For millions of students with disabilities around the world, higher education can present unique challenges—financial, physical, social, and logistical. But in recent years, global initiatives and inclusive education movements have opened new doors. Among the most powerful tools for change are fully funded scholarships tailored specifically for students with disabilities. These scholarships not only alleviate financial burdens but also empower recipients to achieve academic and professional success in environments that support their needs.
In this guide, we explore fully funded scholarships available in 2025 for students with disabilities, including their eligibility criteria, benefits, application tips, and global impact.
Why Scholarships for Students With Disabilities Matter
Students with disabilities often face additional expenses that others may not—such as adaptive technology, transportation, personal assistants, and healthcare. Traditional scholarships may not fully consider these needs. That’s where disability-specific fully funded scholarships make a difference.
Here’s why they’re essential:
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Financial Inclusion: Cover tuition, living expenses, medical needs, and assistive devices.
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Educational Equity: Create equal opportunities in mainstream and specialized institutions.
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Global Accessibility: Open pathways for study abroad and professional development.
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Empowerment: Encourage students to lead, advocate, and innovate in their communities.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships for Students With Disabilities in 2025
These scholarships are open to students with various physical, sensory, intellectual, or learning disabilities. Many programs now also welcome neurodivergent individuals or those with chronic health conditions.
1. Google Lime Scholarship (North America & Canada)
Eligibility: Students with visible or invisible disabilities pursuing computer science, engineering, or related tech fields.
Level: Undergraduate and graduate
Benefits:
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USD 10,000 (US) or CAD 5,000 (Canada)
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Fully funded invitation to Google’s networking retreat
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Mentorship and career development support
Deadline: Typically February each year
How to Apply:
Submit academic transcripts, resume, personal statement, and disability verification through Lime Connect.
2. Ford Foundation Fellowships for Students with Disabilities (Global)
Eligibility: Graduate-level students with disabilities from underrepresented backgrounds.
Level: Master’s and PhD
Benefits:
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Full tuition
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Monthly living allowance
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Research/travel grants
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Support services and disability accommodations
Focus Areas: Human rights, disability advocacy, social justice, education, law.
Application Tip: Showcase community involvement and plans to contribute to social change.
3. Snowdon Trust Master’s Scholarship (UK)
Eligibility: UK and international students with physical, sensory, or mobility impairments.
Level: Master’s
Benefits:
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Up to £30,000 covering tuition and living costs
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Personalized mentoring and career coaching
Institutions: UK universities
Deadline: Applications usually open in early spring
Website: snowdontrust.org
4. Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) – UK Government
Eligibility: UK residents with any long-term physical or mental condition.
Level: Undergraduate and postgraduate
Benefits:
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Funds for assistive technology, specialist support, note-takers, mentors
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Up to £26,000 per year (not dependent on household income)
Application Process:
Apply through Student Finance England, Wales, or Northern Ireland. Scotland has a separate system.
Bonus: Can be combined with other scholarships.
5. Microsoft Disability Scholarship (Global)
Eligibility: High school seniors with a disability planning to major in computer science, engineering, or related fields.
Benefits:
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Up to USD 20,000 over four years
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Internship opportunities
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Professional mentoring
Application Tip: Demonstrate passion for technology and impact in your community.
6. National Federation of the Blind Scholarships (USA)
Eligibility: Legally blind students in any discipline.
Level: Undergraduate to doctoral
Benefits:
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Scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $12,000
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Paid trip to annual NFB convention
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Networking and leadership development
Application:
Includes essays, recommendation letters, proof of blindness, and interviews.
7. UNESCO/Emir Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Prize for Digital Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
Eligibility: Students, researchers, or innovators working on digital inclusion.
Benefits:
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Fully funded participation in global conferences
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Awards of up to USD 40,000
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Recognition and networking with disability inclusion leaders
Focus: Digital technology, accessibility, education innovation
8. Australian Government Equity Scholarships
Eligibility: Domestic and international students with financial hardship or disability.
Benefits:
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Full tuition coverage
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Living allowance of up to AUD 20,000/year
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Travel, accommodation, and disability support services
Participating Institutions: University of Sydney, Monash University, and more
Bonus: Many universities have disability support units offering extra grants or free services.
Regional & Country-Specific Scholarships
Besides global programs, many governments offer national-level scholarships for students with disabilities:
India
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National Scholarship for Persons with Disabilities
Offers full tuition, books, assistive equipment, and living expenses for students in higher education.
South Africa
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NSFAS Disability Bursary Scheme
Covers tuition, housing, transport, meals, and assistive devices.
Brazil
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Many public universities waive tuition and provide disability support grants for eligible students.
Egypt
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Public scholarships and NGOs like Helm Foundation provide financial support, training, and mentorship for students with disabilities.
Tips for Applying to Disability-Focused Scholarships
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Be Honest About Your Disability
Use your story to highlight resilience, adaptability, and ambition. Many organizations appreciate real, lived experiences. -
Get Strong Recommendations
Choose referees who understand both your academic potential and the challenges you’ve overcome. -
Document Clearly
Provide medical or disability documentation, where requested. Be concise and accurate. -
Tailor Your Essays
Show how your disability shaped your goals, advocacy, or interest in your field. -
Look for Intersectional Opportunities
Some scholarships support students who belong to multiple underrepresented groups—e.g., disabled women, LGBTQ+ individuals with disabilities, etc. -
Use Disability Support Centers
Universities often have departments dedicated to helping disabled students find and apply for funding.
Global Organizations Supporting Disabled Students
Several global networks actively work to promote disability-inclusive education:
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Lime Connect – Tech-focused disability recruitment and scholarships
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Scholarships.com & FastWeb – Search filters for students with disabilities
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G3ict and GAATES – Advocate for inclusive technologies and accessible learning
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World Institute on Disability (WID) – Resources and scholarships
Final Thoughts
The landscape of education is rapidly evolving—and so is the commitment to inclusivity. Fully funded scholarships for students with disabilities represent more than financial support; they symbolize a growing recognition of ability over disability, talent over limitations.