From my EMNLP 2024 conference experience in Miami, I’m ecstatic to share these life-changing scholarship opportunities that could sponsor your international academic journey!
Here are the Top 2025 Fully-funded Master’s & PhD Scholarships:
Table of Contents
1. Switzerland Excellence Scholarships
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship offers an annual prestigious award by the Swiss Confederation to uplift the international exchange and research among Switzerland and other 180 countries.
This scholarship is for young researchers or foreign artists with a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD.
The scholarship program is for postgraduates who desire to further their studies to the doctoral or post-doctoral level in Switzerland.
The scholarship is for all the research students in Swiss cantonal universities, universities of applied science, the Federal Institute of Technology, and at least four research institutes.
Your chance of winning this scholarship is determined by a nomination by supervisors from any of these institutions.
For postgraduates who intend to pursue a PhD at a Swiss public university, federal institute of technology or graduate institute, you must be born after December 31, 1989.
The scholarship commences on September 1, 2025, it is an annual award with possible extension in accordance to the student’s academic performance.
Art students who wish to secure a master’s degree for a start are also included in the scholarship program.
Recall that applicants must have completed their master’s degree or PhD by July 31, 2025.
You must be born before December 31, 2025.
A well-structured research proposal containing a timeframe is needed.
A letter from a supervisor who nominated you which must contain the brief CV of the host is required.
Your country of origin determines your eligibility criteria and application process.
Stay connected and obtain your application forms and template from their official website.
During submission, two copies of your application designated with the postal address of your country of origin is to be submitted.
The scholarship covers the cost of living for one person at a time.
Deadline: Nov-Dec 2025 (varies by country)
- Full funding + monthly stipend
- All academic fields are welcomed
- Research & art fellowships available
2. Stipendium Hungaricum, Hungary.
The Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship was established by the Hungarian government in 2013 for the internalization of Hungarian higher education and to attract intentional students worldwide.
The scholarship program offers opportunities for all studies in various fields at Hungarian higher education institutions.
They take care of the entire living expenses for the study duration.
A monthly stipend of HUF 140, 000, and HUF 180, 000 for the first and second education phases respectively for the 4 semesters annually till the completion of the studies is also involved in the scholarship.
For the accommodations, you either choose a free dormitory placement or a monthly accommodation contribution of HUF 140, 000 throughout the period of your studies. Health care service and supplementary medical insurance of HUF 160, 000 annually is involved.
Their eligibility criteria are that applicants must be citizens of a country that has a bilateral educational cooperation agreement with Hungary.
The applicants must have completed secondary school education, have a relevant bachelor’s degree or master’s degree if there is any, and must be 18 years for a start.
Online application submission should be done through the Public Tempus Foundation’s Online System. Applicants must be nominated by notable authorities in their home countries such as the Ministry of Education, or educational-designated organizations.
Required documents are; proof of higher education completion, proof of your language proficiency depending on the program required, two letters of recommendation, a satisfactory medical certificate of your health condition, and a copy of your passport.
NB: The University of Pécs is also a participant in the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship.
Deadline: January 15, 2025 (14:00 CET)
Highlights:
500+ programs to choose from
Full tuition coverage
Monthly stipend (~€500)
Accommodation assistance
3. Türkiye Burslari
The Turkye Burslari also known as Turkey Scholarship, is a scholarship program established by Turkey Republic.
It is a government-funded scholarship for international students who desire to pursue higher education in Turkish universities with the aim of promoting cultural, political, and economic relationships between Turkey and other countries.
It is a fully funded scholarship that covers the tuition fees, accommodation, health insurance, and monthly stipend.
They made provisions for bachelor’s degrees, Master’s degrees, P hD programs, and Research and Language programs.
The scholarship is for all international citizens except Turkish citizens, or citizens that have lost their Turkish citizenship.
Applicants are advised to meet up with the academic qualification and should be the age that is required for the scholarship application.
Applications and supporting documents like transcripts, letters of recommendation, statements of purpose, and motivation letters are submitted online through the Official Turkey Burslari website.
Although most of the programs are in Turkish some universities offer English programs and there are also free Turkish language courses for students on scholarship.
Evaluation of academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and motivation letters is also involved.
The age limit is 21 years old for undergraduates, 30 years old for Master’s degree applicants, and 35 years old for PhD degree applicants.
Window: Jan 10 – Feb 20, 2025
Highlights:
Tuition fees waiver
Accommodation support
Round-trip flight ticket
Monthly stipend
- Complete funding package
- Turkish language training
- Health insurance included
4. Singapore SINGA Award
The Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) is a collaboration between the Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), National University of Singapore (NUS), and the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) to attract international students that wish to pursue a PhD program In Singapore.
The scholarship covers the full tuition fees for the entire period of the PhD program.
A one-time allowance of SGO 1,500 airfare, setting in allowance of SGO 1,000 and SGO 2,700 for passing a qualifying examination.
The scholarship is opened for international students who are pursuing a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in related fields with enviable academic performance and a strong passion for research accompanied with proficiency in the English language, TOPFEL, IELTS, or its equivalent.
