Figuring out how to pay for your degree is a major factor in your decision to study for a Masters abroad. A full Masters degree scholarship would naturally be the ideal option, but you must be ready to demonstrate excellent academic and leadership credentials and to face strong competition.

To help you in your search for the most appropriate funding option, Access Masters has compiled a list of some of the most popular full government scholarships for international students targeting Masters programmes around the world.

Check out: Employer-based Education Assistance on the Rise Globally

It is worth noting that free financial support can come under different guises and names, such as scholarships, grants, fellowships and bursaries, etc.

Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program offers scholarships to international students who want to pursue a postgraduate degree in the United States. In addition to tuition and living costs, the grant also covers airline tickets and health insurance. Fulbright scholarships are awarded to about 4,000 foreign students each year.

Program eligibility and selection procedures vary widely by country. You can use the drop-down menu here to check out the eligibility requirements and application guidelines for your home country. If your country is not in the list, you are not eligible to apply.

The general requirements typically include an excellent academic record and high scores on the American standardised tests (TOEFL, GRE/GMAT). Applicants must also demonstrate leadership potential and adaptability. Preference is given to applicants who have not had a prior opportunity to study in the U.S.

British Chevening Scholarships (UK)

Chevening is the UK Government’s international awards scheme for Masters applicants. The duration of the programmes should not exceed 12 months, but also not be less than nine months. The scholarship is also awarded to MBA aspirants, but they need to cover any additional cost over GBP 18,000 themselves.

The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, an economy class return airfare to the UK, and additional grants and allowances to cover essential expenditure. Costs vary considerably depending on course and university choice. Typically, most scholarships amount to about GBP 26,000 for a full academic year.

To be eligible for a Chevening Award you must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country and return to your country of citizenship for at least two years after your award has ended. You also need a relevant undergraduate degree, at least two years’ work experience, and proof of English-language skills.

Endeavour Leadership Program (Australia)

The Endeavour Leadership Program is dedicated to the internationalisation of Australia’s education, training, and research sectors. The programme provides full financial support to international students who want to enroll in Masters or PhD programmes in any field of study in Australia.

The scholarships, which provide support for up to two years for a Masters, include tuition fees (up to AUD 30,000 per calendar year), travel allowance, establishment allowance, monthly stipend, and health and travel insurance. The total value of the scholarship cannot exceed AUD 140,500.

Applicants must submit evidence of English-language proficiency, referee reports, employment records, and a letter of admission to an Australian university, among other documents.

Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (Sweden)

The Swedish Institute offers full scholarships to international students who want to study for a Masters degree in Sweden. The scholarship is intended for full-time one-year or two-year Masters programmes and is only awarded for courses starting in the autumn semester. Check the list of eligible Masters programmes.

The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses of SEK 10,000 (USD 1000) a month, and a travel grant of SEK 15,000.

Successful applicants must have a minimum of 3,000 hours of employment and demonstrate leadership potential from their current or previous employment. Learn more about the requirements.

Vliruos Training and Masters Scholarships (Belgium)

Applicants from 31 eligible countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America can apply for full scholarships to attend one of the selected trainings or Masters programmes taught in English at a Flemish university or university college. The scholarships are awarded for international Masters programmes on a subject that is relevant to, or specific for, development. 

The scholarships cover tuition fee, accommodation, allowance, travel costs, and other programme-related costs.

Priority is given to candidates who are employed in academic institutions, research institutes, governments, the social economy or NGOs, or who aim at a career in one of these sectors.

Check out: Masters Funding Options: How Do They Differ?

DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers numerous full or partial scholarships for postgraduate education, including Masters programmes, in Germany. 

DAAD also maintains a scholarship database for foreign students, graduates and researchers, which contains numerous scholarship offers from other providers for study or teaching visits and research projects in Germany.

Japanese Government Scholarship

The Japanese government offers scholarships to international students who wish to study for Masters or PhD programmes in Japan.

The scholarship covers a daily allowance depending on the course enrolled in, tuition fees, and travel expenses.

Applicants should apply for the field of study they majored in at university or its related field. They also must be willing to learn Japanese.

To improve your search, you are well advised to look for additional funding opportunities in the country where you want to pursue a Masters degree. If you cannot obtain a full Masters scholarship, at least you can try to get a partial one and cover a substantial part of the costs. So, get your research underway and good luck!