8 full-ride international scholarships you can still apply for 2024 entry

Studying abroad is a dream that many international students around the world hope to achieve.

You imagine yourself studying at some of the most prestigious universities in the world and exploring different countries, their culture, people and food.

However, this dream often comes with a hefty price tag that is out of reach — that is, unless you get an international scholarship.

International scholarships are more than just pieces of paper; they are golden tickets to a world of possibilities.

It opens the doors to a world of educational and personal growth.

Without having to scrimp and save, or work two to three jobs to survive, an international scholarship lets you focus 100% on doing well in your degree.

This, in turn, leads to a chain effect of great outcomes: better chances of getting an internship (even unpaid ones), which then leads to better chances of getting a good job and starting life on the right foot.

International scholarships also help you cover small costs that add up. These include the costs of visas, travel, accommodation, and daily expenses.

The best part? You don’t have to burden your family. Your parents don’t have to work more or use more of their retirement savings to convert it into dollars, pounds or euros.

Instead, with no financial strain on you, you have a clear path towards success at university and beyond — with this, you’ll not only be able to create a better future for yourself but your family too.

All of this could be yours and soon too, if you win any of the international scholarships below — which are still open for entry in 2024.

 

8 best international scholarships for 2024 you don’t want to miss out on

1. US: Yale University Scholarship

Deadline: Dec. 15, 2023

As one of the top universities in the world, it is no surprise that many international students have their sights set on the world-renowned Yale University. 

However, as one of the most prestigious universities, it doesn’t come cheap. Thankfully, Yale offers international scholarships to its students to ease their financial burden. 

The Yale University Scholarship for the academic year 2024 to 2025 is a fully funded scholarship for international students to join its undergraduate, master’s and PhD programmes.

The value can vary from a few hundred dollars to over US$70,000 annually; the average Yale need-based scholarship is over US$50,000.

Though this is the financial value of the scholarship, the true value of a Yale experience is arguably priceless.

Picture access to cutting-edge research labs and awe-inspiring libraries stocked with centuries of knowledge.

The Yale experience extends beyond the classroom with cultural festivals showcasing international traditions, art exhibitions, and performances celebrating global talent. 

Being part of this can be your reality if you can prove outstanding academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to effecting positive change in your community and worldwide. 

These international scholarships enable international students to pursue their dreams and contribute to the dynamic intellectual community of the world’s top universities. Source: AFP

2. Japan: MEXT Scholarship 

Deadline: Nov. 16, 2023

If you always imagined yourself studying among the beautiful cherry blossoms as you devour delicious sushi, then consider applying for the MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) scholarship.

It is known as one of the best international scholarships for students as it covers the tuition fees, return airfare and more for those wanting to join undergraduate, master’s, PhD and training studies. 

It’s valued at approximately 143,000 to 145,000 Japanese yen (US$964 to US$977) per month at the graduate level and approximately ¥117,000 (US$789) per month at the undergraduate level.

Note, however, that you must undertake training in the Japanese language for at least six months, unless you can show you are already proficient.

3. South Korea: KAIST University Undergraduate Scholarship 

Deadline: TBC (usually December or January)

The fully funded KAIST University Scholarship lets you study at the MIT of Asia.

 

Offered for master’s studies only, this scholarship will cover:

• Your tuition fee
• A monthly allowance of up to 800,000 KRW (US$596)
• One economy round-trip
• Korean language training fee
• Medical insurance.

Here, you will be conducting groundbreaking research in cutting-edge laboratories, collaborating with top-notch professors, and attending lectures that spark your intellectual curiosity.

As English is the medium language of instruction, you’ll need to prove proof of English proficiency like IELTS, TOEFL or the equivalent.

As you explore the beautiful city of Daejeon, home to KAIST, you can savour the sights and sounds of South Korea while knowing that your accommodation and living expenses are fully taken care of. 

Applications for the Spring 2024 entry have just closed. Keep an eye out when applications open for the Fall 2024 entry.

4. Saudi Arabia: KAUST Scholarship

Deadline: Oct. 1, 2023

This international scholarship aims to recruit highly qualified candidates to pursue postgraduate programmes at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).

This fully funded scholarship programme is awarded on a merit basis to master’s and PhD students.

And according to its website, “every admitted student receives the KAUST Fellowship.”

