Education knows no borders—and thankfully, neither do scholarships. Around the world, governments, universities, and private organizations offer a wide range of country-specific scholarships to support local and international students in pursuing higher education.

Whether you're dreaming of studying in the USA, UK, Germany, Canada, Australia, or Japan, there are scholarships designed to help ease the financial burden and reward academic excellence, leadership, or personal need.

In this article, we explore top scholarships offered by different countries, their benefits, and how you can apply for them.

Top Scholarships by Country

United States

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

Offers fully funded scholarships for international students to study in the U.S.

Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship

A non-degree program for mid-career professionals.

Gates Millennium Scholars Program (for U.S. citizens)

United Kingdom

Chevening Scholarships

UK government-funded scholarships for one-year master’s programs.

Commonwealth Scholarships

For students from developing Commonwealth nations.

Rhodes Scholarships

Fully funded scholarships for study at the University of Oxford.

Canada

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships

Offered by the University of Toronto to exceptional international students.

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

For doctoral studies in Canada.

Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program

Australia

Australia Awards Scholarships

For students from developing countries to study in Australia.

Research Training Program (RTP)

Offers support for postgraduate research degrees.

Destination Australia Scholarships

Germany

DAAD Scholarships

Offers full scholarships for international students pursuing graduate and doctoral studies.

Deutschlandstipendium

Merit-based scholarships for both local and international students.

France

Eiffel Excellence Scholarships

For international students pursuing master’s or PhD programs.

École Normale Supérieure International Selection

Highly competitive scholarships for postgraduate studies.

Japan

MEXT Scholarships

Government-funded scholarships covering tuition, living costs, and travel.

JASSO Scholarships

For short-term and exchange students.

New Zealand

New Zealand Scholarships

For students from selected developing countries.

University-specific scholarships

Like those from the University of Auckland or University of Otago.

Netherlands

Holland Scholarship

Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education.

Orange Tulip Scholarship

For students from select countries.

Sweden

Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)

Offers fully funded master’s scholarships.

How to Apply for Country-Specific Scholarships

Visit official government or university websites

Check eligibility requirements (some are country- or subject-specific)

Prepare key documents: transcripts, passport, language scores, recommendation letters, essays

Meet deadlines and apply early

Prepare for interviews, if required

Conclusion

Scholarships are not just financial aids—they are gateways to opportunity, helping students from all backgrounds access world-class education. Whether you're pursuing undergraduate, master’s, or PhD studies, there’s likely a scholarship in almost every country that matches your goals.

Do your research, stay organized, and apply confidently. With determination and preparation, studying abroad or advancing your education at home is well within your reach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are these scholarships available every year?

Yes, most country-based scholarships are offered annually, though deadlines and criteria may change year to year.

Can I apply to more than one country’s scholarship at once?

Absolutely. You can apply to multiple scholarships in different countries, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.

Do I need to know the local language?

Not always. Many scholarships (especially in Europe and Asia) offer programs in English, but some require proof of local language proficiency.

What if I don't have a perfect GPA?

Not all scholarships are based solely on academic performance. Some focus on leadership, community service, or financial need.