Master’s Scholarships for International Students: A Practical Guide

For many students, finishing a bachelor’s degree brings the same question: what next? You might want to specialise in your field, switch careers, or gain experience abroad. A master’s degree can help you do that. But if you are an international student, cost is often the biggest challenge. It is not just tuition. You also have to think about accommodation, flights, visa fees, health insurance, and daily living costs. That is why master’s scholarships matter. They can reduce your tuition, help with living expenses, or cover more of your study costs. But finding the right one is not about typing “fully funded master’s scholarship” into Google. The best results come when you look for scholarships that fit your background, your nationality, your field of study, and where you want to study.

Herein, we explain the main types of master’s scholarships available to international students, where to find them, what they may cover, what applications usually require, and how to organise your search. See other related articles. Scholarships for international students 

What Are Master’s Scholarships?

Master’s scholarships are like financial aid designed to help students pay for postgraduate education.

They may be offered by:

• Universities
• Governments
• International organisations
• Foundations and charities
• Research institutions
• Professional organisations
• Private companies

The amount and type of support can vary considerably.

One scholarship may reduce your tuition by a fixed amount. Another may cover the full tuition fee and provide a living allowance. Some awards may also contribute toward travel, insurance, visa expenses, or research costs.

For this reason, never assume that every scholarship described as “fully funded” covers exactly the same expenses.

Before applying, read the official funding information and work out which costs you would still need to pay for by yourself.

Types of Master’s Scholarships for International Students

Your search is more focused when you understand the different types of scholarships.

A scholarship might be government-funded while also being restricted to applicants from particular countries or professional backgrounds.

Are There Master’s Scholarships for International Students?

Yes. Many universities, governments, foundations, and international programmes offer scholarships to international students.

However, eligibility differs from one programme to another.

Some scholarships accept applicants from many countries, while others are limited by nationality, academic field, professional experience, destination, or university.

For example, Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters includes programmes that accept students from around the world, with scholarships available for selected applicants. The participating programmes can also involve study at more than one institution or in more than one country.

Likewise, the UK government provides information on postgraduate scholarships for international students, including programmes such as Chevening and certain Commonwealth scholarships.

Being an international student does not automatically make you eligible for every scholarship.

Always check the current eligibility requirements on the official provider’s website. Very importantly.

What do master’s scholarships offer?

Scholarship funding can cover different parts of your study and living expenses. 

Depending on the programme, benefits may include:

• Full or partial tuition
• A living allowance
• Accommodation support
• Travel expenses
• Visa-related costs
• Health insurance
• Books or study materials
• Research expenses
• Certain academic fees

Erasmus Mundus, for example, explains that its scholarships can contribute toward participation costs, travel, visa expenses, and living costs for selected students.

This is why it is better to ask:

“Which of my expenses does this scholarship cover?”

rather than simply asking:

“Is this scholarship fully funded?”

A scholarship can provide substantial support while still leaving some costs for you to handle.

Where to Find Master’s Scholarships

A good scholarship search usually involves several sources rather than a single website.

1. University Scholarship Pages

Start with universities where you would genuinely consider studying.

Look for pages marked:

• International student scholarships
• Postgraduate funding
• Master’s scholarships
• Graduate funding
• Financial aid
• Scholarships and bursaries

Pay attention to whether you need to submit a separate scholarship application.

In some cases, students are automatically considered for certain awards after applying for admission. In others, the scholarship has its own application form and deadline.

Do not assume that the admission deadline and scholarship deadline are the same; make sure to verify everything.

2. Government Scholarship Programmes

Government-funded programmes can be an important source of international postgraduate funding.

For example, the UK government’s postgraduate scholarship information includes major programmes such as Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships for eligible applicants.

These programmes often have detailed requirements concerning nationality, academic background, work experience, leadership, or the intended course.

Being from an eligible country is only one part of the application.

3. International Scholarship Programmes

International programmes can provide opportunities across several countries.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters is one example. Applicants apply to individual participating programmes, and each programme provides its own information about admission, eligibility, deadlines, and application procedures.

