Worldwide College Scholarships | Research Study

3. Country & Region-Wise Scholarship Programs

Scholarship offerings vary by country and region, reflecting different education systems and priorities. Below is an overview of major scholarship programs and opportunities in key countries/regions around the world:

United States (USA)

The U.S. hosts a vast array of scholarship programs, from government-funded international exchanges to university and private scholarships:

• Fulbright Program: The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange scholarship sponsored by the U.S. government. It is one of the most prestigious scholarship programs globally, providing approximately 8,000 grants annually for U.S. and foreign participants​. Fulbright offers fully funded opportunities for graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study, conduct research, or teach abroad, and for international students to do the same in the U.S.​. For example, a student from India might receive a Fulbright grant to pursue a Master’s in the U.S., with all expenses paid (tuition, stipend, airfare, health insurance). Fulbright grants are merit-based and aim to promote cross-cultural understanding. Application process: Interested applicants apply through Fulbright commissions or U.S. embassies in their home countries. Selection is competitive, emphasizing academic/professional merit and ambassadorial qualities. Deadlines: They vary by country – for U.S. students, the deadline for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program is typically in early Fall (e.g. October of the year prior to the grant year)​, whereas foreign student program deadlines in each country often fall between April and September​ exchanges.state.gov. It’s crucial to check the specific deadline for one’s country each cycle.

• Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship: This is a sister program to Fulbright, also funded by the U.S. Department of State, targeting mid-career professionals from around the world. It brings them to the U.S. for 10 months of non-degree graduate study and professional enrichment exchanges.state.gov. Humphrey Fellows are placed at host U.S. universities in groups by field (such as public health, education, law, etc.) to take courses and engage in networking, workshops, and community engagement. The fellowship covers tuition, a monthly stipend, insurance, travel, and more – it is a full scholarship for the program duration​. Eligibility: Applicants must have a minimum of five years of full-time work experience, demonstrated leadership and public service, and must be at a stage in their career to benefit from the exchange​. Application: They are nominated via U.S. Embassies or Fulbright Commissions in eligible countries. Deadline: Also varies by country (often around June to August for intake the following year)​.

• University Scholarships (Harvard, MIT, etc.): Top U.S. universities often have generous financial aid programs. While these are not always called “scholarships,” they function equivalently by covering education costs. For instance, Harvard University and MIT offer need-based scholarships/grants to undergraduate students (including international students). Harvard’s policy is to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted undergraduates – foreign students have the same access to aid as U.S. students​ college.harvard.edu. This means a qualified student who cannot afford Harvard will receive a scholarship covering tuition, fees, room, board, etc., up to full cost. MIT similarly awards scholarships from its endowment based solely on financial need (about 58% of MIT undergrads receive an MIT Scholarship, with a median award of $66,000/year)​ sfs.mit.edu. These university awards are often renewable for four years. At the graduate level, universities like Harvard and MIT provide fellowships, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships – e.g. virtually all PhD students at these institutions are fully funded. Note: Ivy League schools don’t offer merit scholarships by policy, but their need-based aid can effectively serve as full scholarships for low-income students. Other universities (Stanford, Yale, etc.) have similar programs. Additionally, universities have specific scholarship funds – e.g. Harvard Business School offers need-based HBS Scholarships for MBA students​ hbs.edu; MIT has fellowships for graduate students in specific departments.

• Private Scholarships in the US: Many private organizations sponsor scholarships for college. Two notable examples mentioned are:

  • The Gates Scholarship (TGS): Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this is a highly selective scholarship for outstanding minority high school seniors in the U.S. TGS covers the full cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room, board, books, etc.) that is not already covered by other aid, for the entire undergraduate degree. Each year, 300 students of African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian & Pacific Islander American, or Hispanic American heritage are selected. (Note: This scholarship replaced the earlier Gates Millennium Scholars Program.)
  • Coca-Cola Scholars Program: A well-known corporate scholarship, awarding $20,000 scholarships to 150 exceptional high school seniors each year in the U.S. It is merit-based, looking for leadership, service, and academic achievement. The application involves essays and recommendations, and finalists undergo interviews. Many other corporate scholarships exist (Dell Scholars, Buick Achievers, etc.), but Coca-Cola is one of the most competitive and prestigious for undergrads.

• Other U.S. Scholarship Programs: The U.S. has specialized scholarships such as the Barry Goldwater Scholarship (for undergraduate STEM researchers), Rhodes Scholarship (actually for study in the UK, but with a U.S. applicant pool), Truman Scholarship (for juniors committed to public service), and more. There are also scholarships for specific groups (e.g. Hispanic Scholarship Fund for Latinx students, Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship for high-achieving low-income students, etc.). Many of these are partial but significant awards. International students looking to study in the U.S. can benefit from programs like Fulbright Foreign Student grants or university-specific scholarships (since general U.S. private scholarships often require U.S. residency or citizenship).

Summary (USA): The U.S. scholarship landscape is rich but decentralized – students must research federal programs (like Fulbright), university aid, and private scholarships. Application processes vary: some (like university aid) require forms like the FAFSA/CSS Profile for need-based aid, while others (like Coca-Cola or Fulbright) have their own online applications, essays, and interviews. Deadlines are scattered throughout the year. For instance, Fulbright U.S. Student applications for the 2025–26 cycle closed in October 2024​, whereas Chevening (UK) – a separate example – closed in November (more on that below). It’s critical for applicants to plan at least a year in advance, noting that major U.S. scholarship deadlines often fall in the early fall (August–October) for awards for the next academic year.

