Studying abroad is a dream for many students around the world, but the financial burden can often make it seem out of reach. Between tuition fees, travel expenses, and living costs, it’s easy to see why many students hesitate to take the leap. However, one of the most significant barriers to accessing education abroad is the application fee that many scholarship programs and universities charge.
But here’s the good news: there are numerous scholarships with no application fee that can help students pursue their education abroad without the stress of upfront costs. Whether you’re interested in studying in Europe, North America, Asia, or elsewhere, this guide will introduce you to some of the best scholarships that allow you to study abroad without paying a dime to apply.
1. The Fulbright Program (USA)
The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious international exchange programs, offering full scholarships for graduate study, research, and teaching assistantships in the United States. The best part? There is no application fee for candidates applying for a Fulbright grant. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, travel costs, and health insurance.
Award Amount: Full tuition, living stipend, travel expenses
Eligibility: Open to students from over 160 countries
Application Deadline: Varies by country (usually in October)
The Fulbright Program not only provides financial support but also offers students the opportunity to engage in cultural exchange, making it an ideal choice for those looking to immerse themselves in the U.S.
2. The Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Chevening Scholarships are offered by the UK government to outstanding students worldwide. These fully-funded scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel, allowing you to study at any UK university. Best of all, the Chevening application process is entirely free of charge.
Award Amount: Full tuition, living stipend, travel expenses
Eligibility: International students from eligible countries (check the official website)
Duration: 1 year (Master’s level)
Application Deadline: Usually in November each year
Chevening scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to positive change, making it one of the most coveted awards for international students.
3. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program (France)
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program is a French government initiative aimed at attracting international talent to French higher education institutions. The program offers scholarships for Master’s and Doctoral studies, covering tuition fees, a monthly stipend, and travel costs. The best part? No application fee is required.
Award Amount: €1,181 per month (Master’s) or €1,400 per month (Doctoral), plus other allowances
Eligibility: Open to international students from outside the European Union
Duration: 1–3 years (depending on the level of study)
Application Deadline: Typically in January
This program provides an incredible opportunity for students to study in France, a country renowned for its academic excellence and cultural richness.
4. The Rhodes Scholarship (University of Oxford, UK)
The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the most famous scholarships globally, offering fully-funded opportunities for students to study at the prestigious University of Oxford. This scholarship covers tuition fees, a living stipend, and airfare. There is no application fee to apply for the Rhodes Scholarship.
Award Amount: Full tuition, living stipend, travel allowance
Eligibility: International students from various countries (eligibility varies based on the country of origin)
Duration: 2–3 years (varies depending on the course)
Application Deadline: Typically in October (for most countries)
For students with a passion for leadership and academic excellence, the Rhodes Scholarship provides a platform to pursue graduate studies at one of the world’s most renowned universities.
5. The DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a variety of scholarships for international students who wish to study in Germany. DAAD scholarships support students in pursuing Master’s and Doctoral degrees in fields such as engineering, social sciences, humanities, and art. There are no application fees for these scholarships.
Award Amount: Varies (typically includes full tuition, travel allowance, and monthly living stipend)
Eligibility: International students from around the world
Duration: 1–2 years (Master’s) or 3–4 years (Doctoral)
Application Deadline: Varies by program (usually in April)
DAAD is one of the most generous scholarship providers for students wishing to study in Germany, and its application process is straightforward and free of charge.
6. The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (Europe)
The Erasmus Mundus program offers scholarships to students from around the world to pursue joint Master’s degrees in Europe. The scholarships cover tuition fees, travel costs, and living expenses, and there is no application fee to apply.
Award Amount: Full tuition, monthly allowance, travel expenses
Eligibility: International students (non-EU) applying for Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programs
Duration: 1–2 years (Master’s level)
Application Deadline: Varies by program (typically in January or February)
Erasmus Mundus offers a unique opportunity for students to study at multiple European universities and gain international experience while completing their degree.
7. The Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)
The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program offers full scholarships for graduate studies in economics, management, science, and technology at selected universities in Asia. This scholarship is funded by the Japanese government, and there is no application fee required.
Award Amount: Full tuition, monthly stipend, airfare, and other allowances
Eligibility: Citizens of ADB’s developing member countries
Duration: 1–2 years (Master’s level)
Application Deadline: Varies by institution (usually in January or February)
This scholarship provides an excellent opportunity for students from developing countries to pursue a high-quality education in Asia without incurring any application fees.
8. University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (Canada)
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto is a highly competitive scholarship program that covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for up to four years. Best of all, there is no application fee.
Award Amount: Full tuition, books, fees, and residence support
Eligibility: International students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and creativity
Duration: 4 years (undergraduate level)
Application Deadline: Typically in December
This scholarship is ideal for students wishing to study at one of Canada’s top universities while enjoying a fully-funded experience.
9. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (University of Cambridge, UK)
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships globally, offering full funding for international students to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge. This scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs, and there is no application fee to apply.
Award Amount: Full tuition, living stipend, travel expenses
Eligibility: International students from any country outside the UK
Duration: 1–4 years (depending on the program)
Application Deadline: December (for most courses)
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship offers unmatched support for students who wish to contribute to society and make an impact through their academic pursuits.
10. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
The Commonwealth Scholarship is a UK government-funded program designed for international students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries. These scholarships cover full tuition fees, living costs, and travel expenses, and applicants are not required to pay an application fee.
Award Amount: Full tuition, living stipend, travel costs
Eligibility: International students from Commonwealth countries
Duration: Typically 1–2 years (Master’s or Doctoral)
Application Deadline: Varies by program (usually by December or January)
The Commonwealth Scholarship is a great way for talented students from the Commonwealth countries to study in the UK without any financial barriers.
Conclusion
Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience, but the financial costs often deter many students. However, as we’ve highlighted above, there are numerous scholarships with no application fee that provide full or partial financial support for international students, helping them study abroad without paying a dime upfront. Whether you’re interested in studying in the United States, the UK, Europe, or Asia, these scholarships are your gateway to a world-class education.
By taking advantage of these scholarships, you can focus on your academic and career goals rather than worrying about the cost of applying. Be sure to check the eligibility criteria and deadlines for each scholarship to ensure you submit a complete application on time.
Start your study abroad journey today, and make your dreams of an international education a reality!