Top 10 Scholarships for International Students From Developing Countries

For many talented students in developing countries, gaining admission to an overseas university is only the first financial hurdle. International tuition can cost tens of thousands of dollars or pounds, and the final study budget becomes considerably larger once accommodation, food, transportation, health coverage, textbooks and travel are included. A substantial scholarship can therefore determine whether an international education is realistically affordable.

Fortunately, several governments, universities and international programs provide scholarships specifically for students from developing countries or make their major international awards available to eligible applicants from those countries. The strongest programs go considerably further than a small tuition discount. Depending on the scholarship, funding can include full tuition, monthly living stipends, airfare, health coverage, research support and other allowances.

The ten opportunities below cover different academic levels and destinations, including the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia and Japan. Eligibility is not identical across programs. Some scholarships accept applicants only from designated countries, while others consider international candidates more broadly. Applicants should always confirm that their nationality, proposed degree and academic background meet the current requirements before applying.

1. Chevening Scholarships — United Kingdom

The Chevening Scholarship is one of the most internationally recognized government-funded postgraduate programs in the United Kingdom. It supports outstanding applicants from eligible countries and territories who want to complete an eligible master’s degree at a UK university.

Chevening is particularly valuable because it provides comprehensive financial assistance rather than a small tuition reduction. Funding generally includes university tuition, a monthly living allowance, travel to and from the UK and other applicable allowances under the program’s current conditions.

Applicants from many developing countries across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and other regions can potentially qualify.

Academic ability matters, but Chevening is strongly focused on leadership and professional development. Applicants need to demonstrate how they have influenced others, built professional relationships and developed a credible career direction.

A strong application therefore does more than explain why the candidate needs financial assistance. It demonstrates what the applicant has already achieved and how a UK master’s degree fits into a realistic plan for future impact.

2. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships — United Kingdom

The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships provide another major route to postgraduate education in the United Kingdom for eligible students from Commonwealth countries.

These scholarships are particularly relevant to candidates who would not otherwise be able to afford UK postgraduate study. Depending on the applicable scholarship and current conditions, funding can include approved tuition fees, airfare, a living allowance and additional support.

Development impact is central to the program. Applicants are generally expected to demonstrate how their proposed education relates to development needs and how the knowledge gained could contribute to their home country after graduation.

Students working in healthcare, education, science, technology, environmental sustainability, public administration and other development-related fields may find the program particularly relevant.

Eligibility is based partly on nationality and country classification, so applicants should confirm that their country participates in the appropriate scholarship route.

3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships — Europe

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters program offers some of Europe’s most attractive scholarship opportunities for international postgraduate students.

Rather than completing the entire degree at one institution, Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are delivered by partnerships of universities, often allowing students to study in more than one European country during the program.

Scholarships can provide significant financial support toward participation costs, travel, visa-related expenses and living costs, according to the applicable program structure.

Students from developing countries can compete for these scholarships alongside other international applicants, and many Erasmus Mundus programs have highly diverse student populations.

The academic opportunities are equally important. Programs are available across areas such as engineering, environmental science, public health, economics, data science, agriculture and social sciences.

Applicants should identify the individual Erasmus Mundus master’s program first because each consortium establishes its own academic requirements and application timetable.

4. DAAD EPOS Scholarships — Germany

Germany’s DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) scholarships are particularly relevant to professionals from developing and newly industrialized countries.

The program supports selected postgraduate courses at German universities, with a strong focus on academic fields connected with sustainable development.

Funding can include monthly scholarship payments, insurance-related support, travel allowances and other applicable benefits, while the exact financial arrangement depends on the scholarship and course.

Professional experience is important for many EPOS programs. These scholarships are generally aimed at graduates who have already gained relevant practical experience and want postgraduate education that can strengthen their contribution to development in their home countries.

Eligible courses span areas such as economic sciences, engineering, regional planning, agriculture, environmental science, public health and development studies.

Applicants should therefore choose a course aligned with both their previous education and professional experience.

5. Australia Awards Scholarships — Australia

Australia Awards Scholarships are long-term development awards funded by the Australian Government. They provide eligible students from participating developing countries with opportunities to undertake study at Australian institutions.

The financial package can be extensive. Depending on the award conditions, benefits can include full tuition fees, return air travel, establishment assistance, contributions toward living expenses and health-related support, among other benefits.

The program is closely connected with development priorities. Applicants should demonstrate how their chosen field of study can contribute to their country’s development after they return.

Eligible countries and priority fields differ, which makes country-specific research essential. An applicant from one participating country may face different priority areas or requirements from an applicant elsewhere.

Students should also understand the scholarship’s conditions concerning returning home after completing their education. Australia Awards are intended to build skills that recipients can use in contributing to development in their countries and regions.

6. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals — Sweden

The Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals, commonly known as the SI Scholarship, provides substantial master’s-level funding for eligible professionals from selected countries.

The scholarship is designed for applicants who can demonstrate professional and leadership experience together with an interest in contributing to sustainable development.

Funding can include full tuition coverage, a monthly living allowance and certain travel-related support, subject to the scholarship’s current conditions.

Applicants must generally apply to eligible master’s programs through Sweden’s university admissions system and separately satisfy the SI Scholarship process.

Professional experience is particularly important. The program is not designed solely around examination results; applicants should demonstrate how their employment and leadership background connects with their future objectives.

Because only citizens of specified countries are eligible, checking the current country list should be one of the first steps before preparing an application.

7. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program — Selected Universities

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is designed for eligible professionals from developing countries who want to undertake graduate education connected with development.

The scholarship supports approved programs and participating arrangements according to the current competition.

Funding can be substantial and may include tuition, a monthly subsistence allowance, economy-class travel and health-related support, subject to program rules.

Professional experience and development work are important. The scholarship generally targets applicants who have relevant employment experience and intend to use their graduate education to contribute to economic and social development.

This makes it particularly appropriate for professionals working in public policy, infrastructure, economics, health, education, agriculture, environmental management and other development-focused sectors.

Applicants should pay close attention to the program’s country eligibility, professional experience requirements and participating master’s programs.

8. Gates Cambridge Scholarships — United Kingdom

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is not limited exclusively to developing countries, but outstanding applicants from developing nations can compete for one of the world’s most prestigious postgraduate scholarships.

The program supports eligible applicants from outside the United Kingdom who are admitted to qualifying postgraduate programs at the University of Cambridge.

Funding covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge according to the scholarship structure and includes a maintenance allowance together with other applicable support.

Academic excellence is essential, but selection also considers leadership ability, reasons for choosing the proposed course and commitment to improving the lives of others.

Competition is extremely intense. Candidates should therefore present a clear academic purpose and demonstrate how their previous achievements support their future plans.

For exceptional applicants who want comprehensive postgraduate funding at a leading global university, Gates Cambridge is an important opportunity to consider.

9. MEXT Scholarships — Japan

The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship provides international students with opportunities to study at universities in Japan. Different scholarship categories can support undergraduate, research and other eligible students.

MEXT funding can include tuition exemption, a monthly allowance and airfare under the applicable scholarship conditions.

This makes the program particularly attractive because funding opportunities are not restricted to master’s students. Depending on the scholarship category, students at different stages of their education can potentially participate.

Applications can follow different routes, including embassy recommendation and university recommendation, depending on the scholarship category and applicant.

Students should begin early because the selection process can involve document screening, examinations, interviews or university placement procedures.

Applicants from eligible developing countries should check the Japanese embassy or other official Japanese government information relevant to their country for current application procedures.

10. University of Oxford Scholarships — United Kingdom

The University of Oxford provides several funding routes that can be particularly valuable to students from developing countries.

At undergraduate level, the Reach Oxford Scholarship supports eligible students from lower-income countries who, for financial, political or educational reasons, cannot study for an appropriate degree in their own country. Funding can include course fees, a grant toward living costs and annual return airfare according to the scholarship conditions.

Graduate students have additional possibilities. The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme supports outstanding students from eligible developing and emerging economies undertaking selected graduate programs at Oxford.

Oxford’s Clarendon Fund is also open to outstanding graduate applicants regardless of nationality and generally provides full course fees together with a living grant.

This combination makes Oxford relevant at both undergraduate and graduate levels, although competition for each program is exceptionally strong.

Comparing the Top 10 Scholarships

The scholarships serve different students, so the “best” option depends on academic level, nationality and professional background.

Scholarship	Destination	Main Study Level	Major Funding
Chevening	UK	Master’s	Tuition + stipend + travel
Commonwealth	UK	Master’s	Tuition + stipend + airfare
Erasmus Mundus	Europe	Master’s	Study costs + living/travel support
DAAD EPOS	Germany	Postgraduate	Stipend + applicable allowances
Australia Awards	Australia	Primarily higher education	Tuition + living + travel support
SI Scholarship	Sweden	Master’s	Tuition + living allowance
Joint Japan/World Bank	Multiple	Master’s	Tuition + stipend + travel
Gates Cambridge	UK	Postgraduate	Comprehensive funding
MEXT	Japan	Multiple levels	Tuition + stipend + airfare
Oxford Scholarships	UK	Undergraduate/Graduate	Varies; comprehensive options available

Applicants should not select a scholarship solely because its funding package appears largest. A scholarship for which you satisfy the academic, nationality and professional requirements provides a more realistic opportunity than an impressive award for which you are barely eligible.