United Kingdom (UK)

The UK government, universities, and Commonwealth organizations offer numerous prestigious scholarships for both local and international students:

• Chevening Scholarships: Chevening is the UK Government’s global scholarship program, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. It awards fully-funded one-year Master’s degrees in the UK to outstanding emerging leaders from over 160 countries​. A Chevening Scholarship covers all tuition fees, a generous stipend for living expenses, travel to and from the UK, an arrival allowance, and more​. Scholars can study any field at any UK university. The focus is on leadership potential – Chevening scholars are expected to return home after their degree and contribute to their country’s development. Eligibility: Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree, have at least two years of work experience (equivalent to 2,800 hours)​, and be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country. They also need to meet the English language requirements for their chosen university (Chevening itself no longer requires a separate English test as of recent years)​. Application: Done online via chevening.org, typically requiring personal statements about leadership and networking experience, study plans, and references. Deadlines: Applications usually open in August and close in early November each year (for example, the 2024/25 Chevening application deadline was November 7, 2023; for 2025/26 it was November 2024)​ ousf.duke.edu. Selection includes a shortlist for interviews (held in February-April at British embassies). Chevening is highly competitive (around ~2–3% selection rate). Over 60,000 alumni have been supported since 1983​, highlighting its impact.

• Commonwealth Scholarships: The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK offers scholarships to students from Commonwealth countries (mostly developing nations) to pursue postgraduate study in the UK. These are funded by the UK Government as part of its international development aid. Each year, around 700 Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships are awarded for Master’s and PhDs in the UK​ study-uk.britishcouncil.org. The scholarships are aimed at individuals who would not otherwise be able to afford to study in the UK​, and whose studies are tied to development themes (such as science and technology for development, strengthening health systems, etc.). Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships cover full tuition, living stipend, airfare, and other allowances for one-year Master’s programs. Commonwealth PhD Scholarships similarly cover three years of doctoral study. There are also Commonwealth Shared Scholarships (costs shared between CSC and universities) and Split-site Scholarships (for part of a PhD in UK). Eligibility: Applicants must be citizens/permanent residents of an eligible Commonwealth country, hold a suitable undergraduate degree (for Master’s, typically a 2:1 or higher; for PhD, a relevant Master’s), and demonstrate financial need (they must truly require the scholarship to study abroad). Application: Usually through both the CSC’s Electronic Application System and a nominating agency in the home country (such as a ministry or university). Deadlines: Often around December for the following academic year (e.g. Commonwealth Master’s 2025 had deadlines in late 2024). Commonwealth scholarships are prestigious and come with an expectation that scholars will contribute to the development of their home countries.

   

• Scholarships at Oxford and Cambridge: The UK’s elite universities have their own famous scholarships:

  • Rhodes Scholarship: The Rhodes is one of the oldest and most prestigious international scholarships, enabling exceptional students from around the world to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford. Roughly 100 Rhodes Scholars are selected each year across several constituencies (e.g. 32 from the U.S., 11 from Canada, 20+ from Africa, etc.). It is a fully-funded award for 2–3 years at Oxford, covering tuition, fees, and a stipend for living expenses​ rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk . Selection criteria include outstanding intellect, character, leadership, and commitment to service. Eligibility: varies by constituency, but generally applicants should be 18–24 years old (upper age limit around 24 or 25), with an undergraduate degree and academic excellence. Deadline: Depends on country (for example, U.S. applicants had to apply by early October 2024 for the 2025 cohort). The Rhodes Trust also runs the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship for study in South Africa, and partnered scholarships like Rhodes Global for candidates from countries without an existing Rhodes constituency.
  • Gates Cambridge Scholarship: Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship allows outstanding non-UK students to pursue a postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. Each year about 80 full-cost scholarships are awarded, roughly 25 to U.S. citizens and 55 to other international students​ gatescambridge.org. A Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers all costs – University fees, a maintenance allowance (~£18,000 per year), airfare, visa costs, and other allowances​. It is available for nearly any full-time postgraduate program at Cambridge (Master’s or PhD). Selection: emphasizes academic excellence, a strong fit between the candidate and Cambridge, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving others’ lives​. Deadline: For U.S. applicants, mid-October (coinciding with U.S. round); for others, early December or January, depending on course. For 2025 entry, for example, the application opened in September 2024 and the main deadline was December 2024.
  • University-funded scholarships: Both Oxford and Cambridge (and other top UK universities) have additional scholarship schemes. Oxford offers the Clarendon Scholarship (about 150 full graduate scholarships across all disciplines each year, funded by Oxford’s trust) and scholarships in partnership with governments or donors (e.g. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships at Oxford, Reach Oxford scholarships for undergrads from low-income countries, etc.). Cambridge, similarly, through the Cambridge Trust, offers numerous partial and full scholarships for international students. Fields like medicine may have specialized scholarships (e.g. Wellcome Trust programs). Often, applicants to Oxford/Cambridge are automatically considered for relevant scholarships when they apply for admission by certain early deadlines.

• UK STEM, Humanities, and Medical Funding: The prompt mentions “funding for STEM, humanities, and medical students.” In the UK, beyond the above, there are research council studentships (UKRI funds PhD students in STEM, arts, humanities – usually for UK/EU students, but some open to internationals with funding now). The Wellcome Trust and Medical Research Council fund many biomedical PhDs and fellowships (often targeted to UK or Commonwealth citizens). Additionally, scholarships like Marshall Scholarships (for U.S. students to study in the UK), Fulbright UK Scholarships (for U.S. grads in the UK), and others ensure a flow of talent in all fields. For example, the Marshall Scholarship sends ~40 young Americans yearly to any UK university for graduate study (fully funded). There are also field-specific schemes, e.g. Royal Society grants for scientists, or Denys Holland Scholarship at UCL for any field (need-based for international undergrads), etc. In medical fields, some UK universities offer specific scholarships for international medical students (but medical degrees are usually not covered by general scholarships due to cost and length). However, postgraduate medicine or global health programs might have Commonwealth or Chevening support.

Summary (UK): The UK’s scholarship scene for international students is dominated by government-funded programs (Chevening, Commonwealth) and prestigious university scholarships (Rhodes, Gates Cambridge, etc.). These are typically fully-funded awards. Application processes often involve essays and interviews, and timelines are early: e.g. Chevening for 2025 closed in Nov 2024​ ousf.duke.edu, and Commonwealth applications closed by Dec 2024 for courses starting in late 2025. UK universities also encourage international students to apply for other global scholarships (e.g. a candidate might concurrently apply for Chevening and a university scholarship). For domestic UK students, there are fewer large national scholarships (since undergraduate education has government loan systems), but they can access many niche scholarships or research council funding for grad school. Overall, the UK remains a prime destination for scholarship-funded study, especially for students from developing countries.