They offer PhD programs in Biomedical Sciences, Engineering, Physical Sciences, and other related fields.
Project Research are hosted in A*STAR Research Institutes or the affiliated universities (NTU, NUS, SUTD).
The application process is as follows:
Creation of an account on the SINGA Portal.
Filling of personal information and required documents upload.
Submission of a valid passport.
Academic transcript translated in the English language.
Direct submission of the letter of recommendation by the referee.
They offer the opportunity to collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds to gain access to state-of-the-art laboratories and work under the supervision of seasoned researchers in Singapore.
Selected candidates are invited for interviews.
SINGA offers a scholarship opportunity for two intakes annually, the August intake whose application deadline is January 1, and the January intake with the application deadline of June 1.
NB: There’s no bond after graduation.
Deadline: December 1, 2024
Highlights:
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly stipend (S$2,000)
- World-class research facilities
- Start: August 2025
5. KAAD Germany (Programme 1)
The Catholic Academic Exchange Service (KAAD) in Germ6 offers scholarship Programme 2, to postgraduates and academic developing countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.
The program is for students pursuing a career in Master’s or PhD studies and post-doctoral research for a period of 2 to 6 months at German universities.
The applicants must be citizens or current residents in an emerging country in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.
A university degree or professional experience is required.
Though the scholarship is primarily for students whose domination is catholic, individuals that is not catholic can be considered eligible if recommended by catholic partners.
German language skills with a minimum of level B1, and at least level A2 for the English language degree programme is required.
KAAD also provides German language courses for six months.
Applications are submitted through committees that are in collaboration or partnership with KAAD.
In some exceptional cases, an application that wasn’t submitted by the partner committee may be considered.
The applicants must be active participants in religious and social commitment and is willing to engage in interreligious dialogue.
Deadline: June 2025
Highlights:
- Focused on developing countries
- Full funding package
- Research & networking support
6. KFUPM Saudi Arabia
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), located in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, is a prominent institution that focuses on science, engineering, and management education, specializing in fields related to petroleum and minerals.
KFUPM offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs across several colleges and institutions:
College of Engineering and Physics
College of Computing and Mathematics
College of Petroleum Engineering and Geosciences
College of Chemicals and Materials
College of Design and Built Environment
KFUPM Business School
College of General Studies.
KFUPM is a merit-based scholarship program, that selects top-performing students in accordance with their national aptitude test.
The university has expanded its scholarship to include female students at both undergraduate and graduate levels, marking a significant milestone in its history.
KFUPM is consistently among the top global universities and holds 163rd position in the QS World University Rankings and also the top recognized university in 2023.
The university focuses on research areas like metal-organic framework equivalent to carbon dioxide applications, which promotes economic diversification and is also a new source of revenue in Saudi Arabia.
For more detailed information about programs, admissions, and campus life, you can visit the official KFUPM website:
Deadline: February 2025
Highlights
- Full scholarship + monthly stipend
- Priority: Engineering & Sciences
- State-of-the-art facilities
7. MEXT Japan
The Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho: MEXT) Scholarship Program offers various scholarships to international students who wish to study in Japan.
These scholarships are fully funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) for the purpose of international exchange and mutual understanding.
The scholarship supports research studies for postgraduates who have completed their bachelor’s degree within the age range of 35 in Japanese universities.
Undergraduates from age 17 to 22 who must have completed their 12 years of education are also included in the scholarship.
The scholarship also makes room for special training college students in Japan.
The scholarship also supports a one-year study program for Japanese citizens or other citizens that is conversant with the Japanese language and culture within the age range of 18 to 30 years.
The application procedure is of two types;
Written application, examination, or interview through the Japanese embassy in your home country.
Direct application to Japanese universities which recommends candidates to MEXT, this process is used by research.
Applicants must be citizens of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan.
Your age depends on the the type of scholarship you are applying for, 35 years for postgraduate research students, and 17 to 22 years for undergraduates. Your educational qualifications depend on your chosen program.
Deadline: May 2025
Highlights:
- Comprehensive funding
- Free Japanese lessons
- Travel expenses covered
8. Manaaki New Zealand
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships is sponsored by the New Zealand Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), which offers scholarship opportunities for international students who are citizens of eligible countries to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies in New Zealand.
Applicants must be 18 years old to apply for the scholarship and must meet the entry requirements as specified by the chosen institution in New Zealand.
Proof of English language proficiency is also required.
Identify the preferred program that aligns with your career and check your county’s eligibility on the official Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship website.
Prepare the necessary documents and apply through the official scholarship portal within the period of application. Be in touch to know when shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews.
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are partners with:
University of Auckland
Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
Victoria University of Wellington
University of Otago
Each institution ensures a conducive learning environment for Manaaki scholars.
Opens: February 1, 2025
- Full tuition + living costs
- Travel funding included
- Country-specific priorities
Pro Application Tips (From Personal Experience):
- Start NOW – quality applications take time
- Check eligibility requirements thoroughly
- Customize each application
- Get recommendation letters early
- Take required language tests ASAP
- Research your target universities/supervisors.