Scholarships and grants for Higher Education
Thinking considering doing your master’s or PhD abroad but concerned about the cost? You are not alone! Fortunately, there are hundreds of scholarship and grant possibilities available to pay everything from tuition to living costs, even airplane tickets.
In this article, we’ll go over everything, including how to get the correct scholarship , apply for grants , and pick cheap study destinations. Whether you’re just starting your search or are ready to apply, this guide has you covered.
higher education, particularly overseas, can be pricey. But don’t let it frighten you away.
why scholarships and grants are a game-changer:
– They lower or eliminate tuition fees .
– Many include living and travel costs
– They provide access to premier colleges throughout the world
– They enhance your CV with overseas experience.
The Scholarships and Grants You Should Know
Before you apply, it’s helpful to understand the many forms of financial assistance available:
1. Merit-based scholarships
Academic accomplishment, leadership, or skill are used to choose award recipients.
Example:
– Chevening Scholarship (UK)
– Fulbright Program (USA)
2. Need-Based Scholarships
For students with financial need.
Example:
– DAAD EPOS Scholarship (Germany)
– Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
3. Research grants
Ideal for PhD and postdoctoral students working on specialized research topics.
Example:
• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (Europe)
– Commonwealth PhD Scholarships.
4. Country-specific scholarships

A country offers to attract overseas students.
Example:
– Australian Awards
– Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships.
5. University Scholarships
Many institutions have internal grant and scholarship programs.
Example:
– Oxford University Clarendon Scholarships.
– ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship.
Top Scholarships to Consider for 2025
Here’s a brief table that highlights some of the most popular scholarship and grant possibilities available this year:
Scholarship Name Country Degree Level Coverage
Chevening UK Master’s Full tuition and stipend
Fulbright USA Master’s/PhD Tuition and living expenses
DAAD EPOS Germany Master’s Tuition and travel
Vanier Canada Canada PhD $50,000 annually
MEXT Japan Master’s/PhD Full plus travel
Eiffel Excellence France Master’s Tuition and monthly stipend
Australia Awards Australia Master’s/PhD Full plus airfare
Apply for Scholarships and Grants
To avoid feeling overwhelmed, let’s break down the application procedure step by step:
Step 1: Start Early
Deadlines are generally set 6-12 months before the start of the school year. Start your search early.
Step 2: Look into Eligibility Criteria
Each scholarship has its own restrictions. Some may demand professional experience, a certain GPA, or a research project.
Step 3: Prepare your documents
Most grants and scholarship applications will require:
– Academic transcripts.
– Statement of purpose (SOP).
Recommendation letters
– Research proposal (PhD)
– English exam results (IELTS/TOEFL).
Step 4: Tailor your application
Create your personal statement with a particular scholarship in mind. Explain what the committee is searching for.
Step 5: Apply On Time
Submit before the deadline, and follow up as needed. Missing one detail might cost you the whole journey!
Low-Cost Countries to Study (with or without Scholarships)
Looking for nations with cheap or free tuition? These places are ideal for budget-conscious students.
Country Average Tuition (yearly) Notes
Germany Free or inexpensive (€0-€1,500) The majority of programs in English
Norway Free for all students Tuition-free public universities
Poland €2,000-€3,000 Reasonable living expenses
Hungary €2,000-€4,000 Excellent opportunities for EU-funded grants
Taiwan $1,500-$3,000 Universities provide generous scholarship programs
India $1,000-$2,500 Low living expenses + expanding universities
Even without a full scholarship , these nations enable you to pursue a degree without incurring significant debt.
Tips for Winning a Scholarship
Let’s be honest: not every application is chosen. However, here are several strategies to increase your chances:
– Prioritize quality over quantity – Submitting five excellent applications is preferable than submitting twenty poor ones.
– Tell your story – Using your SOP, describe your history, objectives, and why you need the grant .
– Obtain solid references – Contact mentors or lecturers who are well-versed in your work.
– Keep track of deadlines – Manage your applications using a spreadsheet.
– Be honest – Do not inflate your accomplishments or financial situation.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Here are a few frequent blunders that may harm your chances:
– Submitting incomplete applications.
– Not tailoring your SOP or essay.
– Ignoring qualifying requirements.
– Applying after the deadline.
– Not proofreading your materials.
Top Websites for Scholarships and Grants
Don’t know where to begin your search? Try these platforms:
• [Scholarships.com](https://www.scholarships.com/)
– [DAAD Scholarship Database](https://www.daad.de/en/studies-und-research-in-germany/scholarships/)
• [Scholarship Positions](https://www.scholarship-positions.com/)
– [Studyportals] (https://www.scholarshipportal.com/)
• [GoAbroad.com](https://www.goabroad.com/)
What is the difference between Master’s and PhD scholarships?