Canada

Canada offers competitive scholarship opportunities at all levels, many of which are open to international students:

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: The Vanier CGS is Canada’s premier scholarship for doctoral students (PhD). It provides CA$50,000 per year for three years to each scholar​ vanier.gc.ca. The program aims to attract and retain world-class doctoral students to Canadian universities. Both Canadian citizens/permanent residents and international students are eligible. Vanier scholars are selected based on academic excellence, research potential, and leadership. All fields of study are eligible (natural sciences, engineering, health, social sciences, humanities). Application: Students must be nominated by the Canadian institution at which they want to study; essentially, one applies through the university, which forwards nominations to the national competition. Timeline: The 2024–2025 Vanier competition had a deadline of October 2024​ educanada.ca; results are announced the following spring. About 166 Vanier Scholarships are awarded each year, divided among Canada’s three federal research granting agencies (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC)​ vanier.gc.ca. This is a fully funded scholarship (the amount is intended to cover living costs and tuition).

• Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships: For post-PhD researchers, the Banting Fellowship is a prestigious award in Canada. It provides $70,000 CAD per year for 2 years to top-tier postdoctoral fellows (both domestic and international) to conduct research at Canadian institutions banting.fellowships-bourses.gc.ca. Only 70 fellowships are awarded annually​, making it highly competitive. Selection considers the applicant’s research excellence and leadership, the quality of the research proposal, and the synergy with the host institution​. Banting fellows contribute to Canada’s economic and research-based growth and often go on to become faculty or industry leaders. Application is through the Canadian common application system, typically due in September (for example, September 2024 for the 2025 fellowship start)​.

• University Scholarships in Canada: Major Canadian universities have robust scholarship programs:

  • University of Toronto: U of T offers the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, one of the country’s most generous awards for international high school students. Each year, about 37 students worldwide are named Pearson Scholars​ opportunitiesforafricans.com. The scholarship covers full tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years of undergraduate study​. It is targeted at exceptional students who demonstrate academic achievement, creativity, leadership, and impact on their school/community. Students must be nominated by their high school and apply to U of T; the deadline for nominations was November 30, 2024 for the 2025 intake​. This scholarship essentially provides a full ride at U of T, making it highly coveted.
  • University of British Columbia (UBC): UBC has an International Scholars Program which includes four major need-and-merit awards (e.g. Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award and Donald A. Wehrung Award). These awards are comprehensive, covering full tuition and living expenses for outstanding international undergraduates who can demonstrate financial need​ o4af.com. Approximately 50 such awards are given each year across the four categories​. Recipients are exceptional students with leadership, community involvement, and strong academics. Like Pearson, students must be nominated by their school and apply to UBC by an early deadline (typically November for nominations, with admissions application by December)​.
  • McGill University: McGill offers entrance scholarships to undergraduate students (some up to full tuition for top international students, though many are smaller). At the graduate level, McGill and other universities often provide funding packages to graduate students (especially PhD). McGill participates in national programs (Vanier, etc.) and also has specific fellowships for international students, though these may not be as large as Pearson/UBC.
  • University of Toronto, UBC, McGill (Graduate): For Master’s and PhD, universities have a combination of internal fellowships and external funding. For instance, U of T and UBC both encourage students to apply for Vanier or provincial scholarships (Ontario Graduate Scholarship, etc.), and they top-up or match funding. Some universities have flagship graduate awards (U of T’s Connaught Scholarships for international PhDs, UBC’s Four Year Doctoral Fellowship guarantee, etc.) that ensure PhD students have funding (often around $20k-$30k CAD per year plus tuition).

  In summary, Canadian universities are quite supportive of international students through scholarships and bursaries. Prospective students should research each university’s offerings – many have directories of scholarships for international students. The emphasis on attracting international talent is clear in programs like Pearson and UBC’s awards.

• Government and Provincial Scholarships: In addition to Vanier/Banting, Canada offers other funding:

  • Canadian Commonwealth Scholarships (for students from other Commonwealth countries, though these have been restructured in recent years into other programs).
  • Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED): A program providing short-term exchange scholarships for students from ASEAN countries to study in Canadian institutions​ educanada.ca.
  • Provincial governments sometimes offer scholarships (e.g. Ontario Trillium Scholarships for international PhD students in Ontario – worth $40,000/year for 4 years).
  • Mitacs Globalink is a research internship program that brings international undergrads to Canada for 12-week research projects (fully funded) – not exactly a college scholarship, but a funded research exchange that often leads to graduate opportunities.

• For Canadian Students: There are scholarship programs for Canadians to study abroad as well (like Commonwealth Scholarships to go to other Commonwealth countries, Fulbright Canada for Canadians to the U.S., the Killam Fellowships for exchange to the U.S., etc.). Within Canada, Canadian students benefit from federal/provincial student aid and merit scholarships like the Schulich Leader Scholarship (a C$100k STEM scholarship for Canadian undergrads at Canadian universities). Additionally, numerous smaller scholarships (from banks, companies, community foundations) are available.

Summary (Canada): Canada’s major scholarships (Vanier, Banting) position the country as an attractive destination for top graduate talent by offering generous funding. At the undergraduate level, while Canada doesn’t have a single national scholarship for internationals, its top universities have stepped up with full-ride awards to draw the best students globally ​opportunitiesforafricans.com. The application process for university scholarships like Pearson or UBC’s awards usually involves demonstrating not just academics but leadership and impact, often through essays and references, with early deadlines (Nov/Dec). Vanier’s timeline was late Oct 2024 for the 2025 cohort​ educanada.ca– similarly requiring ahead-of-time planning. International students in Canada should note that many scholarships require an offer of admission or at least an application to the university; thus, aligning scholarship applications with university application timelines is important. Overall, Canada is known for high-quality education at relatively reasonable cost, and these scholarships further lower the financial barrier, making Canada a sought-after choice for scholarship seekers.

