Pursuing an undergraduate degree abroad is a dream for many students, but high tuition fees and living expenses can be major barriers. Fortunately, numerous fully funded scholarships are available to help bright and deserving students access quality education across the globe. These scholarships cover tuition, accommodation, travel costs, and even monthly stipends in many cases.
This article outlines some of the most prestigious and fully funded undergraduate scholarships available to international students.
1. United World Colleges (UWC) Scholarships
Host Countries: Global (UWC schools in 18 countries)
Coverage: Full tuition, accommodation, and additional expenses
Eligibility: High school students demonstrating academic excellence and leadership potential
UWC offers two-year pre-university programs leading to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. Many national committees offer full scholarships based on merit and need.
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
2. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship – University of Toronto (Canada)
Host Country: Canada
Coverage: Full tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years
Eligibility: Exceptional international secondary school students nominated by their school
This highly competitive scholarship rewards students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership skills, and creativity.
3. Reach Oxford Scholarships – University of Oxford (UK)
Host Country: United Kingdom
Coverage: Tuition fees, college fees, and a grant for living expenses and return airfare
Eligibility: Students from low-income countries who cannot study in their own countries due to political or financial reasons
These scholarships are highly competitive and are awarded to talented students applying for an undergraduate degree at Oxford.
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
4. Knight-Hennessy Scholars – Stanford University (USA)
Host Country: United States
Coverage: Full funding for tuition, living expenses, travel, and academic materials
Eligibility: All nationalities; strong academic background, leadership potential, and civic commitment
While primarily for graduate students, Stanford’s undergraduate financial aid packages often meet 100% of demonstrated need, and the Knight-Hennessy program can sometimes extend support for coterminal degrees.
5. National University of Singapore (NUS) Scholarships
Host Country: Singapore
Coverage: Full tuition fees, living allowance, accommodation, airfare, and other expenses
Eligibility: Outstanding students with excellent academic records and leadership potential
NUS offers several scholarship programs, including the ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship and the Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship.
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
6. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (For Future Undergraduate Preparation)
While the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is for graduate studies, many universities affiliated with the Gates Foundation provide need-based full financial aid to international undergraduate students — for instance, Harvard, MIT, and Yale offer generous aid packages that can fully fund students from low-income backgrounds.
7. AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship – American University (USA)
Host Country: United States
Coverage: Full tuition, room, and board
Eligibility: International students committed to positive civic and social change
This scholarship is ideal for students returning to improve under-resourced communities in their home countries.
8. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship
Host Country: Japan
Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, and travel expenses
Eligibility: International students applying through the Japanese embassy in their home country
The MEXT scholarship is offered for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs and includes Japanese language training for non-speakers.
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
9. Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP)
Host Country: South Korea
Coverage: Tuition fees, settlement allowance, monthly living allowance, airfare, medical insurance
Eligibility: International students under 25 years of age with strong academic records
KGSP also offers a year of intensive Korean language training before the undergraduate program begins.
10. Qatar University Scholarships
Host Country: Qatar
Coverage: Full tuition, accommodation, and textbooks
Eligibility: High-achieving international students applying for undergraduate programs
Qatar University offers a range of merit-based and competitive scholarships for international students across various disciplines.
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
11. European Union Erasmus Mundus Program (Some Undergraduate Opportunities)
Host Region: Europe
Coverage: Full tuition, living expenses, travel, and insurance
Eligibility: Depending on the program; some Erasmus+ projects offer undergraduate opportunities
Though primarily graduate-focused, Erasmus+ also supports short-term undergraduate exchanges that can be fully funded.
12. Government of Turkey Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları)
Host Country: Turkey
Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, accommodation, health insurance, and airfare
Eligibility: International students under 21 years of age with strong academic performance
This is a comprehensive scholarship offered to undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Fully Funded Scholarship
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Start Early: Begin researching a year in advance.
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Maintain Excellent Grades: Academic merit is a key factor.
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Develop Strong Extracurriculars: Leadership and community service matter.
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Prepare a Compelling Personal Statement: Tell your unique story.
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Secure Strong Recommendations: Choose recommenders who know you well.
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Stay Organized: Track deadlines and required documents.
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Apply Broadly: Don’t rely on one scholarship—apply to multiple.
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
Fully funded scholarships are gateways to life-changing opportunities. Whether you aspire to study in North America, Europe, Asia, or the Middle East, there are programs that can make your undergraduate education completely free. The key is to be proactive, diligent, and strategic in your applications.
By aiming high and preparing well, you can access some of the world’s best education systems—without the financial burden.