The Ultimate List of $100K+ University Grants for International Students

July 20, 2025
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Studying abroad can be a life‑transforming experience, but international tuition and living expenses often present significant financial barriers. Fortunately, a growing number of universities and external foundations offer $100,000‑plus grants and scholarships specifically for international students. These awards cover full tuition, fees, living stipends, travel allowances, and even research budgets. In this comprehensive guide, we’ve curated the ultimate list of top programs around the world that provide $100K or more in funding, along with eligibility criteria, application tips, and deadlines. Whether you’re pursuing an undergraduate degree, master’s, or Ph.D., read on to discover opportunities that can make your dream of studying overseas a reality—debt‑free.

1. Chevening Scholarships (UK)

Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Chevening Scholarships are prestigious awards for outstanding emerging leaders to pursue one‑year master’s degrees at any UK university. Each award can exceed £50,000 (approximately $65,000), covering tuition fees, living allowance, travel costs, and additional grants.

Key Features & Funding

  • Full tuition and exam fees.
  • Monthly stipend for living expenses.
  • Return economy airfare to the UK.
  • Additional grants for thesis/dissertation expenses.

Eligibility & Deadlines

  • Citizens of Chevening‑eligible countries (over 160 nations).
  • Minimum two years (2,800 hours) of work experience.
  • Completed undergraduate degree equivalent to UK upper second‑class honours.
  • Application window: typically opens in August and closes in early November.

2. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)

Established by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship funds outstanding postgraduate students to pursue full‑time degrees at the University of Cambridge. Awards range from £30,000 to over £60,000 per year, with multi‑year support for Ph.D. candidates, pushing total funding beyond $150,000 in many cases.

Key Features & Funding

  • Full tuition and college fees.
  • Monthly maintenance allowance.
  • One return airfare at the beginning and end of the program.
  • Additional discretionary funding for academic development.

Eligibility & Deadlines

  • Citizens of any country outside the UK.
  • Application for a full‑time postgraduate degree at Cambridge.
  • Deadline: usually early December for October intake.

3. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program enables graduate students, young professionals, and artists worldwide to study and conduct research in the United States. Administered by bi‑national Fulbright Commissions or U.S. embassies, awards typically cover tuition, travel, a living stipend, health insurance, and research expenses, totaling over $100,000 for multi‑year programs.

Key Features & Funding

  • Full tuition or university fees.
  • Monthly stipend for living costs (~$1,000–$1,500/month).
  • Round‑trip airfare to the U.S.
  • Health and accident insurance.

Eligibility & Deadlines

  • Citizens of participating countries (over 160).
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
  • Proficiency in English (TOEFL/IELTS may be required).
  • Deadlines vary by country (typically August–October).

4. Rotary Foundation Global Grants

Rotary Global Grants fund graduate-level projects in areas such as peace and conflict prevention, disease prevention, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, and economic development. Awards start at $30,000 and can exceed $100,000 when combining matching funds from Rotary districts and clubs.

Key Features & Funding

  • Tuition, fees, and academic materials.
  • Room and board or living stipend.
  • Travel expenses related to the project.
  • Optional funds for project implementation.

Eligibility & Deadlines

  • Sponsorship by a local Rotary club and district.
  • Partner organization for project delivery.
  • Applications accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.

5. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme (France)

The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs awards the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme to top international students pursuing master’s and Ph.D. programs in France. The grant covers monthly stipends (£1,181/month), travel costs, health insurance, and cultural activities, totaling approximately €100,000 over two years.

Key Features & Funding

  • Monthly allowance for living expenses.
  • Round‑trip travel allowance.
  • Health insurance costs.
  • Access to French language courses and cultural events.

Eligibility & Deadlines

  • Non‑French citizens aged under 30.
  • Excellent academic record (top 10% of class).
  • Applications through French higher education institutions between October and January.

