Looking for funding? These 20 lesser-known master’s scholarships worldwide can help fund your degree. From full tuition and living costs to perks like internships and mentoring, find real support to help you study, grow, and launch your career. Master’s scholarships can make your dream of an international master’s education more affordable than ever.
For many bachelor’s degree grads, master’s scholarships can unlock access to new career paths and more specialized degrees. However, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. Prestigious options such as the Fulbright or Chevening scholarship programs always dominate the headlines, and applications can be highly competitive.
If you look beyond the popular scholarships, you will find that there are many other master’s scholarship programs that offer generous support across countries and fields. These programs can help offset the high cost and duration of master’s degrees by funding tuition, travel, and living costs.
Let’s take a look at twenty master’s scholarships worldwide that you might not have heard of, and explore the application process.
Europe and the U.S. offer top master’s programs, but Europe provides more affordable and scholarship-friendly study options worldwide. These five scholarships go beyond Erasmus+. They actively target international talent from regions across the globe.
The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship program in France supports top international students in master’s programs. It covers a monthly stipend (approximately €1,181), travel, and health insurance.
The program develops future global leaders in engineering, economics, and law. Applications for 2025 are no longer open. However, the 2026 call will open in October 2025.
The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship in Germany supports future leaders in public policy, law, administration, and social sciences. It fully funds tuition, monthly allowances, travel, and German language courses. Additionally, the scholarship includes a mandatory internship to build professional experience.
The VLIR-UOS Scholarship program in Belgium offers full funding for students from developing countries. It covers tuition, travel, and monthly allowances. Programs focus on development topics like water management, food security, and public health.
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees support programs spanning several European universities. They fund tuition, living costs, and travel. Many programs include study across 2-4 countries, offering unique international exposure.
The Swedish Institute Scholarships in Sweden support students from 33 eligible countries. They cover full tuition, a SEK 12,000 monthly stipend, and insurance. The program targets professionals who contribute to sustainable global development in their home countries.
Asia provides a rich mix of fully funded master’s scholarships for international students. Many include language immersion, internships, and strong alumni networks. These five scholarships rank among the best in the region.
Japan’s Ministry of Education offers the MEXT Scholarship to cover tuition, airfare, and a monthly stipend (¥143,000). Students also receive Japanese language training and access to cultural programs.
The Korean Government Scholarship Program in South Korea funds tuition, airfare, language training, and monthly expenses for international students. It also includes a year-long Korean language program before academic coursework begins.
The ADB Scholarship Program funds master’s studies in economics, management, and science across 14 developing member countries. Scholars receive research funding, career placement help, and support for returning home after graduation.
The Islamic Development Bank Scholarship supports diverse students from member countries in science, technology, and development programs. Graduates must contribute to their home communities after completing their studies.
The TaiwanICDF Scholarship Program offers full funding, including airfare, tuition, and a monthly stipend, for students from partner countries. Programs focus on building practical skills in technology, agriculture, and medicine.
North America and Latin America provide a range of scholarship opportunities for international master’s students. These range from high-value research funding to regional partnerships. Explore these five standout programs.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships in Canada offer CAD$50,000 per year for three years to master’s and doctoral researchers. This prestigious award goes to students pursuing research-focused master’s programs.
The OAS Academic Scholarship Program supports graduate study across member states. It covers tuition and part of the living expenses. The program prioritizes fields that advance regional development goals.
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program in the U.S. provides full funding for international students. It also offers lesser-known streams like FLTA and country-specific awards. Cultural exchange drives the program’s mission and builds soft skills and cross-cultural understanding.
The Rotary Peace Fellowships fund master’s degrees in peace and conflict studies at partner universities. They provide full financial support. Fellows also join a lifelong global network of peacebuilders.
Mexico’s National Council for Science and Technology (CONAHCYT) funds graduate studies in Mexico and abroad, mainly in STEM fields. The institution’s program supports research output and connects to national innovation goals.
Top scholarships often support niche fields or global development goals. These five stand out for their social impact and leadership focus.
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program funds select master’s programs for students from developing countries. Many alumni work in policy, NGOs, and economic development sectors.
The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program offers partial funding to students from developing countries. It supports those with academic excellence and financial need. The award functions as a 50/50 grant-loan, encouraging accountability and long-term support.
The Wells Mountain Initiative Scholars program supports socially committed students from developing nations with tuition, mentoring, and networking. Applicants must show a long-term commitment to community development.
The Education for Sustainable Energy Development (ESED) Scholarship awards up to US$10,000 for almost 2 years. It supports students in clean energy, electricity, and climate-related master’s programs. This scholarship suits those pursuing careers in global energy policy or renewable technologies.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program partners with universities in Africa, Canada, and the U.S. to offer full scholarships. The program provides leadership training, mentoring, and entrepreneurship support. Additionally, it offers wrap-around services to help students succeed.
Applying for scholarships requires effort and attention to detail. The process is competitive, but the rewards justify the work. Each scholarship lists unique eligibility criteria. However, most require:
Understand the U.S. grading system to present your GPA and transcripts accurately for American scholarships. Start early to meet critical deadlines. Many fall 6–12 months before your program begins.
Furthermore, always check the official website for current eligibility and timelines. Create a clear application strategy to improve your success rate. Build a calendar and set internal deadlines to stay on track.
Prestigious scholarships offer excellent value. However, they attract heavy competition and often limit your chances. Top scholarships receive thousands of applications each year. Smaller programs target niche fields or specific regions; thus, applying for lesser-known programs improves your odds.
Furthermore, they often match or exceed top scholarships in financial support. In addition, many provide more than just funding. Some include leadership training, mentorship, and global alumni networks. These scholarships can help you build a unique path through academic, social, and professional growth across borders.
Don’t let finances stand in the way of your big dreams. Plenty of scholarships exist to help fund your education. You don’t need to drain your savings for a world-class degree.
Use this list to explore more options tailored to your goals. And don’t forget that scholarships offer more than money. They build community, purpose, and long-term opportunity. So, choose wisely and apply boldly.
For more insights into scholarships, funding, and success stories, visit our Financing Your Master’s page.
