The fully funded scholarship opportunity you’ve been waiting for is finally here. Many top universities around the world are offering fully funded scholarships to international students like you.
These scholarships don’t just cover tuition fees; they also include travel costs, accommodation, living expenses, and even study materials, allowing you to focus entirely on your education without worrying about money.
But even though these amazing scholarships are available, many students miss out because they don’t know where to search, what to do, or how to apply. That’s precisely why this article was created: to guide you step by step.
In this guide, you’ll discover the top five universities offering fully funded scholarships in 2025 for international students. We’ll explain everything you need to know, including the scholarship requirements, the benefits, how to apply, and the application deadlines.
So, don’t rush. Read carefully to the end so you don’t miss any vital information. This could be the chance that changes your life.
Let’s now look at the top 5 universities offering fully funded scholarships to international students in 2025.
1. DAAD fully funded Scholarship Germany
The DAAD Scholarship Program is one of the most prestigious and fully funded scholarships for international students seeking to study in Germany. It is offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). It supports students from developing countries who want to pursue a master’s or PhD degree in Germany.
This fully funded Scholarship covers all major costs, including full tuition fees, monthly living allowance, travel expenses, health insurance, and study materials. If you’re doing a Master’s, you get around €934 per month. If you’re doing a PhD, you get about €1,200 per month.
Some courses may require an IELTS test, especially if the program is in English. Some accept other English tests or proof that you studied English before. Some programs also offer German language courses before studies begin. You don’t need to know German for many programs.
DAAD Scholarship Germany Requirements
To apply for the DAAD Scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must have a completed bachelor’s degree if you’re applying for a Master’s program, or a Master’s degree if you’re applying for a PhD.
- Your degree should not be older than 6 years at the time of application.
- You must have at least 2 years of professional experience (job, internship, or volunteering).
- You must have good academic results from your previous studies.
- If the course is in English, you may need an IELTS score (usually 6.0 or higher).
- You must be from a developing or newly industrialized country. (Check the list on the DAAD website to confirm your country is included.)
- You must submit a strong motivation letter explaining why you want the scholarship.
Required Documents for DAAD Scholarship
To apply, you will need:
- DAAD application form (filled and signed)
- Personally signed CV (Curriculum Vitae) – use the Europass format
- Motivation letter
- University certificates and transcripts from your previous studies
- Proof of work experience at least 2 years (job, internship, or volunteer work)
- English or German language test results like IELTS, TOEFL, or TestDaF (if required)
- A letter of recommendation from a university professor or employer
DAAD Scholarship Germany Benefits
DAAD Scholarship for Master’s and PhD in Germany provides the recipient with the following benefits:
- Monthly allowance: €934 per month for Master’s students or €1,200 per month for PhD students
- Full tuition fees
- Travel costs
- Health insurance
- One-off study allowance.
- Free German language course before your studies begin (if needed)
How to apply for the DAAD fully funded Scholarship Scholarship in Germany
- Choose a course of your interest (You can apply for a maximum of three courses). Review the course requirements and scholarship details.
- Prepare your documents (CV, motivation letter, certificates, IELTS, etc.).
- Fill out the DAAD application form from the DAAD website.
- Please submit your application directly to the university, rather than to the DAAD.
- Wait for feedback or an invitation to an interview from the university or DAAD.
DAAD Scholarship Deadline
The DAAD Scholarship 2025 deadline depends on the university and course you choose. Please verify the exact deadline for your selected program.
DAAD Scholarship Germany Summary
Host country: Germany
Category: Fully Funded Master’s, PhD, and Post Doctoral Programs
Eligibility Countries: Developing and newly industrialized countries
Reward: Monthly allowance (€934 for Master’s, €1,200 for PhD), full tuition, travel costs, health insurance, language course, and more
IELTS Requirement: Not always required. It depends on the course (some accept other proof of English)
Deadline: Varies by university and course. Check the specific deadline for your chosen program.
2. Fulbright Scholarships for International Students, USA
The Fulbright Scholarship is a fully funded program that helps international students study for a Master’s or PhD degree in the United States.
Every year, about 4,000 students from over 160 countries are selected. The scholarship pays for your full tuition, travel, monthly living allowance, and health insurance.
You can apply for almost any course, and some programs may require IELTS or TOEFL as proof of English proficiency. The application process is competitive but manageable with the proper documents and preparation.
This is one of the best chances to study in the U.S. for free and gain international experience.
