Studying abroad is one of the greatest opportunities for students who aspire to gain a world-class education and international exposure. But for many, the biggest hurdle is the cost. Tuition fees at top universities can range anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000 per year, and when you add accommodation, travel, health insurance, books, and daily living expenses, the total cost can exceed $70,000 annually.
This financial challenge stops countless talented students from pursuing their academic and career goals. In fact, surveys show that over 60% of international students struggle with financial barriers when applying to universities abroad. That’s why fully funded undergraduate scholarships for international students are so important—they can truly be life-changing.
These scholarships typically cover all major costs, including tuition fees, accommodation, health insurance, monthly stipends (often between $800–$1,200 per month), and even airfare in some cases. With such support, deserving students from across the globe can focus entirely on their education without worrying about expenses.
But the benefits don’t stop at providing financial aid. Fully funded scholarships also provide access to high-quality education, global research opportunities, and international networking that can shape a student’s future. Many programs are funded by governments, top universities, and international organizations with the goal of promoting cultural exchange, leadership development, and global cooperation.
So, whether your dream is to study in the USA, UK, Germany, Australia, Japan, or South Korea, there are plenty of opportunities waiting for you.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top fully funded undergraduate scholarships for 2025, including their benefits, eligibility requirements, and how to apply which will help you take the first confident step toward studying abroad for free.
Why Apply for Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships?
If you apply for a fully funded scholarship for your bachelor’s degree it could be a life-changing decision for your future. These scholarships not only remove the financial stress of studying abroad but also open doors to endless opportunities for personal and professional growth. Here’s why they matter:
- Fully funded scholarships cover the major costs of education, including tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and sometimes even airfare.
- Studying abroad gives students the chance to experience new cultures, languages, and perspectives while learning at some of the best universities in the world. This exposure helps build confidence and adaptability.
- Candidates gain access to world-class faculty, advanced research facilities, and innovative learning methods. This ensures they receive top-quality education that can compete globally.
- International universities help students build strong networks with peers, professors, and professionals, which later become valuable for collaborations and career opportunities.
Top Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students
Here we compiled a list of the most popular and prestigious fully funded undergraduate scholarships for international students in 2025–2026. These programs are offered by leading universities and governments, covering all major expenses and giving you the chance to study at some of the world’s best institutions without financial worries.
Yale University Scholarship (USA)
Yale University offers fully funded scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs. It is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the USA, based on financial need.
- Host Institution: Yale University, USA
- Benefits: Tuition fees, accommodation, and an average scholarship grant of $50,000 per year (can go up to $70,000).
- Eligibility: Open to international students with strong academic performance and proof of financial need.
- Expected Deadline: December 2025
- Apply Now: Yale Scholarship
Government of Brunei Darussalam Scholarship
This scholarship is offered by the Government of Brunei to attract talented international students for undergraduate and master’s studies.
- Host Institution: Universities in Brunei Darussalam
- Benefits: Exemption from tuition fees, free accommodation, and a monthly allowance of BND $650.
- Eligibility: International students under the age of 25 with excellent academic performance.
- Expected Deadline: February 2026
- Apply Now: Brunei Government Scholarship
MEXT Scholarship (Japan)
The Japanese Government’s MEXT Scholarship provides full financial support for undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and training courses in Japan.
- Host Institution: Japanese Universities
- Benefits: Tuition fees, accommodation, health insurance, monthly allowance, and round-trip airfare.
- Eligibility: International students with strong academic background and physical fitness.
- Expected Deadline: May–June 2026
- Apply Now: MEXT Scholarship Details
University of Bristol Think Big Scholarship (UK)
The University of Bristol Think Big Scholarship is designed for international students who wish to pursue undergraduate or master’s degrees at one of the UK’s leading universities. The program helps reduce the financial burden of studying abroad by offering generous tuition fee waivers.
- Host Institution: University of Bristol
- Level of Study: Undergraduate/Masters
- Amount: Up to £20,000 (applied as a tuition fee waiver)
- Eligibility: International students applying for undergraduate or taught postgraduate programs
- Expected Deadline: April 2025
- APPLY NOW: University of Bristol Think Big Scholarship (Bachelor’s)
KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship (South Korea)
KAIST, one of Asia’s top science and technology universities, offers fully funded undergraduate scholarships to international students.
- Host Institution: KAIST University, South Korea
- Benefits: Full tuition fee coverage, monthly allowance of up to 800,000 KRW, round-trip airfare, Korean language training, and medical insurance.
- Eligibility: International students with strong science and math background, leadership, and innovation potential.