This kind of opportunity can particularly make sense if you are open to studying in more than one country during your master’s degree.

4. Foundations and Nonprofit Organisations

Foundations and nonprofit organisations may offer funding for particular fields, regions, communities, or areas of research.

Search for organisations connected to:

• Your academic field
• Your country or region
• Research interests
• Leadership
• Community development
• Social impact
• Professional development

The eligibility requirements can be quite specific, so read them carefully before preparing your application.

5. Employers and Professional Organisations

Professional associations and companies can also provide scholarships, fellowships, grants, or education funding.

Take, for instance, if your master’s degree is related to engineering, technology, business, health, education, agriculture, or another professional field, look for organisations operating within that sector.

These opportunities may not be as visible as major government scholarship programmes, but they can still be worth verifying.

How to Find Master’s Scholarships That Fit Your Profile

One common mistake is collecting dozens of scholarship links without checking whether you qualify or not.

Instead, define your profile first.

Write down:

• Your nationality
• Country of residence
• Bachelor’s degree
• Academic results
• Intended master’s field
• Preferred study destinations
• Work experience
• Leadership or community experience
• Research interests
• Expected study start date

Then use that information to make your searches more specific.

For example, someone with an engineering degree who wants to study renewable energy could search for:

• Renewable energy master’s scholarships
• Engineering scholarships for international students
• Clean energy master’s scholarships
• Energy scholarships for African students
• University scholarships for engineering
• Fully funded renewable energy master’s programmes

This approach can reduce the amount of time you spend reviewing scholarships that are clearly unsuitable for you.

What Are the Requirements for Master’s Scholarships?

Requirements vary, but many applications ask for some combination of:

• A bachelor’s degree
• Academic transcripts
• Proof of nationality
• Passport or identification
• CV or résumé
• Personal statement
• Statement of purpose
• Recommendation letters
• Proof of work experience, where required
• Research proposal, where applicable
• English-language evidence, where required
• University admission documents

Some scholarships also have requirements related to leadership, financial need, professional experience, or a specific academic field.

For example, Chevening’s current scholarship information states that eligible applicants need at least two years of eligible work experience.

This is an important detail for recent graduates, as not all major international scholarships are open to applicants who have just finished their bachelor’s degree.

Do You Need Work Experience for a Master’s Scholarship?

Not necessarily.

Some scholarships are meant for recent graduates, while others specifically seek applicants with professional experience, leadership achievements, or community involvement.

Chevening is one example of a programme with a work-experience requirement. Other scholarships use different criteria.

If you have recently completed your bachelor’s degree, focus your search on opportunities that clearly accept applicants at your stage rather than spending most of your time on programmes that require experience you do not have.

Can You Get a Fully Funded Master’s Scholarship?

Yes, fully funded master’s scholarships exist.

However, they can be highly competitive, and the meaning of “fully funded” varies between programmes.

Chevening describes its scholarship as fully funded for eligible scholars pursuing one-year master’s degrees in the UK.

Erasmus Mundus also provides full scholarships to selected students on participating Joint Master’s programmes, with funding that can include participation costs, travel, visa expenses, and living support.

At the same time, do not limit your search exclusively to fully funded awards.

A partial tuition scholarship can still substantially cut down the amount you need to fund yourself. Depending on your circumstances, a combination of university funding, personal savings, grants, and other legitimate support may also make a programme affordable. See grants for international students

How to Apply for Master’s Scholarships

Step 1: Choose Your Master’s Field

Have a reasonably clear idea of what you want to study.

Your intended subject will determine which universities, programmes, and subject-specific scholarships are relevant to you.

Step 2: Research the University and Scholarship Together

For each university you are considering, verify:

• Master’s admission requirements
• Available scholarships
• Scholarship deadline
• Admission deadline
• English-language requirements
• Tuition fees
• Estimated living costs

Looking at these details together gives you a more realistic picture of the total cost.

Step 3: Check Eligibility Before Applying

Before spending time on essays and documents, confirm that you meet the basic requirements.

