Discover top fully funded scholarships in 2025 for international students to study in Canada, USA, and UK—covering tuition and more.
Gaining access to fully funded scholarships is a dream many international students share. Every year, Canada, the USA, and the UK offer extensive financial support to eligible students who are eager to pursue their undergraduate, master's, or doctoral degrees abroad. These scholarships cover everything from tuition fees and living costs to travel and health insurance—offering not just an education, but a complete academic experience.
Many talented students from across the world, especially from countries in Africa and Asia, have secured placements in top universities through these competitive scholarship programs. For 2025, several fully funded international scholarships are open or about to open, offering new windows of hope for students aiming for global education in Canada, the USA, or the UK. These scholarships are not limited to high academic performance alone; they also focus on leadership qualities, social impact, and community involvement.
Knowing which programs to target and how to apply can make all the difference. Below is a carefully curated list of top fully funded scholarships available in 2025, including their eligibility criteria, deadlines, and direct application links to help you start your journey toward academic success abroad.
Lester B. Pearson Scholarship – University of Toronto (Canada)
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program is one of Canada’s most competitive opportunities, targeting exceptional international students.
Eligibility
- Must be an international student requiring a study permit
- Must be in the final year of secondary school or graduated no earlier than June 2024
- Demonstrate leadership and academic excellence
- Planning to enter the University of Toronto as a first-year undergraduate
Deadline
- School nomination deadline: November 8, 2024
- Student application deadline: January 15, 2025
How to Apply
- Ask your high school to nominate you.
- Apply to the University of Toronto before the deadline.
- Once nominated, complete the Pearson Scholarship application form sent by the university.
Official Website
https://future.utoronto.ca/pearson
Fulbright Foreign Student Program – USA
The Fulbright Program is a flagship U.S. scholarship aimed at fostering mutual understanding through educational exchange.
Eligibility
- Citizenship from an eligible country (e.g., Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Pakistan, etc.)
- Strong undergraduate academic record
- For postgraduate study (Master's or PhD) in the USA
- Demonstrated leadership and community engagement
Deadline
- Application period: February 2024 to June 2024
- Deadlines vary slightly by country
How to Apply
- Visit your local U.S. embassy website’s education section.
- Complete the online Fulbright application.
- Upload required documents including academic transcripts, recommendations, and personal essays.
- Attend an interview if shortlisted.
Official Website
https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org
Chevening Scholarships – UK
Chevening is the UK government’s global scholarship program, offering full funding for a one-year master’s degree.
Eligibility
- Citizenship from a Chevening-eligible country
- Undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK upper second-class
- At least two years of work experience
- Commitment to return home for at least two years after studies
Deadline
- Opens: August 2024
- Closes: November 2024
How to Apply
- Select three eligible UK university courses.
- Complete the Chevening online application form.
- Upload work experience details, recommendation letters, and a career plan essay.
- Attend an interview if shortlisted.
Official Website
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships – Canada
The Vanier CGS is among the most sought-after doctoral scholarships for international students in Canada.
Eligibility
- International student applying to a Canadian doctoral program
- Strong academic performance, leadership, and research potential
- Must be nominated by a Canadian institution with a Vanier quota
Deadline
- Internal university deadlines vary (usually between August–October 2024)
- Final application submission: November 1, 2024
How to Apply
- Identify and contact a Canadian university eligible to nominate candidates.
- Submit your application through the ResearchNet portal.
- Include research proposal, academic history, and letters of recommendation.
Official Website
Gates Cambridge Scholarship – UK
Established by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this award supports international students to pursue full-time postgraduate degrees at the University of Cambridge.
Eligibility
- Citizen of any country outside the UK
- Applying for full-time postgraduate study (Master's or PhD)
- Demonstrated academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving lives
Deadline
- Opens: September 2024
- Closes: Early December 2024
How to Apply
- Apply to the University of Cambridge via the university’s portal.
- Complete the Gates Cambridge section during the application.
- Provide a research statement, CV, and two academic references.
Official Website
https://www.gatescambridge.org
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – USA, Canada, Africa
Mastercard Foundation partners with top institutions globally to support African students with full scholarships.
Eligibility
- Sub-Saharan African citizenship (including Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, etc.)
- Academic talent and financial need
- Leadership potential and commitment to community service
Deadline
- Varies by university partner (generally September–January)
How to Apply
- Review participating universities on the Mastercard Foundation website.
- Apply to the institution and request scholarship consideration.
- Submit supporting documents such as essays, financial statements, and transcripts.
Official Website
https://mastercardfoundation.org/scholars
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships – UK
This UK government-funded scholarship is available to students from developing countries for full-time master’s programs.
Eligibility
- Must be a citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country
- Must not have studied in a high-income country for more than one year
- Hold a first degree with strong academic merit
- Commitment to development-focused work after graduation
Deadline
- Opens: September 2024
- Closes: December 2024
How to Apply
- Apply to an eligible UK university with a qualifying program.
- Apply for the scholarship on the CSC online application system.
- Provide academic transcripts, references, and a statement of development impact.
Official Website
DAAD Scholarships – Germany
Though not part of the UK/US/Canada triad, the DAAD is worth mentioning for its generous funding for international students pursuing graduate studies in Germany.
Eligibility
- International students from eligible developing countries
- Must have completed a Bachelor’s degree
- Two years of work experience preferred
Deadline
- Course-specific deadlines ranging from August to November 2024
How to Apply
- Choose an eligible program listed on the DAAD website.
- Apply to the German institution.
- Submit the DAAD application form along with recommendation letters, CV, and motivation letter.
Official Website
Conclusion
The chance to study abroad through a fully funded scholarship is life-altering. For many international students, these scholarships provide a way to access education in the most respected institutions in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. With tuition, travel, accommodation, and living costs covered, recipients can focus fully on their academic and personal growth.
Each scholarship listed here has its unique focus—some reward academic excellence, others seek future leaders, while a few aim at students committed to social development. This diversity means that no matter your background or field of interest, there’s likely a program that fits your goals. What matters most is starting early, preparing diligently, and understanding what each scholarship is really looking for.
These opportunities are more than funding—they are doors to a future where your skills and knowledge can impact not just your life, but your entire community. If you meet the requirements, take the next step and apply. The future you’re dreaming of is closer than you think.
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