What does a fully funded scholarship mean? A guide for international students

January 5th, 2023 by IEFA

Studying in an international institution is a dream that millions of students strive for, but it’s not always easy to access the resources needed to make this dream a reality.

The rising cost of education and other related college fees is an important factor to consider, which can discourage potential students from pursuing the opportunity of studying abroad.

Luckily, there are scholarships and financial aid available that can help to cover educational costs. Fully funded scholarships for international students offer an opportunity to attend school without having to worry about covering tuition, fees, room, and board, or other related expenses. University international offices often assist international students by providing support and guidance on application requirements and eligibility criteria.

Let’s learn more about some of the fully funded scholarships and how can increase your chances of being awarded one

What is a fully funded scholarship?

A fully funded scholarship is one that covers the entire cost of educational expenses for an international student. This type of scholarship can include tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, travel costs to and from school, as well as any other related costs. Financial aid offices play a crucial role in guiding students through the application process, helping them identify eligible scholarships and providing valuable resources to enhance their chances of receiving funding.

Fully funded scholarships are highly competitive due to their value and because they are limited in number. To be eligible for a fully funded scholarship, students must meet certain criteria, such as academic excellence, leadership skills, and a commitment to the field of study.

Benefits and eligibility

Fully funded scholarships offer numerous benefits to international students, making the dream of studying abroad more attainable. These scholarships cover a wide range of expenses, including tuition fees, living expenses, and other related costs, ensuring that students can focus on their studies without financial worries. Additionally, fully funded scholarships provide opportunities for academic and personal growth, allowing students to access top-ranked universities and programs around the world.

One of the significant advantages of fully funded scholarships is the networking opportunities they offer. Students can connect with peers and professionals from diverse backgrounds, enhancing their global perspective and building valuable relationships. Moreover, these scholarships often come with mentorship programs and internship opportunities, further boosting students’ career prospects.

To be eligible for a fully funded scholarship, international students typically need to meet specific criteria. Academic merit is a crucial factor, with scholarship providers looking for a strong academic record, including high grades and standardized test scores. Language proficiency is also essential, as students must demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction, such as English.

Financial need is another common eligibility criterion, with many scholarships aimed at students with limited financial resources. Additionally, some scholarships are restricted to students from specific countries or regions, while others are tailored to certain fields of study, such as STEM or humanities. By meeting these criteria, students can increase their chances of securing a fully funded scholarship and achieving their academic goals.

What can I expect from a fully funded scholarship for international students?

Fully funded scholarships can provide students with an opportunity to study abroad without having to worry about financing their education. Students who are awarded a fully funded scholarship will be able to attend the university of their dreams and have the support they need while earning their degree.

Fully funded scholarships are typically granted by the government or private organizations, such as foundations or corporations. These scholarships cater specifically to both domestic and international students, illustrating the importance of these programs in fostering cultural exchange and education. The amount of money given may vary from one scholarship to another, so it’s important to look into the details and terms of each scholarship before applying.

In addition to financial support, fully funded scholarships for international students can also provide additional resources such as mentorship programs and internship opportunities that can help students succeed throughout their studies and build their careers.

The level of study masters, Ph.D., and undergraduate determines the type of scholarship and amount awarded.

Types of scholarship programs

There are various types of scholarship programs available to international students, each designed to support students in different ways. Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students based on their academic achievements and potential. These scholarships recognize students’ hard work and dedication, providing financial support to help them continue their studies.

Need-based scholarships, on the other hand, are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need or limited financial resources. These scholarships aim to level the playing field, ensuring that talented students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue higher education.

Fully funded scholarships are the most comprehensive, covering all expenses, including tuition fees, living expenses, and other related costs. These scholarships provide complete financial support, allowing students to focus entirely on their studies. Partially funded scholarships, while not covering all expenses, still offer significant financial assistance, helping to reduce the overall cost of education.

Research grants are another type of scholarship program, providing funding for research projects and academic advancements. These grants support students in conducting important research, contributing to their field of study and gaining valuable experience.

Work-study programs combine work and study opportunities, allowing students to earn money while gaining practical experience. These programs provide financial support and help students develop essential skills for their future careers.

