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Understanding Fully Funded Scholarships USA
Fully funded scholarships USA are financial awards provided by universities to support deserving students based on merit and financial need. These scholarships aim to create opportunities for talented individuals, helping them excel academically and advance their careers. Additionally, they contribute to a diverse student body in universities.
Scholarships vary in their coverage. Some cover the entire tuition fee, while others provide partial funding. In contrast, fully funded scholarships USA cover all expenses associated with education, including tuition fees, housing, transportation, and living costs for the duration of the program.
With a fully funded scholarship, international students can concentrate on their studies without the stress of financial burdens. This means they do not need to seek part-time work to cover their expenses, allowing them to focus fully on their academic goals while studying abroad.
Top 15 Fully Funded Scholarships for 2025
In this article, we present a curated list of the top 15 fully funded scholarships available for Indian and international students. These scholarships are offered by various governments, universities, and foundations worldwide, providing substantial financial support for higher education.
- Yale University Scholarship
Yale University offers a need-based financial aid program for undergraduate students known as the Yale Scholarship. This grant is a non-repayable gift that assists students who demonstrate financial need. Eligible Indian and international students will find the scholarship amount detailed in their Financial Aid Award Letter, with an average award of up to $50,000. - MEXT Scholarships
The MEXT Scholarships provide comprehensive support by covering tuition fees and offering a monthly stipend ranging from ¥117,000 to ¥242,000, depending on the specific scholarship type. Open to students of all nationalities, including those from India, these scholarships aim to attract exceptional individuals to study in Japan. Their objectives include promoting mutual understanding, developing human networks, enhancing the educational and research capabilities of Japanese universities, and contributing to global knowledge. - Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is designed for individuals pursuing Master’s or PhD degrees in various fields offered by universities. This scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, covering tuition fees, airfare, a living stipend, health insurance, and additional benefits. It is accessible to applicants from all countries, including Indian students, with the exception of U.S. citizens. - Monash University Scholarship
Monash University offers the Monash Humanitarian Scholarship for international students planning to enroll in undergraduate programs. This scholarship fully covers tuition fees and provides an annual allowance of $6,000. It is available to Indian students and other international applicants, excluding Australian citizens. - Stanford University Scholarships
Undergraduate students applying for financial aid can seek support through the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship at Stanford University. This program offers three years of funding for any graduate degree, which includes tuition, living expenses, and an annual travel stipend. Indian and international students can also receive a relocation stipend, with additional funds available for academic activities in the second and third years. While funding is primarily for the specified degree program, scholarship recipients may request extra funding for another graduate program, though approval is not guaranteed. If the chosen program exceeds three years, funding will follow the standard commitments of the relevant department or school. - Chevening Scholarship
The Chevening Scholarships provide full funding, covering flights, accommodation, and course fees. This allows recipients to focus on their professional goals and gain a transformative experience in the UK for one year. Supported by partner organizations and the UK government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), the Chevening program is aimed at exceptional students with strong leadership potential.- Netherlands Government Scholarship
The VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP) is an academic merit-based scholarship that covers tuition fees for students from non-EU/non-EEA countries facing higher tuition costs. This scholarship can be paired with the Holland Scholarship Programme (HSP), which provides additional financial support for living expenses.
Additionally, the Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS) is specifically available for students from India and Indonesia. Applicants are encouraged to apply for the OTS alongside both the VUFP and HSP for comprehensive financial assistance.
- Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship fully covers all educational costs at Cambridge University, offering additional financial support for students. Key benefits include coverage of the University Composition Fee, an annual maintenance allowance of £20,000 for up to four years (for PhD candidates), two round-trip airfares, visa expenses, and Health Surcharge.
Optional funding includes academic development support (up to £2,000), a Dependent Children Allowance (up to £16,548 for families with two or more children), assistance for fieldwork, maternity/paternity leave funding (for up to six months), and hardship funding to address unforeseen challenges.
- KAIST University Scholarships
KAIST University offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for both Indian and international students. Among the most notable are the Presidential Science Scholarship, National Excellence Scholarship, National Scholarship, Low-Income Family Scholarship, and Financial Aid Scholarship. These scholarships are specifically designed to support students from diverse financial backgrounds.
Many of these programs not only cover full tuition fees but also provide assistance for living expenses. By offering a wide range of scholarships, KAIST aims to ensure that all students can pursue their education without financial worries, promoting a diverse and inclusive academic community.
- British Council Women in STEM Scholarships
The British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM are aimed at supporting female students pursuing Master’s degrees in STEM fields. This fully funded scholarship covers tuition fees and additional benefits.
In partnership with the University of Stirling, the British Council has created this scholarship program to empower women from Southeast Asia. It is particularly focused on female postgraduate students in the Institute of Aquaculture, highlighting financial need and a commitment to fostering future generations of women in aquaculture careers.
- Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS)
The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS), offered by the University of Amsterdam, is designed for international students, including those from India, pursuing a Master’s degree in various fields. This fully funded scholarship provides financial support of €25,000, covering both tuition and living expenses.
The scholarship is available specifically for non-EU nationals, including Indian students. For the September 2024 intake, the university plans to award only one or two AMS scholarships. The selection process will be managed by the Research School Directors from the two-year research Master’s programs within the Faculty of Science.
- Public Service Commission (PSC) Master’s Scholarship
The PSC Master’s Scholarship is aimed at undergraduates at any stage of their studies who intend to pursue a Master’s degree after completing their undergraduate program, as well as recent graduates with up to three years of experience in the private or non-government sectors. This fully funded scholarship covers tuition fees and provides a stipend for living expenses. However, eligibility is restricted to citizens of Singapore.
- ADB-Japan Scholarship Program
The ADB–Japan Scholarship Program offers extensive support for students, including full coverage of tuition fees, a subsistence allowance (which includes housing), book allowances, medical insurance, travel expenses, and research subsidies. This scholarship is available to individuals from ADB borrowing member countries who have been accepted into an approved master’s program at designated institutions.
Eligible candidates must be under 35 years old, in good health, and hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent with an excellent academic record. Additionally, applicants are required to commit to returning to their home country after completing their studies to contribute to its development.
- Turkish Government Scholarships
Turkish Government Scholarships are offered for Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, and Postdoctoral degrees in various fields at Turkish universities. Indian students can apply through the provided link. Sponsored by the Government of Turkey, this scholarship covers full funding, including tuition fees, stipends, and additional benefits. It is open to applicants of all nationalities, excluding Turkish citizens
- Global Scholar Award
The Global Scholar Award at Marquette University is available to Indian and international undergraduate students, excluding those from the U.S. Applicants can submit their applications by January 15, 2024, for this fully funded scholarship, which covers tuition, housing, food, and student fees. This prestigious award recognizes diverse perspectives and is granted based on academic excellence, a passion for global cultures, and the potential for significant contributions to the Marquette community.
Each year, up to two outstanding international freshmen, starting their studies in the fall semester under F-1 visa status, receive this scholarship. The award is renewable annually, contingent upon maintaining strong academic performance. Recipients are also encouraged to participate in global initiatives both on campus and within the Milwaukee community.
- Netherlands Government Scholarship
Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students Without IELTS
While having an IELTS qualification or an equivalent certification is advantageous for demonstrating English proficiency, it is not always a requirement. Being proficient in English is important as lectures, classes, and study materials are typically delivered in English.
Many universities worldwide are open to accepting students from various nationalities, allowing them to apply without the necessity of proving their English-speaking abilities through tests like IELTS. As long as students can understand the material being taught, they are often eligible for admission.
