Studying abroad changes careers and lives. The price tag makes many pause. Still, plenty of fully funded routes exist. With planning you can win a free scholarship to study abroad for undergraduates or a 100% scholarship to study abroad that covers tuition, living, and travel.
This guide lists reliable programs, clarifies what they cover, and gives practical application steps. It corrects common confusions. Notably, MEXT is Japan’s government scholarship and the Chinese Government Scholarship is run by China’s CSC.
Why scholarships beat loans
Loans saddle you with debt. Scholarships remove that burden and free you to study, research, or intern without monthly repayments. A true 100% scholarship to study abroad can include tuition, a living stipend, airfare, and insurance. That changes the decision from “can I afford it?” to “which program best fits my goals?”
Free scholarships to study abroad for undergraduates (reliable options)
These programs are known to fund undergraduate study fully or provide generous support:
MEXT (Japanese Government Scholarship), Japan
MEXT supports undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and research students in Japan. Typical coverage includes tuition waivers, a monthly living stipend, and travel allowance. Applications are usually through Japanese embassies or selected universities.
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC), China
CSC scholarships fund international students for undergraduate and graduate programs in China. They commonly cover tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend. Applications go via the CSC portal or partner universities.
Turkiye Burslari, Turkey
Turkiye Burslari offers full scholarships for undergraduate and graduate study in Turkey. Benefits often include tuition, housing, a stipend, and health insurance.
Erasmus+ / Erasmus Mundus, Europe
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are heavily funded for postgraduate study. Erasmus+ also supports undergraduate mobility and exchange programs. For undergraduates, look for Erasmus exchange slots or university scholarships under the Erasmus+ framework.
Other government or national programs
Several countries provide bilateral or national scholarships that cover undergraduate costs in select fields or institutions. Examples include some Latin American government programs and university-funded scholarships in Europe.
Well known fully funded programs (mostly postgraduate but relevant context)
Many headline scholarships are aimed at graduate study. If you’re undergraduate, check whether your country’s government scholarships or university-specific funds are available. Still, these programs matter because they set standards and sometimes have undergraduate equivalents.
- Fulbright (primarily for master’s/PhD study or research in the USA).
- Chevening (UK government; for one-year master’s programs).
- DAAD (Germany; many postgraduate scholarships and research grants).
- Commonwealth Scholarships (postgrad focus for students from developing countries).
- Australia Awards (usually postgraduate; includes tuition, living and travel).
Note: some national programs that fund postgraduate study also run separate undergraduate streams (e.g., MEXT and CSC). Always confirm the program’s current scope on the official site.
How to apply and win
- Start early. Begin 9 to 18 months before intake.
- Check eligibility precisely. Age limits, nationality, language, and academic prerequisites vary.
- Strong SOP. Be specific about study plans, impact, and why the scholarship matters for your goals.
- Solid recommendations. Choose referees who can speak to your academic promise or leadership.
- Keep grades and test scores competitive. For undergraduates this means strong high-school transcripts and any required entrance tests.
- Apply to several programs. Don’t rely on one application. Diversify by country and scholarship type.
- Prepare for interviews. Many top scholarships include an interview stage. Practice concise answers about goals and plans.
FAQs
Q: Is MEXT for Japan or China?
MEXT is Japan’s scholarship. China’s national program is the Chinese Government Scholarship administered by CSC.
Q: Can undergraduates get 100% scholarships to study abroad?
Yes. Government scholarships such as MEXT and CSC often fund undergraduates fully. University scholarships and national programs also sometimes do.
Q: Do most full scholarships require English tests?
Many do. IELTS or TOEFL are common requirements. Some countries or universities may waive them if your prior education was in English.
Q: Are these scholarships extremely competitive?
Yes. Competition is real. But thousands of awards are given annually. Clear applications and strong profiles matter more than luck.
Q: Where should I verify details?
Always check official program or embassy websites and the university pages. Scholarship rules change. Official sources are authoritative.
