As an international student, you can find many scholarship opportunities depending on the country you want to go to. One of the most common ones is a government scholarship which is funded by governments.
As these scholarships often include tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs, they are popular and highly selective. Getting a government scholarship also means that you can choose between various universities within the awarding country or region.
Countries such as the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, France, and Germany offer government scholarships for college students every year. If you’re considering applying, it is essential that you research, note deadlines, and make sure you fit the requirements.
In this article, you will find out about how to apply for government scholarships in some top study abroad destinations all over the world.
What are governmental scholarships?
When it comes to government scholarships, as their name suggests, they are awarded by the country's government instead of an organisation, a university, a company or an NGO.
Countries have government scholarships because they want to attract international students with exceptional academic merit. This creates an excellent opportunity for both students and local universities.
Government scholarships make studying abroad possible for students from developing countries, disadvantaged backgrounds, or limited financial means. By studying in some of the best institutions in the world, students broaden their horizons and have the chance to apply their knowledge in their home country upon their return.
Since government scholarships are awarded by the government and not a specific university, students can choose between universities throughout the country. This is not the case in private scholarships, where there is usually a more limited range of universities.
Detailed criteria on how to access scholarships, be it governmental or private, varies depending on who awards the scholarship. This includes the application deadline, what to say in the application, and how the money is paid in case you are accepted for the scholarship. While you’re doing your research, check if the scholarship is based on merit, need, or country of origin, and apply for the scholarship that makes the most sense given your individual situation.
- Here’s a research tip: if you have a country in mind, check their official website to find out more about government scholarships. If not, start with a platform like ours, where you can browse through different kinds of scholarships all over the world.
Best government scholarships in top study abroad destinations
Here’s an overview of government scholarships for students who want to study abroad in some of the most popular destinations, such as the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, France, and Germany.
1. United States of America
Over a million students go to the USA every year. With prestigious Ivy League universities, the country is home to some of the best colleges in the world.
Foreign Fulbright Student Program
Operating in over 160 countries in the world, Fulbright gives scholarships to 4,000 foreign students each year. There are different types of Fulbright programmes, depending on your desired field of study, length of programme, and country of origin.
- Who can apply? Master's and PhD students from eligible countries.
- What is included? It depends on the type of the award but the scholarship usually includes tuition fees, international travel expenses, living stipends, and health insurance.
- How to apply? Select your country on the Fulbright website and follow the instructions that will guide you to the US embassy webpage of your country.
2. United Kingdom
Prioritising critical thinking and quality education, UK universities constantly rank as the top universities in the world and have many scholarship opportunities.
Chevening Scholarships
If you would like to study for a one-year Master’s degree in the UK and you come from a Chevening-eligible country, you can apply for this merit-based scholarship.
- Who can apply? Chevening-eligible Master's students who have completed their Bachelor’s education.
- What is included? Tuition fees, flights to and from the UK, visa fees, and a living allowance.
- How to apply? Apply through the Online Application System when the applications for your country are open.
Commonwealth Scholarships
Each year, around 800 students from Commonwealth countries receive this scholarship from the UK government.
- Who can apply? Master's or PhD students who are citizens or permanent residents of a Commonwealth country.
- What is included? Tuition fees, flights to and from the UK, and a living allowance.
- How to apply? Depending on the type of scholarship you’re applying for, apply through a national nominating agency, university, or NGO.
GREAT Scholarships
There are 49 UK universities offering 200 scholarships in this UK-government-funded programme.
- Who can apply? Master’s students who are citizens of Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Thailand, Turkey, or Vietnam.
- What is included? £10,000 of contribution to the tuition fees of a one-year taught Master’s programme in contributing universities.
- How to apply? Select your country from the list of GREAT-eligible countries, check out which universities offer a place for your country, and apply for the university you want.
3. Canada
A country full of diversity, Canada also welcomes many international students every year. With both short-term and long-term Canadian government-funded scholarships, students can find a suitable programme based on their country of origin.
Study in Canada Scholarships
The Canadian government promotes many exchange scholarships to promote Canadian institutions abroad.
- Who can apply? Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students who are citizens of Bangladesh, Nepal, Taiwan, Turkey, Ukraine, Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, or Uganda.
- What is included? Tuition fees between $10,200 and $12,700 over four to six months, visa fees, flights to and from Canada, living expenses, transportation, and books.
- How to apply? Ask the international office of your university if they have partnerships with Canadian universities.
>>> Tip: The Canadian government has a useful research tool where you can select your citizenship and educational background to see the governmental scholarships available to you.
4. Australia
Gorgeous beaches, rich wildlife, and vibrant cities are not all Australia has to offer. The country also attracts international students with its high-quality education system.
Destination Australia Scholarships
Around 480 Australian and international students whose skills align with the Australian Government’s National Skills Priority List get this scholarship every year.
- Who can apply? Bachelor’s and Master’s students from all countries.
- What is included? Funding of up to AU$15,000.
- How to apply? Apply directly through education providers.