Fulbright Scholarship Requirements
To apply for the Fulbright Scholarship, you need to meet a few basic conditions:
- All academic transcripts and certificates at the time of application, showing a good academic record
- A clear research proposal or study plan
- A strong statement of purpose
- Strong English skills (IELTS or TOEFL may be needed)
- You must be a citizen of an eligible country
- Strong motivation and leadership skills
Required Documents for the Fulbright Scholarship
- Completed online application form
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Statement of Purpose
- Research proposal
- Reference letter (usually 2 or 3)
- Updated CV or resume
- Valid passport or national ID
- GRE scores (only for some programs in the U.S.)
- Medical fitness certificate (may be asked for later in the process)
Benefits of the Fulbright fully funded Scholarship
- Full tuition covered
- Monthly living allowance
- Free round-trip airfare
- Health insurance
- Visa support
- Help with settling in and academic guidance
How to apply for the Fulbright Scholarship
Follow the following procedures to apply for the Fulbright Scholarship:
- Choose a course of your interest in the U.S.
- Check your country’s Fulbright website for details and deadlines
- Prepare your documents (transcripts, proposal, statement, etc.)
- Take IELTS/TOEFL or GRE if required
- Fill out and submit the online application
- Attend an interview if selected
- Follow the next steps for the visa and admission
Fulbright Scholarship Deadlines
The application deadlines for the Fulbright Scholarship vary depending on your country. Generally, deadlines fall between February and October 2025 for programs starting in the 2026–2027 academic year.
Fulbright Scholarship Summary
Host country: USA
Category: Master’s and PhD Programs
Eligibility Countries: Over 155 countries worldwide
Reward: Fully funded
IELTS Required: May be required (varies by country)
Deadline: Between February and October 2025, depending on your country.
3. Yale University Scholarships USA
Yale University is the third oldest university in the United States. It offers fully funded scholarships for international students.
These scholarships are for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs. Yale covers tuition, room, board, and other expenses, which can total up to $70,000 per year. The scholarship is open to students from all countries.
Yale University Scholarship USA Requirements
To apply, you need:
- A strong academic record from your previous school or university
- Strong English skills (usually need IELTS or TOEFL)
- Completed application for Yale University
- Proof of financial need (they want to help students who need money)
- A letter of recommendation and a personal statement
Required Documents for Yale University Scholarship USA
Completed Yale application form
- Academic transcripts (your school or university records)
- Proof of English language test
- Personal statement or essay
- Letters of recommendation
- Financial documents to show your need for help
Yale University Scholarship USA Benefits
The recipients of the Yale University Scholarship can receive:
Full tuition
Money for room and board (where you live and eat)
Money for books and other school costs
Health insurance
Support services to help you during your studies`
How to apply for the Yale University Scholarship in the USA
Follow these steps to apply for the Yale University Scholarship:
- Choose a course you want to study at Yale.
- Go to the Yale University website and create an application account.
- Fill out the online application form carefully.
- Submit all required documents
- Request recommendation letters from your teachers or professors.
- Submit your application before the deadline
- Wait for Yale’s email of acceptance.
Yale University Scholarship USA Deadline
- Undergraduate: January 2, 2026
- Graduate: Varies by program (usually December 2025 to January 2026). Check your program’s page for the exact date.
Yale University Scholarship USA Summary
Host Country: USA
Category: Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD Programs
Eligibility: Open to all international students
Reward: Fully funded; up to $70,000 per year, covering tuition, room, board, and other expenses
IELTS Requirement: Yes, typically a minimum score of 7.0
Deadline: Undergraduate (January 2, 2026) Graduate (Varies by program; typically December 15, 2025)
4. Chinese Government Scholarships
The Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC Scholarship) is a fully funded program offered by the Chinese government to international students. It supports undergraduate, master’s, and PhD studies at over 280 Chinese universities. The fully funded Scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, basic health insurance, and a monthly stipend ranging from 2,500 to 3,500 Yuan, depending on the study level.
Chinese Government Scholarship Requirements
- Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens.
- They should not hold any other scholarships from the Chinese government.
- Age limits: under 25 for undergraduate programs, under 35 for master’s programs, and under 40 for PhD programs.
- Educational requirements: high school diploma for undergraduate, bachelor’s degree for master’s, and master’s degree for PhD programs.
Required Documents for Chinese Government Scholarship
- Completed CSC Scholarship application form.
- Highest degree certificate and transcripts.
- CV written in Chinese or English
- Official medical examination form.
- Study plan or research proposal.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Valid passport copy.
Chinese Government Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition fee coverage.
- Free on-campus accommodation.
- Monthly stipend: 2,500 Yuan for undergraduates, 3,000 Yuan for master’s students, and CNY 3,500 for PhD students.
- Comprehensive medical insurance.