- Expected Deadline: October 2025
- Apply Now: KAIST Scholarship Application
The Gates Scholarship (USA)
The Gates Scholarship (TGS) is a highly competitive, fully funded program for outstanding minority high school seniors in the United States. Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, it supports 300 students each year by covering the full cost of attendance, allowing them to pursue undergraduate studies at any accredited U.S. college or university without financial burden.
- Host Institution: Accredited Colleges and Universities in the USA
- Level of Study: Undergraduate (Bachelor’s degree)
- Amount: Fully Funded (tuition, fees, housing, books, and other costs)
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents from minority backgrounds (African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian & Pacific Islander American, and Hispanic American); Pell Grant eligible; minimum GPA 3.3
- Expected Deadline: September 15, 2025
- APPLY NOW: The Gates Scholarship (USA)
Oxford University Reach Scholarship (UK)
The Reach Oxford Scholarship is designed for students from low-income countries who cannot afford to study in the UK otherwise.
- Host Institution: University of Oxford, UK
- Benefits: Tuition fees, living expenses, and one return airfare per year.
- Eligibility: Students from low-income nations with academic excellence and leadership qualities.
- Expected Deadline: February–March 2026
- Apply Now: Oxford Reach Scholarship
Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)
The Australia Awards are prestigious scholarships funded by the Australian Government to support students from developing countries.
- Host Institution: Leading Australian Universities
- Benefits: Full tuition fees, accommodation, health insurance, living allowance, and return airfare.
- Eligibility: International students from eligible countries who commit to returning home after graduation.
- Expected Deadline: April 2026
- Apply Now: Australia Awards Official Site
ARES Scholarships in Belgium 2026/27
The ARES Scholarships is a funded by the Belgian Government which offer fully funded opportunities for students and professionals from 31 partner countries. The program supports one-year Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, along with short training courses in fields like public health, education, environment, and economics.
- Host Institution: Higher Education Institutions in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, Belgium
- Level of Study: Specialized Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Short Training Programs
- Amount: Fully Funded (airfare, tuition, living allowance, visa fees, insurance, and academic costs)
- Eligibility: Citizens of one of the 31 ARES partner countries; hold a Bachelor’s or higher diploma; at least 2 years of relevant professional experience; must demonstrate commitment to sustainable development; must not have received a similar ARES scholarship previously.
- Expected Deadline: September 19, 2025
- APPLY NOW: ARES Scholarships in Belgium 2026/27
CEU University Hungary Scholarships 2025
The CEU University Hungary Scholarships 2025 is offered by Central European University (CEU) in Budapest, provide fully funded opportunities for international students across Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs, covering tuition, living expenses, and health insurance.
- Host Institution: Central European University (CEU), Budapest, Hungary
- Level of Study: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs
- Amount: Fully Funded / Partial (tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance; stipend varies by program)
- Eligibility: Open to all nationalities; final-year undergraduate students may apply for Master’s programs; all required documents must be submitted; GRE/GMAT required only for Department of Economics and Business applicants.
- APPLY NOW: CEU University Hungary Scholarships 2025
General Documents Required for UK Master’s Scholarship Applications
- Official transcripts from your previous degree(s).
- Copy of your Bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree certificate.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume highlighting your academic, professional, and extracurricular achievements.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) / Personal Statement
- Letters of Recommendation
- English Language Proficiency
- Research Proposal required for research-based programs or scholarships (like PhD-focused scholarships).
- Passport Copy
- Proof of financial need if required (some scholarships are need-based).
- Portfolio / Work Samples (if required )
How to Apply for UK Master’s Scholarships
- First, Identify scholarships that match your course, eligibility, and country of residence.
- Carefully review the eligibility criteria of your chosen scholarships like academic, language, and other requirements.
- Collect all required documents such as transcripts, CV, SOP, recommendation letters, and English proficiency scores.
- Fill out the scholarship application with all accurate data
- Upload the Supporting Documents like transcripts, certificates, SOP, recommendation letters, and any additional materials as required.
- Monitor your application through the portal or via email notifications. Once you will get selected you will receive the confirmation mail.
- Some scholarships may conduct interviews or additional assessments. So prepare accordingly.
Final Thought
In this blog post, we have shared around 9 fully funded undergraduate scholarships for international students with all its details.
Applying for a UK Master’s scholarship can be a life-changing opportunity to study at world-class universities without financial stress. You have to just be more focused while choosing your preferred scholarship.
Do careful research, organize the documents before starting the application process. This will maximize your chances of securing a fully funded scholarship.
Remember that these scholarships not only cover tuition but also provide access to global networks, mentorship, and career-boosting opportunities.
Start early, stay focused, and take the first step toward your international academic journey!