International Scholarships for Students from Developing Countries

Updated February 23, 2021 Updated February 23, 2021

If you’re a student from a developing region of the world – including parts of Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East – you could be eligible for a number of international scholarships aimed at bringing a more diverse and inclusive student demographic to universities across the globe.

Many scholarships for students from developing countries will have additional criteria, such as a specific country of origin or destination, a particular subject of study, or ties to a particular university, so it can take some savvy scholarship hunting and a tad of flexibility to find one that suits you. However, there’s really no reason why you can’t be applying for 10 or more international scholarships in no time at all.

Below are a few of the most prominent funds and scholarships for developing countries, categorized by country of study.

Scholarships to study in Europe

Erasmus Mundus Scholarships – Initiative led by the European Commission to provide funding for students all over the world to study in Europe at selected institutions.

Belgium

VLIR-UOS Training and Masters Scholarships – Scholarships for students from developing countries within Africa, Asia or Latin America.

Czech Republic

Charles University Faculty of Social Sciences Development Scholarships – Six scholarships for students from developing countries to study a program in the faculty.

France

Eiffel Scholarships – Funding for master’s and PhD students from outside of France.
INSEAD Business School International Scholarships – Over 90 different business school scholarships, many aimed at students from developing regions.

Germany

DAAD scholarships – Scholarships for master’s students from developing countries in Asia, Africa, Pacific Islands, Central and South America and central and Eastern Europe to study in Germany.

Ireland

Embassy of Ireland, Tanzania Fellowship Training Programme – Scholarships for Tanzanian students to study one of the listed eligible master’s degrees in Ireland.

Netherlands

University of Groningen Talent Grant for Non-EEA Countries – Funding for specific master’s programs at the University of Groningen, for students from Brazil, China, Indonesia, Korea, Mexico or Russia.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Piet Rietveld Scholarship – A scholarship for a student from a developing country to study a master’s in spatial, transport and environmental economics. Covers the yearly tuition fee and provides an allowance for living costs.

Poland

Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange – Scholarships for students from developing countries to study a tuition-free master’s degree in Poland.

Slovakia

Slovak Government Scholarships – Funding provided by the Slovakian government, for students from developing countries.

Switzerland

IMD MBA Scholarships – For students from developing countries to study an MBA at IMD Business School in Lausanne.

Sweden

Swedish Institute Study Scholarships – Scholarships for full-time master’s students from developing countries, covering tuition fees and living costs.

Commonwealth Master's Scholarships – For students from developing countries in the commonwealth to study in the UK at master’s level.
British Council scholarships – For Indian students to study in the UK.
Saïd Foundation Scholarships – For Iraqi, Jordanian, Lebanese, Palestinian and Syrian postgraduate students to study in the UK.

UK universities offering international scholarships include:

Scholarships to study in North America

Canada

Global Affairs Canada – 650 short-term exchange scholarships are available for Latin American and Caribbean citizens wishing to study in Canada.

Canadian scholarships for Asian students:

Canada-ASEAN Scholarships – Scholarships for students from ASEAN member states (Southeast Asia) to take part in a short-term exchange program for study and research.
University of Alberta China and India Centenary Scholarships – For Chinese and Indian students.
University of Toronto (Hong Kong) Foundation – For students from Hong Kong.

Dag Hammarskjöld Journalism Fellowships – Journalism fellowships for African, Asian, Latin American and Caribbean nationals.
East-West Center Scholarships and Fellowships – Funding aimed at nationals from the Asia-Pacific region to study in the US at specific institutions.

US universities offering international scholarships include:

Scholarships to study in Australia and New Zealand

Australia

Australia Awards Scholarships – Scholarships for students from developing countries, particularly the Indo-Pacific region. Unrestricted choice of programs.
Destination Australia – Government scholarships and fellowships.

Australian universities offering scholarships for students from developing countries include:

New Zealand

New Zealand Development Scholarships

Universities in New Zealand offering scholarships for students from developing countries include:

Scholarships to study anywhere in the world

For Latin American students:

Colfuturo Scholarships – For postgraduate Colombian students to study abroad.

For Asian students:

Asia Foundation Development Fellows – Merit-based scholarships for students from developing countries in Asia.
Erasmus-Mundus – India4EU II – For Indian nationals to study in Europe. For more international scholarships for Indian students, see our separate list here.
UNESCO Fellowships – A number of fellowship programs are offered to Japanese, Chinese or Korean students.