Some popular scholarship programs for international students include Fulbright Scholarships, Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, DAAD Scholarships, and Erasmus Mundus Scholarships. These programs offer a range of benefits and opportunities, including academic and personal growth, networking opportunities, and enhanced career prospects. By exploring these scholarship programs, international students can find the support they need to achieve their educational goals.

Top 20 fully funded scholarships for international students

Here are the top 20 fully funded scholarships for international students:

1. Chevening Scholarship UK (Masters)

2. Yale University Scholarships USA(Undergraduate, Masters, PhD)

3. DAAD Scholarship Germany (Masters and Ph.D.)

4. MIT Financial Aids USA (Bachelor)

5. Fulbright Scholarships USA (Masters and Ph.D.)

6. Monash University Scholarships Australia (Masters and Ph.D.)

7. Gates Cambridge Scholarships UK (Masters and Ph.D.)

8. Stanford University Scholarships USA (Masters and Ph.D.)

9. Harvard University Scholarships USA (Bachelor)

10. Yale University Scholarships USA (Bachelor)

11. Columbia University Scholarships Canada(Bachelor)

12. Chinese Government Scholarships China (Masters, Ph.D., and Bachelor)

13. MEXT Scholarship Japan (Masters, Ph.D., and Bachelor)

14. ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarship Switzerland (Masters)

15. Netherlands Government Scholarships Netherlands (Masters)

16. KAIST University Undergraduate Scholarship South Korea (Bachelor)

17. Simmons University Kotzen Scholarships UK (Bachelor)

18. Muhammad Bin Zaid University Scholarship Dubai, UAE (Masters and Ph.D.)

19. Ton Duc Thang University Graduate Scholarships Vietnam (Masters and Ph.D.)

20. GIST Scholarships South Korea (Masters)

Top tips to get a fully funded scholarship

So now that we know a bit more about the top 20 fully funded scholarships for international students, here are some tips to help you increase your chances of being awarded one of these scholarship opportunities.

You have to remember that the completion of fully funded scholarships is fierce. Even the level of study undergraduate and postgraduate have a lot of applicants. So these tips are here to help you stand out and make the most of your applications:

1. Research thoroughly

The first thing you want to do is to research thoroughly about the scholarships. It is crucial to explore scholarships specifically designed for international undergraduate students, as they often have unique eligibility criteria and benefits. You should read all the information about it, know who is offering it, what are their criteria, and if you meet them or not. This will help you when you are preparing your application.

2. Highlight your achievements:

When you are putting together your application, make sure that you include all the awards, certificates, and achievements you have achieved in your academic career so far. Doing this will help to show the scholarship providers that you are a capable and deserving student who is worth investing in.

3. Check the requirements:

Different scholarships have different requirements. Before you apply, make sure that you are meeting all of them as not meeting even one could mean the rejection of your application. If you find that you are not eligible for a certain scholarship, you should not waste time applying for it.

4. Focus on your grades

The higher your grades are the higher your chances of getting a fully funded scholarship. Additionally, make sure that you are on track with the classes that are required to attend the university you want to go to.

5. Work on your extra curricular activities:

Many fully funded scholarships also look at the extracurricular activities you do. Not only should you focus on your studies, but also make sure that you are joining and participating in different activities such as sports, volunteering, or leadership roles. Doing this will show that you are an all-around student and a good candidate for the scholarship.

6. Apply for multiple scholarships:

Make sure that you are applying to as many scholarships as possible. This will increase your chances of getting one and you never know which one could be the one for you. Do note, however, that each scholarship requires additional preparation so make sure not to apply for too many at once.

7. Talk to the college authorities

If you want to study in a particular college, then it is highly recommended that you talk to the college authorities. Even if you are not, it is always a good idea to learn from the experts. Ask them about scholarships and other opportunities they might have for international students. This could open a lot of chances for you as many colleges provide their own set of scholarships as well.

Conclusion

So there you have it! These are the top 20 fully funded scholarships for international students, along with some tips to help you increase your chances of getting a fully funded scholarship. We hope you find this article useful, thanks for reading!