
4. Tailor Every Application
Customize your essays and documentation based on each scholarship’s values, such as leadership, development impact, or academic rigor.
🔍 Tips to Boost Your Chances
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Maintain a strong GPA or academic record.
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Gain relevant volunteer, internship, or leadership experience.
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Prepare for required language exams (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.).
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Apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously.
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Ask for recommendation letters well in advance.