Financing a full academic program—especially over multiple years—can be a daunting challenge for students. While winning a scholarship is a big achievement, the burden of reapplying each year can be equally stressful. That’s why automatically renewable scholarships are game-changers. These scholarships typically provide financial support for the entire duration of your studies, so long as certain academic or enrollment conditions are met.
Whether you're an undergraduate or graduate student, earning a scholarship that renews on its own means more time focusing on your studies and less worrying about next year’s tuition. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 scholarships that renew automatically, covering eligibility, benefits, and application tips.
What Is an Automatically Renewable Scholarship?
An automatically renewable scholarship is a financial award that continues beyond the initial academic year without requiring a new application each time. Renewal usually depends on:
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Maintaining a minimum GPA (e.g., 2.5 to 3.5)
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Full-time enrollment
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Satisfactory academic progress
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Compliance with university policies
Some may also have service or community engagement components, but these conditions are generally straightforward.
Why They Matter
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Financial predictability over 2–4 years
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Reduced application burden
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Motivation to maintain academic performance
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More competitive resume for graduate school or job applications
Now, let’s dive into the top 10 automatically renewable scholarships available in 2025.
1. Holland Scholarship (Netherlands)
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Who It's For: Non-EEA international students
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Covers: €5,000 in the first year, but many Dutch universities now offer renewable options based on academic performance.
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Duration: Up to full degree (if conditions met)
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Renewal Condition: Maintain academic performance and full-time enrollment
Pro Tip: Apply directly to Dutch universities participating in the program that offer extensions or renewals beyond the initial year.
2. Stamps Scholarship (USA)
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Who It's For: High-achieving U.S. and international undergraduates
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Covers: Full tuition, fees, room and board, enrichment funds
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Duration: 4 years
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Renewal Condition: Maintain satisfactory academic progress and full-time status
Top Universities Offering Stamps: University of Georgia, University of Miami, Purdue University
This is one of the most generous scholarships in the U.S. and includes leadership development opportunities.
3. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (Canada)
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Who It's For: International students applying to the University of Toronto
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Covers: Full tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence
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Duration: 4 years (renewable)
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Renewal Condition: Good academic standing and enrollment in a full-time program
Why It Stands Out: One of Canada’s most competitive and prestigious international awards.
4. Australian Awards Scholarships (Australia)
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Who It's For: Students from eligible developing countries
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Covers: Full tuition, living allowance, establishment allowance, health insurance, and airfare
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Duration: Full degree duration (undergraduate or postgraduate)
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Renewal Condition: Academic progress and visa compliance
The program renews automatically if students meet their academic and conduct requirements. Many recipients also get internship opportunities.
5. Oasis Scholarship (India – Government of West Bengal)
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Who It's For: SC/ST/OBC students in West Bengal
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Covers: Tuition, maintenance allowance
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Duration: Up to postgraduate level
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Renewal Condition: Promotion to the next academic year and minimum attendance
The online platform makes it easy for beneficiaries to maintain eligibility, and funds are transferred directly to the student’s bank account.
6. Merit-Based Scholarships – University of Alabama (USA)
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Who It's For: U.S. and international undergraduates with strong GPAs and SAT/ACT scores
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Covers: $6,000–$28,000 per year depending on academic achievement
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Duration: 4 years
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Renewal Condition: 3.0 GPA and full-time enrollment
Why Apply: The university offers one of the most robust packages for merit-based international aid with guaranteed renewal.
7. Think Big Scholarships – University of Bristol (UK)
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Who It's For: International students for undergraduate or postgraduate programs
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Covers: £5,000–£20,000 in tuition fee waivers
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Duration: Renewable annually for 3–4 years
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Renewal Condition: Academic progress and confirmation from the faculty
Bristol is one of the UK's leading research universities and provides generous support for long-term international students.
8. Gates Millennium Scholars Program (USA)
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Who It's For: Minority students from low-income households
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Covers: Full tuition, fees, books, and living expenses
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Duration: Undergraduate + graduate programs
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Renewal Condition: Minimum GPA and full-time enrollment
While the original Gates Millennium Program closed, successor programs like the Gates Scholarship continue offering renewable funding for exceptional students.
9. Swedish Institute Scholarships (Sweden)
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Who It's For: Citizens of select countries applying to Swedish universities
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Covers: Full tuition, living costs, travel grant, and insurance
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Duration: Full master’s program (1–2 years)
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Renewal Condition: Academic progress and continuous enrollment
SI scholarships are known for their leadership and sustainability focus, making them ideal for students interested in social impact.
10. TÜBİTAK Scholarships (Turkey)
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Who It's For: International postgraduate students in science, engineering, or technology fields
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Covers: Full tuition, monthly stipend, travel allowance
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Duration: 2–4 years
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Renewal Condition: Satisfactory academic performance and research updates
Turkey offers growing opportunities in English-medium postgraduate programs, and TÜBİTAK is one of the leading funders for STEM fields.
Key Advantages of Automatically Renewable Scholarships
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| No reapplication needed | Saves time and reduces stress each year |
| Multi-year coverage | Provides financial stability for entire study duration |
| Encourages performance | Motivates students to maintain strong academic records |
| Institutional support | Often comes with academic advising and mentoring |
Tips for Maintaining Renewal Eligibility
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Keep GPA High: Most scholarships require a minimum cumulative GPA.
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Stay Enrolled Full-Time: Dropping to part-time status may disqualify you.
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Follow Deadlines: Some require progress reports or annual updates.
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Avoid Disciplinary Issues: Maintain good conduct as many scholarships include behavioral clauses.