Scholarships for African Students

Students from African countries can potentially qualify for several programs on this list, although eligibility varies by nationality.

Chevening operates across numerous African countries, while Commonwealth Scholarships are particularly relevant to applicants from eligible Commonwealth nations. DAAD EPOS has historically attracted professionals from developing countries across Africa, and certain African nationalities can qualify for the Swedish Institute’s eligible-country programs when included in the applicable cycle.

Australia Awards also operates in selected African countries and regions according to current Australian development priorities.

African applicants should additionally investigate country-specific scholarship partnerships. Universities sometimes provide funding specifically for students from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa and other countries.

Scholarships for Master’s Students

Master’s applicants have perhaps the strongest range of opportunities among the scholarships listed here.

Chevening, Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, Erasmus Mundus, DAAD EPOS, SI Scholarships and the Joint Japan/World Bank program all provide routes toward postgraduate education.

Professional experience can substantially affect eligibility. Chevening and development-focused scholarships frequently value applicants who can demonstrate professional achievement and leadership, while certain DAAD and World Bank programs have specific experience requirements.

Recent graduates without extensive employment experience should concentrate on scholarships whose criteria better match their stage of career rather than forcing an application to a professional-focused program.

Undergraduate Scholarship Opportunities

Comprehensive international undergraduate funding is generally less common than master’s and doctoral funding, but opportunities do exist.

MEXT provides scholarship categories relevant to undergraduate study, while Reach Oxford supports a small number of eligible undergraduate students from lower-income countries.

Students should also investigate university-specific scholarships beyond this list. Universities in Canada and the United States, for example, can provide substantial merit or need-based assistance to international undergraduate students even when the funding is not specifically labelled a “developing countries scholarship.”

Because undergraduate degrees typically last three or four years, students should confirm whether an award is renewable and what conditions must be maintained.

What Scholarship Committees Look For

Academic performance is important across virtually every major international scholarship, but competitive programs frequently evaluate much more than grades.

Leadership is particularly important for Chevening, Gates Cambridge and the Swedish Institute. Development-focused programs want evidence that applicants understand challenges within their countries and have realistic plans for applying their education after graduation.

Professional experience can be essential for DAAD EPOS and the Joint Japan/World Bank program. Applicants should document their employment carefully and explain how their responsibilities relate to their proposed studies.

A strong personal statement connects the past, present and future: what you have already accomplished, why you need this particular education and what you intend to do with it afterward.

How to Apply for Scholarships for Developing Countries

Start with eligibility. Check nationality, degree level, professional experience and eligible fields before investing time in an application. Country lists can change, so use the current scholarship cycle rather than relying on an old article or social-media post.

Next, identify the university or academic program where required. Some scholarships require applicants to apply independently for university admission, while others operate through participating institutions or designated courses.

Prepare academic transcripts and references early. Professional scholarships may additionally require employment evidence, while research programs can require proposals or academic writing.

Write each scholarship statement specifically for that program. A development-focused essay should explain a genuine problem and your proposed contribution rather than repeatedly saying that studying abroad has always been your dream.

Submit applications before the deadline and monitor your email carefully. Competitive scholarships can include interviews, additional documentation or separate university admission steps.

Most importantly, apply to several realistic programs. Even exceptional candidates can be unsuccessful because major international scholarships receive applications from thousands of qualified students.

Avoiding Fully Funded Scholarship Scams

The words “fully funded” attract attention, and scammers know it. Be suspicious of anyone promising guaranteed Chevening, Commonwealth, MEXT or Erasmus Mundus selection in exchange for payment.

A legitimate scholarship uses an established selection process. No agent can sell a guaranteed scholarship place.

Application instructions should be verified through official government, university or scholarship-program sources. Avoid submitting passports, academic documents or banking information through unfamiliar websites.

Also confirm the scholarship year. Funding amounts, participating countries, eligible courses and application deadlines can change between academic cycles.

Summary

Students from developing countries have access to substantial international funding opportunities, but each scholarship serves a different purpose. Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships provide major UK funding, Erasmus Mundus opens opportunities across Europe, DAAD supports development-related postgraduate study in Germany, Australia Awards provides extensive support in Australia, while MEXT creates opportunities to study in Japan.

The strongest application is not necessarily submitted to the most famous scholarship. Concentrate on programs that genuinely match your nationality, academic background, professional experience and future goals. Start early, provide specific evidence of your achievements and verify current requirements before applying. A comprehensive scholarship can remove much of the financial burden of studying abroad, but careful preparation is usually what turns eligibility into a competitive application.