PhD / Doctoral Scholarships
Fully-funded opportunities, research grants, and fellowships tailored for phd / doctoral candidates globally.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
The flagship international educational exchange program of the U.S. government. Provides funding for 4,000+ international students annually to pursue graduate study, advanced research, or artistic projects in the United States. Fulbright alumni include 62 Nobel Prize laureates, 89 Pulitzer Prize winners, and heads of state worldwide.
Critical Language Scholarship (CLS)
U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Fully-funded summer overseas program for intensive study of 15 critical languages (Arabic, Azerbaijani, Bangla, Chinese, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Punjabi, Russian, Swahili, Turkish, Urdu, and more). Prepares American students for critical world languages needed in national security and diplomacy.
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program
National Science Foundation
The oldest and most prestigious fellowship for STEM graduate students in the US. Founded in 1952, has funded 60,000+ scholars including 42 Nobel Laureates. Funds PhD candidates in NSF-supported STEM fields with 3 years of guaranteed funding.
Hertz Foundation Graduate Fellowship
Fannie and John Hertz Foundation
The most prestigious and generous private fellowship for applied physical, biological, and engineering sciences. Founded in 1957 by Fannie and John Hertz. Only 15-18 fellows selected annually from 800+ applicants. Alumni include Nobel Laureates, MacArthur Fellows, and founders of major tech companies.
AAUW International Fellowships
American Association of University Women
One of the oldest and most prestigious fellowships for international women pursuing graduate study in the US. Founded in 1917, has funded 12,000+ women from 150 countries. AAUW alumni include Nobel Laureates, cabinet ministers, and academic leaders worldwide.
Point Foundation LGBTQ+ Scholarship
Point Foundation - The National LGBTQ Scholarship Fund
The largest scholarship provider for LGBTQ+ students in the United States. Awards over 400 scholarships annually across three programs: Flagship (undergraduate/graduate), Community College, and BIPOC Scholarship. Mentorship-focused approach with leadership development.
Google Lime Scholarship
Google & Lime Connect
Google-sponsored scholarship for students with disabilities pursuing computer science degrees. Combines financial support with fully-funded retreat at Google HQ featuring engineering workshops, mentorship, and networking. Focus on empowering students with visible/invisible disabilities in tech.
Rhodes Scholarship
Rhodes Trust at University of Oxford
The world's oldest and most prestigious graduate scholarship, established in 1902 by Cecil Rhodes. Fully-funded 2-3 year degree at University of Oxford. Selects 100+ scholars annually from 60+ countries. Alumni include heads of state (Bill Clinton, Cory Booker), Nobel Laureates, and CEOs of major global institutions.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation at University of Cambridge
Established by a $210M endowment from Bill and Melinda Gates in 2000. Fully-funded scholarship at the University of Cambridge, England. Selects 80 scholars annually from 6,000+ applicants (1.3% acceptance rate). Focus on outstanding academics who will use knowledge to improve the lives of others.
Marshall Scholarships
British Government (Foreign & Commonwealth Office)
British Government scholarship established in 1953 as a token of British gratitude for the Marshall Plan aid. Funds 40-50 US graduates to pursue any degree at any UK university (2-year Master's or PhD). Alumni include Nobel Laureates, Supreme Court Justices, and Fortune 500 CEOs.
Commonwealth Scholarships
UK Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (funded by FCDO)
Funded by UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for talented individuals from 54 Commonwealth countries. Offers Master's and PhD scholarships focused on themes: sustainable development, health, climate, and equity. Selects 800+ scholars annually.
Clarendon Fund Scholarships
University of Oxford
Fully-funded scholarship for outstanding graduate students at University of Oxford, funded by Oxford University Press since 2001. Awards 200+ scholarships annually across all disciplines. No separate application - all applicants to Oxford Master's/DPhil programs automatically considered.
Cambridge Trust Scholarships
Cambridge Trust at University of Cambridge
Umbrella scholarship program at University of Cambridge combining 300+ named scholarships from various donors. Awards 500+ scholarships annually to international students. Complements Gates Cambridge Scholarship - broader eligibility criteria but similar prestige.
DAAD Scholarships
German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst)
German government's premier academic exchange organization funding foreign students, researchers, and academics in Germany. DAAD offers 250+ programs across all disciplines. Awards 100,000+ scholarships annually to international students. Alumni include Nobel Laureates, government ministers, and corporate leaders.
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program
French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs scholarship for foreign students to study Master's and PhD in France. Founded in 1999 to attract elite international talent to French higher education. Focus on Engineering, Law, Economics, Political Science, and Life Sciences at Master's level.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS)
Swiss government scholarships for foreign researchers and artists to pursue PhD, postdoctoral research, or artistic residency in Switzerland. Managed by Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS). Highly competitive: only 250 scholarships awarded annually across all disciplines.
