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Studying abroad is often seen as a luxury, but for thousands of students every year, it’s made possible through scholarships.

The funding is out there. Governments, universities, and institutions collectively allocate billions of dollars each year in grants, bursaries, and fellowships for international students. The challenge isn’t availability, it’s knowing where to look, how to apply, and how to position yourself.

This guide highlights some of the most well-known and widely accessible scholarships, explains how they work, and helps you understand what to prepare before applying.

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Understanding the Scholarship Landscape

Before diving into specific programs, it’s important to understand how scholarships generally work.

Most funding opportunities fall into one (or more) of these categories:

• Government-funded scholarships
• University-based merit or need-based scholarships
• Program- or field-specific awards
• Regional or nationality-based funding

Some scholarships cover full costs, while others offer partial tuition reductions or living support. Many students successfully combine multiple funding sources rather than relying on a single award.

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Top Scholarships by Country

🇺🇸 United States

Fulbright Foreign Student Program
One of the most recognised international scholarships worldwide. Available for master’s and PhD students, it typically covers tuition, living expenses, and health insurance. Selection is competitive and varies by country.

University-Based Scholarships
Many US universities offer merit or need-based awards for international students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These are usually applied for alongside the degree application.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Chevening Scholarships
Funded by the UK government for one-year master’s degrees. Covers tuition fees and living costs. Applicants are usually expected to demonstrate academic ability, leadership potential, and a clear study plan.

University Scholarships
UK universities frequently offer partial scholarships or fee reductions for international students, especially at the postgraduate level.

🇨🇦 Canada

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Designed for doctoral students demonstrating strong academic performance and research potential. Highly competitive and research-focused.

Institutional Scholarships
Many Canadian universities offer entrance scholarships for international students based on academic merit.

🇦🇺 Australia

Australia Awards Scholarships
Government-funded scholarships aimed at students from selected countries. Often cover tuition, living expenses, and health insurance.

University-Specific Scholarships
Australian universities provide a wide range of partial tuition scholarships for international students across different fields.

🇪🇺 Europe (Germany, France, Netherlands, Italy, Spain)

DAAD (Germany)
One of Europe’s largest scholarship organisations, offering funding for postgraduate and research studies across many disciplines.

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France)
Supports international students pursuing master’s and PhD programs at selected French institutions.

Holland Scholarship (Netherlands)
Available to non-EU students applying to participating Dutch universities, usually as a partial contribution toward study costs.

Country & University Grants
Many European countries offer regional, university-level, or ministry-funded scholarships that vary by institution and program.

🌏 Asia & Middle East

MEXT Scholarship (Japan)
A government scholarship for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students. Covers tuition and provides a living allowance.

Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
Available for undergraduate and postgraduate study at approved Chinese universities.

UAE University Scholarships
Many institutions in the UAE offer merit-based or need-based scholarships for international students, particularly at private universities and branch campuses.

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What Do Scholarships Usually Cover?

Scholarship coverage varies widely. Some may include:

• Full or partial tuition fees
• Monthly living allowances
• Accommodation support
• Health insurance
• Travel or settlement support

It’s important to read each scholarship’s terms carefully to understand what is and isn’t included.

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How Competitive Are Scholarships?

Most international scholarships are competitive, especially government-funded ones. Selection criteria often consider:

• Academic performance
• Relevance of your chosen program
• Motivation and study plans
• Leadership or extracurricular experience

Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee selection, but strong preparation can significantly improve your chances.

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When Should You Apply?

Scholarship deadlines often fall months before academic intakes.

General tips:

• Start researching at least 9–12 months in advance
• Prepare documents early (CV, transcripts, references, personal statements)
• Track deadlines carefully — many are strict

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Common Scholarship Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying at the last minute
• Ignoring eligibility criteria
• Reusing the same personal statement for every application
• Overlooking smaller or university-specific scholarships
• Assuming scholarships are only for “top students”

Many scholarships are awarded based on fit and clarity, not just grades.

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Final Thoughts

Scholarships can make studying abroad more accessible, but they require planning, organisation, and realistic expectations. While not every student receives full funding, many successfully reduce their overall costs through partial awards and university grants.

Understanding your options early and preparing strong applications can make a meaningful difference.

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How Everly Can Help

At Everly Global, we help students:

• Identify scholarships aligned with their profile and destination
• Prepare clear, structured scholarship applications
• Understand how scholarships fit into overall study planning
• Combine funding options where possible

Our role is to guide you through the process with clarity, so you can focus on choosing the right academic path.

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