19 universities that offer fully funded scholarships

Getting a fully funded scholarship for university can be life-changing, providing students the opportunity to study without the financial burden of tuition fees or living expenses. While competition is strong, many top universities internationally offer excellent scholarships that cover all costs. Here are 19 universities with outstanding scholarship programs that could fund your entire degree:

University of Cambridge (UK) – Cambridge offers a wide range of scholarships and bursaries for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The Oscar-funded Cambridge Trust Scholarship is for international students and covers the full cost of attendance.

University of Oxford (UK) – Similar to Cambridge, Oxford has hundreds of scholarship opportunities from individual colleges and central university funds. The Rhodes Scholarship provides postgrad funding to study at Oxford.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – MIT meets 100% of demonstrated needs for all four years through grants, jobs, and low-interest loans. International students are also eligible for need-based aid and merit scholarships.

Stanford University (USA) – Stanford meets 100% of the calculated needs of all undergraduate students through grants and work-study opportunities. Many scholarships are also available based on merit, field of study, or interest.

Yale University (USA) – Yale’s generous financial aid meets 100% of the calculated need without loans. Yale also offers the prestigious King Scholarship for exceptional international applicants.

Harvard University (USA) – Like the other top US schools, Harvard is committed to meeting 100% of its financial needs through grants, jobs, and no-interest loans. Top international students may receive the Harvard College Scholarship.

Princeton University (USA) – Princeton’s generous aid meets 100% of the calculated need. Around 60-70% is covered through grants and scholarships, with no need for loans.

University of Toronto (Canada) – The University of Toronto offers many national and international entrance scholarships ranging from $5,000-30,000 to top incoming students.

University of British Columbia (Canada) – UBC’s Four Year Award supports top applicants with 40% of assessed tuition costs for four years. The Major Entrance Scholarship provides $5,000/year.

University of Melbourne (Australia) – Melbourne offers 12 full-tuition International Undergraduate Scholarships each valued at AUD 40,000 per year for up to 4 years. Great academic achievement is required.

National University of Singapore (Singapore) – NUS offers the President’s Scholarship, covering full tuition, stipend, and expenses for four years to exceptional international students.

Imperial College London (UK) – Imperial College International Scholarships cover home UK/EU tuition fees for excellent international students across all subjects.

KU Leuven (Belgium) – As a top European university, KU Leuven provides highly competitive scholarships for Bachelor’s and Master’s programs for international students.

University of Zurich (Switzerland) – Switzerland has no tuition fees for undergraduate studies. Zurich offers Excellent Women in Science Scholarships of up to 18,000 CHF annually.

Sciences Po (France) – Sciences Po offers generous funding, including full tuition, housing, and living stipends for its American Honors Program for exceptional US applicants.

University College London (UK) – Alongside college and faculty awards, UCL provides the Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship, waiving home tuition fees for the strongest international applicants.

Karolinska Institutet (Sweden) – As one of the top medical universities in Europe, Karolinska offers competitive scholarships for international Master’s and PhD students in medicine and healthcare-related fields.

Technical University of Munich (Germany) – TUM Excellence Scholarships cover living costs through a monthly stipend of up to 12 months for excellent graduate students from non-EU countries pursuing technical or scientific studies.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Hong Kong) – HKUST provides the HKUST President’s Scholars Program, fully funding top international undergraduates’ tuition, housing, living expenses, and research stipend.

I hope this article has highlighted some excellent international scholarship opportunities for funded university study. Standout academic performance, a strong application, and a demonstration of leadership potential or alignment with the university’s mission will serve applicants well. Starting research and applications over a year in advance is also recommended. With diligent preparation, a fully funded university experience is an attainable goal.

All the best!