Scholarships to study in a developing region

MasterCard Foundation Scholarships – For African, Latin American and Caribbean students to study in Costa Rica.
Wells Mountain Foundation – For students from developing countries to study at home or in another developing country.

Scholarships for African students

Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship Programme – Need-based scholarships for African students.
IOE – Commonwealth Distance Scholarships – Commonwealth scholarships for African students from Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Kenya. Distance learning with a restricted choice of programs.
Mo Ibrahim Scholarship Programme – For aspiring African leaders to study in the UK or Africa at a partnered university.
Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders – Scholarships for African students from sub-Saharan African countries to study in the US and gain leadership and business skills.
Zawadi Africa Education Fund Scholarships for Young African Women – For female students from Uganda, Ghana, South Africa and Kenya to study in the US.

More scholarships for African students can be found here.

Organizations offering scholarships for students from developing countries

MasterCard – Emphasis on scholarships for African students to study in the US and Africa.
MIT – Zaragoza Scholarship Program – A number of scholarships for students from developing countries.
Santander – Scholarships available via partner universities.
The World Bank – Offers postgraduate scholarships for disadvantaged students from developing countries.

This article was originally published in July 2014. It was last updated in June 2019.

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As always, additional funding opportunities may also be available via individual universities and other external organizations. For more opportunities, search online and visit the websites of universities you are interested in for information about international scholarships and funding. Also, get access to QS Scholarships worth £7Million by simply attending any QS event. Our next set of virtual events will be in India from May 27 to June 4.

This article was originally published in June 2019 . It was last updated in February 2021

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Written by

Laura Tucker

Laura is a former staff writer for TopUniversities.com, providing advice and guidance for students on a range of topics helping them to choose where to study, get admitted and find funding and scholarships. A graduate of Queen Mary University of London, Laura also blogs about student life.

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Posted By Moussa Sacko
Thu, 08/07/2014 - 19:22

I want apply and study here

Comment

I want apply and study here please help me

Posted By Laura Bridgestock
Fri, 08/08/2014 - 09:23

Hi Moussa? Where would you

Comment

Hi Moussa? Where would you like to apply to study? We have guides to help you apply to universities in different countries here: https://www.topuniversities.com/where-to-study

Laura

Posted By kamfwa mukupa
Thu, 08/14/2014 - 09:57

i have a great vision to

Comment

i have a great vision to study abroad, so please help me to reach my vision.

Posted By Peter mayar mareng
Thu, 08/28/2014 - 14:50

I have great desire to study

Comment

I have great desire to study in abroad since my country (South Sudan) has been at war for more than 22 years and now is a war zone again we are really suffering. i wish you to help me to realize my dreams.

Posted By Ezra Mapamba
Tue, 09/16/2014 - 11:27

I HAVE INNOVATED A NEW THEORY

Comment

I HAVE INNOVATED A NEW THEORY OF MATHEMATICS. I WANT TO HAVE OPPORTUNITY TO STUDY UNDERGRADUATE ABROAD SO AS TO INCREASE THE SHARPNESS OF MY THEORY. I TESTED IT AND IT WORK, I WANT TO PUBLISH IT AFTER JOINING BACHELOR STUDIES... WHEN YOU HELP ME YOU HELP THE WORD PROBLEM ON MATHEMATICS

Posted By hussien shanko
Wed, 10/29/2014 - 12:56

i have the vision to hold

Comment

i have the vision to hold mba in business administration or financial managment . for the time being i have ba degree in accounting .so would u help me please in confirming my vision ?

Posted By Laura Bridgestock
Mon, 11/03/2014 - 14:33

Hi Hussein. Usually, to

Comment

Hi Hussein. Usually, to enroll in an MBA program you'll first need to gain at least several years' professional experience in addition to your bachelor's degree. For more information about MBAs, you may want to visit our sister site, TopMBA.com.
Laura

Posted By BEHAYLU KETEMA
Sun, 11/02/2014 - 18:17

I am 3rd year medical student

Comment

I am 3rd year medical student some where in Africa ,and I want to get full scholarship in top university of the world so please help me how can I access to this site ?

