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If you are a bright, talented, or motivated international student, the best scholarships are for your taking. scholars4dev.com lists the ten most prestigious international scholarship programs out there for the brightest international students from around the world.  If you are from a developing country, also see Top 15 scholarships for developing country students.

Government-funded International Scholarships »

Fulbright Scholarships (USA)
The Fulbright Scholarship Program is the flagship international exchange scholarship program between the U.S. Government and 155 countries. Each year, approximately 1,800 Fulbright scholarships are awarded to excellent foreign students who wish to pursue a Masters or PhD Degree in the United States.  The Fulbright Scholarship Program provides full funding for the duration of the study which includes tuition, textbooks, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance.

See also Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program which provides a year of professional enrichment in the United States for experienced professionals from designated countries throughout the world.

Chevening Scholarships (UK)
The Chevening Scholarships is the flagship global scholarship program of the British Government. Every year, it provides scholarships to around 1000 outstanding students from over 130 countries who wish to pursue postgraduate study in the UK.  Chevening Scholarships are full scholarships which cover tuition fees, monthly stipend and various one-off allowances as well as international travel to and from UK.

See also Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships and Global Wales Postgraduate Scholarships

Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)
Australia Awards Scholarships, formerly known as Australian Development Scholarships (ADS), provide opportunities for people from developing countries, particularly those countries located in the Indo-Pacific region, to undertake full time undergraduate or postgraduate study at participating Australian universities and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions.

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme (France)
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme aims to attract the best foreign students for master’s and PhD degree programs at participating French Universities.  Eiffel scholarship-holders receive a monthly allowance; it does not cover tuition fees. In addition, the scholarship covers various other expenses including return trip, health insurance and cultural activities.

See the List of Foreign Government Scholarships for International Students 

University-funded International Scholarships »

Gates Cambridge Scholarships (UK)
The Gates Cambridge Scholarships are one of the most prestigious international scholarships which are open to all international students from all over the world.  The scholarships are full-cost awards for graduate study and research in any subject available at the University of Cambridge.  The scholarship covers the university fees, maintenance allowances, airfare, etc. About 100 new Gates Scholars are awarded annually.

Clarendon Scholarships at University of Oxford (UK)
The Clarendon Scholarship Fund is a prestigious graduate scholarship scheme offering around 140 new scholarships every year to eligible graduate applicants (including international students) at the University of Oxford. Clarendon Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence and potential across all degree-bearing subjects at graduate level at the University of Oxford.  The scholarships cover tuition and college fees in full and a generous grant for living expenses.

See also Rhodes Scholarships and Rhodes Global Scholarships which are postgraduate awards that support exceptional international students from selected countries at the University of Oxford.

Knight-Hennesy Scholars Program at Stanford University (USA)
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program at Stanford University cultivates a diverse, multidisciplinary community of emerging leaders from around the world and guides them to collaborate, innovate, and communicate as they prepare to address the complex challenges facing society.  The scholarships are towards full-time Masters and PhD degrees in any subject offered at Stanford. Knight-Hennessy Scholars receive a fellowship applied directly to cover tuition and associated fees, a stipend for living and academic expenses, and a travel grant.

Schwarzman Scholars Program at Tsinghua University (China)
Designed to prepare the next generation of global leaders, Schwarzman Scholars is the first scholarship created to respond to the geopolitical landscape of the 21st Century.  The program will give the world’s best and brightest students the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and professional networks through a one-year Master’s Degree at Tsinghua University.  The scholarship covers tuition and fees, room and board, travel to and from Beijing at the beginning and end of the academic year, an in-country study tour, required course books and supplies, lenovo laptop and smartphone, health insurance, and a modest personal stipend.

See the list of International University Scholarships offered by Top Universities

Institute-funded International Scholarships »

Rotary Foundation Global Study Grants (Various Countries)
The Rotary Foundation offers scholarship funding through the Rotary Foundation Global Grant scholarships. The scholarship funds graduate-level coursework or research for one to four academic years. The minimum budget for a global grant scholarship is $30,000.

Joint Japan World Bank Scholarships (Various Countries)
The  Joint Japan World Bank  Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) sponsors students from developing countries to pursue graduate studies leading to a master’s degree from preferred universities around the world. Scholars are expected to return home to contribute to the development of their country. The scholarship covers travel costs, tuition, and monthly allowance.

See the list of Institution-funded Scholarships.