Orange Tulip Scholarship
Nuffic Neso Country Offices
Nuffic Neso-managed scholarship for students from specific priority countries (China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Mexico, etc.). Multiple scholarship variants for full/partial tuition + living. Managed by Nuffic Neso country offices in partner countries.
Finland Government Scholarship Pool (EDUFI)
Finnish National Agency for Education
Short-term (3-9 months) research fellowship for foreign doctoral students and young researchers at Finnish universities. Focus on establishing academic ties between Finland and international researchers. Not a full Master's/PhD scholarship - designed for research visits.
Danish State Scholarship Program
Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science
Danish government scholarships administered directly by Danish universities. Limited number allocated to non-EEA students. Universities have full discretion over selection. Highly competitive at top Danish institutions.
Norwegian Government Scholarships
Norwegian government via universities
Norway offers free tuition at public universities for all international students (as of 2023 reform, some non-EEA students now charged). Various government scholarships remain for specific fields and partner countries. Highly competitive selection managed by individual universities.
Fundación Carolina Scholarships
Fundación Carolina (Spanish Government Foundation)
Spanish government-backed foundation offering scholarships to Latin American and Ibero-American students to pursue Master's, PhD, and postdoctoral research in Spain. Focus on Spanish-speaking students, but some programs accept international candidates. Founded 2000, 22,000+ alumni.
Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship
Tempus Public Foundation (Hungarian Government)
Hungarian government's flagship scholarship program for international students from 80+ partner countries. Fully-funded Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD at any Hungarian public university. Awards 5,000+ scholarships annually. Highly competitive with strong support for Central Asia, Middle East, and Africa.
OeAD Austria Scholarships
Austrian Agency for Education and Internationalisation
Austrian government's international education agency offering various scholarship schemes including Ernst Mach, OeAD-University of Klagenfurt, and bilateral agreements. Focus on postgraduate research in Austria. Many programs for specific country partnerships.
Australia Awards Scholarships
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
Australian government's flagship international scholarship program supporting long-term development goals of partner countries. Fully-funded Master's and PhD at Australian universities. Awards 4,500+ scholarships annually to citizens of 50+ eligible countries. Includes 2-year return-home requirement.
Endeavour Leadership Program
Australian Department of Education, Skills and Employment
Australian government scholarship supporting merit-based two-way exchange between Australia and other countries. Multiple categories: Postgraduate Awards, Research Awards (PhD/postdoc), Vocational Education Awards, and Executive Awards. Merit-based selection with no country restrictions.
Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships
Australian Government via Universities
Australian government's primary funding mechanism for research training via universities. Provides tuition and stipend for Higher Degree by Research (Master's by Research or PhD) at Australian universities. Universities have full discretion over allocation to international students.
Melbourne Research Scholarships
University of Melbourne
University of Melbourne's flagship research scholarship for PhD and Master's by Research candidates. Combines Australian Government RTP funding with Melbourne-specific top-ups. Highly competitive - selects top 25% of applicants across all disciplines.
Adelaide Scholarship International (ASI)
University of Adelaide
University of Adelaide's premier international PhD scholarship. Awards 60 scholarships annually to outstanding international students. Merit-based selection at Faculty level. Covers full tuition + stipend for 3 years with possible 6-month extension.
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT)
New Zealand government's flagship international development scholarship. Fully-funded Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD at any NZ tertiary institution for students from Pacific, Asia, Africa, Latin America. Focus on development-linked fields. Includes 2-year return-home commitment.
University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship
University of Auckland
University of Auckland's flagship PhD scholarship for outstanding international and domestic students. Covers full tuition + stipend for 3 years. Awards ~150 scholarships annually. Merit-based Faculty selection.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Government of Canada (NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC)
Canada's premier PhD scholarship program supporting world-class doctoral students in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and health-related research. Awards 166 scholarships annually across the three federal granting agencies (NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC). Selection based on academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.
Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation
One of Canada's most prestigious doctoral scholarships for humanities and social sciences. Founded in 2001 in memory of former PM Pierre Elliott Trudeau. Combines financial support with unique mentorship, community building, and engaged citizenship focus. Awards 15-20 scholarships annually.
Ontario Trillium Scholarship
Government of Ontario + Ontario Universities
Ontario government scholarship attracting best international PhD students to Ontario universities. Jointly funded by Ontario Government and universities. Awards ~75 scholarships annually across Ontario's research universities. International students only.
Mitacs Globalink Research Award
Mitacs (Canadian non-profit)
Mitacs Globalink Research Internships bring top international students to Canadian universities for research projects lasting 12-24 weeks. Partnership between Mitacs and 30+ eligible countries. Also serves as pipeline for Canadian graduate school admissions.