Posted By george ampadu
Tue, 11/11/2014 - 12:31

my only dream is to be

Comment

my only dream is to be astronaut but my current country does not do that here.the only way my dream can come true is for me to get scholarship and study in a country that support astronomy.please help me enable my dream to come true

Posted By Robam Kapotwe Musaka
Tue, 11/18/2014 - 15:09

i'm looking for scholarship

Comment

i'm looking for scholarship to study BSc (Hons) in Occupational health, safety and environment next year, on distance learning at University of Greenwich-London, Uk. please help me. Regards Robam

Posted By Robam Kapotwe Musaka
Tue, 11/18/2014 - 15:48

I'm planning to study BSc

Comment

I'm planning to study BSc(Hons) in Occupational health, safety and environment next year on distance learning at University of Greenwich. please help me obatin the funding. Regards Robam

Posted By Khalid Malik
Sun, 11/30/2014 - 07:08

i want tto apply for any

Comment

i want tto apply for any scholarship program to peruse my masters in electrical or computer engineering but my undergrad GPA is 2.8. please guide me which program will accept this GPA.

Posted By Sulochana Nambiar
Thu, 12/04/2014 - 01:41

Hi is it possible to apply

Comment

Hi is it possible to apply for any scholarships once you've commenced your post grad course already ? I'm an Indian student currently studying in the UK and am two months into my course

Posted By Laura Bridgestock
Thu, 12/04/2014 - 09:15

I'd recommend checking with

Comment

I'd recommend checking with your university - they should be able to advise on whether any funding is available for current postgraduate students.

Posted By Sharif Hossain
Thu, 03/26/2015 - 23:25

Dear Sir/Madam,

Comment

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am Undergraduate Scholarship Applicant.
I am very happy to know about your Scholarships activities. I am a student of third world countries namely known as BANGLADESH, in Asia.
Sir, This World Compared with Global village .But third World Countries Student always discriminates by developed Countries. But as a Civilize Countries it is their duties to give and share their opportunities and facilities with third world or, poor countries. I think Student should give same opportunities and facilities through the all over the world.
I have successful taken my certificate “Higher school certificate” examination in 2008, but not yet attend university because of finical problems.
I want to get scholarship as free education in university specially B.B.A. in MANAGEMENT, INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS, IT or EEE STUDIES as like a international student.
I hope you will consider my application as third World countries Student and I will look forward to hearing from you.
So I, would, pray and hope that you will give me a full-free student scholarship and ensure my future as early as possible.
Sincerely Yours,
Sharif Hossain

Posted By Laura Bridgestock
Fri, 03/27/2015 - 09:23

Hi Sharif. We have lots of

Comment

Hi Sharif. We have lots of lists of scholarships for international students here - I'd recommend taking a look through to see which ones you're eligible for. Best of luck!

Posted By Malinda Wijerathne
Sat, 06/20/2015 - 17:20

I’m a fourth year medical

Comment

I’m a fourth year medical student from Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
I’m supposed to do a one month elective course. I would be grateful if you could guide me about resources/ scholarships which may be applicable for me.
Thanks.

Posted By maria medrano
Fri, 07/10/2015 - 22:15

Thank you so much for the

Comment

Thank you so much for the information. I am a future electrical engineering student who had a chance of studying my undergrad in the U.S.; however, I would like to do it in renewable energy techonologies and energy efficiency. I am aware Europe have some of the best programs in this topic, but I am still not sure how the Erasmus Mundus scholarship works. If there is any assistance that could be provided it would be very appreciated. Also, you could add to your list the GKS (global korean studies) scholarship provided by the government of South Korea.

Posted By Laura Bridgestock
Mon, 07/13/2015 - 13:47

Hi Maria. Our list of

Comment

Hi Maria. Our list of scholarships to study in Europe may be helpful. And thanks for sharing the GKS scholarship - we've actually featured this previously, in our list of scholarships to study in Asia.

Posted By Mariana Fernandez
Sat, 09/26/2015 - 05:15

Dear Laura,

Comment

Dear Laura,
I am looking for a scholarship to continue with my studies (PhD) in my home country Argentina. As I live in a Third World country there are scarcely funds available. All the scholarships I found on the internet are addressed to students who want to study abroad, which is not my case. Can you suggest where to look for funding?
Thank you in advance!
Mariana

Posted By Sabrina Collier
Wed, 09/30/2015 - 12:20

Hi Mariana, I would suggest

Comment

Hi Mariana, I would suggest checking the official websites of the Argentinian universities to which you're applying to see if they offer scholarships for your PhD course. Hope this is helpful :)

Posted By Zakir Jaufer
Tue, 01/05/2016 - 16:42

I am searching for a

Comment

I am searching for a scholarship for undergraduate electrical engineering. Please help me find a scholarship. I am from Sri Lanka

Posted By Sabrina Collier
Tue, 01/05/2016 - 16:58

Hi Zakir, please take a look

Comment

Hi Zakir, please take a look at our list of scholarships to study engineering.

