As we move through the second half of 2025, many students believe they’ve missed their chance to apply for scholarships. However, that’s not the case. Numerous fully funded scholarships are still open, offering exceptional opportunities for international students to study undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs around the world—without the burden of tuition or living expenses.
This comprehensive guide highlights some of the best fully funded scholarships still open for applications in 2025, including their eligibility criteria, benefits, and how to apply. If you’ve been waiting to take that leap toward studying abroad, now is the perfect time to act.
Why Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships?
Fully funded scholarships don’t just waive tuition fees—they often cover all the essential costs of studying abroad, including:
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Tuition Fees
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Monthly Living Allowance
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Accommodation or Housing Support
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Health Insurance
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Travel and Visa Expenses
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Research and Study Materials
These scholarships enable students from all backgrounds to pursue world-class education and focus on their academic and career goals without financial stress.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships Still Open in 2025
Here are some of the best scholarship programs that are currently accepting applications:
1. Turkiye Burslari Scholarships (Turkey)
Deadline: Open until August 2025 (Exact dates vary by program)
Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Eligible Countries: All nationalities
Benefits:
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Full tuition fee coverage
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Monthly stipend (1,000–1,800 TRY depending on the level)
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Free accommodation
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Health insurance
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One-time flight ticket
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Free Turkish language course (1 year)
How to Apply:
Apply through the official Turkiye Scholarships website. Submit transcripts, recommendation letters, a study plan, and a motivation letter.
Tip: Highlight leadership skills, community involvement, and future goals in your application.
2. Chinese Government Scholarships (CSC) – Late Round
Deadline: Varies by university – some still accepting until September 2025
Levels: Master’s and PhD
Eligible Countries: Multiple, including countries under the Belt and Road Initiative
Benefits:
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Tuition waiver
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Free accommodation on campus
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Monthly stipend (CNY 3,000–3,500)
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Health insurance
How to Apply:
Apply via the CSC portal and also directly to your chosen university. Required documents include academic transcripts, passport, recommendation letters, and a study or research plan.
Pro Tip: Choose universities with fewer international applicants to boost your chances.
3. New Zealand Manaaki Scholarships
Deadline: Closes August 31, 2025
Levels: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
Eligible Countries: Pacific, Asian, African, and some Latin American countries
Benefits:
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Full tuition fees
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Living allowance (NZD 531 per week)
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Establishment allowance
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Medical and travel insurance
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Return flights
How to Apply:
Create a profile on the Manaaki Scholarships platform and submit your application before the deadline.
Key Tip: Clearly demonstrate how your studies in New Zealand will help your home country.
4. Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
Deadline: Open until October 2025 (for some programs)
Level: Master’s (online learning only)
Eligible Countries: Low and middle-income Commonwealth countries
Benefits:
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Tuition fully covered
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Access to world-class online education from UK universities
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No travel or visa required
Participating Fields:
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Public health
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Environmental science
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Development studies
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Technology and innovation
How to Apply:
Apply directly through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission portal with academic documents and a development impact statement.
5. Eiffel Excellence Scholarships (France)
Deadline: Institutional applications open until mid-October 2025
Levels: Master’s and PhD
Eligible Countries: All non-EU countries
Benefits:
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Monthly stipend (€1,181 for master’s, €1,700 for PhD)
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Full tuition support
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Travel and insurance coverage
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Assistance with housing
How to Apply:
You cannot apply directly; instead, apply to a French university that nominates candidates to Campus France.
Important: Contact your desired university and confirm their internal deadline—often earlier than the national deadline.
6. Hungarian Government Scholarship – Stipendium Hungaricum (Supplementary Round)
Deadline: August–September 2025 for supplementary applications
Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Eligible Countries: Based on bilateral agreements (check eligibility)
Benefits:
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Tuition fee exemption
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Monthly allowance (HUF 43,700–140,000)
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Free accommodation or housing subsidy
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Medical insurance
How to Apply:
Check with the Hungarian embassy or partner institutions in your home country. Apply through the official Stipendium Hungaricum portal.
7. Korean Government Scholarship Program (GKS – Second Intake)
Deadline: Varies by university – some remain open into August and September 2025
Levels: Undergraduate and Graduate
Eligible Countries: 150+ countries
Benefits:
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Full tuition
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Monthly living allowance (KRW 900,000–1,200,000)
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Airfare
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Settlement allowance
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Korean language training
Application Tip: You can apply via Korean embassies or directly to designated Korean universities.
8. UNESCO Fellowships and Research Grants
Deadline: Ongoing in 2025 – varies by program
Levels: Research, Postgraduate, and Professional Development
Eligible Countries: Varies depending on program
Benefits:
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Full funding
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Living stipend
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Research support
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International travel (sometimes included)
Where to Apply: Visit UNESCO’s Scholarships and Fellowships page regularly for updates.
Key Tips for Winning a Last-Minute Scholarship
Even if deadlines are approaching, it's not too late to submit a winning application. Here’s how to maximize your chances:
1. Apply Strategically
Target less competitive scholarships, especially those offered by lesser-known universities or for niche programs.
2. Perfect Your Documents
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Personal Statement: Be concise, honest, and clear about your goals.
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Recommendation Letters: Choose referees who know your academic or leadership strengths well.
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CV/Resume: Include academic achievements, volunteer experience, and leadership roles.
3. Focus on Impact
Most scholarships are looking for students who will make a difference. Clearly explain how your studies will help your community or country.
4. Double-Check Requirements
Missing a document can disqualify your application. Review all requirements carefully before submission.
5. Use University Support
If you're applying through a university, contact the admissions office or international students' department for help with nomination and deadlines.