Europe (Continental Europe – e.g. Germany, France, Netherlands, Sweden, EU programs)

Europe has a mix of country-specific scholarships and EU-wide programs. Many European countries heavily subsidize education, so tuition may be low or free – even so, scholarships are available for living expenses and to attract international talent.

• Germany (DAAD Scholarships): Germany offers extensive funding to international students primarily through the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service). DAAD administers hundreds of scholarship programs for foreigners to study or research in Germany, as well as for Germans to go abroad. In total, DAAD awards over 100,000 scholarships each year to international and German students​, making it one of the world’s largest scholarship organizations. Key DAAD programs for internationals include:

  • DAAD Graduate Scholarships: e.g. DAAD EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) which fund Master’s degrees in development-focused fields for students from developing countries (covering monthly stipend, insurance, travel, etc.).
  • DAAD Research Grants: for PhD candidates and postdocs to conduct research in Germany (6-24 months funding).
  • DAAD University Summer Course Scholarships: for undergrads/grads to attend summer language programs.
  • and many more (artists’ scholarships, study visits, group scholarships, etc.).

  A typical DAAD scholarship for a Master’s or PhD provides a monthly stipend (around €850 for master’s, €1,200 for doctoral students) studying-in-germany.org, covers health insurance, provides a travel allowance, and often covers or waives tuition fees if any​. Some DAAD scholarships also include a preliminary German language course in Germany. Eligibility: varies by program, but generally requires a bachelor’s degree for grad scholarships, and there may be age limits (often under 35 for Master’s). Application: through the DAAD portal, with requirements like CV, study plan, recommendation letters, etc. Many DAAD deadlines are in the fall for programs starting the next year (e.g. deadlines between September and December for programs commencing the following winter or fall). Important: Studying in Germany can be free-tuition; DAAD funding mainly helps with living costs. With its generous funding, DAAD is a backbone of Germany’s international academic outreach, enabling countless students to study tuition-free and with stipends in Germany​.

• Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (European Union): The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree (EMJMD) programs are prestigious joint-degree programs run by consortia of universities across multiple European countries, co-funded by the EU. Students from around the world can apply, and if selected for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship, they receive a full scholarship to attend the program. An **Erasmus Mundus scholarship covers tuition fees in all universities of the program, provides a monthly stipend of about €1,100–€1,500 for living expenses, and includes a travel allowance and installation costs for moving to Europe timeshighereducation.com. These scholarships usually last for the entire length of the master’s (typically 2 years)​. During the program, students study in at least two different European countries (rotating by semester or year) and receive either a joint degree or multiple degrees from the consortium universities. As of 2024, there are 100+ Erasmus Mundus Masters in various fields (engineering, environmental sciences, public policy, education, etc.). Application: Students apply directly to the consortium of the Erasmus program (usually via an online portal) and indicate they wish to be considered for the Erasmus+ scholarship. Deadline: Often in the winter (many programs have deadlines in December to February for courses starting in September). For example, programs for 2024 had deadlines around **January 2024, with some extended to March 2024​*. The selection is merit-based and highly competitive (some programs select ~20 scholars out of hundreds of applicants). The benefit of an Erasmus Mundus is not only financial; it also offers a unique academic experience across countries and a ready-made international network.

• France (Eiffel Excellence Scholarship): The Eiffel Scholarship is the flagship scholarship of the French government for attracting top international students to French universities. It is available for two levels: Master’s (funding up to 24 months) and PhD (funding for 6–12 months of research in France). Rather than covering full tuition (most French public universities have low fees), the Eiffel Scholarship provides a monthly allowance (€1,181 for Master’s, €1,700 for PhD)​ scholars4dev.com, covers international airfare to and from France, health insurance, housing subsidy, and cultural activities​ leapscholar.com. It does not cover tuition, but many French universities exempt Eiffel scholars from tuition or charge nominal fees. Fields supported include science, engineering, economics and management, law and political science. Application: Students do not apply directly; instead, French universities select and submit applications on behalf of students. So an applicant must first apply to the French university/program of interest and inform them they wish to be considered for Eiffel. Each university has an internal deadline (often in November/December) to collect candidates, and then they forward nominations to Campus France (which runs Eiffel) by around January. Results are announced in spring. Eiffel is very competitive because it’s well-funded and prestigious. It is targeted at future decision-makers globally – there’s an emphasis on candidates from emerging economies and on those who will likely take leadership roles in their careers campusfrance.org. Age limits: 25 or younger for Master’s, 30 or younger for PhD.

• Sweden (Swedish Institute Scholarships): The Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarships for Global Professionals is a fully-funded scholarship for master’s studies in Sweden, aimed at future global leaders from select countries. It covers full tuition fees, a monthly stipend of about SEK 11,000 (≈ €1,000) for living expenses, a travel grant of SEK 15,000, and insurance​. Around 350 scholarships were offered for the 2022 intake, mainly to students from developing countries (across Eastern Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa as defined by SI). Eligibility: Applicants must have at least 3,000 hours (~2 years) of work experience and proven leadership involvement. They must first apply and be admitted to a Swedish university Master’s program (through the central application system), then apply separately to SI for the scholarship. Deadline: University admissions by mid-January and SI scholarship application by early February. The SI scholarship is extremely competitive but promotes diversity (more than 70% of SI scholars are women, and they represent a wide range of nations). There are also other Sweden scholarships: many universities offer tuition waivers (partial to full) for international students, and the Swedish Institute runs other targeted programs (like VISBY for certain regions). Additionally, Sweden has tuition-free PhD programs where students are often employed by the university with a salary.

• Netherlands: The Netherlands has several scholarships for international students:

  • Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP): funded by the Dutch government to support mid-career professionals from developing countries for short courses or Master’s in the Netherlands. It’s fully funded (tuition, stipend, travel). Fields relate to capacity building (e.g. water management, agriculture, health).
  • Holland Scholarship: a €5,000 one-time scholarship for first-year study for non-EEA international students at participating Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences.
  • Erasmus University, TU Delft, University of Amsterdam, and other Dutch universities have their own excellence scholarships (often covering tuition and sometimes a stipend). For example, Leiden University’s Excellence Scholarship, University of Amsterdam’s AES, and TU Delft’s Justus & Louise van Effen Scholarship (full tuition plus allowance) target top international students.
  • The Anne van den Ban Scholarships at Wageningen for agriculture students from developing countries, and Amsterdam Merit Scholarships, are other examples.

