For many aspiring international students, pursuing higher education abroad is a life-changing dream. However, the financial burden of tuition fees, living costs, and even application charges can make that dream feel out of reach. Fortunately, fully funded scholarships that require no application fee are helping break down these barriers. These scholarships not only cover all major academic and living expenses but also allow students to apply without paying a cent—making them more accessible to students from all backgrounds.
This article explores the best fully funded scholarships with no application fee in 2025, explaining how they work, where to find them, and how to successfully apply.
What Are Fully Funded Scholarships?
Fully funded scholarships are financial awards that cover all the major costs associated with studying abroad. This includes:
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Full tuition fees
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Monthly living stipend
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Health insurance
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Travel costs (round-trip airfare)
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Books and study materials
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Visa fees and sometimes language test fees
Such scholarships are typically offered by governments, universities, non-profit organizations, or international programs with the goal of promoting global education, development, and leadership.
When these scholarships also waive application fees, it removes another hurdle, allowing more students—especially from low-income backgrounds—to apply without financial strain.
Why Apply for Scholarships with No Application Fee?
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Eliminate Upfront Costs
Many university and scholarship applications charge fees ranging from $30 to $150, which can add up quickly. Scholarships with no application fee reduce the cost of trying. -
Accessibility for All
Students from developing countries often hesitate to apply due to the high cost of multiple applications. No-fee scholarships level the playing field. -
Higher Chances of Acceptance
Fully funded programs with a rigorous selection process often prefer high-achieving and motivated applicants. If you're qualified, you stand a real chance. -
Peace of Mind
With all expenses covered, students can focus fully on their academic success and personal development without worrying about finances.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships with No Application Fee in 2025
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
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Host Country: United States
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Degree Levels: Master’s and PhD
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Benefits: Tuition, travel, stipend, health insurance, visa fees
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Application Fee: None
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Eligibility: Varies by country; academic excellence and leadership potential required
The Fulbright Program, funded by the U.S. Department of State, is one of the most prestigious global scholarships. It operates in over 160 countries and is administered by local U.S. embassies or Fulbright commissions.
2. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
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Host Country: Germany
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Degree Levels: Master’s and PhD
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Benefits: Full tuition, monthly stipend (~€934/month), travel, insurance
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Application Fee: None
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Eligibility: Academic degree with above-average grades, motivation for studies in Germany
Germany is known for offering tuition-free education, and the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) enhances this further by covering living expenses. DAAD offers dozens of programs, especially in science, engineering, business, and public policy.
3. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (Sweden)
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Host Country: Sweden
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Degree Level: Master’s
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Benefits: Tuition fees, living allowance (SEK 11,000/month), travel grant, insurance
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Application Fee: No scholarship application fee (university application fees may apply unless waived)
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Eligibility: Must be from an eligible country, have work experience, and leadership qualities
This program targets future global leaders who wish to study in Sweden. It aims to foster development and long-term global partnerships.
4. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)
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Host Countries: Selected universities in the U.S., Europe, Japan, and Africa
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Degree Level: Master’s
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Benefits: Tuition, living stipend, travel, health insurance
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Application Fee: None
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Eligibility: Citizens of World Bank member developing countries with relevant work experience
The program supports professionals from developing countries who wish to contribute to their country’s development after graduation.
5. University of the People (UoPeople)
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Host Country: Online (U.S.-accredited)
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Degree Levels: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s
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Benefits: Tuition-free; scholarships available to cover minimal assessment fees
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Application Fee: Can be waived via scholarship
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Eligibility: Open to all nationalities; requires English proficiency and high school diploma
UoPeople is the world’s first tuition-free, non-profit, online accredited university. Although students typically pay a small fee per exam, full scholarships are available to cover all fees, including application costs.
6. Turkey Government Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları)
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Host Country: Turkey
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Degree Levels: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
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Benefits: Full tuition, monthly stipend, Turkish language course, accommodation, airfare
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Application Fee: None
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Eligibility: International students from all nationalities with strong academic records
This scholarship is funded by the Turkish government and includes admission to top Turkish universities.
7. Asian Development Bank – Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)
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Host Countries: Japan, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Thailand, etc.
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Degree Level: Master’s
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Benefits: Tuition, monthly living allowance, books, insurance, airfare
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Application Fee: None
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Eligibility: Citizens of ADB’s developing member countries
The ADB-JSP supports students pursuing economics, management, science, and technology programs to help promote economic development in Asia-Pacific regions.
How to Apply Successfully
1. Research Extensively
Start early and identify programs that fit your academic background, career goals, and nationality.
2. Prepare Required Documents
Typical documents include:
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Academic transcripts
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Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
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Personal statement or motivation letter
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Letters of recommendation
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CV/resume
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Research proposal (for graduate studies)
3. Write a Compelling Motivation Letter
Explain clearly why you chose the program, how it aligns with your future goals, and how you intend to contribute to your community or country afterward.
4. Meet the Deadlines
Scholarships are highly competitive. Missing a deadline—even by one day—can disqualify your application.
5. Avoid Common Mistakes
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Don’t send generic applications
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Don’t ignore eligibility rules
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Don’t underestimate the importance of personal essays
Tips for Standing Out
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Highlight leadership roles, volunteer work, and extracurriculars
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Be authentic and clear about your academic passion
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Show commitment to using your education for the benefit of society
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Tailor your application to each scholarship’s values and objectives