6. Schwarzman Scholars (China)

Modeled after the Rhodes Scholarship, Schwarzman Scholars is a highly selective, fully funded master’s program in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University, Beijing. The program provides scholarships of up to $95,000 per year for two years, with additional research and travel allowances that easily push total funding beyond $200,000.

Key Features & Funding

  • Full tuition and program fees.
  • Living stipend for Beijing.
  • Travel costs and cultural excursions.
  • Networking events and mentorship programs.

Eligibility & Deadlines

  • Citizens of any country.
  • Bachelor’s degree with strong leadership potential.
  • Application deadline: typically early October.

7. KAIST World Class Scholarship (South Korea)

The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) offers world‑class scholarships covering full tuition and living allowances for Master’s and Ph.D. students. With a stipend of approximately ₩2,000,000 per month (around $1,700), plus research funding, total award values exceed $100,000 over two years for Master’s candidates and more for Ph.D. students.

Key Features & Funding

  • Full tuition waiver.
  • Monthly living stipend.
  • Research and conference grants.
  • On‑campus housing support.

Eligibility & Deadlines

  • International applicants with a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
  • Strong academic record in STEM fields.
  • Application deadlines: December for Spring intake, June for Fall intake.

8. Chinese Government Scholarship (China)

Administered by the China Scholarship Council (CSC), the Chinese Government Scholarship supports international students at various degree levels. Full scholarships include tuition, accommodation, stipend (3,000–4,000 CNY/month), and comprehensive medical insurance, easily totaling over $100,000 for multi‑year Ph.D. tracks.

Key Features & Funding

  • Full tuition waiver.
  • Free on‑campus accommodation.
  • Monthly living stipend.
  • Medical insurance coverage.

Eligibility & Deadlines

  • Citizens of non‑Chinese countries under 35 (Master’s) or 40 (Ph.D.).
  • Bachelor’s degree for Master’s applicants; Master’s degree for Ph.D. applicants.
  • Application deadline: March annually for most programs.

9. University‑Specific Full Ride Grants

Many top universities offer their own full‑ride grants that exceed $100,000 to attract exceptional international talent. Below are a few notable examples:

Harvard University Scholarships (USA)

  • Need‑based financial aid for international undergraduates, covering full tuition and living costs (up to $85,000/year).
  • Average four‑year award exceeds $300,000.

University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (Canada)

  • Covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years (CAD $60,000+ total).
  • Highly competitive; focuses on academic excellence and leadership.

ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (Switzerland)

  • Monthly stipend (1,200 CHF) plus tuition coverage for Master’s students.
  • Total funding often exceeds $50,000 over two years; additional grants available for research projects.

10. Application Tips & Strategies

Winning a six‑figure grant requires more than stellar grades. Follow these strategies to stand out:

Start Early & Research Thoroughly

  • Map out all application deadlines and requirements at least six months in advance.
  • Attend virtual info sessions or webinars hosted by scholarship providers.

Craft a Compelling Personal Statement

  • Highlight your academic achievements, leadership experiences, and global perspectives.
  • Explain how the scholarship aligns with your career goals and community impact.

Secure Strong Recommendations

  • Choose referees who know you well and can speak to both your academic prowess and character.
  • Provide detailed briefings on the scholarship’s mission and selection criteria.

Showcase Unique Achievements

  • Include published research, patents, startup ventures, or community initiatives.
  • Use multimedia supplements (video introductions, portfolios) if allowed.

Polish & Proofread Meticulously

  • Use professional editing services or peer reviews to eliminate errors.
  • Ensure consistency in formatting across all documents.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Securing a $100K‑plus grant as an international student is challenging but entirely achievable with targeted preparation and persistence. Start by selecting programs that align with your profile, gather materials early, and invest time in crafting compelling applications. Bookmark this list, set reminders for deadlines, and reach out to scholarship coordinators with any questions. With determination and strategic effort, you can unlock the funding you need to pursue your academic dreams abroad—debt‑free and fully supported.

Ready to apply? Download our FREE Global Scholarship Tracker Template to organize deadlines, track materials, and monitor your application progress for each of these life‑changing awards.

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