Top 10 International Scholarships for Developing Country Students-Are you a student from a developing country dreaming of studying abroad? Do you want to get a world-class education but worry about the costs? Don’t give up on your dreams just yet. There are many scholarships out there specifically for students like you. In this blog post, we’ll look at 10 of the best international scholarships for students from developing countries.
These scholarships can open doors to amazing opportunities. They can help you study at top universities around the world without breaking the bank. Let’s dive in and explore these scholarships that could change your life.
Top 10 International Scholarships for Developing Country Students
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Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Program is one of the most famous scholarship programs in the world. It’s run by the U.S. government and aims to improve understanding between Americans and people from other countries. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a big part of this.
This scholarship is for graduate students, young professionals, and artists from outside the U.S. It lets them study and do research in the United States. The best part? It covers pretty much everything you need!
What does it cover?
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
- Health insurance
- Travel costs
The scholarship usually lasts for one or two years, depending on the program you choose. It’s available for students in most fields of study, except medical degrees.
How to apply:
To apply for this scholarship, you need to get in touch with the Fulbright Program office in your country. They’ll guide you through the process. Remember, the application process can be different in each country, so it’s important to check the specific requirements for your country.
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Chevening Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships are funded by the UK government. They’re for outstanding emerging leaders from all over the world. These scholarships are a chance to study for a one-year master’s degree at any UK university.
What does it cover?
- Full tuition fees
- Living expenses
- Return flights to the UK
- Extra money for thesis or dissertation costs
Chevening Scholarships are available in more than 160 countries and territories. They’re looking for future leaders who want to make a positive change in their home countries.
How to apply:
You apply online through the Chevening website. The application process usually opens in August and closes in November each year. You’ll need to choose three different UK university courses you’d like to study.
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Australia Awards Scholarships
Australia Awards Scholarships are long-term development scholarships. They’re funded by the Australian government. These scholarships give people from developing countries the chance to study full-time at Australian universities.
What does it cover?
- Full tuition fees
- Return air travel
- Living expenses
- Health insurance
- Some extra study costs
These scholarships are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate study. They focus on areas that will help development in the student’s home country.
How to apply:
You apply online through the Australia Awards website. The application dates can be different for each country, so check the deadlines for your country. You’ll need to show how your studies in Australia will help your country’s development.
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DAAD Scholarships
DAAD stands for the German Academic Exchange Service. It offers a wide range of scholarships for international students to study in Germany. These scholarships are available for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral studies.
What does it cover?
- Monthly living expenses
- Health insurance
- Travel allowance
- One-off study allowance
Some DAAD scholarships also cover tuition fees, but this depends on the specific program.
How to apply:
You apply through the DAAD website. There are many different DAAD scholarships, each with its own requirements and deadlines. So, you’ll need to carefully check the details of the scholarship you’re interested in.
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Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
This scholarship is for mid-career professionals from developing countries. It’s funded by the Japanese government and managed by the World Bank. The scholarship lets you study for a master’s degree in development-related fields.
What does it cover?
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
- Travel costs
- Health insurance
You can study at universities in many different countries, not just in Japan. The program has a list of partner universities around the world.
How to apply:
You apply online through the World Bank website. Applications usually open in December and close in April. You need to have at least two years of work experience in development-related fields to apply.
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Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
Erasmus Mundus is a program run by the European Union. It offers scholarships for joint master’s programs. These programs are special because you study at universities in at least two different European countries.
What does it cover?
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
- Travel and installation costs
- Health insurance
The scholarship amount can be up to €25,000 per year, depending on the program and its length.
How to apply:
You apply directly to the Erasmus Mundus joint master’s program you’re interested in. Each program has its own application process and deadlines. You can find a list of all available programs on the European Commission’s website.
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Commonwealth Scholarships
Commonwealth Scholarships are for students from developing Commonwealth countries. They’re funded by the UK government. These scholarships let you study for master’s or PhD degrees in the UK.
What does it cover?
- Tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Travel costs
- Study travel grant
- Thesis grant (if applicable)
There are different types of Commonwealth Scholarships. Some are for master’s degrees, others for PhDs, and some for split-site studies (where you study both in your home country and the UK).
How to apply:
You need to apply through the national nominating agency in your country. This is usually a government department or a local university. The main application period is usually from early August to mid-October each year.
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Orange Knowledge Programme
The Orange Knowledge Programme is funded by the Dutch government. It offers scholarships for a wide range of courses in the Netherlands. These can be short courses, master’s degrees, or tailor-made training programs.
What does it cover?
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
– Visa costs
– Travel costs
– Insurance
The exact coverage depends on the type and length of your course.
How to apply:
The application process depends on the type of scholarship you’re applying for. For master’s scholarships, you first need to apply to a Dutch university. If you’re accepted, you can then apply for the scholarship through the university.
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Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals
These scholarships are funded by the Swedish government. They’re for master’s level studies in Sweden. The scholarships are aimed at future leaders who want to contribute to the sustainable development of their home countries.
What does it cover?
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
- Travel grant
- Insurance
- Membership in the SI Network for Future Global Leaders
The scholarship is available for a wide range of master’s programs at Swedish universities.
How to apply:
You apply online through the Swedish Institute’s website. The application period is usually from early February to mid-February each year. You need to apply for your chosen master’s program separately.
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New Zealand Scholarships
New Zealand Scholarships are funded by the New Zealand government. They’re available for both undergraduate and postgraduate study at New Zealand universities. These scholarships focus on supporting the development of key sectors in your home country.
What does it cover?
- Full tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Travel costs
- Health insurance
- Study materials allowance
Some scholarships also include extra support like English language training or a internship after your studies.
How to apply:
You apply online through the New Zealand Scholarships website. The application dates are different for each country, so check the deadlines for your country. You’ll need to show how your chosen study program aligns with your country’s development needs.
Frequently Asked Questions And Answers About International Scholarships For Students From Developing Countries
Are these scholarships only for top students with perfect grades?
While good grades are important, most of these scholarships look at more than just academic performance. They often consider your leadership potential, community involvement, and how your studies will benefit your home country. You don’t need perfect grades, but you should have a strong academic record.
Do I need to speak the language of the country I’m applying to study in?
It depends on the scholarship and the country. For English-speaking countries like the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand, you’ll need good English skills. For other countries, like Germany or the Netherlands, many programs are taught in English. However, learning the local language can be helpful for daily life.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships at the same time?
Yes, you can and should apply for multiple scholarships to increase your chances. However, make sure you can fulfill the requirements of each scholarship if you’re accepted. Some scholarships may not allow you to receive funding from other sources.
What if I don’t meet all the eligibility criteria for a scholarship?
It’s best to only apply for scholarships where you meet all the criteria. Scholarship committees receive many applications and usually don’t consider those that don’t meet all requirements. Focus your efforts on scholarships you’re eligible for.
Do these scholarships cover all expenses, or will I need additional money?
This varies by scholarship. Some cover all expenses, while others might require you to contribute some of your own money. Read the scholarship details carefully to understand what’s covered and what isn’t.
Can I work part-time while studying on these scholarships?
This depends on the scholarship rules and the visa regulations of the country you’re studying in. Some scholarships prohibit any part-time work, while others allow it within certain limits. Always check the specific rules for your scholarship and student visa.
Conclusion
These scholarships can change your life in many ways. You’ll get a great education, make friends from all over the world, and have experiences you’ll never forget. Plus, when you return home, you’ll be in a great position to help your community and country.
So, don’t let financial worries stop you from dreaming big. Start researching these scholarships today. Your international education journey could be just around the corner.