Best Scholarships for International Students (2023-2024)

Getting best scholarships is the dream of every international student. One of the things that can make it stressful is the requirement to take an English proficiency exam like the IELTS or TOEFL. These English language exams are expensive, time-consuming and also can be frustrating if you don’t score as you’d hoped. In this article, we have compiled a list of best scholarships for international students (2023-2024).

Fulbright Scholarships

Fulbright Scholarships are prestigious awards that provide funding for graduate studies, research, and teaching in the United States for international students. The scholarship program is designed to promote mutual understanding and cultural exchange between the United States and other countries. Fulbright Scholarships covers tuition fees, living expenses and health insurance for the duration of the program. Applicants must have completed their undergraduate degree or equivalent and demonstrate a strong academic record, leadership potential, and a commitment to community service.

It is among the best scholarships for international students, where applicants must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English. Applicants whose native language is not English must submit a valid English proficiency test score, such as TOEFL, IELTS, or another equivalent test.

The application period for the Fulbright Scholarship typically opens in the spring of the previous year. Interested students should check the program’s website for specific deadlines and eligibility requirements.

Chevening Scholarships

Chevening Scholarships provide full funding for international students who wish to pursue a graduate degree at a UK university. The scholarship program is designed to promote leadership, innovation, and academic excellence with the aim of developing a global network of future leaders who will contribute to positive change in their home countries. Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic record, leadership potential and a commitment to community service. It is among the best scholarships for international students that covers tuition fees, living expenses and travel costs for the duration of the program.

The application period for the Chevening Scholarship typically opens in August and closes in November, and interested students should check the program’s website for specific deadlines and eligibility requirements.

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

Gates Cambridge Scholarships provide full funding for international students who wish to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses and travel costs for the duration of the program.

Applicants must have a strong academic record, leadership potential and a commitment to community service. The application period for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship typically opens in September and closes in December. Interested students should check the program’s website for specific deadlines and eligibility requirements.

Erasmus Mundus Scholarships

Erasmus Mundus Scholarships are highly esteemed awards that provide financial support to international students seeking to pursue a graduate degree in Europe. The scholarship program aims to foster academic excellence and promote cross-cultural understanding in order to develop a global network of future leaders who will make a positive impact in their home countries. The scholarship covers the cost of tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs throughout the duration of the program, and in certain cases, a monthly stipend may also be provided.

While an IELTS score may not always be necessary, a high level of proficiency in English or the language of instruction for the chosen program is essential. The application period for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship usually opens in October and closes in January, and potential candidates should refer to the program’s website for specific deadlines and eligibility criteria.

Commonwealth Scholarships

Commonwealth Scholarships offer financial support to international students who desire to pursue a postgraduate degree in the United Kingdom. The scholarship program’s primary goal is to cultivate leadership, innovation, and academic excellence to create a global network of future leaders who will contribute positively to their respective countries. The scholarship covers the expenses of tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs throughout the program’s duration.

Applicants should hold citizenship of a Commonwealth country and must demonstrate exceptional academic abilities, leadership skills, and a commitment to community service. Though not mandatory, applicants should have excellent proficiency in English. The application window for the Commonwealth Scholarship opens in August and closes in October, and candidates should visit the program’s website for specific deadlines and eligibility requirements.

The is among the best scholarships for international students, applicable across various academic disciplines, such as social sciences, engineering, natural sciences and humanities among others. It’s essential to note that the Commonwealth Scholarship program is fiercely competitive, and the scholarship providers evaluate applicants based on their academic potential and their ability to make a positive impact in their home countries after graduation.

DAAD Scholarships

The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) Scholarship is a program that provides funding to international students who wish to pursue a graduate degree or conduct research in Germany. The program is designed to promote academic exchange and international understanding, with the aim of developing a network of future leaders who will contribute to positive change in their home countries. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs for the duration of the program, and in some cases, also offers a monthly stipend. Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic record, leadership potential, and a commitment to community service.

Applicants can consider this opportunity, as it is among the best scholarships without IELTS score requirements. However, applicants must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in German or English, depending on the language of instruction for the chosen program. The application period for the DAAD Scholarship typically opens in June and closes in November, and interested students should check the program’s website for specific deadlines and eligibility requirements.

The scholarship program covers a wide range of academic disciplines, including social sciences, engineering, natural sciences, and humanities, among others. It should be noted that the DAAD Scholarship program is highly competitive, and applicants are evaluated based on their academic merit and potential to contribute to their home country upon graduation.

Korean Government Scholarship Program

The Korean Government Scholarship Program is a scholarship program designed to support international students who wish to pursue undergraduate, graduate or research studies in South Korea. The scholarship program covers a wide range of academic disciplines, including social sciences, engineering, natural sciences, and humanities, among others. The program aims to promote international exchange in education and mutual friendship among countries, and it covers tuition fees, a monthly stipend, a settlement allowance and a round-trip airfare.

Applicants must be citizens of countries that have diplomatic relations with South Korea, and they must have excellent academic records, a high level of proficiency in either Korean or English and good health. The application process typically opens in February and closes in March, and interested students should check the program’s website for specific deadlines and eligibility requirements.

The language requirements for the Korean Government Scholarship Program may vary depending on the program and institution. Some universities may require applicants to submit an IELTS score, while others may accept other language proficiency tests or waive the requirement altogether if the applicant’s previous degree was conducted in English or Korean. It is best to check the specific language requirements of the program and institution you are applying to on the program’s website or by contacting the admissions office directly.

Chinese Government Scholarship

Chinese Government Scholarship is designed to support international students who wish to pursue undergraduate, graduate or doctoral studies in China. The scholarship aims to promote international exchange in education and mutual friendship among countries, and it covers tuition fees, accommodation, a monthly stipend, and comprehensive medical insurance.

Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens and in good health, and they must meet the academic requirements set by the program or university they wish to apply to. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in either Chinese or English, depending on the language of instruction for the chosen program.

The application process typically opens in January and closes in April, and interested students should check the program’s website for specific deadlines and eligibility requirements. The scholarship program covers a wide range of academic disciplines, including social sciences, engineering, natural sciences, and humanities, among others. It should be noted that the Chinese Government Scholarship program is highly competitive, and applicants are evaluated based on their academic achievements, language proficiency, and potential to contribute to their home country upon graduation.

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are prestigious awards that provide funding for international students who wish to pursue a doctoral or postdoctoral research program in Switzerland. The scholarship program is designed to promote academic excellence, research, and international collaboration, with the aim of developing a global network of future leaders who will contribute to positive change in their fields. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs for the duration of the program.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field and demonstrate a strong academic record, research potential, and a commitment to community service. While an IELTS score is not always required, applicants must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English, German, or French, depending on the language of instruction for the chosen program.

The application period for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship typically opens in August and closes in November, and interested students should check the program’s website for specific deadlines and eligibility requirements. It’s worth noting that the program covers a wide range of academic disciplines, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities, among others. The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship program is highly competitive, and applicants are evaluated based on their academic merit, research potential, and fit with the chosen host institution.

In conclusion, these are some of the best scholarships for international students (2023-2024) to pursue their academic and career goals. These scholarships range from fully-funded to partially-funded and cover a wide range of academic disciplines. These scholarships not only provide financial support but also offer opportunities to develop leadership skills, gain cross-cultural experiences and contribute to positive change in one’s home country.

Interested students should carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements for each scholarship before applying. Follow Explore It Beyond for more updates on other scholarship programs.