As international education continues to expand, many countries have developed scholarship programs to attract global talent, boost cultural exchange, and strengthen international ties. These country-specific scholarships are either fully or partially funded and are offered by national governments, universities, and public organizations to help international students pursue undergraduate, master’s, or PhD studies. In 2025, students have more opportunities than ever to study abroad with financial support based on their destination of choice.
This article highlights the top country-specific scholarships in 2025, their benefits, eligibility requirements, and application timelines for key study destinations such as Canada, the UK, Australia, the USA, Germany, China, and more.
1. Canada
🇨🇦 Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Level: PhD
- Coverage: CAD $50,000/year for 3 years
- Eligibility: PhD students with academic excellence, leadership skills, and research potential
- Deadline: November
🇨🇦 Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
- Level: Undergraduate
- Coverage: Full tuition, books, incidental fees, residence for four years
- Eligibility: Exceptional students from outside Canada
- Deadline: November (nomination), January (application)
🇨🇦 Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
- Level: Doctoral
- Coverage: Tuition, travel allowance, annual stipend of CAD $40,000
- Eligibility: PhD students in humanities and social sciences
- Deadline: February
2. United Kingdom
🇬🇧 Chevening Scholarships
- Level: Master’s
- Coverage: Full tuition, airfare, monthly stipend, visa fees
- Eligibility: Leadership potential, two years’ work experience, from Chevening-eligible countries
- Deadline: November
🇬🇧 Commonwealth Scholarships
- Level: Master’s and PhD
- Coverage: Tuition, airfare, monthly stipend, thesis grants
- Eligibility: Citizens of Commonwealth countries
- Deadline: December
🇬🇧 Scotland Saltire Scholarships
- Level: Master’s
- Coverage: £8,000 towards tuition fees
- Eligibility: Students from selected countries (e.g., India, Pakistan, Nigeria)
- Deadline: May
3. Australia
🇦🇺 Australia Awards Scholarships
- Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
- Coverage: Full tuition, airfare, monthly stipend, establishment allowance
- Eligibility: Citizens of selected developing countries
- Deadline: April
🇦🇺 University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships
- Level: Master’s, PhD
- Coverage: Full tuition, health insurance, living allowance
- Eligibility: High-achieving international applicants
- Deadline: Ongoing
🇦🇺 University of Sydney International Scholarship
- Level: Postgraduate
- Coverage: Tuition fees, living stipend (~AUD $37,000/year)
- Eligibility: Outstanding academic performance
- Deadline: Ongoing rounds
4. United States
🇺🇸 Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- Level: Master’s, PhD
- Coverage: Full tuition, living expenses, travel, insurance
- Eligibility: Academic merit and leadership; available in 155+ countries
- Deadline: Varies by country
🇺🇸 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
- Level: Non-degree (Professional Development)
- Coverage: Living allowance, tuition, travel, insurance
- Eligibility: Mid-career professionals from developing countries
- Deadline: October (varies)
🇺🇸 Yale University Need-Based Scholarships
- Level: Undergraduate
- Coverage: Up to 100% of demonstrated need
- Eligibility: International students demonstrating financial need
- Deadline: January
5. Germany
🇩🇪 DAAD Scholarships
- Level: Master’s, PhD
- Coverage: Full tuition, €850–€1,200 monthly stipend, travel, insurance
- Eligibility: Graduates with at least two years of experience (for postgraduate programs)
- Deadline: Varies by program (Aug–Oct)
🇩🇪 Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
- Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
- Coverage: Monthly stipend, travel allowance, study costs
- Eligibility: International students with strong academic and social engagement
- Deadline: March, September
6. China
🇨🇳 Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
- Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
- Coverage: Full tuition, accommodation, stipend, medical insurance
- Eligibility: Non-Chinese citizens; based on academic merit
- Deadline: March–April
🇨🇳 Confucius Institute Scholarships
- Level: Undergraduate and postgraduate in Chinese language studies
- Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, stipend
- Eligibility: Applicants with HSK exam scores or a background in Chinese studies
- Deadline: May
7. Netherlands
🇳🇱 Holland Scholarship
- Level: Bachelor’s and Master’s
- Coverage: €5,000 for first year
- Eligibility: Non-EEA students applying to Dutch universities
- Deadline: February–May
🇳🇱 Orange Tulip Scholarship
- Level: Bachelor’s and Master’s
- Coverage: Partial to full tuition
- Eligibility: Students from specific countries (e.g., Brazil, China, India, Vietnam)
- Deadline: April
8. South Korea
🇰🇷 Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
- Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
- Coverage: Full tuition, monthly allowance, travel, medical insurance, language training
- Eligibility: Non-Korean citizens; academic merit
- Deadline: March (Grad), October (Undergrad)
9. France
🇫🇷 Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program
- Level: Master’s and PhD
- Coverage: Monthly allowance, travel, insurance (tuition not covered)
- Eligibility: Students under 30 (Master’s) or 35 (PhD); academic excellence
- Deadline: January (through host institution)
10. Japan
🇯🇵 MEXT Scholarship
- Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
- Coverage: Tuition, monthly allowance, travel, language training
- Eligibility: International students applying via embassy or university recommendation
- Deadline: May–July
How to Choose the Right Country-Specific Scholarship
- Identify your destination country and check which scholarships are open to your nationality.
- Review the scholarship’s focus: development goals, research, leadership, or public service.
- Compare coverage: some are fully funded, others offer partial support.
- Check the language of instruction: ensure you meet the language requirements.
- Prepare documents: some countries require special forms, recommendation letters, or specific tests.
Application Tips
- Apply early and keep track of all deadlines
- Prepare all documents in advance: passport, transcripts, essays, and recommendations
- Tailor your personal statement to the goals of the host country
- Contact universities in your target country directly if unsure about eligibility
- Practice for interviews if shortlisted
Conclusion
Country-specific scholarships for international students in 2025 offer incredible opportunities to study in some of the world’s best education systems—tuition-free or with major financial support. Whether you aim to study in Canada, the UK, China, Australia, or Germany, there are programs tailored to help you succeed. Start preparing your application now to secure your spot and achieve your international education dream.