Australia Awards Scholarship
With a budget of $254 million in the 2022-23 academic year, the Australian government awarded this scholarship to thousands of students.
- Who can apply? Bachelor’s and Master’s students from eligible developing countries.
- What is included? Tuition fees, return travel, living allowance, and medical costs.
- How to apply? Apply through the Online Australia Scholarships Information System (OASIS).
5. Germany
One of the most popular study abroad destinations in Europe, Germany is the place to go for affordable, high-quality education in different fields.
DaaD Scholarships
Government scholarships in Germany are offered by The DaaD which is funded by the German government and the European Union.
- Who can apply? Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students.
- What is included? DaaD offers different scholarships in Germany, both fully and partially funded. A fully-funded Master’s scholarship with DaaD includes tuition fees, health insurance, travel allowance, and a one-off study allowance.
- How to apply? Apply through the University Application Service for International Students.
6. France
A hub for art, culture, and food, France has reputable universities, affordable tuition fees, and an increasing number of English programmes.
Eiffel Excellence Scholarships
Focusing on Science and Technology as well as Humanities and Social Sciences, this scholarship is for students with exceptional merit who want to study in France.
- Who can apply? Master’s, and PhD students of selected fields.
- What is included? The tuition fees are not covered but students receive a monthly allowance of €1,181 for Master’s and €1,700 for PhD, transportation stipends, and insurance.
- How to apply? Contact Campus France or the French Embassy in your country.
France Excellence Europa Scholarship
If you’re an EU national and you’ve never studied in France, you can apply for this scholarship that covers many different fields.
- Who can apply? Master’s students who are nationals of 26 European Union member states, except France.
- What is included? A half-yearly allowance of €6,850, an installation allowance of €1,700, exemption from certain fees, health insurance, and discounts on Campus France cultural activities.
- How to apply? Fill in the application form and send it to the French Embassy of your country online.
Tip: If you have a specific French university or a city in mind, contact the General Council or Regional Council of that region to ask if they have governmental scholarships for the region in question.
How to find governmental scholarships depending on your country of origin
Start by searching the government websites of the countries you want to go to. If you have a country in mind, you can also call their embassy in your country to find out more about what scholarships are available to you. Another option is to contact the education ministries and international relations departments of your country. Some countries, such as India have dedicated pages for external scholarships to send Indian students abroad.
Once you have an idea of where you want to study, searching for scholarships will also get easier. This way, you can find out about government scholarships as well as private scholarships, and browse all your scholarship options on our portal.
Take our country test to see which country matches best with your field, budget, and preferences!
Tips and tricks for securing a governmental scholarship
If you’re wondering how to get a scholarship from the government among all the competition, you are not alone. Although scholarships can be highly competitive, you can secure one if you make your application stand out.
1. Research your options.
Before you apply, know all your options very well. Which country do you want to go to? What are the different scholarship programmes available? What are the deadlines? Make sure that you fit the programme’s requirements and have enough time to gather the necessary documents.
2. Keep your grades high and do extracurricular activities.
Especially for merit-based governmental scholarships, you need to have a strong academic record. Besides studying, try picking up additional activities such as volunteer work, sports, or community service that align with your interests. These activities on top of good grades will help you stand out. Let’s take Andrea Daniela Rodríguez Vera from Ecuador as an example. As one of the winners of the Studyportals International Distinction Awards in 2021, Andrea Daniela stood out with her volunteering experience at the Oncology Hospital SOLCA, and for founding a student-centred personal development club.
3. Identify your strengths and use them to write a great personal statement.
The other prize winner of the Studyportals International Distinction Awards in 2021, Ashemeza Rita from Uganda was passionate about journalism and strived to make the world a better place for young girls. As an international student, you can also focus on your strengths and causes you deeply believe in while writing your application. An amazing personal statement must be a part of every scholarship application — make yours stand out by talking about your career goals, the activities you’ve done, and how the scholarship will help you.
4. Complete the application carefully.
If you’re busy applying for many scholarships at the same time, it might be difficult to keep up with all the requirements. Pay close attention to the instructions provided by the scholarship program and make sure you submit all the documents.
5. Get strong letters of recommendation.
Ask a former teacher or an employer to provide a letter of recommendation that will showcase your skills, achievements, and personality. Consider giving them more information about the scholarship so that they can tailor it according to the requirements. Chevening Scholarship, for example, puts a clear emphasis on leadership skills.
6. Prepare for interviews.
Research common interview questions and practise your responses. During your scholarship interview, be enthusiastic, act confidently, and show your interviewers how much you want this scholarship!
7. Ask for feedback and help.
Use online resources made for international students, and don’t be afraid to ask for feedback. A teacher or a friend who’s previously got the scholarship will be able to guide you on what else there is to do.
A governmental scholarship can open new doors in life
If you want to have a wide range of university choices available in a given country, governmental scholarships are worth exploring. These prestigious scholarships also cover a lot of expenses, including tuition fees, flight tickets, and living costs. Research your options in advance, and if you fit the requirements, go for it! Good luck!
