The dream of studying abroad can become a reality through fully funded scholarships—programs that cover not only tuition but also living expenses, travel, books, and health insurance. As of mid-2025, many prestigious scholarship programs are still accepting applications for the upcoming academic year. These opportunities offer a golden chance for talented and ambitious students to study at top universities across the globe without worrying about finances.
This guide highlights the fully funded scholarships still open in 2025, outlines their benefits, eligibility criteria, deadlines, and provides tips to enhance your chances of success.
What Is a Fully Funded Scholarship?
A fully funded scholarship typically covers:
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100% of tuition fees
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Monthly living allowance/stipend
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Travel costs (to and from the host country)
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Health insurance
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Accommodation support or housing allowance
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Sometimes even research or study material funds
These scholarships are offered by governments, universities, foundations, and international organizations to support academic excellence, diversity, and global leadership.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships Still Open in 2025
Below is a list of prominent scholarship programs that are still accepting applications this year.
1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EU)
What it Covers:
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Tuition fees
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Monthly stipend (~€1,000)
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Travel and installation costs
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Insurance
Highlights:
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Study in at least two European countries
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Joint or double degree from multiple universities
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Open to students from all nationalities
Tip: Apply to 2–3 Erasmus programs to increase your chances.
2. MEXT Scholarship (Japan)
What it Covers:
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Full tuition
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Monthly stipend (¥117,000–¥145,000)
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Airfare
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Preparatory Japanese language course
Highlights:
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Opportunity to study in top Japanese universities
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Encourages cultural immersion
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No Japanese proficiency required at the time of application
Tip: Apply through your local Japanese embassy for the embassy-recommended track.
3. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
What it Covers:
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Tuition fees (if any)
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Monthly allowance (€934–€1,200)
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Travel costs
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Insurance and study grants
Highlights:
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Ideal for students in development-related fields
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Offered in both English and German
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Wide range of programs across various universities
Tip: Look for DAAD-funded “EPOS” programs with ongoing deadlines.
4. Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS)
What it Covers:
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Full tuition
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Monthly living stipend
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On-campus accommodation
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Comprehensive medical insurance
Highlights:
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Over 200 Chinese universities participate
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Programs available in English and Chinese
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Ideal for STEM and International Relations students
Tip: Apply both via the embassy and directly to the university to improve your odds.
5. New Zealand Manaaki Scholarships
What it Covers:
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Tuition
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Living stipend (NZD 531/week)
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Establishment allowance
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Medical and travel insurance
Highlights:
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Focus on leadership and development
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Encourages students to contribute to their home countries after graduation
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World-class universities with a peaceful environment
Tip: Prepare a strong statement showing how your studies will benefit your country.
6. Schwarzman Scholars Program (China)
What it Covers:
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Tuition and fees
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Travel and personal stipend
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Room and board
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Academic materials and health insurance
Highlights:
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Designed to build future global leaders
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Modeled after the Rhodes Scholarship
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Taught in English
Tip: Demonstrate leadership, innovation, and cross-cultural understanding in your application.
7. University of Debrecen Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary)
What it Covers:
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Full tuition
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Monthly stipend
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Accommodation support
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Medical insurance
Highlights:
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Government-funded scholarship available across all fields
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Encourages international cooperation
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Strong STEM and medical programs
Tip: Check if your country has a sending partner organization to apply through.
Tips to Boost Your Scholarship Application
Applying for a fully funded scholarship is competitive. Here are some key strategies to strengthen your application:
1. Start Early
Most scholarship deadlines are strict and often close months before courses begin. Starting early allows you to:
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Gather academic transcripts
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Obtain letters of recommendation
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Write and revise personal statements
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Complete language tests (IELTS, TOEFL)
2. Tailor Each Application
Avoid generic statements. Tailor your essays and application documents to each scholarship’s goals, values, and country of origin.
3. Showcase Leadership and Social Impact
Many scholarships look beyond academics. Demonstrate:
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Volunteer work
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Community involvement
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Leadership roles in student organizations
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Impactful personal experiences
4. Maintain Strong Academic Records
Your grades play a significant role. Ensure that your GPA or equivalent academic performance is consistent and competitive.
5. Prepare for Interviews
If shortlisted, you may face interviews—especially for prestigious awards like Chevening or Schwarzman. Practice with mentors and be ready to speak clearly about your goals.
Documents You Typically Need
To prepare for any of these scholarships, keep the following documents ready:
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Valid passport
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Academic transcripts and diplomas
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Letters of recommendation
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Personal statement or Statement of Purpose
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Resume or CV
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Language test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo)
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Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
Final Thoughts
Studying abroad doesn’t have to remain a distant dream. With many fully funded scholarships still open in 2025, students from all backgrounds can access world-class education in countries like Germany, Japan, New Zealand, China, and the EU.