Pursuing a master’s degree abroad can offer students invaluable academic, cultural, and professional experiences. However, the costs associated with international study can be a barrier for many. Fortunately, there are numerous scholarships available for international students that can make this dream a reality.
Below, we detail ten of the most prestigious master’s scholarships for the 2024-2025 academic year, providing you with crucial information on eligibility, benefits, and application deadlines.
If you’re an international student with academic ambition and a commitment to your field, one of these scholarships could be your ticket to a fully-funded education.
10 Masters Scholarships for International Students 2024-2025
1. Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom)
The Chevening Scholarship is one of the UK’s most renowned scholarships, funded by the British government. It supports international students with leadership potential to pursue a one-year master’s degree in any field at any UK university. Chevening aims to cultivate future leaders, influencers, and decision-makers worldwide.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Must have at least two years of work experience.
- Must return to your home country for a minimum of two years after completing your studies.
- Demonstrated leadership and networking skills are essential.
- Scholarship Benefits:
- The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel costs, a monthly living stipend, and other allowances.
- Application Deadline:
- Applications open in August and close in November each year.
2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (European Union)
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) program is a prestigious European Union scholarship that provides fully funded scholarships to students from around the globe. The program allows students to study in multiple countries across Europe, offering a unique cultural and academic experience.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Open to students from any country.
- Requires a bachelor’s degree and language proficiency, often in English.
- Scholarship Benefits:
- Covers participation costs, travel expenses, and living allowances.
- Allows students to experience various cultures and academic environments.
- Application Deadline:
- Deadlines vary based on specific programs, typically from October to January.
3. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (United States)
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships worldwide, enabling international students to study in the United States. Managed by the U.S. Department of State, it supports students pursuing graduate studies in a wide range of fields.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Leadership skills and a strong academic record are required.
- Scholarship Benefits:
- Covers tuition, monthly stipends, health insurance, and travel expenses to and from the U.S.
- Application Deadline:
- Applications generally open in March and close in September. Deadlines may vary by country.
4. Commonwealth Scholarships (United Kingdom)
The Commonwealth Scholarship program provides financial support to students from Commonwealth nations who would otherwise be unable to study in the UK. It aims to support individuals committed to making a positive difference in their home countries.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country.
- A minimum upper second-class undergraduate degree is typically required.
- Scholarship Benefits:
- Covers tuition fees, living expenses, airfare, and research grants where applicable.
- Application Deadline:
- Applications usually open around August and close in December.
5. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a variety of scholarships for international students wishing to study in Germany. These scholarships are available for many master’s programs, particularly those focused on sustainable development and innovation.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and two years of work experience.
- English or German language proficiency, depending on the program.
- Scholarship Benefits:
- Covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel allowances, and health insurance.
- Application Deadline:
- Deadlines vary depending on the course and institution, typically between October and December.
6. Australia Awards Scholarships
The Australia Awards Scholarships are offered by the Australian government to students from Asia, the Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East. These scholarships focus on promoting education for sustainable development and supporting students in fields that contribute to growth and stability in their home countries.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be citizens of eligible countries across Asia, the Pacific, Africa, or the Middle East.
- Must meet specific academic and English proficiency requirements.
- Scholarship Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage, return air travel, establishment allowance, living expenses, and health insurance.
- Application Deadline:
- Applications open in February and close in April annually.
7. Rotary Peace Fellowships
Rotary International provides fully funded fellowships to students pursuing master’s degrees in peace and conflict resolution. The program is available at select universities around the world, aimed at building future leaders committed to fostering global peace.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must have at least three years of full-time work experience in a related field.
- Proficiency in English and strong leadership abilities.
- Scholarship Benefits:
- Covers tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and internship opportunities.
- Application Deadline:
- Applications open in February and close in May each year.
8. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships support international students interested in pursuing master’s or research-based degrees in Switzerland. This program fosters international collaboration by attracting talented individuals to Swiss institutions.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- A bachelor’s degree is required.
- Must submit a research proposal for research-based programs.
- Scholarship Benefits:
- Covers tuition fees, monthly stipends, health insurance, airfare, and housing allowance.
- Application Deadline:
- Deadlines vary by country, typically between September and December.
9. Gates Cambridge Scholarships (United Kingdom)
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most esteemed scholarships worldwide, established by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. It supports outstanding students from outside the UK to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Cambridge.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving lives globally.
- A strong academic background is essential.
- Scholarship Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage, living expenses, travel allowances, and funds for professional development.
- Application Deadline:
- Typically falls in early December for international applicants.
10. Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship
The MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology) scholarships offer international students a chance to study in Japan. These scholarships cover a wide range of disciplines for master’s degrees, providing recipients with substantial support.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be under 35 years of age.
- A bachelor’s degree is required.
- Scholarship Benefits:
- Full tuition, monthly living stipend, airfare, and travel allowances.
- Application Deadline:
- Deadlines vary by country but generally open in April and close by June.
Conclusion
These ten scholarships offer substantial financial support, enabling talented international students to pursue their master’s degrees without the burden of excessive costs.
Whether you aim to study in Europe, North America, Asia, or Australia, these programs provide opportunities to learn in prestigious institutions, develop professionally, and build global networks.
By researching these scholarships and carefully preparing your applications, you can increase your chances of securing a place in one of these highly competitive programs. Pursuing one of these scholarships could be the key to advancing your education, career, and impact on the world.