Feature Masters Scholarships PhD Scholarships
Duration 1-2 years, 3-5 years
focus coursework research
Funding Partial to Full Typically completely financed
Application Academic + Standard Operating Procedure Academic + Proposal + Supervisor
PhD students have a greater chance of receiving full grants since they contribute directly to research initiatives.
Conclusion: The Scholarship Journey Begins Now
Finding and receiving a scholarship or grant is not simple, but it is entirely feasible. Every year, thousands of kids throughout the globe win them, and you, too, can. Start early, be organized, and don’t be afraid to apply several times. Your desire of studying abroad should not remain a dream, particularly if financing is available.
Call To Action
Are you ready to apply for your ideal scholarship or research grant ?
Subscribe to our newsletter at *gobestacademyy* to get real-time updates, scholarship notifications, and step-by-step application instructions.
Your route to a fully supported master’s or PhD begins now!
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The Scholarships and Grants You Should Know
If you want to study abroad but are concerned about the cost, don’t worry—there are numerous scholarships and grants available for people like you. However, not all financial aid is created equal, so it’s important to understand the various types available and which ones best fit your profile.
Let’s break it down.
1. Merit Scholarships
These awards are given to students that excel academically, artistically, or athletically. If you have excellent grades, leadership abilities, or talents in music or sports, this may be your ticket.
Good for:
– High-achieving individuals
– Highest exam scores
– Students who have received prizes or shown skill
Examples:
– Chevening Scholarships – For aspiring leaders studying in the UK.
– Eiffel Excellence Scholarship – Provided by the French government.
– ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarships – Open to foreign Master’s students in Switzerland.
2. Need-based scholarships and grants
Need-based scholarships and grants are provided based on your financial background—not your grades—and come in handy for students who cannot afford to study abroad.
Good for:
– Students from low-income households
– Applicants without access to financing.
– First-generation college students.
Examples:
– Mastercard Foundation Scholarships : Full-ride for African students.
– Commonwealth Shared Scholarships : For students from underdeveloped nations.
– P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship : For women pursuing graduate courses in the United States or Canada.
3. Fully-funded government scholarships
Governments throughout the globe support scholarships for overseas students as a method to attract global talent. These scholarships often include tuition costs, airfare, health insurance, and living expenses .
Good for:
– Students want to study in certain countries.
– Applicants seeking total financial coverage.
Examples:
– MEXT (Japan) – Includes undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
– DAAD (Germany) : Postgraduate courses for students from underdeveloped nations.
– Australia Awards – For professionals from Asia, Africa, and the Pacific.
4. University-specific scholarships
Most institutions provide internal financing for overseas students. These may be based on merit, need, or both, and they often need a separate application during the admissions process.
Good for:
– Students applying to leading worldwide institutions.
– People with good academic backgrounds
Examples:
– Clarendon Scholarships : For Oxford University students.
– Lester B. The Pearson Scholarship is offered by the University of Toronto.
– Reach Oxford Scholarship – For students in underdeveloped nations.
5. Subject-Specific Scholarships
These are intended for students who want to specialize in a particular subject, such as technology, teaching, public health, or agriculture.
Good for:
– Students in high-demand fields such as STEM, healthcare, or education
– Applicants with clear career objectives
Examples:
– Google Generation Scholarship – For women studying computer technology.
– Wellcome Trust Scholarships : For public health research.
– Commonwealth STEM Scholarships – Open to postgraduate STEM students.
6. Research Grants and Fellowships
If you’re pursuing a Master’s by thesis, PhD, or postdoctoral research, grants and fellowships are often more appropriate than general scholarships.
Good for:
– Research students.
– Individuals with a defined research proposal
– Postdoctoral applicants.
Examples:
– Marie Curie Fellowships (EU).
– Humboldt Research Fellowships (Germany)
– Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
7. Regional or Minority Scholarships
These scholarships, which are intended to promote disadvantaged populations, seek to improve diversity and give educational opportunities for individuals who might otherwise be neglected.
Good for:
– Minority students
– Students from war zones or impoverished countries.
– Refugees and displaced people
Examples:
– Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships – Available for students from various Asian and African nations.
– UNHCR Refugee Scholarships (DAFI) for refugee students.
– AAUW International Fellowships – For women in impoverished nations.
8. Short-term Study Grants and Exchange Programme Scholarships
If you’re not studying abroad for a full degree, there are still scholarships and grants available for short courses, language immersion, and cultural exchange programs.
Good for:
– Semester or yearlong exchanges
– Language and summer programs.
