Studying abroad for a master’s degree can change your future. It opens doors to top universities, builds global connections, and helps you gain skills that are valued all over the world. But the cost of tuition and living expenses can be very high. For many students, this cost makes the dream of higher education abroad almost impossible.
That is why scholarships are so important. They cover tuition fees, living costs, health insurance, and even travel in many cases. If you are an international student from Pakistan or any other country, you can apply for scholarships that make your master’s degree fully funded or at least very affordable.
In this guide, we will look at the top 10 master’s degree scholarships for international students in 2025. We will also answer common questions about the best countries, application steps, and tips to win a full scholarship.
Why Scholarships Matter for Master’s Studies Abroad
A master’s degree usually costs between $20,000 and $50,000 per year in countries like the USA, UK, or Australia. Add living expenses, and the total can go even higher. For students from developing countries, this is too much.
Scholarships solve this problem by:
Paying tuition fees (partially or fully)
Covering health insurance and accommodation
Giving monthly stipends for living costs
Supporting travel expenses like air tickets
With scholarships, you can focus on studies without financial stress. They also increase your chances of working in top companies or pursuing PhD programs later.
Which Countries Offer the Best Master’s Scholarships?
Not all countries provide the same opportunities. Some governments and universities are very generous in supporting international students. Let’s look at the top destinations:
USA – Home to Prestigious Graduate Scholarships
The USA offers scholarships like Fulbright, which is one of the most famous in the world. American universities also provide research assistantships and merit-based awards.
UK – Chevening and University-Specific Awards
The UK government funds Chevening Scholarships, and many universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and Edinburgh offer master’s funding.
Europe – Erasmus+ and Country Grants
Europe is full of scholarship chances. Erasmus+ supports joint master’s programs across many countries, while DAAD Germany, Eiffel France, and the Holland Scholarship provide excellent funding.
Asia-Pacific – Fully Funded Chances in China, Japan, Australia
Countries like Japan (MEXT), China (CSC), and Australia (Australia Awards) offer scholarships that cover tuition, living, and travel.
These regions are not only affordable with scholarships, but also rich in cultural exchange and research opportunities.
Top 10 Master’s Degree Scholarships for International Students
Now, let’s look at the best scholarships available for master’s students worldwide.
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
The Fulbright Scholarship is one of the most respected programs. It covers tuition, airfare, living stipend, and health insurance. Every year, students from more than 160 countries are selected. Pakistani students can apply through the USEFP (United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan).
Funding: Full tuition, living costs, travel
Duration: 1–2 years
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree, strong academic record, English test (GRE, TOEFL/IELTS)
2. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Chevening is funded by the UK government and supports future leaders. It is highly competitive but provides full support for a one-year master’s degree.
Funding: Full tuition, monthly stipend, travel costs
Duration: 1 year
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree, work experience (2 years), leadership potential
3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (Europe)
Erasmus+ is a European Union program that allows students to study in two or more European countries and earn a joint master’s degree.
Funding: Tuition, travel, health insurance, living allowance
Duration: 1–2 years
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree, language proficiency (English or host country language)
4. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships for master’s programs in Germany. It supports both academic and research-focused students.
Funding: Monthly stipend (€934), health insurance, travel, tuition waiver
Duration: 1–2 years
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree, two years of work experience preferred
5. Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)
The Australian government funds scholarships for students from developing countries, including Pakistan. They focus on leadership and returning to contribute at home.
Funding: Full tuition, airfare, living allowance, health insurance
Duration: 2 years
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree, English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL), commitment to return home
6. MEXT Scholarships (Japan)
The Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship covers almost all costs for master’s students. It is highly attractive because of Japan’s advanced research facilities.
Funding: Tuition, monthly allowance, travel
Duration: 2 years
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree, English or Japanese proficiency
7. Chinese Government CSC Scholarships (China)
China offers the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) to attract international students. Many Pakistani students benefit from it every year.
Funding: Tuition, accommodation, stipend, health insurance
Duration: 2–3 years
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree, under 35 years old, English or Chinese test score
8. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Canada)
Though designed for PhD students, some Canadian universities allow strong master’s students to apply or continue with Vanier after MS.
Funding: CAD 50,000 per year for 3 years
Duration: MS leading to PhD
Eligibility: Excellent academic record, research proposal, English/French proficiency
9. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program (France)
France funds Eiffel Scholarships for talented international students in fields like engineering, law, economics, and political science.
Funding: Monthly allowance, travel, health insurance (tuition usually waived)
Duration: 12–24 months
Eligibility: Non-French nationals, age under 30, good academic profile
10. Netherlands Government Scholarships (Holland Scholarship)
The Dutch government provides the Holland Scholarship and Orange Knowledge Program to international students.
Funding: Up to €5,000 per year (partial funding), some programs full-funded
Duration: 1–2 years
Eligibility: Non-EEA students, bachelor’s degree, strong application
How to Apply for a Master’s Scholarship
Applying for a scholarship requires planning. Here are the steps:
Check Eligibility and Deadlines
Visit official websites and read requirements carefully. Note that deadlines vary, often 6–12 months before the start of classes.
Prepare Documents (Essays, Transcripts, Recommendations)
Most scholarships require:
Academic transcripts
Bachelor’s degree certificate
Personal statement / Statement of purpose
Recommendation letters
Resume (CV)
Improve English Test Scores (IELTS/TOEFL)
Most programs require proof of English proficiency. Start preparing early to get the needed score.
Apply Early and Track Results
Submit applications before deadlines and keep track of responses. Some scholarships also require interviews.
Tips for Winning a 100% Master’s Scholarship
Apply to multiple scholarships – Don’t depend on only one.
Show leadership potential – Many scholarships value leadership and community work.
Write a strong personal statement – Share your story, goals, and motivation.
Get good recommendations – Choose professors or employers who know you well.
Prepare for interviews – Practice answering questions about your study goals.
FAQs About Master’s Scholarships for International Students
Which country is best for a master’s scholarship?
The best countries are the USA, UK, Germany, Australia, Japan, and Canada because they provide full funding.
Which country gives full scholarships to Pakistani students?
The USA (Fulbright), UK (Chevening), Australia (Australia Awards), and China (CSC) are the most popular for Pakistani students.
How do you get a 100% scholarship for MS in the US?
Apply for Fulbright or university-specific assistantships. Strong GRE/IELTS scores and leadership experience increase your chances.
Which country is best for a full free scholarship?
Germany and Norway offer tuition-free or low-cost education. But for fully funded scholarships, USA, UK, and Japan are top choices.
Final Thoughts
Getting a master’s degree abroad does not have to be a dream only for the rich. With the right scholarship, you can study in some of the world’s best universities without worrying about costs.
The top 10 scholarships listed here are trusted, globally recognized, and open to students from Pakistan and many other countries. The key is to prepare early, write strong applications, and stay confident.
Remember, thousands of students win these scholarships every year. With effort and planning, you can be one of them too.
Scholarship and education policy analyst sharing updates on global study grants, government programs, and policy changes across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.