• Other European Countries: Many European countries offer scholarships:

  • Switzerland: The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships fund foreign scholars (Master’s, PhD, Postdoc, or artists) for study/research in Switzerland (covers stipend and sometimes tuition waiver).
  • Italy: The Italian government offers scholarships for foreigners (usually covering a monthly allowance of ~€900). Also, some Italian universities like University of Bologna have scholarships for international students (Unibo Action 2 etc.).
  • Spain: Programs like the Erasmus Mundus cover Spain too. Spain also has scholarships for students from Latin America via the Carolina Foundation, and individual universities may offer scholarships for top int’ls.
  • Eastern Europe: Countries like Hungary have the Stipendium Hungaricum (fully funded scholarships for foreigners for all degrees in Hungary), the Polish Government Scholarship (for certain countries), etc.
  • European Union Programs: Apart from Erasmus Mundus for Master’s, the EU has Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (for PhD and postdoc research funding across Europe), which are generous fellowships that allow researchers of any nationality to work in Europe.

Summary (Europe): Europe’s scholarship landscape is characterized by government-funded opportunities aimed at internationalizing campuses and fostering development. Many European scholarships (DAAD, Eiffel, SI, Stipendium Hungaricum, etc.) specifically target students from developing or non-European countries to come study in Europe, often fully funded. Additionally, tuition policies in Europe (free or low-cost tuition in countries like Germany, Norway, Austria, etc.) mean that sometimes students only need to secure living cost support, which scholarships provide. The Erasmus+ framework makes Europe especially attractive for intra-Europe exchanges and joint programs​. Applicants need to pay attention to each program’s requirements and deadlines: e.g. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters deadlines in January for programs starting in fall​, DAAD deadlines in fall, Eiffel in January, etc. The trend is that Europe is welcoming more international students via these scholarship initiatives, and there is a push for diversity and inclusion (for instance, gender balance in SI scholars, geographic spread in Erasmus).

Australia & New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand offer attractive scholarships, often targeting the Asia-Pacific region and beyond:

• Australia Awards Scholarships: These are prestigious scholarships funded by the Australian Government (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) for students from developing countries, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, to study in Australia. An Australia Awards Scholarship is a fully funded award covering full tuition fees, return air travel, an establishment allowance, contribution to living expenses (a stipend), Overseas Student Health Cover, and more australiaawardsvanuatu.org, scholarships.unimelb.edu.au. They are available for undergraduate or postgraduate study (though most are given for Master’s degrees). Recipients also get academic support and must return home after their scholarship to contribute to development. Countries eligible include many across Asia, the Pacific Islands, some in Africa, and others (the list is updated periodically). Application: Through the official Australia Awards portal or the Australian embassy; typically opens in February and closes by April of the preceding year for studies starting the following year. (For example, applications for 2025 intake closed in May 2024.) Selection: based on academic merit, leadership potential, and alignment of the field of study with the development needs of home country. Australia Awards also include short course awards and the newer Australia for ASEAN Scholarships which are aimed at future leaders from ASEAN nations​ mfa.gov.sg. These scholarships are part of Australia’s soft diplomacy and capacity-building efforts and are highly respected.

• Endeavour and Research Training Program: (Note: The Endeavour Leadership Scholarships were an Australian government program that has been phased out in recent years, replaced in part by Australia Awards and other initiatives.) For research students, the Australian Research Training Program (RTP) provides tuition fee offsets and stipends to both domestic and international PhD students via universities. Many Australian universities offer RTP scholarships (which are essentially government-funded) to top PhD applicants, covering full tuition and a stipend (~A$29,000+ per year) for 3-4 years. International students can receive an RTP to study a PhD or research Master’s in Australia.

• University Scholarships (University of Melbourne, ANU, etc.): Australian universities rank among the world’s best and have their own scholarship schemes:

  • University of Melbourne: Melbourne offers the Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship – a merit award that can range from a AU$10,000 fee remission up to full tuition for the duration of the degree, for high-achieving international students. For graduate research, the Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships (and Melbourne Research Scholarships) offer full tuition waivers and a stipend for both domestic and international PhD/Master’s research students. Many international graduate students at Melbourne are funded through these (often via the RTP). Melbourne also participates in programs like Australia Awards.
  • Australian National University (ANU): ANU has International University Scholarships such as the ANU Global Excellence Scholarship (up to A$25,000 per year tuition discount for top international undergrads and postgrads) and specific awards for each college (science, business, etc.). For research, ANU offers ANU PhD Scholarships (stipend) and tuition waivers to many students, including a few prestigious slots like the ANU Chancellor’s International Scholarship.
  • UNSW, University of Sydney, Monash, etc.: All major Australian universities have a portfolio of scholarships. For example, University of Sydney’s International Scholarships (for Masters/PhD by research) cover tuition and stipend; Monash University has Monash International Leadership Scholarships (full tuition) for undergrads; UNSW has the Scientia PhD Scholarship scheme with elevated stipends, etc.

  Additionally, universities often offer faculty-specific or donor-funded scholarships. E.g. medicine or law faculties might have scholarships for international students who meet certain criteria.

• New Zealand Government Scholarships (Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships): New Zealand offers the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships (formerly known as NZ Commonwealth or New Zealand Aid Programme scholarships) for students from selected developing countries in Asia, Africa, the Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean. These are full tertiary scholarships for undergraduate or postgraduate study in New Zealand, covering tuition, living allowance, establishment allowance, travel, and insurance​ nzscholarships.govt.nz, oyaop.com. They are similar in scope to Australia Awards and aim to support capacity building in the scholars’ home countries. Application: generally through an online portal with a window often around Feb-March. New Zealand also sometimes offers short-term training scholarships.

  • For example, a student from Fiji might get a NZ scholarship to do a Master’s in New Zealand in environmental science, then return home with expertise.
  • The selection emphasizes development impact, academic merit, and leadership. Recipients often have to return home for a minimum period after graduating.