– Cultural exchange participants
Examples:
– Erasmus+ Scholarships for EU and partner nations.
– Global UGRAD (USA) : For undergraduate exchange students.
– Fulbright FLTA Program : For language teaching assistants.
9. NGO and Private Foundation Scholarships
Many organizations provide scholarships and grants aimed at social development, educational equity, or community leadership. These are often competitive yet very lucrative.
Good for:
– Socially engaged students.
– Future Community Leaders
– Students working in the development or charity industries.
Examples:
– Grants from the Open Society Foundation
– Ford Foundation Fellowships .
– The Coca-Cola Scholars Program
Comparison Table for Scholarship and Grant Types
Type Eligibility Financial Coverage Best For
Merit-Based Scholarships Academic Excellence or Talent Partial or Full High achievers and performers
Need-Based Scholarships Low-income background Full Students who need financial assistance
Government Scholarships Citizens of Eligible Countries Full Anyone focusing on certain locations
University Scholarships varies by school partial or full enrolled students
Subject-Specific Depending on area of study Partial or Full STEM, Health, Social Sciences
Research Grants Thesis or research-related programs Full Master’s, PhD, Postdoc
Minority/Regional Underrepresented communities Complete or Partial Marginalized groupings
Exchange Programme Scholarships Short-term or semester abroad Partial or full Exchange or language students
NGO/Foundation Scholarships Vary; often mission-driven Partial or Full Socially conscious or engaged students
Final Thoughts
No matter where you are in your academic path, there is most certainly a scholarship or grant that matches your objectives and background. Be strategic by applying to numerous schools, tailoring your applications, and never underestimating yourself. Some of these possibilities are life-altering.
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University-specific scholarships
Let’s be honest: when it comes to paying your education abroad, colleges may not be the first place you turn. But, guess what? Many colleges throughout the globe provide scholarships and grants expressly for overseas students, and they are often more accessible than you may imagine.
Whether you’re applying for an undergraduate, Master’s, or PhD degree, university-specific scholarships may relieve a significant financial burden. Some pay the whole tuition, while others give partial money, living costs, or research assistance.
Let us break it down.
Why Universities Provide Scholarships
Universities want diversity. They are searching for exceptional students from all backgrounds to help them further their academic careers and contribute to campus life. Offering scholarships and grants allows them to recruit top talent from across the world, including you!
Here’s what you usually find:
– Entrance scholarships : Are automatically given depending on your GPA when you apply.
– Application-based scholarships need essays, reference letters, or interviews.
– Faculty or department grants : Provided by a particular program (such as engineering or arts).
– Research assistantships : Graduate students may help with ongoing university initiatives.
Examples of University Scholarships Worldwide
Here are some prominent colleges that provide amazing scholarships and grants to overseas students:
1. The University of Oxford (UK)
– Clarendon Scholarship – Provides tuition and living expenses for Master’s and PhD candidates.
– Reach Oxford Scholarship : For students from low-income countries.
2. University of Toronto (Canada).
– Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship – Covers tuition, books, and living expenses.
– President’s Scholars of Excellence Program – For top-performing foreign undergraduates.
3. Stanford University (US)
– Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program – Provides tuition, travel, and living costs for all graduate programs.
– Additional departmental grants are offered in STEM, education, and humanities.
4. University of Melbourne (Australia)
– Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships – For Master’s and PhD students, including a living stipend.
– International Undergraduate Scholarships : Partial tuition cost waivers.
5. ETH Zurich (Switzerland).
– Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) – Covers all study and living expenses for Master’s students.
– Competitive yet incredibly rewarding!
6. Sciences Po (France)
– Emile Boutmy Scholarship : Awarded to first-time overseas candidates based on merit and social requirements.
– Provides partial to full tuition reimbursement.
7. University of Edinburgh (UK) .
– Offers a variety of scholarships to African, Asian, and Middle Eastern students.
– Includes master’s and PhD-level funding.
Finding and Applying for University Scholarships
These opportunities are available to anybody, regardless of intelligence or wealth. Here’s how to discover the best ones for you:
1. Check out the official university website
Go directly to the financial assistance or foreign students area.
2. Look for course-specific awards .
Some departments (such as Engineering or Law) provide their own grants .
3. Do not skip the little ones.
Even a $1,000 scholarship may assist with book, meal, and visa fees.
4. Apply Early
Many scholarships have deadlines that occur months before admission decisions.
5. Get assistance from your future professors
A professor’s assistance in obtaining research grants or assistantships may be very beneficial for postgraduate study.
Pro Tip: Stack your Scholarships
Yes, you may combine numerous scholarships and grants ! A university may provide you a tuition scholarship , a department may provide you with a living stipend, and another fund may finance your research trip. Always inquire whether combining prizes is permitted—you may be amazed at how much you might get.
