With global education costs soaring, prestigious scholarships have become vital for talented students. This definitive guide details funding amounts, application periods, and key features of the world’s most competitive awards.
1. Premier Government-Funded Scholarships
Rhodes Scholarship (UK)
- Funding: Full tuition + £18,180/year stipend + travel allowance
- Duration: 2-3 years
- Application Period: June – October
Fulbright Program (USA)
- Funding: Full tuition + 2,800−2,800−3,200/month living stipend + health insurance
- Duration: 1-2 years
- Application Period: Varies by country
Chevening Scholarships (UK)
- Funding: £18,000 stipend + tuition (up to £25,000) + travel grants
- Duration: 1 year
- Application Period: August – November
Australia Awards Scholarships
- Funding: Full tuition + AUD 30,000/year + travel (AUD 3,000) + health coverage
- Duration: 2-4 years
- Application Period: February – April
Erasmus Mundus (EU)
- Funding: €1,400-1,500/month + full tuition + €3,000 travel grant
- Duration: 2 years
- Application Period: October – January
2. University-Specific Awards
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
- Funding: Full tuition + £20,000 stipend + family allowance
- Duration: 1-4 years
- Application Period: October – December
MIT Knight-Hennessy Scholars
- Funding: Full tuition + $110,000 stipend + travel grant
- Duration: Up to 3 years
- Application Period: June – October
ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship
- Funding: CHF 12,000/semester + tuition waiver
- Duration: 3-4 years
- Application Period: November – December
3. Regional and Industry Opportunities
Asia
- MEXT (Japan): ¥144,000/month + tuition + airfare
- Chinese Government Scholarship: CNY 3,000-3,500/month + full tuition
Middle East
- KAUST Fellowship: $30,000/year + free housing + travel
Africa
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars: Full costs + laptop + mentorship
