Foreign Government Scholarships for International Students from Developing Countries

Foreign Government-funded Scholarships

Every year, governments of developed nations offer scholarships to students of developing countries, as part of their obligation to the global cooperation for international development. These government scholarships are facilitated through bilateral agreements between the governments of the developed and developing countries.

Generally, the most highly held of these scholarships are those offered by the United States, the UK and the British Commonwealth, The Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. As most government scholarships are development scholarships, students are expected to return to serve their home country after completing the scholarship. You may also see other Scholarship Lists.

United States Government Scholarships

1). The Fulbright Program
This is the leading international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government. Its main objective is to “increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.” The grants under this program, aimed at students from developing countries, are:

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
   The Foreign Student Program brings citizens of other countries to the United States for Master’s degree or Ph.D. study at U.S. universities or other appropriate institutions. The program brings more than 1,800 foreign students from 144 countries to U.S. universities each year...read more.
   
   
2. International Fulbright Science and Technology Awards(SUSPENDED)
   Recruitment for the International Fulbright Science and Technology Award Program has been SUSPENDED by the United States government. If you desire to know what this program was about in the past...click here.

2). Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program brings outstanding mid-career professionals from developing and emerging countries to the United States for a year of professional development and non-degree academic work at the graduate level. Grants are awarded in various social and public policy fields. Nearly 4,150 fellows from approximately 156 countries have participated in the program since its inception...read more.

UK & British Commonwealth Government Scholarships

1). British Chevening Scholarships
The flagship scholarship scheme of the British Government, the Chevening Scholarships are one of the world’s top scholarship schemes and provide scholarships to around 1000 leaders from over 130 countries to study in the UK every year...read more.

2). Commonwealth Scholarship Program in UK
Commonwealth Scholarships in the UK are administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, a non-Departmental Public Body established by Parliament as part of UK’s contribution to the international Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan. The program offers scholarships for undergraduate study, postgraduate study, distance learning, academic fellowships, and professional fellowships...read more.

3). Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme
The Shared Scholarship Scheme is a joint initiative between the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and UK universities, to support scholarships for students from developing Commonwealth countries who would not otherwise be able to study in the United Kingdom. Awards are for taught postgraduate courses only...read more.

European Government Scholarships

The Netherlands

1). Netherlands Fellowship Programme
The Netherlands Fellowship Programmes (NFP) are demand-driven fellowship programmes designed to promote capacity building within organizations in 57 developing countries by providing training and education to their mid-career staff members. The NFP is funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs from the budget for development cooperation. The fellowships are offered for short courses, Masters and PhD programs...read more. [See this also].

2). HSP Huygens Programme
The prestigious HSP Huygens Programme is open to excellent students from all countries of the world. It is aimed at talented students who want to come to the Netherlands in the final phase of their bachelor’s studies or during their master’s studies...read more.

3). MENA Scholarship Programme
The MENA Scholarship Programme is initiated and fully funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The MENA Scholarship Programme aims to contribute to capacity building within organizations and institutions in the six selected countries: Algeria, Iraq, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman and Syria. Moreover, a network of over 100 alumni positively contributes to the relations between the Netherlands and their respective countries...read more.

Belgium

4). VLIR-UOS Scholarship Program
Every year, with the support of the Belgian Directorate-General for Development Cooperation (DGDC), VLIR-UOS awards scholarships to students from developing countries to study one of the 15 International Course Programmes (ICPs) or one of the 6 International Training Programmes (ITPs). The ICPs and ITPs target people from the South with a responsible position in civil society (at a university, school, NGO, ministry, etc). Each year there are a maximum of 180 scholarships available for first-year ICP students and a maximum of 70 scholarships for ITP participants...read more.

Norway

5). Quota Scheme
The Norwegian government provides scholarships for students from developing countries in the South and countries of Central- and East-Europe and Central-Asia under the Quota Scheme. The overall objective of the Quota Scheme is to promote the internationalization of higher education. Today, the scheme provides funding for a total of 1100 students, 800 of them from developing countries in the South and 300 from Central- and East-Europe and Central-Asia...read more.

Germany

6). DAAD Scholarships for Postgraduate Courses with Special Relevance to Developing Countries
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) supports a range of postgraduate courses at German Universities which aim at providing academically educated young professionals from Developing Countries with further specialized studies...read more.

7). DAAD Research Grants for Doctoral Candidates and Young Academics and Scientists
DAAD research grants provide young foreign academics and scientists with an opportunity to carry out a research project or a course of continuing education and training at a German state (public) or state-recognized higher education institution or non-university research institute...read more.