Posted By Chanleakena Ping
Mon, 01/11/2016 - 15:22

I would to know how the

Comment

I would to know how the sponsorship is worked. Will they give full sponsor? I am a graduated student. I want to do my master in Education. Will i be able to get full sponsorship to study abroad?

Posted By Sabrina Collier
Mon, 01/11/2016 - 15:30

Hi Chanleakena, this will

Comment

Hi Chanleakena, this will depend entirely on the scholarship, as the amounts on offer vary. To find out how much your tuition fees/other expenses would be covered, please see the external links from each listing. For more information on how scholarships work, please take a look at our FAQ. Hope this helps!

Posted By yauheniya Hancharonak
Wed, 01/13/2016 - 18:13

Dear Laura,

Comment

Dear Laura,
I am a student from BELARUS. Currently, I'm doing my Master degree in Poland(program : International Business( in English)). I found out during my study that i much more interested in Finance and want to continue my study applying to Finance track in USA . My GPA 4.35.I found Harvard Msc in Finance very interesting for me.Could you help me with information about scholarship , could i apply for it or not?and if i have Master in International Business should it be anough for admission not to provide Gmat? i have covered a lot mathematical subjects during my master study and can provide transcripts.
thank you in advance

Posted By Sabrina Collier
Thu, 01/14/2016 - 10:00

Hi Yauheniya, I'm sure you

Comment

Hi Yauheniya, I'm sure you could apply for a scholarship to Harvard - in fact, it is one of the five US universities which are need-blind to international students (you can find out more in this article). Our article listing scholarships to study in the US includes scholarships to study at Harvard. For information on admission requirements, please see Harvard's official website, or contact their admissions office if you're unsure. Hope this helps!

Posted By Manju De Silva
Tue, 01/19/2016 - 06:31

I am a female student from

Comment

I am a female student from Sri Lanka interested in following a bachelors degree in Physiotherapy. I have represented the national team in sports to. Can you please advise availability of scholarships. Thanks

Posted By Aizhan Kurmanova
Tue, 01/26/2016 - 17:55

Hi, my name is Aizhan. I'm

Comment

Hi, my name is Aizhan. I'm from Kazakhstan. Ielts 6.5, GPA 2.914, work experience 5 years, also GMAT is scheduled on Feb 03,2016. Want to study in USA or UK. My first degree is BSc Finance. Interested in MBA, Masters related to finance, energy saving, environment protection etc. Need scholarship fully covering tuition fee. Which programmes am i eligible for?

Posted By Sabrina Collier
Wed, 01/27/2016 - 09:36

Hi Aizhan, it sounds like you

Comment

Hi Aizhan, it sounds like you're eligible for many masters programs. Our course finder is useful for searching for the right masters in finance for you in the UK. To find out more about studying an MBA in either the UK or US, please take a look at our sister site, TopMBA.com. We also have more scholarship listings that may be of interest - scholarships for the UK, US and Business and Entrepreneurship Scholarships. Hope this helps!

Posted By Abin Chandrakumar
Sat, 01/18/2020 - 18:54

Hi, my name is Abin

Comment

Posted By Sabrina Collier
Mon, 02/01/2016 - 10:46

Hi Abin, I've replied to your

Comment

Hi Abin, I've replied to your comment here. :)

Posted By Taysiir Dhombe
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 01:20

Hi..

Comment

Hi..
Tysiir, from somalia.i studied Bsc,chemistry in Sudan(Gov.scholarship), passed with v.good degree. I want to continuou and develop my skills in chemistry especially MSc in Analytical chemistry and Envronmal science,Forensic science, Drug discovery and pharmacytical science or other discipligns related to chemistry for free. so, really i will apreciate if any one leads me and help me to discover and test any available scholarship fit to me,. Any advice in a diffrent areas of chemistry also matters me.

Posted By Fraol Ahmed
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 08:53

Hi, my name is fraol ahmed

Comment

Hi, my name is fraol ahmed and i am from Ethiopia, currently studying software engineering second year and i have 3.85 GPA in my first year. I want to apply for bachelor of computer science in u.s.a.