Last Thoughts
University-specific scholarships are some of the most overlooked options available. They are frequently less competitive than government programs, suited to your specific area of study, and intended to help you thrive on university. Whether you’re applying for a Master’s degree in the United Kingdom or an undergraduate degree in Canada, there’s most likely a scholarship or grant in your name.
Don’t simply imagine it—go after it.
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Low Cost Countries to Study Abroad for Master’s and PhD
Dreaming of a degree abroad but concerned about the cost? Don’t worry—there are various nations that provide quality education , inexpensive tuition, and even scholarships and grants to assist foreign students like you succeed.
Below are some of the top low-cost nations to consider if you want to pursue a Master’s or PhD overseas.
1. Germany
Why it’s affordable : Public colleges in Germany have little to no tuition costs, including for foreign students! Most Master’s and PhD programs are free, with a minimal administrative cost every semester (often €200-€350).
Highlights :
– Home to prestigious universities such as TU Munich and Heidelberg.
– A plethora of grants and fully-funded possibilities via DAAD .
– Lower cost of living than other Western European nations.
– A strong focus on research and innovation.
Popular programs include engineering, computer science, environmental studies, business, and humanities.
2. Norway
Why it’s affordable : Public universities in Norway provide tuition-free education to all students, including non-EU ones! You’ll just need to fund your living expenses, which might be expensive, but there are scholarships available to help.
Highlights :
English-taught Master’s and PhD programs are offered.
– Excellent work-life balance and an outdoor-oriented lifestyle.
– Significant financing from the Quota Scheme and other university-specific grants .
Popular programs include social sciences, natural sciences, renewable energy, and information technology.
3. Taiwan
Why it’s affordable : Taiwan has a strong education system for a fraction of the cost in the West. Public institutions are reasonably priced, and there are scholarships available for overseas students.
Highlights :
– High-quality education in contemporary facilities.
– The Taiwan Scholarship Program covers tuition and living expenses.
– A rich cultural experience combined with inexpensive living.
Popular programs include engineering, business, medicine, and arts.
4. Mexico
Why it’s affordable : Tuition prices in Mexico are very modest, and the cost of living is one of the lowest in Latin America. Some colleges also provide scholarships for overseas students.
Highlights :
– Excellent weather and lifestyle.
– Opportunities to learn Spanish while studying.
– Government and university-funded grants for postgraduate courses.
Popular programs include agriculture, environmental studies, medicine, and sociology.
5. France
Why it’s affordable : While private colleges might be costly, state universities in France have reasonable rates. Additionally, the French government and institutions provide several scholarships for non-EU students.
Highlights :
– Tuition for overseas Master’s students may start as low as €3,770 per year.
– Programs are accessible in both French and English.
– Options include the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship and regional grants .
Popular programs include International Relations, Public Policy, Art & Design, and Science.
6. Malaysia
Why it’s affordable : Malaysia is recognized for providing world-class education at cheap tuition prices, and the cost of living is relatively reasonable. It is a popular choice for students from South Asia and Africa.
Highlights :
– English is commonly spoken at universities.
– Provides scholarships , including the Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS).
– Degrees earned at Malaysian institutions or partner campuses in the United Kingdom and Australia.
Popular programs include engineering, hospitality, business, and medicine.
7. Czech Republic
Why it’s affordable : Public colleges provide free tuition to students who study in Czech (the native language). Even English-taught programs are very affordable.
Highlights :
– Cities such as Prague and Brno have a rich history and are student-friendly.
– Opportunities for Master’s and fully financed PhD positions.
– Scholarships via the Czech Ministry of Education and Erasmus+.
Popular programs include architecture, law, philosophy, and engineering.
Quick Comparison Table
Country Annual Tuition Monthly Living Costs Scholarship Opportunities
Germany Free to €500 €800 to €1,200 DAAD, university grants
Norway Free €1,000 to €1,500 Quota Scheme, institutional assistance
Taiwan $1,000-$4,000 $500-$1000 MOE Taiwan Scholarship
Mexico $1,000-$3,000 $300-$700 Grants from the government and universities
France €2,770-€3,770 €700-€1,200 Eiffel Scholarship and Campus France assistance
Malaysia $2,000-$5,000 $300-$600 scholarships for MIS and university
Czech Republic Free- €4,000 €400-€800 Czech Government grants , Erasmus+
Final Thoughts
Studying abroad does not have to be prohibitively expensive. You may acquire a world-class degree while staying within your budget by combining low-cost locations with accessible scholarships and grants . It’s all about knowing where to look—which you now do!
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