Switzerland

8). Swiss Government Scholarships
The Swiss government awards a range of scholarships to foreign students through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS): university scholarships (Swiss universities and Federal Institutes of Technology), arts scholarships (schools of music and fine arts) and scholarships for universities of applied sciences. These scholarships provide graduates from all disciplines with the opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies or research in Switzerland at a public funded university or recognized institution...read more.

Sweden

9). Guest Scholarship Program
The Guest Scholarship Program awards scholarships to students from selected countries around the world. Scholarships are given for master’s level, PhD, and post-doctoral level studies as well as to students of Swedish language and literature...read more.

Italy

10). Italian Government Bursaries
The Italian Government offers a bursary programme for foreign students and IRE (Italian Residents Abroad) to study in Italy during the current Academic Year. The programme is offered by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its diplomatic mission in the accredited country of the applicants, to students of selected countries wishing to study at Italian public universities or other public institutions of higher education. Application deadline is in mid-June...read more.

France

11). Eiffel Scholarships through EGIDE
The French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs launched the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme in January 1999 to support French centres of higher education in their international outreach initiatives, in a context of mounting competition among developed countries, to attract elite overseas students on master’s, engineering and PhD courses...read more.

Czech Republic

12). Czech Government Scholarships for Developing Countries
The Government of the Czech Republic offers a number of undergraduate, Masters and Doctoral scholarships within the framework of its Foreign Development Assistance Programme in support of the study of foreign nationals from developing countries at public institutions of higher education in the Czech Republic for the academic year...read more.

• Also see Czech Ministry of Education Scholarships for Undergraduate and Masters Students

Slovakia

13). Scholarships Programme for Foreign Students, Teachers and Researchers
Establishment of the National Scholarship Programme for the Support of Mobility of Students, PhD Students, University Teachers, Researchers and Artists was approved by the Government of the Slovak Republic in 2005. The National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic is funded by the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic...read more.

14). Slovak Government Scholarships
The provision of development aid of the Slovak Republic (SR) in the area of education takes the form of the award of scholarships of the Government of the SR that are consistent with the conditions approved by the Government Resolution No.344/2010 of 25 May 2010 for developing countries and for Slovaks living abroad...read more.

Spain

15). MAEC-AECI Foreign Scholarships
The scholarships are implemented by MAEC-AECI for Foreigners pursuing Masteral and Doctoral Studies (both under the plan as old as the European Higher Education Area) and Research in Spanish universities and their affiliated centers and other agencies...read more.

Greece

16). Hellenic Government Scholarships
Scholarships are granted by Hellenic Ministry of National Education and Religious Affairs to foreign nationals who wish to attend undergraduate or postgraduate studies or conduct a research study in Greek Universities or Centers of Scientific Research, as well as a summer seminar of Greek Language and Civilization...read more.

Hungary

17). Hungarian Government Scholarships
Through the Hungarian Scholarship Board Office, the Hungarian Minister of Education and Culture offers scholarships for foreign students and professors of higher education institutions as well as research fellows who intend to gain further professional experience in Hungarian institutions of higher education or research...read more.

Oceania (Australia, New Zealand, Pacific) Governments Scholarships

Australia

1). Australian Development Scholarships
Australian Development Scholarships (ADS) are a bilateral program within the Australian scholarships program. Australian Development Scholarships equip scholars with the skills and knowledge to drive change and influence the development outcomes of their own country through obtaining tertiary qualifications at participating Australian higher education institutions and technical colleges...read more.

2). Endeavour Awards
The Endeavour Awards is the Australian Government’s internationally competitive, merit-based scholarship program providing opportunities for citizens of the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Europe and the Americas to undertake study, research and professional development in Australia.

1. Endeavour Postgraduate Research Scholarships
   The IPRS program enables international students to undertake a postgraduate research qualification in Australia and gain experience with leading Australian researchers. The scholarships are available for a period of two years for a Masters by research degree or three years for a Doctorate by research degree...read more.
   
   
2. Endeavour Postgraduate Awards
   The Endeavour Postgraduate Awards provide financial support for international students for up to 3 years to undertake a postgraduate qualification at a Masters or PhD level either by coursework or research in any field of study in Australia...read more.
   
   
3. Endeavour Executive Awards
   The Endeavour Executive Awards provide professional development opportunities for high achievers in business, industry, education or government from participating countries. The Awards focus on building skills and knowledge through a host work environment rather than through formal enrolment in a study program at a host institution and are not intended to fund direct academic research...read more.
   