Posted By Sabrina Collier
Wed, 02/03/2016 - 09:47

Hi Fraol, if you're looking

Comment

Hi Fraol, if you're looking for a scholarship, we also have lists of scholarships to study in the US and to study computer science. Our complete guide on how to study abroad in the US should help get you started, and you might also like to have a look at the rankings by subject for computer science (with the results narrowed down to see only US universities). Hope this helps!

Posted By Derek Chiteve
Thu, 02/04/2016 - 06:38

Hello, I am a Zimbabwean. I'm

Comment

Hello, I am a Zimbabwean. I'm looking for a Full scholarship to study Information technology or computer sciences in Australia. I have Good High school grades. Please Advise Thanks.

Posted By prince ofori attah
Mon, 02/08/2016 - 21:23

laura i also need help with

Comment

laura i also need help with everything getting admitted funding and everything. the name is prince ,

Posted By Sabrina Collier
Tue, 02/09/2016 - 09:45

Hi Prince, where would you

Comment

Hi Prince, where would you like to study? We have many country guides with lots of information on how to apply to study in different countries. Hope this helps.

Posted By Shantanu Kumar
Tue, 02/09/2016 - 03:15

Are there any scholarships

Comment

Are there any scholarships available for MEng in Engineering Management from Cornell University for fall 2016?

Posted By Sabrina Collier
Tue, 02/09/2016 - 14:18

Hi Shantanu, I'd advise you

Comment

Hi Shantanu, I'd advise you to browse Cornell University's official website to find out if they have any scholarships available for you.

Posted By Prateek Sharma
Fri, 02/12/2016 - 18:07

Hlw frndz,i wanna now about

Comment

Hlw frndz,i wanna now about taiwan, is their any univ. in Taiwan that teach UG(B.Tech.) with medium of language as scholarship.

Posted By Raphael Canillas
Wed, 02/17/2016 - 17:41

Hello! My name is Raph and I

Comment

Hello! My name is Raph and I am from the Philippines. I am looking to obtain an undergraduate degree in Australia and I really need a scholarship. I am currently taking up Applied Economics and Marketing in my home country. My target year of study is 2017. Thank you!

Posted By Sabrina Collier
Wed, 02/17/2016 - 17:55

Hi Raph, please take a look

Comment

Hi Raph, please take a look at our list of scholarships to study in Australia and our list of business and entrepreneurship scholarships, which includes options to study economics in Australia. For more scholarship advice, please see our new guide on how to find scholarships to study abroad. Hope this helps!

Posted By clifford zulu
Wed, 03/02/2016 - 07:58

Hello, my name is Clifford

Comment

Hello, my name is Clifford Zulu and l am from Malawi. l would like to study medicine in the USA and l am currently doing my premedical foundation class in my home country. l am in great need of the scholarship and my target year is 2017. thank you!

Posted By Sabrina Collier
Wed, 03/02/2016 - 09:28

Hi Clifford, please take a

Comment

Hi Clifford, please take a look at our lists of scholarships to study in the US and to study medicine. Hope this helps!

Posted By Olakunle Gbolahan
Wed, 03/09/2016 - 16:18

Hi there :),

Comment

Hi there :),
My names are Olakunle Gbolahan. I am Nigerian, currently residing in Portugal and working on my PhD in Marketing and Strategic Management. I am in urgent need of scholarship to complete my ongoing program. Thank you. :)

Posted By Sabrina Collier
Wed, 03/09/2016 - 17:37

Hi Olakunle, I'd advise

Comment

Hi Olakunle, I'd advise checking if your university offer their own scholarships or other funding opportunities that can help. You could also take a look at our list of scholarships for African students. Hope this helps!

Posted By Emil Veliev
Sun, 04/10/2016 - 23:16

Hello Miss Sabrina, i am from

Comment

Hello Miss Sabrina, i am from Azerbaijan. i would like to see my country in this list too for the schoolarship. I have one question. Can i study in USA with the full scholarship ? I don't have enough money for the USA actually. I have awarded two times as a best student of a year. i may work there too. if you help me i would be happy.
Thanks a lot !

Posted By Sabrina Collier
Mon, 04/11/2016 - 09:49

Hi Emil, please take a look

Comment

Hi Emil, please take a look at our list of scholarships to study in the US. :)

Posted By bigyan neupane
Fri, 05/06/2016 - 02:11

hi, i am bigyan from nepal.i

Comment

hi, i am bigyan from nepal.i want to get scholarship to study abroad in technical field.i have completed +2 with science .so please guide me to studyabroad