With the KAUST Scholarship, not only are your tuition and research expenses covered, but you also receive a stipend, access to state-of-the-art laboratories and the opportunity to collaborate with world-class scientists and engineers from different backgrounds. 

Campus is nestled along the Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia. Here, modern architecture blends seamlessly with the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Whether you’re working on renewable energy solutions in the lab, enjoying cultural exchanges with your fellow scholars, or simply watching the stunning desert sunsets, the KAUST Scholarship offers a unique blend of academic excellence and unforgettable experiences that will shape your future as a global leader in science and technology.

5. UK: Chevening Scholarship 

Deadline: Nov. 7, 2023

Chevening is the international awards system of the UK government that aims to develop worldwide leaders. For the 2024/2025 academic year, there are approximately 1,500 awards on offer globally.

This scholarship is only available for master’s studies in any subject. Chevening Scholarship covers university tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, an economy class return airfare to the UK, and additional grants and allowances to cover essential expenditures.

Funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations, Chevening provides two kinds of awards – Chevening Scholarships and Chevening Fellowships – with recipients personally chosen throughout the globe by British embassies and high commissions.

With the Chevening Scholarship, your academic journey becomes a canvas where you can paint your dreams as you explore historical landmarks, visit world-class museums, and engage in thought-provoking debates at renowned British universities.

Famous Chevening recipient include:

• Álvaro Uribe – President of Colombia
• Annastacia Palaszczuk – Premier of the Australian state of Queensland
• Guðni Th. Jóhannesson – President of Iceland
• Herbert Wigwe – CEO of Access Bank, Nigeria
• Marek Belka – former Prime Minister of Poland; currently Head of the National Bank of Poland
• Phil Goff – New Zealand Mayor of Auckland
• Shirani Bandaranayake – Chief Justice of Sri Lanka
• Ziad Bahaa-Eldin – Deputy Prime Minister of Egypt

6. Canada: Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Programme

Deadline: Jan. 15, 2024

The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is awarded annually to excellent students from around the globe to pursue a programme at the University of Toronto.

It will cover four years of tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support.

Prestigious and competitive, this international scholarship aims to help students who show outstanding academic achievement and creativity and are acknowledged as leaders in their school. 

Only approximately 37 recipients become Lester B. Pearson scholars each year.

And you need to be nominated by your school and gain admission to an undergraduate programme here to even stand a chance of being one of them.

To be eligible, you must also be:

• an international student (i.e. a non-Canadian requiring a study permit);
• currently in your final year of secondary school or have graduated no earlier than June 2023
• beginning your studies at the University of Toronto in September 2024

7. UK: Commonwealth Master’s and PhD Scholarships

Deadline: Oct. 17, 2023

Commonwealth Scholarships were created for students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries, allowing them to pursue a master’s and PhD programme at UK universities beginning in September/October 2024.

These fully-funded international scholarships aim to ensure talented and motivated students to gain the knowledge and skills required to study in the UK. 

With these scholarships, your tuition fees are fully covered, and you receive a stipend at the rate of 1,34 pounds per month, or £1,652 per month for those at universities in the London metropolitan area.

No direct applications for this particular international scholarship. Instead, nominating agencies put forward scholarship candidates to the CSC for consideration.

To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

• A first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard, or a lower second-class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a master’s degree)
• Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship
• Are from an eligible country

To win this international scholarship, you should also show:

• A good case on how your proposed work will have an impact on development when you return home
• A study/research plan that’s written clearly, avoids technical language and does not copy and paste from university websites
• Detailed references with sufficient information

8. US: Fulbright Scholarships 

Deadline: Oct. 11, 2023

If you always imagined attending an Ivy League university, the Fulbright Foreign Student Programme is your ticket to universities like Harvard, Yale or Stanford.

Approximately 4,000 foreign students from more than 160 countries worldwide receive Fulbright scholarships each year.

The scholarship was started to help artistic, young and talented foreign students to pursue their graduate studies and conduct world-class research for one year or longer at at US universities or other appropriate institutions. 

The US Embassy in your country administers this programme jointly with the Fulbright Commission. What you need to be eligible and how these embassies select Fulbright scholars vary widely by country.

To check whether you’re from an eligible country and the requirements you must meet, click here.