Top Countries Where It’s Easiest to Get Scholarships for International Students

Education is a dream worth pursuing, and the world is full of opportunities for those who aspire to study beyond their borders. For many students, funding is the biggest hurdle to achieving that dream. Fortunately, a growing number of countries have opened their doors wide to international students with generous scholarship programs that make studying abroad not only possible but also financially manageable.

In this comprehensive blog, we explore the top countries where it’s easiest to get scholarships for international students. From government-funded programs to university-specific awards, these nations offer diverse and welcoming options that help students from around the globe turn their academic goals into reality.

Why Does Scholarships Matter?

Before diving into the list of countries, it’s essential to understand why scholarships are so impactful:

• They reduce or eliminate tuition costs
• Provide stipends for living expenses
• Offer access to world-class education
• Open up international career opportunities

Build diverse global networks

Scholarships do more than fund education—they empower dreams and foster cross-cultural understanding. Now, let’s discover the countries where your academic ambitions are most welcomed and rewarded.

1. Germany

Tuition-free education and generous funding options

Germany has long been recognized as a powerhouse of education in Europe. What makes it exceptionally attractive is that most public universities charge no tuition fees, even for international students.

Top Scholarship Opportunities:

• DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service): Offers thousands of scholarships every year for undergraduates, graduates, and doctoral students.
• Deutschlandstipendium: A merit-based scholarship supporting talented students regardless of nationality.
• Erasmus+: For students from European partner countries interested in studying in Germany.

Why It’s Easy:

• Transparent application processes
• English-taught programs are widely available

· Scholarships cater to various academic levels and fields

2. Canada

Warm welcome, inclusive culture, and world-class institutions

Canada is not just known for its stunning landscapes and multicultural society—it’s also one of the most accessible countries for international students seeking scholarships.

Notable Scholarships:

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: Aimed at doctoral students showing academic excellence and leadership.
• Canada-ASEAN Scholarships: Short-term study opportunities for students from ASEAN member states.
• Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto): Fully funds international undergraduates based on merit.

Why It’s Easy:

· Many universities automatically consider students for entrance scholarships

• Focus on academic achievement and leadership qualities
• Clear visa and student permit pathways

3. The Netherlands

Innovative education and a forward-thinking approach to scholarships

The Netherlands combines progressive education systems with a strong emphasis on internationalization. Dutch universities offer numerous scholarship opportunities for international students.

Popular Scholarships:

• Holland Scholarship:Offered to non-EEA students enrolling in bachelor’s or master’s programs.
• Orange Tulip Scholarship: Specifically aimed at students from certain countries like India, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
• Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees: Provides full funding for select master’s programs across Europe.

Why It’s Easy:

• Scholarships target non-EU/EEA students
• Many programs taught in English

· Wide availability across both public and private institutions

4. Sweden

Quality education with equality at its core

Sweden offers a generous array of scholarships for international students, especially for those pursuing master's degrees. With its commitment to equality and innovation, Sweden is a welcoming academic destination.

Top Scholarships:

• Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP): Fully funds tuition and living expenses for talented professionals.
• University-specific scholarships: Such as those from Lund University, Uppsala University, and Stockholm University.

Why It’s Easy:

• Strong government support for internationalization
• Transparent and user-friendly application systems

· Emphasis on diversity, sustainability, and academic excellence

5. New Zealand

Breathtaking beauty and scholarship-rich institutions

Known for its friendly atmosphere and stunning natural beauty, New Zealand also provides extensive financial support for international students.

Leading Scholarships:

• New Zealand Scholarships (NZ Government):Full tuition, travel, and living expenses covered for students from eligible countries.

· University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship

• AUT International Excellence Scholarships

Why It’s Easy:

• Government actively encourages international education

· Scholarships cater to undergraduate and postgraduate levels

· Smaller student populations mean less competition for awards

6. Norway

Free education and strong academic systems

Norway is one of the few countries that offers free education at public universities for all students, regardless of nationality. While living costs are high, the lack of tuition fees offsets this significantly.

Funding Options:

• Quota Scheme (now integrated into general admissions): Previously funded students from developing countries.
• University-specific grants: Offered by institutions like the University of Oslo and NTNU.

Why It’s Easy:

• No tuition fees at public universities
• Courses in English are widely available
• Strong support for student life and integration

7. South Korea

Modern innovation meets rich culture and education opportunities

South Korea has made great strides in attracting international students through well-funded scholarship programs and world-class universities.

Top Programs:

Global Korea Scholarship (GKS): Fully funded by the government for undergraduate and graduate students.

University Scholarships: Many institutions like KAIST, Yonsei, and Seoul National University offer generous merit-based scholarships.

Why It’s Easy:

• Wide range of English-taught programs

· Government and university commitment to internationalization

· Comprehensive support services for scholarship students

8. Japan

Technological excellence and cultural depth

Japan blends tradition with innovation, and its universities are increasingly welcoming to international students. With numerous government and institutional scholarships, it’s a land of opportunity for dedicated learners.

Notable Scholarships:

MEXT (Japanese Government Scholarship): Covers tuition, airfare, and living expenses.

JASSO Scholarships: Monthly stipends for self-financed students.

University-specific offers:Many top universities provide partial or full tuition waivers.

Why It’s Easy:

• Structured and supportive scholarship process
• Clear eligibility guidelines
• High standard of education across diverse fields

9. France

Affordable education and rich cultural exposure

France is one of the most affordable Western European countries to study in, especially with scholarships that support tuition and living costs.

Leading Scholarships:

· Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program: For master’s and PhD students in key fields.

• Campus France Scholarships: Various options for students from different regions.
• Erasmus+: For students in EU partnerships.

Why It’s Easy:

• Low tuition even without scholarships
• Strong government backing for education exchange

· Abundant funding for specific fields like STEM and social sciences

10. United Kingdom

Prestigious institutions with extensive funding options

The UK has some of the world’s most renowned universities and a robust scholarship ecosystem to attract talent from every corner of the globe.

Premier Scholarships:

• Chevening Scholarships:Fully funded master’s degrees for future leaders.
• Commonwealth Scholarships: Targeted at students from eligible Commonwealth nations.
• GREAT Scholarships: Co-funded by the UK government and universities for select countries.

Why It’s Easy:

• Prestigious programs with global recognition
• Scholarships cover a wide range of fields and levels
• Focus on leadership, development, and global impact
• Tips for Winning International Scholarships

Applying for scholarships doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With the right approach, your chances can significantly improve.

Key Strategies:

• Start early:Give yourself ample time to research, prepare, and apply.
• Tailor each application:Customize your personal statement and documents for each scholarship.
• Highlight impact:Demonstrate how your education will benefit your community or field.
• Stay organized: Track deadlines, requirements, and progress using a spreadsheet or planner.

Final Thoughts: Your Dream Is Within Reach

Studying abroad with a scholarship is not just a dream—it’s a practical, achievable goal if you know where to look and how to apply. The countries mentioned in this blog are not only academically strong but also committed to making education accessible for international students from all backgrounds.

Whether you’re an aspiring scientist, future entrepreneur, or cultural ambassador, there’s a place and a scholarship waiting for you. Take that step forward—because your global academic journey starts now.