Check:

• Nationality
• Degree requirements
• Academic results
• Work experience
• Age requirements, where applicable
• Course requirements
• University requirements
• Language requirements
• Application deadline

Step 4: Prepare Your Documents

Start collecting documents early.

Academic transcripts, recommendation letters, employment records, translations, and other supporting documents can take time to obtain.

Preparing them in advance gives you more time to focus on the actual application.

Step 5: Write a Targeted Personal Statement

Your personal statement should show why you want this scholarship and why it fits what you want to do next. For example, you might need to talk about:

• Why you chose the field
• What you have achieved
• What you want to learn
• Why the programme is relevant to you
• Your future plans
• How your previous experiences connect to those plans

Don’t use big words just to sound impressive. Give real examples of what you have done instead.

Step 6: Apply for Admission Where Required

Some scholarships need you to have an admission letter first. Others have separate processes for admission and scholarships. Take Chevening as an example. You have to choose three master’s courses and apply to them yourself. Then you need to get at least one unconditional offer before their deadline. That is why you should always read the instructions for each scholarship. Don’t assume they all work the same way.

Step 7: Submit Before the Deadline

Think of the deadline as the last chance to submit, not the day you should aim for. Applying early gives you time to fix mistakes, add missing documents, or sort out any technical issues.

How to Make Your Scholarship Application Stronger

No one can guarantee you will get a scholarship, but you can make your application much stronger with the right approach.

Support claims with evidence.

If you describe yourself as a leader, explain what you actually led.

If you mention community involvement, explain what you did and, where possible, what resulted from your work.

Explain your direction.

Make it clear why you want to pursue the particular master’s degree.

Your academic background, professional experience, interests, and future plans should form a coherent story.

Connect your past with your future.

Think about how your bachelor’s degree, employment, volunteering, research, or other experiences have prepared you for the next stage.

Answer the question asked.

If the question is about leadership, talk about leadership. Don’t spend most of your answer talking about your grades or academic history.

Be accurate

Do not exaggerate your achievements, employment history, qualifications, or responsibilities.

Scholarship applications should accurately represent your experience.

Master’s Scholarships for African Students

If you are an African student, you can apply for both African-focused scholarships and general international ones. You can search for things like:

• Master’s scholarships for African students
• Fully funded master’s scholarships for African students
• International master’s scholarships
• Postgraduate scholarships for developing countries
• Master’s scholarships by field
• University scholarships for international students

Do not limit yourself to scholarships with the word “Africa” in the title.

A scholarship described as being for international students may accept applicants from African countries even though Africa is not mentioned in its name.

The official eligibility requirements, not the title, determine whether you qualify.

Master’s Scholarships for Nigerian Students

If you are a Nigerian student, you can apply for scholarships for Nigerians as well as for broader African and international programs.

Try searching for things such as:

• Master’s scholarships for Nigerian students
• Fully funded master’s scholarships for Nigerians
• UK master’s scholarships for Nigerians
• European master’s scholarships for Nigerians
• Master’s scholarships for African students
• International postgraduate scholarships

Chevening, for example, has a dedicated Nigeria page for its scholarship programme.

However, being from Nigeria does not by itself guarantee eligibility. Always check the requirements for the current application cycle.

What About Master’s Scholarships Without IELTS?

Some universities and scholarship programs may accept other proof of your English level, depending on their own rules. 

This could include things like:

• Previous education conducted in English
• Another accepted English-language test
• A university-approved exemption
• An institution-specific assessment

However, do not assume that a scholarship’s language requirements are the same as the university’s or immigration authority’s requirements.

A scholarship may not require IELTS while the university or visa process still requires evidence of English proficiency.

For more information, see our guide to Scholarships Without IELTS for International Students.

What If Your Bachelor’s Degree Is in a Different Field?

It depends on the master’s program you choose. Some programs are open to students from different academic backgrounds, while others need a bachelor’s degree in a specific subject. For instance, one course might ask for a degree in that exact field, while another might accept related degrees. Always check the university’s admission requirements before you apply. Getting a scholarship does not mean you can skip the academic requirements for the master’s program itself.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying without checking eligibility

A scholarship may look ideal but still be unavailable to you.

