Pursuing higher education at one of the world’s top universities is a dream for many students. However, the financial burden can be a significant challenge. Scholarships provide a lifeline for international students, making it possible to access top-quality education without the heavy cost. In this guide, we will explore the most accessible international scholarships, highlight the world’s top universities offering these scholarships, and provide step-by-step guidance on how to apply.
This article will cover the following key points:
- Which universities offer the most scholarships to international students
- Which US universities offer 100% scholarships to international students
- How to get a $100 scholarship in the USA
- Countries where it’s easiest to get a fully funded scholarship
Whether you’re interested in the top 100 universities in the world, the top 10 universities in the world 2024, or the top 1000 universities globally, this guide has everything you need.
What Are International Scholarships?
International scholarships are financial aid awards offered by universities, governments, and private organizations to support students from other countries. These scholarships may cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other education-related expenses.
Types of Scholarships
- Merit-based Scholarships: Awarded based on academic excellence.
- Need-based Scholarships: For students who demonstrate financial need.
- Country-Specific Scholarships: For students from specific countries.
- Field-Specific Scholarships: For students in specific fields such as engineering, science, and technology.
- Government-Funded Scholarships: Sponsored by government programs like Fulbright (USA) or DAAD (Germany).
“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
Which University Gives the Most Scholarships to International Students?
Several universities are known for their generous scholarship programs. Below are a few prominent names:
| University | Scholarship Type | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | Need-based Scholarships | Full tuition + Living costs |
| Stanford University | Knight-Hennessy Scholars | Full tuition + Stipend |
| University of Oxford | Rhodes Scholarships | Full tuition + Living costs |
| University of Cambridge | Gates Cambridge Scholarships | Full tuition + Stipend |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Need-based Scholarships | Full tuition |
These universities provide fully funded scholarships, and some even offer additional benefits like research funding and internship opportunities.
Which US Universities Give 100% Scholarships to International Students?
Securing a 100% scholarship in the USA can be competitive, but some universities are known for offering full financial aid packages to international students. Here are a few of them:
- Harvard University: Need-based scholarships that cover tuition, fees, and living costs.
- Yale University: Offers full scholarships to students from low-income families.
- Princeton University: Provides 100% financial aid for international students based on need.
- MIT: Fully covers tuition costs for students with demonstrated financial need.
- Amherst College: Offers full financial aid to all admitted students.
Pro Tip: Apply early and have strong academic records to improve your chances of receiving a 100% scholarship.
Is It Possible to Get a $100 Scholarship in the USA?
Yes, it’s possible! While most scholarships cover significant expenses like tuition or living costs, smaller scholarships are also available. These scholarships may not seem significant, but they add up over time.
Sources of $100 Scholarships
- Community Organizations: Local clubs and foundations offer small scholarships to students.
- Online Scholarship Platforms: Websites like Fastweb, Cappex, and Scholarships.com list small scholarships.
- University Grants: Universities sometimes offer micro-grants to cover books or supplies.
Which Country is Easiest to Get a Fully Funded Scholarship?
Some countries are known for providing more accessible scholarships to international students. Here are the top options:
- Germany: Tuition-free universities and the DAAD scholarship.
- Norway: Offers free education to all international students.
- Sweden: Provides scholarships for students from non-EU countries.
- Japan: MEXT scholarships for international students.
- Australia: Australia Awards for international students.
Note: Fully funded scholarships often cover tuition, living costs, and travel expenses.
