What are Some Popular Government Scholarships In The World’s Top Study Destinations?

In this blog we focus on some government scholarships that are available for international students in some of the world’s top study destinations.

Available to students in over 160 countries, the Fulbright Foreign Student Programme is one of the most popular government scholarships for international students in the USA.

The Fulbright Programme provides funding for both Masters and PhD degrees and successful applicants are eligible for full tuition fee cover, visa sponsorship, health insurance and in some cases a stipend for living costs.

The scholarship is administered by commissions and foundations or the US embassy in each participating country which is why eligibility criteria and application procedures vary hugely. The Fulbright official website has more information.

Read our guide on how to fund your PhD in the USA.

PhDs in the UK are more likely to be funded by studentships provided by the Research Councils. However, there are still some scholarships provided by the UK Government that you can choose from.

The Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are open to students from Commonwealth countries (nations that were a part of the British Empire). There are three Commonwealth PhD Scholarship schemes currently active, and they cover full PhD fees, return airfare and monthly living stipend.

Read our guide on funding a PhD in the UK for more information.

Australian government scholarships for international students are often administered by particular departments.

The Australia Awards, funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, are fully funded scholarships for students from developing countries in Asia, Middle East and the Pacific region. You have to be studying a subject related to one of the priority areas decided by your home country. Successful applicants get a full fee waiver, travel expenses and a fortnightly maintenance stipend.

Funded by the Department of Education, the Destination Australia scholarship programme worth AUD $15,000 (USD $9,600) per year, gives international students a chance to study in regional Australia (outside of its major cities).

Research Masters and PhD students can also apply for Research Training Program (RTP) scholarships. These are usually allotted to universities but can then be used by students as a fee offset, stipend or allowance.

Read more on how you can fund your PhD in Australia in our guide.

Even though studying at most German universities is (almost!) free, students choose to apply for funding to help cover living costs. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is one of the world’s largest international study agencies and provides scholarships for international postgraduate students.

PhD funding from the DAAD includes:

• Research grants to complete a PhD a German university worth €1,200, lasting for up to four years.
• Research grants to complete a PhD in your home country (with involvement of a German university) worth €1,200 per month for up to two years
• Short term grants worth €850-1,200 per month for placements of less than a year.

Read our guide on funding a PhD in Germany for more information.

International PhD students have a few government scholarships to choose from.

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships are valued at CAD$50,000 per year and up to 150 scholarships are awarded annually. You will need to be nominated by your institution to be able to apply.

Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IRDC) offers the IRDC Doctoral Research Awards, which offer a maximum salary of CAD $48,659 for 12 months of research

Sometimes, international students may also be eligible for funding provided by one of Canada’s many National Research Councils.

Read our guide for more information on how to fund your PhD in Canada.