Focusing only on fully funded scholarships

You can also include partial scholarships, tuition discounts, university awards, grants, and other trusted funding options where they fit.

Reusing the same personal statement everywhere

Different scholarship providers have different objectives. Your application should respond to the specific questions and criteria.

Ignoring course requirements

Being eligible for a scholarship does not necessarily mean you meet the admission requirements for every master’s programme.

Waiting until the deadline

Some documents take longer to obtain than expected.

Relying on outdated information

Scholarship deadlines, eligibility rules, and funding arrangements can change.

Always verify important details on the current official provider website before applying.

Paying for a guaranteed scholarship

Be cautious about anyone promising guaranteed scholarship funding in exchange for money.

Before you pay any company for a service, take time to check what they actually offer and whether they are officially linked to the scholarship provider.

How to Organise Your Scholarship Search

A simple spreadsheet can make the process much easier.

You can also add a “Why I qualify” column.

This helps you quickly distinguish between opportunities that genuinely fit your profile and those that only look attractive at first glance.

What If You Are Rejected?

A scholarship rejection does not mean you are not good enough for postgraduate study. Many strong candidates apply for the same scholarships, and each program has its own selection criteria. So instead of giving up, take another look at your application and ask yourself:

• Did I meet every eligibility requirement?
• Did I answer the application questions directly?
• Did I provide evidence for my claims?
• Were my documents complete?
• Was my chosen programme a good fit?
• Did I apply to enough suitable opportunities?

Then continue looking at other scholarships, university funding, grants, and other legitimate options.

Master’s Scholarship Application Checklist

Before submitting an application, check that:

• I meet the nationality requirements.
• I meet the academic requirements.
• My bachelor’s degree qualifies.
• My intended master’s programme is eligible.
• I understand what the scholarship covers.
• I have checked the work-experience requirement.
• I know whether admission is required first.
• My documents are complete.
• My personal statement answers the required questions.
• My recommendation letters are ready.
• I have checked the current deadline.
• I am using the official application website.
• I have saved a copy of my application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can international students get master’s scholarships?

Yes. As an international student, you can apply for scholarships from universities, governments, foundations, international organizations, and other providers, as long as you meet their eligibility requirements.

Are master’s scholarships fully funded?

Some are fully funded, while others provide partial tuition support or assistance with specific expenses. Always check the individual scholarship’s funding terms.

Do I need work experience for a master’s scholarship?

Not always. Requirements vary. Some scholarships accept recent graduates, while others require professional experience.

Can I apply for more than one master’s scholarship?

You can generally apply for multiple opportunities when you meet their requirements. However, check each provider’s rules regarding other scholarships or sources of funding.

Do I need admission before applying for a scholarship?

It depends on the programme. Some scholarships require an admission offer, while others have separate scholarship and university application processes.

Are there master’s scholarships for African students?

Yes. African students can apply for scholarships specifically designed for African applicants as well as broader international scholarships.

Are there master’s scholarships for Nigerian students?

Yes. Nigerian students can apply for opportunities specifically open to Nigerians and for broader scholarships available to international or African students.

Can I get a master’s scholarship without IELTS?

Some programmes may accept alternative evidence of English proficiency or provide exemptions. Requirements vary, so check the scholarship, university, and immigration requirements separately.

Final Thoughts

Finding a master’s scholarship is much easier when you stop treating every scholarship as a good fit for you. Start with your own profile, your degree, academic background, subject area, nationality, work experience, and career goals, and use those details to narrow down your options. Don’t focus only on the biggest fully funded scholarships. A partial scholarship, university award, government program, or subject-specific grant can also help lower the amount you need to cover yourself. Most importantly, always check the latest requirements on the official scholarship website before you apply. Deadlines, eligibility rules, and funding amounts can change from year to year. A focused search won’t guarantee you a scholarship, but it will help you spend your time on opportunities you are truly eligible for.