Fully funded Master's scholarships are available from governments, universities, and foundations around the world. This guide covers the major programmes, eligibility requirements, and strategies for a successful application.
Types of Fully Funded Master's Scholarships
Government-funded Scholarships
These are the most generous, typically covering full tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance:
DAAD Scholarships (Germany): One of the largest scholarship programmes worldwide. Covers €992/month stipend, health insurance, travel, and tuition. Open to students from developing and emerging countries. More than 200 programmes available.Chevening Scholarships (UK): Full tuition at any UK university, monthly stipend, travel costs, and visa fees. For future leaders from 160+ countries. Requires 2+ years of work experience.Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's (EU): Full funding (tuition, €1,400/month stipend, travel) for joint programmes across multiple European universities. Open to all nationalities.Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA): Tuition, stipend, airfare, and health insurance for Master's study in the US. Country-specific quotas apply.MEXT Scholarship (Japan): Full tuition, ¥143,000–¥148,000/month stipend, airfare. For research, undergraduate, and Master's study in Japan.CSC Scholarship (China): Full tuition, ¥3,000–¥5,000/month stipend, accommodation, and health insurance for study at Chinese universities.Swedish Institute Scholarships: Full tuition + SEK 11,000/month for Master's in Sweden. For students from specific countries.Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France): €1,031/month stipend + international airfare for Master's in France. For students from non-European countries.University-specific Scholarships
Many universities offer full scholarships to attract top Master's students:
| University | Scholarship | Coverage |
|------------|-------------|----------|
| Oxford | Clarendon Scholarship | Full tuition + stipend |
| Cambridge | Gates Cambridge | Full tuition + stipend |
| Harvard | Harvard Kennedy School Scholarships | Full tuition + living |
| Sciences Po | Emile-Boutmy Scholarship | Full or partial tuition |
| University of Tokyo | ADB Scholarship | Full funding for Asian students |
| KAIST | KAIST International Scholarship | Full tuition + stipend |
| University of Amsterdam | Amsterdam Merit Scholarship | Full or partial tuition |
| Lund University | Lund Global Scholarship | 25–100% tuition waiver |
Foundation and Trust Scholarships
AAUW International Fellowship (USA): $20,000–$50,000 for women from outside the USJoint Japan/World Bank Scholarship: Full funding for Master's in development-related fieldsMastercard Foundation Scholars Program: Full funding for African students at partner universitiesRotary Foundation Global Grant: $30,000–$75,000 for graduate study in peace, disease prevention, or waterRegional and Country-specific Scholarships
Commonwealth Scholarships (UK): For students from Commonwealth countriesAustralia Awards: Full funding for Master's in Australia (for specific countries)New Zealand Excellence Awards: Partial scholarships for Master's in NZADB-Japan Scholarship: For Asian students at partner universities in AsiaOAS Scholarships: For students from the Americas at US or Spanish universitiesHow to Apply
Timeline
12 months before: Research programmes, prepare for language tests10 months before: Contact potential supervisors or programmes, request recommendation letters8 months before: Submit scholarship applications (most deadlines are October–February)6 months before: Submit university applications (if separate from scholarship)3 months before: Visa applications, travel arrangementsCommon Requirements
Bachelor's degree with strong academic record (GPA 3.0+ or equivalent)English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 80+)Two or three recommendation letters from academic refereesStatement of purpose or motivation letterCV or résumé (academic format)Some programmes require work experienceTips for a Successful Application
Apply to multiple programmes: Do not put all your eggs in one basket. Apply to 3–5 scholarshipsTailor each application: Generic applications are easy to spot and rejectDemonstrate impact: Government scholarships want to know how you will contribute to your home country after graduationGet strong references: Choose referees who know your academic work well and can provide specific examplesStart early: A strong application takes 2–3 months to prepare. Rushed applications rarely succeedProofread meticulously: Typos and grammatical errors create a negative impressionResearch the country: Show genuine interest in studying in that specific countryWhich Scholarship Should You Apply For?
If you are from a developing country: DAAD, Commonwealth, Australia Awards, Mastercard FoundationIf you are a future leader: Chevening, Fulbright, Rotary Global GrantIf you want a unique international experience: Erasmus Mundus (study in 2+ EU countries)If you want to study in Asia: MEXT (Japan), CSC (China), ADB-JapanIf you have high grades but limited funds: University-specific scholarships (Clarendon, Gates, etc.)Fully funded Master's scholarships are competitive but accessible with the right preparation. Identify the programmes that match your profile, prepare your documents carefully, and apply well before deadlines.