Top 10 International Scholarships for Developing Country Students

Many students from developing countries dream of studying abroad through International Scholarships, but often face one major problem, where to get the scholarships.

Tuition fees, flight tickets, and living expenses can be too high for most families to afford, but the good news is that there are international scholarships that help students from developing countries study for free or with huge financial support.

If you are from a developing country like Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, or any other African or Asian nation, this post will guide you on the top 10 international scholarships that are open to you. These scholarships cover different levels of study such as undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs, and most of them are fully funded.

Top 10 International Scholarships for Developing Country Students

Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom)

The Chevening Scholarship is one of the most popular and respected scholarships in the world. It is funded by the UK government and is meant for students from developing countries who want to study for a master’s degree in the United Kingdom.

Chevening focuses on building future leaders and professionals who can go back home and create positive change. Every year, hundreds of Nigerians and students from other developing countries are selected.

The scholarship covers full tuition fees, living allowance, travel costs, visa fees, and even health insurance. You can study at any UK university of your choice and in almost any field.

To qualify for Chevening, you need:

• • A bachelor’s degree (usually with a good grade)
• • At least two years of work experience
• • Strong leadership and community involvement
• • A clear study and career plan
• • Good English communication skills

Applications usually open around August and close in November every year.

Commonwealth Scholarships (United Kingdom)

The Commonwealth Scholarship is another top program offered by the UK government for students from developing Commonwealth countries. It helps students who cannot afford to study in the UK on their own.

This scholarship is fully funded and mainly for master’s and PhD students. It covers tuition, flights, living allowance, and other study expenses.

To qualify, you must come from a Commonwealth country like Nigeria, Ghana, or Kenya, and have a strong academic background. The scholarship looks for students who will go back to their countries and contribute to national development.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships (Europe)

Erasmus Mundus is one of the best scholarships in Europe for international students, especially those from developing countries. It is funded by the European Union and allows students to study in two or more European countries during their program.

This scholarship is for master’s students and is fully funded. It covers tuition, travel, visa, and monthly living expenses. The program allows you to study at multiple universities across Europe and earn a joint degree.

To qualify, you need to have a bachelor’s degree and a good academic record. You also need to show motivation for studying abroad and commitment to using your education to create impact.

Fulbright Foreign Student Program (United States)

The Fulbright Scholarship is one of the most recognized international scholarships in the world. It is sponsored by the U.S. government and open to students from developing countries who want to study in the United States.

The Fulbright program is mainly for master’s and PhD studies. It covers tuition, living costs, flights, health insurance, and other expenses.

To qualify, you must have a strong academic background, leadership qualities, and a clear vision for how you will use your education to improve your country.

Applications are usually submitted through the U.S. embassy in your country.

DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

Germany offers some of the best scholarships for international students, and the DAAD Scholarship is one of the most popular. It is open to students from developing countries who want to study in Germany for a master’s or PhD degree.

DAAD scholarships are fully funded. They cover tuition (most public universities in Germany have free tuition), living allowance, health insurance, and travel costs.

To qualify, you need a strong academic record and relevant work experience. DAAD is especially interested in students who want to use their education to support development in their home countries.

Most programs are taught in English, but some may require basic German language skills.

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

This scholarship is a partnership between the Government of Japan and the World Bank. It supports students from developing countries who want to study for a master’s degree in development-related fields.

The program covers full tuition, monthly allowance, travel, and health insurance. It is open to students who have at least three years of work experience in development or public service.

To qualify, you must come from a World Bank member developing country and agree to return home after completing your studies to contribute to development.

You can study in universities in the United States, Europe, Africa, and Japan under this program.

Australia Awards Scholarships

Australia Awards is a scholarship program funded by the Australian government. It aims to help students from developing countries, especially in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, gain higher education and develop leadership skills.

The scholarship is fully funded and covers tuition, travel, living costs, and even academic materials. It is open for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD studies in various fields.

To qualify, you must be from an eligible country and have a clear commitment to contribute to your country’s growth after graduation.

Gates Cambridge Scholarships (United Kingdom)

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world. It supports outstanding students from outside the UK who wish to study at the University of Cambridge.

It is a fully funded scholarship that covers tuition, accommodation, travel, and other expenses. The scholarship is open to both master’s and PhD students in any field available at Cambridge.

To qualify, you need excellent academic results, leadership potential, and a desire to make a positive impact on society.

Applicants are expected to show that they have the ability to lead and solve global problems through their chosen field of study.

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Switzerland)

Switzerland is home to top universities and offers a great opportunity for international students through the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships. These scholarships are funded by the Swiss government and open to students from over 180 countries, including developing countries.

They are mainly for postgraduate studies, research, and PhD programs. The scholarship covers tuition, monthly allowance, accommodation, and health insurance.

To qualify, you need to have a strong academic background and a clear research proposal. You also need to be nominated by your home country’s authorities or the Swiss embassy.

Rotary Foundation Global Grants

The Rotary Foundation Global Grant is another scholarship program that helps students from developing countries study abroad. It focuses on fields like peace studies, health, education, and community development.

The grant can fund master’s programs or research projects in universities around the world. It covers tuition, travel, and living expenses.

To qualify, you must have a strong record of community service and a plan to work on development issues after graduation.

Rotary looks for students who can create long-term positive change in their communities.

OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) Scholarship

The OFID Scholarship is offered by the OPEC Fund for International Development to help students from developing countries pursue higher education.

It is for master’s degree students and covers tuition, living expenses, and travel. The scholarship focuses on students who want to study in development-related fields like economics, environment, and science.

To qualify, you must come from a developing country, have good academic performance, and show commitment to returning home to contribute to your country’s progress.

How To Increase Your Chances Of Getting These Scholarships

Getting an international scholarship is not easy, but with the right preparation, you can improve your chances. Here are some useful tips:

• • Keep your academic records strong
• • Get involved in leadership or volunteer activities
• • Write a clear and honest personal statement
• • Get recommendation letters from people who know you well
• • Research each scholarship carefully before applying
• • Apply early and follow all instructions
• • Prepare well for interviews if required
• • Stay consistent and don’t give up if you fail the first time

Common Requirements For International Scholarships

Although each scholarship has its own rules, most of them have similar requirements. Here are some of the common things you will need:

• • Academic transcripts and certificates
• • Passport or national ID
• • Personal statement or motivation letter
• • Recommendation letters
• • English language test (like IELTS or TOEFL)
• • Proof of work or volunteer experience
• • Admission letter (for some scholarships)

Benefits Of Studying Abroad Through Scholarships

Studying abroad comes with many advantages, especially when you are fully funded. Here are some of the benefits:

• • You gain access to quality education in top universities
• • You don’t have to worry about financial stress
• • You meet people from different countries and build global connections
• • You develop new skills and confidence
• • You improve your career opportunities
• • You bring back knowledge to help develop your country

FAQs

Conclusion

There are many international scholarships available for students from developing countries, and each one opens the door to world-class education and new opportunities.

If you are serious about studying abroad, pick one of these top 10 international scholarships and start preparing your documents now. Stay consistent, believe in yourself, and your dream of studying abroad can soon become reality.