• New Zealand Universities: NZ universities (University of Auckland, University of Otago, etc.) have their own scholarships. University of Auckland, for instance, has the International Student Excellence Scholarship (up to NZ$10,000). There is also the New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarship (NZIDRS) which historically covered full PhD tuition and living stipend for international PhD students (some of these have been absorbed into university funding or changed). The University of Otago offers 180 Doctoral scholarships a year (including to internationals) with an annual stipend and fee waiver. Because New Zealand PhD students (including internationals) pay domestic-level tuition, many international PhD students can afford to enroll and then seek university scholarships or supervisor grants.

Summary (Australia & NZ): Australia and New Zealand are keen on attracting international students and fostering regional ties. Australia Awards are among the most well-known full scholarships globally, with a clear focus on Asia-Pacific development​. These awards have a rigorous process (including interviews and sometimes an English proficiency requirement like IELTS). Australian university scholarships often supplement or fill gaps, especially for those not eligible for Australia Awards (like students from non-target countries or those pursuing non-development fields). Timeframes: Australia Awards applications for a given intake typically close about 1.5 years before the start of the course (e.g., closed April 2024 for courses beginning February 2025). University scholarship deadlines in Australia can align with academic admissions (which for Semester 1 is often in the preceding October-November for internationals). In New Zealand, the Manaaki scholarships have an annual cycle (opening early in the year, for study the next year). The number of slots is limited, so they are highly competitive. Both countries also rely on their high quality of education and research to attract students who might secure partial funding or pay some costs themselves; nonetheless, top candidates have a shot at full funding through the programs described.

Asia (China, Japan, South Korea, India, etc.)

Asia encompasses both countries that are sources of international students and those that are destinations offering scholarships. Key scholarship programs include:

• China (CSC Scholarships): The Chinese Government Scholarship, often referred to as the CSC Scholarship (China Scholarship Council), is a major program that funds international students to study in China. It offers fully-funded opportunities for undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and even language studies. A typical CSC scholarship covers tuition at a Chinese university, on-campus accommodation (or housing allowance), a monthly living stipend (e.g. CNY 2,500 for undergrad, 3,000 for master’s, 3,500 for PhD), and medical insurance. Thousands of students receive this scholarship each year to attend universities all across China. There are several categories: e.g. Bilateral Program (through Chinese embassy applications), Chinese University Program (directly through universities), and special programs for regions (e.g. Road and Belt scholarships). Application: usually between January and April. Applicants choose Chinese universities from a list, submit applications online (on CSC portal and the university’s portal) including study plan, recommendation letters, etc. Eligibility: generally under age limits (usually 25 for bachelor’s, 35 for Master’s, 40 for PhD), good academic record, and sometimes HSK language scores if the program is in Chinese (many programs now offer English-taught courses). This scholarship has been a significant factor in the internationalization of Chinese higher education. For example, an international student might study engineering at Tsinghua University on a CSC scholarship with everything paid for and a stipend to cover living costs in Beijing.

• Japan (MEXT Scholarships): The Monbukagakusho (MEXT) Scholarship is the Japanese government’s main scholarship for foreign students. It encompasses:

  • Research Students Scholarship: for Master’s/PhD students or professional researchers – provides a monthly stipend of ¥144,000 (Masters) or ¥145,000 (PhD)​, full tuition, and roundtrip airfare​ chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp. It can include a 6-month intensive Japanese language course if needed. This is usually 2 years for a Master’s (extendable if progressing to PhD).
  • Undergraduate Scholarship: for bachelor’s degrees – includes a ¥117,000 monthly stipend​ chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp, tuition, and airfare, for up to 5 years (including a year of language training).
  • Specialized Training College Scholarship: for diploma courses (3 years).
  • Teacher Training, Japanese Studies, etc.: short-term programs with coverage.

  MEXT is comprehensive – in addition to covering school fees and living costs, it often covers entrance exam fees and provides support to settle in. Application: Typically through the Japanese Embassy in the student’s home country (Embassy Recommendation track) with applications due around May-June, or through university recommendation (direct with a Japanese university). The Embassy process often involves a document screening, a written exam (especially testing Japanese or English ability, and sometimes subject tests for undergrad), and an interview. Eligibility: varies, but generally under 25 for undergrad, under 35 for graduate, with requisite academic background. Knowledge of Japanese is not strictly required for many programs (you can study in English), though learning Japanese is encouraged. MEXT Scholars become part of an esteemed group – the program is quite competitive with thousands of applicants worldwide for a limited number of slots per country.

• South Korea (Global Korea Scholarship – GKS): Formerly known as KGSP (Korean Government Scholarship Program), the Global Korea Scholarship is the main scholarship for international students in Korea. It offers full funding for undergraduate and graduate studies:

  • GKS for Undergraduate: ~ Global Korea Scholarship for undergrad provides tuition, a monthly stipend of about KRW 900,000–1,000,000, a settling allowance, plane tickets, Korean language training for 1 year, and health insurance​
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    .
  • GKS for Graduate (Master’s/PhD): covers similar benefits – tuition up to 4 semesters (Masters) or 6 semesters (PhD), monthly stipend (~₩1,000,000 for Master’s/PhD students), one-year Korean language course, roundtrip airfare, research allowance, thesis printing costs, and a completion grant.

  It’s essentially a full-ride scholarship including language study (non-Korean speakers take a year of language before their degree, funded by the scholarship). After language training, students who don’t reach a certain TOPIK (Korean proficiency) level may lose the scholarship, but many degree programs are available in English as well. Application: via Korean embassies or directly to universities (there are two tracks, embassy quota and university quota). Applications open usually in February (graduate) and September (undergrad) each year. Competition: GKS is highly competitive. In 2025, for example, 1,180 graduate scholarships were available worldwide​(the number changes by year). Eligibility: under 25 (undergrad) or under 40 (grad), with good academic standing (at least 80% GPA equivalent in prior study). GKS scholars become fluent in Korean typically and serve as cultural ambassadors. The program’s goal is to raise Korea’s global academic profile and build networks; alumni often have strong ties to Korea.