How to apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship
To apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC Scholarship), follow these simple steps:
- Choose a course of your interest at a Chinese university that accepts CSC fully funded Scholarship.
- Go to the CSC official website and create an account.
- Fill in the online form with your details.
- Upload all needed documents like your passport, transcripts, study plan, and recommendation letters.
- Apply and download the completed form.
- Check the university website to determine if a second application is required, and submit it if necessary.
Chinese Government Scholarship Deadline
The application period for the CSC Scholarship typically runs from December 15, 2024, to April 30, 2025. However, specific deadlines may vary by university.
For instance, some universities have deadlines as early as February 15, 2025.
It’s essential to check the exact deadline for your chosen university.
Chinese Government Scholarship Summary
Host country: China
Category: Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD
Eligibility Countries: All international students
Reward: Full tuition, free accommodation, medical insurance, and a monthly living allowance
No IELTS Required: Yes (Some universities may accept alternatives)
5. MEXT fully funded Scholarship Japan
The MEXT Scholarship is a fully funded program offered by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).
It provides international students with the opportunity to pursue undergraduate, master’s, PhD, or training programs at Japanese universities.
The fully funded Scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, a monthly living allowance, and round-trip airfare.
MEXT Scholarship Japan Requirements
Nationality: All countries with diplomatic relations with Japan
Age:
- Undergraduate: 17–25 years old.
- Master’s/PhD: Under 35 years old.
- Teacher Training: Under 35 years old with at least five years of teaching experience.
Academic Background:
- Undergraduate: Completed 12 years of school education.
- Master’s: Completed 16 years of education.
- PhD: Completed 18 years of education.
Language Proficiency: No Japanese language or English proficiency tests (like IELTS/TOEFL) required at the time of application.
Required Documents for MEXT Scholarship Japan
- Filled-out MEXT Scholarship application form.
- Official school transcripts and certificates.
- Recommendation letters from your teachers or professors.
- A medical certificate.
- Your research or study plan.
- A copy of your passport.
- Photos that follow the application rules.
MEXT Scholarship Japan Benefits
- Monthly Stipend Allowance
- Preparatory Allowance
- Travelling Expenses
- The scholarship also pays for your round-trip flight to and from Japan.
- You will receive extra money upon arrival to help you get started.
How to apply for the MEXT fully funded Scholarship in Japan
- Find the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country.
- Go to their website and download the MEXT Scholarship application form.
- Get all the documents you need, following the instructions.
- Send your completed form and documents to the embassy.
- Take a written test if the embassy asks for it.
- Go for an interview with the embassy staff.
- Wait for the embassy to tell you if you are selected.
MEXT Scholarship Japan Deadline
The application deadlines vary depending on the Japanese embassy in each country.
It is crucial to check the specific deadlines with the Japanese embassy in your country.
MEXT Scholarship Japan Summary
Host country: Japan
Category: Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD
Eligibility Countries: All countries with diplomatic relations with Japan
Reward: Full tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, and airfare
No IELTS Required: Yes
Deadline: Varies by country
Conclusion
These fully funded Scholarship are an excellent opportunity for you to study abroad with full support. They are open to students from all countries.
So, now is the time to take action and apply. Ensure to read all the details carefully and visit the official scholarship websites for the most accurate information.
FAQs
Can Nigerians apply for a DAAD scholarship?
Yes, Nigerians can apply for the DAAD scholarship.
How much GPA is required for a DAAD scholarship in Germany?
Usually, you need at least a 3.0 GPA or the equivalent to apply.
Can a Nigerian apply for a Fulbright scholarship?
Yes, Nigerians can apply for the Fulbright scholarship.
What GPA do you need for Fulbright fully funded Scholarship?
A good GPA, often around 3.0 or higher, is needed for Fulbright Scholarship.
Does Yale offer scholarships to international students?
Yes, Yale offers scholarships to students from all countries.
How to apply for a Chinese government scholarship in Nigeria?
You apply by filling the application form, gathering required documents, and submitting them to the Chinese embassy or online.
Which scholarship is open now in China?
The Chinese Government fully funded Scholarship is usually open each year. Check the official website for current dates.
Who is eligible for the MEXT scholarship in Japan?
Students from countries with friendly relations to Japan, who meet age and education rules, can apply.
How to apply for a MEXT scholarship in Nigeria?
Find the Japanese embassy in Nigeria, get the application form, prepare your documents, and submit them there.
How do I apply for a fully funded scholarship?
Find scholarships that fit you, check their requirements, prepare your documents, fill out the application form, and submit before the deadline.
Read more about international scholarships here