Top Universities Offering International Scholarships
| Rank | University | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | United States |
| 2 | University of Cambridge | United Kingdom |
| 3 | University of Oxford | United Kingdom |
| 4 | Harvard University | United States |
| 5 | Stanford University | United States |
| 6 | Imperial College London | United Kingdom |
| 7 | ETH Zurich | Switzerland |
| 8 | National University of Singapore (NUS) | Singapore |
| 9 | UCL (University College London) | United Kingdom |
| 10 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | United States |
| 11 | University of Chicago | United States |
| 12 | University of Pennsylvania | United States |
| 13 | Cornell University | United States |
| 14 | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | United States |
| 15 | Yale University | United States |
| 16 | Princeton University | United States |
| 17 | Columbia University | United States |
| 18 | Tsinghua University | China |
| 19 | Peking University | China |
| 20 | University of Edinburgh | United Kingdom |
| 21 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | United States |
| 22 | Johns Hopkins University | United States |
| 23 | EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) | Switzerland |
| 24 | University of Toronto | Canada |
| 25 | University of Hong Kong (HKU) | Hong Kong |
| 26 | University of Tokyo | Japan |
| 27 | University of Manchester | United Kingdom |
| 28 | Northwestern University | United States |
| 29 | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | United States |
| 30 | Seoul National University | South Korea |
| 31 | Kyoto University | Japan |
| 32 | King’s College London | United Kingdom |
| 33 | McGill University | Canada |
| 34 | University of Sydney | Australia |
| 35 | University of Melbourne | Australia |
| 36 | New York University (NYU) | United States |
| 37 | Fudan University | China |
| 38 | University of British Columbia | Canada |
| 39 | University of Queensland | Australia |
| 40 | KAIST – Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology | South Korea |
| 41 | Zhejiang University | China |
| 42 | University of California, San Diego (UCSD) | United States |
| 43 | London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | United Kingdom |
| 44 | Shanghai Jiao Tong University | China |
| 45 | Australian National University (ANU) | Australia |
| 46 | University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) | Australia |
| 47 | University of Amsterdam | Netherlands |
| 48 | Technical University of Munich | Germany |
| 49 | University of Warwick | United Kingdom |
| 50 | University of Bristol | United Kingdom |
| 51 | Brown University | United States |
| 52 | University of Washington | United States |
| 53 | Delft University of Technology | Netherlands |
| 54 | University of Glasgow | United Kingdom |
| 55 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | United States |
| 56 | University of Southampton | United Kingdom |
| 57 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | United States |
| 58 | University of Leeds | United Kingdom |
| 59 | University of Texas at Austin | United States |
| 60 | University of Sheffield | United Kingdom |
| 61 | Durham University | United Kingdom |
| 62 | University of Birmingham | United Kingdom |
| 63 | University of St Andrews | United Kingdom |
| 64 | University of Nottingham | United Kingdom |
| 65 | University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill | United States |
| 66 | Lund University | Sweden |
| 67 | University of Zurich | Switzerland |
| 68 | University of Helsinki | Finland |
| 69 | University of Oslo | Norway |
| 70 | Uppsala University | Sweden |
| 71 | University of Copenhagen | Denmark |
| 72 | University of Geneva | Switzerland |
| 73 | University of Vienna | Austria |
| 74 | University of Barcelona | Spain |
| 75 | University of Oslo | Norway |
| 76 | University of Groningen | Netherlands |
| 77 | University of Bern | Switzerland |
| 78 | University of Basel | Switzerland |
| 79 | University of Strasbourg | France |
| 80 | University of Montpellier | France |
| 81 | University of Bologna | Italy |
| 82 | Sapienza University of Rome | Italy |
| 83 | University of Padua | Italy |
| 84 | University of Milan | Italy |
| 85 | University of Pisa | Italy |
| 86 | University of Lisbon | Portugal |
| 87 | University of Porto | Portugal |
| 88 | University of Athens | Greece |
| 89 | University of Warsaw | Poland |
| 90 | Jagiellonian University | Poland |
| 91 | Charles University | Czech Republic |
| 92 | University of Helsinki | Finland |
| 93 | University of Turku | Finland |
| 94 | University of Aarhus | Denmark |
| 95 | University of Southern Denmark | Denmark |
| 96 | University of Gothenburg | Sweden |
| 97 | Stockholm University | Sweden |
| 98 | University of Bergen | Norway |
| 99 | Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) | Norway |
| 100 | University of Iceland | Iceland |
How to Apply for International Scholarships
Here’s a step-by-step guide to increase your chances of getting an international scholarship:
- Research: Identify which scholarships are offered at the top 100 universities in the world.
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for each scholarship.
- Prepare Documents: Get your transcripts, recommendation letters, and language proficiency tests (like IELTS) ready.
- Write a Personal Statement: Showcase your academic goals and career ambitions.
- Apply Early: Apply before the deadline to avoid last-minute errors.
Important: Pay close attention to application deadlines and document requirements for the top 500 universities in the world.
Scholarships Available at the Top 10 Universities in the World 2024
| University | Scholarship Name | Type |
| University of Oxford | Rhodes Scholarship | Fully funded |
| University of Cambridge | Gates Cambridge Scholarship | Fully funded |
| Stanford University | Knight-Hennessy Scholars | Fully funded |
| Harvard University | Harvard Financial Aid | Full tuition + Living costs |
| MIT | MIT Scholarships | Full tuition |
These are some of the most competitive yet accessible scholarships for international students.
Benefits of International Scholarships
- Access to Top Education: Study at prestigious universities.
- Financial Support: Covers tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.
- Personal Growth: Learn from a diverse cultural environment.
- Global Networking: Connect with students from around the world.
Conclusion
International scholarships open doors to world-class education at the top universities in the world. From Harvard and MIT in the USA to the University of Oxford in the UK, these universities offer scholarships that make education accessible for students globally.
By knowing which universities provide the most scholarships, understanding the application process, and applying early, you can increase your chances of success. Start your journey today and explore the top 100 universities in the world 2024 to find the right scholarship for you.
Madeleine Albright, founder of FreshScholarships.com. Passionate about empowering students with scholarship insights and opportunities. Join me on this educational journey.