13 Study Destinations Offering Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students

Studying abroad can open doors to life changing opportunities but not all destinations are on every student’s radar. While countries like the US, UK, and Australia often dominate the conversation, there are other destinations offering world class education and fully funded scholarships for international students.

From innovative research programs, English taught degrees, these  study destinations provide not only academic excellence but also welcoming environments for international students.

In this post, we will explore 13 countries where you can study abroad in 2025/2026. We have also put together some scholarships available in these countries.

1. South Korea 

South Korea is actively aiming to welcome 300,000 international students by 2027 under its Study Korea 300K initiative. It offers structured visa pathways, language programs, degree courses and has robust support systems for international students. Scholarships to explore in South Korea includes;

• Global Korea Scholarship (GKS): Covers full tuition, airfare, living stipend, medical insurance, and language training.

2. Germany 

Germany has some of the best world class public universities where most Bachelor’s and Master’s programs are tuition free. Germany also has one of the world’s fastest growing economies, a safe multicultural environment, and offers work opportunities and clear post-study visa paths. For visas, students must prove financial means which is currently €992/month via blocked accounts or scholarships. Scholarships to explore in Germany includes;

• DAAD Scholarships; Cover a monthly stipend (€992–1,300 for Master’s/PhD), travel allowance, sometimes insurance and study/research grants.

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3. Finland 

Finland is known for high quality, English taught master’s programs, and innovation driven culture. It’s very welcoming and visa processes are generally straightforward.

Finland is celebrated for its high-quality education, innovation-led academic culture, and safe, inclusive society. Though bachelor’s and master’s programs are typically tuition free for non-EU/EEA students. There are also numerous fully funded scholarships, including stipends and grants, that make Finnish education highly accessible. Strong support systems and transparent visa processes further ease international enrollment. 

Top Scholarship to Explore in Finland;

• EDUFI (Finnish National Agency for Education) Scholarship: Available at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels for non-EU/EEA students, covering both tuition and living costs. 

4. Norway 

In Norway, Public universities do not charge tuition even for international students. The serene environment and research opportunities are major draws, though living costs are high, the visa process involves demonstrating means plus admission. Below are scholarship opportunities you can explore in Norway.

• BI Presidential Scholarship: Full tuition fees for up to two years and a living stipend of NOK 50,000 per semester (approximately USD 4,800) for international students. Open to both Norwegian and international students.

• University of Oslo International Summer School (ISS) Scholarships: Coverage: Full tuition, accommodation, and a stipend for living expenses. Open to international students with exceptional academic performance.

• Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMDs); Full tuition, travel, subsistence, and installation allowances. Open to students worldwide. Specific eligibility criteria vary by program.

5. Sweden 

Sweden is a country that is safe and welcoming to international students. People from all over the world can feel at home. The country is also full of new ideas and innovation. Getting a student visa is usually easy and smooth. Scholarships you can apply for include:

• Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarships; Full tuition, living stipend (~SEK 10,000/month), travel grant (~SEK 15,000), insurance, and access to a leadership network.
• University-specific and merit-based awards offering partial to full tuition coverage.

6. Japan 

Japan offers dynamic culture and cutting-edge tech environments for international students. Visa processes for scholarship holders are generally smooth, especially for MEXT recipients.

Fully funded scholarship option:

• MEXT Scholarship; Covers tuition, airfare, and monthly stipends for all levels.

7. Hungary 

Hungary offers affordable living, central Europe access, and quality universities. Visa routes for scholarship holders are typically clear.

Top scholarship:

• Stipendium Hungaricum – Includes full tuition, stipend, insurance, and sometimes housing aid.

8. Turkey 

Turkey is a country full of rich culture and history. It is special because it sits at the heart of Europe and Asia, so international students can enjoy the best of both worlds. Studying in Turkey is also affordable, meaning you don’t have to spend too much compared to many other countries. Student visas and scholarships are handled quickly and easily, making it simple to start your studies and life in Turkey.

Main scholarship:

• Türkiye Scholarships – Covers tuition, stipend, health insurance, accommodation, and flights.

9. Malaysia 

This country is highly attractive for students because the cost of living is low, and many programs are taught in English. It also has a vibrant multicultural setting where people from different backgrounds come together. For students who get scholarships, the visa process is usually smooth and simple.

Scholarship Available;

• Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS); Fully funds tuition and living expenses.

10. United States 

The U.S. remains a top destination for worldwide education due to its renowned universities, diverse academic offerings, and robust post-graduation work options.

Most international students use the F-1 visa, which requires proof of financial means, a valid I-20 form, and often an interview. Recent updates include enhanced social media screening, potentially increasing application complexity and processing times .

Fully funded scholarships to explore:

• Fulbright Foreign Student Program; A prestigious graduate-level scholarship enabling students from abroad to study or conduct research in the U.S. .

• Jefferson Scholarship (University of Virginia); Covers full tuition, room and board, plus funding for summer travel, research, and study abroad. Very selective, invitation-only program.

11. Canada 

Canada stands out with its multicultural campuses, strong student support systems, clear post-study pathways, and relatively streamlined visa procedures. It’s a top choice for those seeking high-quality education with long-term opportunities.

Scholarships to explore includes:

• Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto); Covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence for four years for exceptional undergraduates .

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (PhD-level); CAD $50,000 annually for three years, awarded to world-class doctoral students.

• McCall MacBain Scholarship (McGill University): Fully covers master’s and professional degrees, including tuition, monthly stipend, relocation costs, and leadership training.

• Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program; Fully funds graduate students from Sub-Saharan Africa at McGill University and University of Toronto.

12. United Kingdom (UK) 

The UK is a classic study destination with world renowned universities, rich academic heritage, and strong post-study work opportunities. However, recent policy changes include shorter post-study visas (now 18 months), tighter English language requirements, less flexibility for dependents, and stricter immigration checks, this is part of an initiative to reduce migration while preserving access for global talent in critical sectors.

Fully Funded Scholarships;

• Chevening Scholarships; UK government-funded master’s scholarships covering tuition, living allowance, and travel. Highly prestigious. Official details available. 

• Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships; For students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries; includes tuition, living allowance, and airfare. 

• Clarendon Fund (University of Oxford); Covers tuition and living expenses for graduate students; automatic consideration with your Oxford application. 

• Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships (Oxford); 35 scholarships annually for emerging leaders from developing economies; covers full fees, living costs, and leadership programming. 

• Rhodes Scholarship (Oxford); One of the world’s most prestigious postgraduate awards, fully covers studies at Oxford for exceptional students worldwide. 

13. Australia

Australia’s world-class universities, vibrant multicultural cities, and strong post-study work options make it appealing. Its scholarship programs are highly renowned and well-promoted globally.

Fully Funded Scholarship Available;

Australia Awards Scholarships: Fully funded undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral scholarships funded by the Australian government, covering tuition, living expenses, travel, and health cover. Official details are provided through the Australia Awards portal.