• India (National Scholarships & Study Abroad Schemes): India primarily provides scholarships to its own citizens (for both domestic and overseas study), as well as some programs for foreign students:

  • For Indian students: The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) is a one-stop portal that hosts hundreds of scholarship schemes by various Indian ministries and state governments​ scholarships.gov.in. These include scholarships for economically weaker sections (e.g. Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for college students with family income < ₹4.5 lakh​ education.gov.in), for reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC) and minorities, for students with disabilities, etc. For example, INSPIRE Scholarship for scientific research (₹80,000/year) for top 1% scorers, or NTSE scholarships for high schoolers. Many Indian states also have merit scholarships or reimbursements.
    • India also has the National Overseas Scholarship for marginalized group students (SC/ST, etc.) to pursue Master’s/PhD abroad, covering tuition and living expenses up to a certain limit.
    • Another notable one: UGC and CSIR JRF – while not exactly “scholarship” in common sense, these are junior research fellowships (about ₹31,000 per month) for Indian students who qualify through national exams to pursue PhD in India.
  • For foreign students: The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) offers scholarships to foreign students from various regions to study in India, in fields ranging from arts to sciences. These include the General Scholarship Scheme (covering tuition, stipend, house rent allowance, medical, etc.), Commonwealth Scholarships for developing Commonwealth countries (for Master’s/PhD in India), and cultural scholarships like those for dance/music studies. ICCR scholarships require applying through Indian embassies in the home country. India also has specific programs like Study in India which provides fee waivers to top foreign students (though not full living expenses typically).

  While India’s outgoing scholarships (for Indians going abroad) are fewer compared to countries like China or Korea, the government does support some students for studies in prestigious foreign universities (especially at PhD/postdoc level via schemes like DS&T Overseas Scholarships for STEM). Domestically, the scale of national scholarships is huge (the NSP hosts scholarships benefiting millions of students in India, albeit many are modest amounts or partial funding). For foreign nationals, India’s relatively low tuition costs and ICCR scholarships make it an attractive, if somewhat under-known, destination.

• ASEAN and Other Asian Countries:

  • ASEAN Scholarships (Singapore): The term “ASEAN Scholarships” often refers to the scholarships by Singapore’s Ministry of Education for students from other ASEAN countries to attend secondary school and junior college in Singapore. While that’s pre-university, Singaporean universities themselves (NUS, NTU, SMU) offer scholarships for ASEAN country students (and other internationals) at undergraduate level, such as the ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship which is a tuition grant plus allowance at NUS.
  • Malaysia, Thailand, etc.: Malaysia has the Malaysian International Scholarships (MIS) for foreign graduates (covering tuition + stipend), and Malaysia Commonwealth Scholarship. Thailand’s government and universities (like Chulalongkorn) have some scholarships for neighbors.
  • Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP): This is a notable program funded by ADB and Japan, which provides full scholarships for Master’s degrees in development-related fields. It’s open to citizens of ADB’s developing member countries to study in certain institutions across Asia-Pacific (e.g. University of Tokyo, IITs in India, University of Hong Kong, University of Auckland, etc.). It covers tuition, a monthly stipend, housing, books, insurance, and travel. For example, an Indonesian student might study at the University of Melbourne on an ADB-JSP scholarship in environmental engineering, fully funded. This program has provided over 3,500 scholarships since 1988.
  • Other national programs: South Asian countries like Pakistan (HEC scholarships) and Bangladesh (government/NGO scholarships) send scholars abroad but also receive foreign students on SAARC scholarships, etc. Indonesia has a Darmasiswa program (non-degree Indonesian language/culture study scholarship) and some funding for foreign graduate students in Indonesian universities.
  • Many wealthy individuals and foundations in Asia also endow scholarships (e.g. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation in India funds grad study abroad; the Ajinomoto scholarship for ASEAN students in Japan; Taiwan’s MOE and ICDF scholarships for foreign students to study in Taiwan, etc.).

Summary (Asia): Asian scholarships often reflect the continent’s educational dynamism. East Asian countries (China, Japan, Korea) have become significant destinations, offering thousands of full scholarships to draw international talent and promote cultural exchange​. These programs usually include language training as part of the package, underscoring soft-power goals. For students from Asia, there are increasing opportunities to get funded to study either within Asia or in the West via government schemes (though competition is intense). Application processes in Asia can differ from Western ones: for example, the emphasis on applying through embassies for Japan/Korea, or requiring medical forms and notarized documents for China. Deadlines also vary: e.g. MEXT (Japan) often closes by June (Embassy track), GKS (Korea) by March/April, CSC (China) by March/April, and so on. India’s NSP scholarships run on an academic year cycle (with many deadlines in summer). Students aiming for these should plan well ahead (at least 6 months to a year). A noteworthy trend is regional cooperation: e.g. ASEAN University Network and ASEAN-supported scholarships (like the Australia for ASEAN Scholarship​ dfat.gov.au and Canada-ASEAN SEED program​ educanada.ca) which encourage intra-ASEAN and inter-regional academic mobility.

Middle East & Other Regions

This category includes scholarships in the Middle East and programs that don’t fit neatly elsewhere (such as pan-African initiatives):

• Gulf States (UAE, Saudi Arabia, etc.): Several Middle Eastern countries, especially in the Gulf, have world-class universities that offer full scholarships to attract talent:

  • Khalifa University (UAE): Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi is a top science and technology university in the UAE. It offers generous scholarships for both UAE national and international students. For international undergraduates, Khalifa has a Tiered Scholarship system; the highest, Tier 1 scholarship, covers 100% of tuition, textbooks, medical insurance, and even visa fees​ ku-ae.smartcatalogiq.com. Students must maintain a strong GPA to keep it. Many international students at KU are on some level of scholarship (75%, 50%, etc., depending on GPA). For graduate programs, Khalifa offers the Graduate Research/Teaching Assistant (GRTA) scholarships, which are essentially fellowships that cover full tuition and provide a monthly stipend (which can range roughly 8,000–12,000 AED), plus other benefits like housing assistance and medical insurance. This means Master’s and PhD students at KU are typically fully funded in return for research/teaching contributions. Note: Khalifa’s PhD funding, especially, is quite attractive (on par with global standards).
  • United Arab Emirates University (UAEU): UAEU, the UAE’s flagship national university, also offers scholarships for international students. For undergraduates, UAEU has tuition waiver scholarships (100%, 50%, 25% based on merit). For graduate students, UAEU provides full scholarships and fellowships that include tuition waiver, stipend, and housing for top students in certain programs.
  • KAUST (Saudi Arabia): King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia is a graduate-only research university that offers one of the most generous scholarships globally – the KAUST Fellowship. All admitted students (Master’s or PhD) receive the fellowship by default. Benefits include full tuition support, a monthly living allowance ranging from $20,000–$30,000 per year (paid monthly)​ kaust.edu.sa, housing in a furnished apartment on campus, medical and dental coverage, and relocation support​. The stipend is generous (equivalent to ~ $1,600–$2,500 per month, tax-free). KAUST thus essentially pays you to study in a state-of-the-art facility by the Red Sea. Application: directly to KAUST (which has a high admissions bar). This model – full funding for all students – is similar to what places like OIST in Japan do.
  • Other Saudi scholarships: Saudi Arabia also has the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Scholarship (KSA Scholarship) for international students to study at Saudi universities (recently announced to attract 50,000 students over 10 years). Individual Saudi universities (e.g. King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals – KFUPM) often offer full scholarships to all admitted international graduate students, including stipends.
  • Qatar: Education City in Qatar hosts branch campuses of U.S. universities (like Georgetown, Carnegie Mellon, etc.). While those campuses have need-based aid, the Qatar Foundation also offers the Qatar Scholarship for Advanced English Study for students from specific countries to attend a year of English in Doha. For main Qatar University, there are scholarships for international students covering tuition and sometimes living (QU offers a Competitive Scholarship for non-Qatari students).
  • Turkey: Turkey has the Turkiye Burslari (Turkey Scholarships), a government-funded program that provides full scholarships (tuition, monthly stipend, housing, language year, and airfare) for international students to pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees in Turkey. This is quite a large program with awards across many fields.

• African Scholarships (African Union, etc.):

  • Pan African University (PAU) Scholarships: The Pan African University is an initiative by the African Union Commission establishing institutes in five regions of Africa (for STEM, social sciences, etc.). PAU offers full scholarships to all students admitted into its Master’s and PhD programs, covering tuition, living stipend, and other expenses​ pau-au.africa. For example, PAU Institute of Water and Energy Sciences in Algeria trains students from across Africa and all are fully funded by the AU. These programs aim to develop an integrated African high-level education space. Eligibility: African citizens (including diaspora for PhD), usually under 30 for Master’s, under 35 for PhD. The scholarships cover travel, accommodation, living expenses, and academic costs​ edutimesafrica.com.
  • African Union Scholarships: Aside from PAU, the AU had the Mwalimu Nyerere African Union Scholarship scheme which especially focused on female students in STEM, offering scholarships for Africans to study in other African countries. Recently the focus has shifted to the Pan African University, but new AU schemes could emerge.
  • Mandela Rhodes Scholarship: A notable scholarship within Africa (not AU-run but through the Mandela Rhodes Foundation) for African citizens to pursue postgraduate study in South Africa. It provides full funding (tuition, stipend, etc.) for one or two years and includes a leadership development retreat program. It targets young Africans with leadership potential and academic prowess.
  • Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program: The Mastercard Foundation isn’t a country or government, but it’s worth mentioning here as it heavily funds African education. Through partnerships with universities worldwide (including in Africa like ALA, Ashesi, Makerere, University of Cape Town, etc., and outside Africa like at McGill, University of Edinburgh, etc.), it has supported over 40,000 African students with full scholarships​. Over 70% of these scholars are women​, aligning with diversity goals. By 2030, the program aims to have supported 100,000 students​. These scholarships cover full costs and also provide mentorship, internships, etc. While not a single “apply here” program (each partner university manages its selection), the scale makes it a significant piece of the scholarship landscape for African youth.
  • National Scholarships in Africa: Many African countries have schemes to send students abroad (often government-funded, like the Moroccan government scholarships for Moroccan students, or Nigerian Petroleum Trust Development Fund sponsoring Nigerians for overseas study, etc.) and to fund studies at home (like bursaries in South Africa or Ghanaian Education Trust Fund scholarships). Also, organizations like the African Development Bank have scholarship programs (e.g. AfDB-Japan scholarships akin to World Bank’s).

• Other Regions / Programs:

  • Latin America: While not in the prompt, note that countries like Mexico (e.g. CONACYT scholarships for graduate study), Brazil (former Science Without Borders), Chile (Becas Chile), etc., offer scholarships to their citizens for study abroad and sometimes to foreigners. Latin American students often tap into U.S./European scholarships for international study.
  • Commonwealth Shared/Distance we covered in UK, but also note distance learning scholarships (like Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships for Master’s by online study – fully covers tuition remotely).
  • UN and other International Orgs: e.g. United Nations University in Japan offers fellowships, World Bank’s JJ/WBGSP (mentioned under Asia for developing countries globally), Fulbright covers many regions. There are also special programs like OFID (OPEC Fund) Scholarship for development (used to offer Master’s scholarships to students from developing countries), or Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarships that fund students from member countries (for undergrad, master, PhD, even vocational training and are fully funded).

In summary, the Middle East and Africa have increasing opportunities. The Gulf’s wealthy institutions are using scholarships to bring in talent and build knowledge economies (e.g. KAUST’s $75k/year postdoc fellowship for global fellows kgfp.kaust.edu.sa, and generous student funding). Africa’s strategy, through the AU and foundations, is to invest in home-grown talent by offering scholarships on the continent (PAU, Mandela Rhodes) and forging partnerships to send students abroad (Mastercard, etc.). For students, these represent golden opportunities – e.g., a brilliant student from Africa could do an undergraduate degree at UCT on a Mastercard scholarship, then a Master’s in China on CSC, and a PhD at KAUST on a KAUST Fellowship, all fully funded. The key is to be aware of these programs and align one’s applications accordingly.