   
4. Endeavor Research Fellowships
   The Endeavour Research Fellowships provide financial support for postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows from participating countries to undertake short-term research (4-6 months), in any field of study, in Australia...read more.
   
   
5. Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Research Fellowships
   The Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Research Fellowships provide financial support for postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows from participating Asian countries to undertake short-term research (4-6 months), in any field of study, in Australia...read more.
   
   
6. Endeavour Vocational Education & Training (VET) Awards
   The Endeavour Vocational Education & Training (VET) Awards provide financial support for up to 2.5 years for international students from participating countries to undertake vocational education at a Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree in any field of study in Australia...read more.

3). Australia Leaderships Awards

1. ALA Scholarships
   ALA Scholarships are offered to high achievers from the Asia-Pacific region to undertake postgraduate study (Masters or Doctorate) at an Australian university. Study programs must relate to AusAID’s priority areas of disability, economic growth, education, environment, food security, gender, governance, health, human rights, infrastructure, regional stability, rural development and water & sanitation...read more.
   
   
2. ALA Fellowships
   ALA Fellowships are for short term study, research and professional attachment programs in Australia delivered by Australian organisations. ALA Fellowships are available across a broad range of fields relevant to Australia’s foreign policy agenda or development outcomes...read more.

4). Regional Development Scholarships
Australian Regional Development Scholarships provide opportunities to people from some developing countries in the Pacific to study at selected education institutions outside Australia...read more.

New Zealand

5). New Zealand Development Scholarships
The New Zealand Development Scholarships (NZDS) scheme offers the opportunity to people from selected developing countries to undertake development-related studies in New Zealand. New Zealand -Development Scholarships are offered for full-time, tertiary level study at participating New Zealand education institutions...read more.

Asian Government Scholarships

Japan

1). Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship Program
To date, some 65,000 students from approximately 160 countries and regions around the world have studied in Japan under the Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship program since its establishment way back in 1954...read more.

2). Japan Development Scholarships for Developing Countries in Asia
The JDS Program aims to provide nationalities of China, Kyrgyz Republic, Laos, Mongolia, Philippines, Republic of Uzbekistan, Republic of Tajikistan, Viet Nam, Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka with opportunities for academic research at Japanese higher educational institutions under the Grant Aid assistance by Government of Japan...read more.

3). Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA)
The Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA) was first introduced in 1993. It is funded by the Government of Japan, administered by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and conducted at various graduate schools in Japan. Its objective is to contribute to institutional capacity building in economic policy-making to promote the sustainablegrowth of emerging and developing economies in Asia and the Pacific...read more.

China

4). Chinese Government Scholarships
Chinese Government Scholarship scheme is established by the Ministry of Education of P.R. China (hereinafter referred to as MOE) in accordance with educational exchange agreements or understandings reached between Chinese government and governments of other countries, organizations, education institutions and relevant international organizations to provide both full scholarships and partial scholarships to international students and scholars...read more.

Singapore

5). Singapore Government Scholarships
The Singapore Scholarship is a Government to Government Scholarship for students who are citizens of ASEAN member countries (except Singapore) and is for a full-time undergraduate study at the Singapore university (NUS, NTU or SMU)...read more.

Taiwan

6). Taiwan Government Scholarships
The Taiwan Scholarship Program was established jointly by three government agencies of the Republic of China (Taiwan) — the Ministry of Education (MOE), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the National Science Council of the Executive Yuan (NSC) — to encourage outstanding international students to undertake degree programs in Taiwan...read more.

• Also see TaiwanICDF Higher Education Scholarship Program

Korea

7). Korean Government Scholarships
The Korean Government Scholarship Program is designed to provide higher education in Korea for international students in order to promote international exchange in education and mutual friendship between the participating countries...read more.

Malaysia

8). Malaysian Government Scholarships
The Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) supports the Malaysian Government’s effort to attract, motivate and retain the best brains from around the world. Talented international students with excellent academic records and outstanding co-curricular backgrounds are welcomed to apply for this scholarship and further their studies in any Malaysian public or private university...read more.

South America Government Scholarships

Mexico

1). Mexican Government Scholarships
The Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation (AMEXCID) invites foreign citizens to participate in the Mexican Government Scholarship Program for studying specialization programs, master’s or doctorate degree, conducting graduate-level research, or taking part in an undergraduate or graduate level academic mobility program in Mexico...read more.

• Also see the Mexican Government Scholarships (Special Programs).

Related: Government Scholarships for both Developing and non-Developing Countries