UBC Four Year Doctoral Fellowship
University of British Columbia
UBC's flagship PhD funding package guaranteeing minimum $22K/year plus tuition for 4 years. Available to all PhD students regardless of nationality. Highly competitive selection at Faculty level. Combined with other scholarships (like Vanier), total value can exceed $200K.
MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Japanese Government Scholarship
Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
The Japanese Government's most prestigious scholarship for international students. Fully-funded 5-7 year program including 1-year Japanese language training + undergraduate (5 years) OR 2-3 years for Master's/PhD. Selects 6,000+ scholars annually from 170+ countries. Alumni include ministers, ambassadors, and Nobel laureates.
Global Korea Scholarship (KGSP)
National Institute for International Education (NIIED), South Korea
South Korean government's flagship scholarship program (formerly KGSP, now Global Korea Scholarship). Fully-funded undergraduate (4 years + 1 year Korean) or graduate (2-3 years + 1 year Korean) at Korean universities. Awards 1,850+ scholarships annually from 155 partner countries. K-culture wave has made this extremely competitive.
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
China Scholarship Council (CSC)
China's flagship scholarship program for international students. Fully-funded Bachelor's (4-5 years), Master's (2-3 years), or PhD (3-4 years) at Chinese universities. Awards 60,000+ scholarships annually across 300+ Chinese institutions. Programs available in English or Chinese. Massive growth aligned with Belt & Road Initiative.
JICA Development Studies Program (JDS)
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
JICA's flagship scholarship for young government officials and public sector professionals from developing countries. Fully-funded 2-year Master's OR 3-year PhD at Japanese universities. Focus on public administration, economic policy, engineering for development. Awards ~300 scholarships annually to 30+ partner countries.
Prime Minister's Research Fellowship (PMRF)
Ministry of Education, Government of India
Government of India's premier PhD scholarship attracting top talent to Indian research institutions. Fully-funded 5-year PhD at IITs, IISc, IISERs, or NITs. Direct admission channel bypassing GATE. Awards 3,000 PMRFs since inception (2018). Highly competitive with strict academic requirements.
Swami Vivekananda Single Girl Child Scholarship
University Grants Commission (UGC), Government of India
UGC-funded scholarship exclusively for single girl children pursuing MPhil/PhD in social sciences and humanities. Aims to promote female higher education and combat gender-based discrimination in academia. Awards 3,000 fellowships annually. Requires proof of being the only girl child in family (no brothers).
National Overseas Scholarship (SC/ST)
Ministry of Social Justice + Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India
Government of India scholarship exclusively for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates to pursue Master's/PhD abroad. Fully-funded at any recognized foreign university. Awards ~100 scholarships annually (SC) + ~20 (ST). Highly competitive with income and academic criteria.
Maulana Azad National Fellowship for Minority Students
University Grants Commission (UGC) + Ministry of Minority Affairs
UGC fellowship exclusively for students from minority communities (Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi) pursuing MPhil/PhD at Indian universities. Awards 1,000 fellowships annually. Structured like CSIR-UGC JRF/SRF with 5-year total funding. Discontinued in 2022 - now integrated with other schemes.
Indian Institute of Astrophysics Scholarships
Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bangalore
IIA Bangalore's premier PhD scholarship for astrophysics and astronomy research. India's oldest astronomical research institute (founded 1971). PhD placement at IIA with access to Kodaikanal, Hanle, Kavalur, Devasthal observatories. Prepares researchers for global astronomical missions.
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
Aga Khan Foundation (AKF)
Aga Khan Foundation's scholarship for outstanding students from selected developing countries (Africa, Middle East, Central & South Asia). Awards 100+ scholarships annually for Master's/PhD at any university worldwide. Unique 50% grant + 50% interest-free loan structure. Focus on students committed to serving Muslim world.
Ford Foundation International Fellowships
Ford Foundation
Ford Foundation's flagship scholarship for individuals from developing countries who have historically lacked educational opportunities. Awards ~350 fellowships annually across 22 countries. Fully-funded Master's or PhD in social justice fields. Alumni becoming next generation of leaders in social equity.
Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
Stanford University
Stanford's most prestigious graduate scholarship, launched 2018 with $750M endowment. Fully-funded graduate degree at Stanford (any program: MBA, JD, MD, MA, MS, PhD) + Leadership Development. Selects 100 scholars annually from 8,000+ applicants (1.25% acceptance). Most generous graduate scholarship globally.
Google Women Techmakers Scholarship (Anita Borg)
Google Women Techmakers
Google's global scholarship for women pursuing computer science careers. Named after Anita Borg (pioneer for women in computing). Awards $10,000 (US/Canada), €7,000 (EMEA), or regional equivalents. Includes exclusive retreat. Alumni pipeline to Google jobs. Highly competitive.
Meta University Scholarship for AI Engineers
Meta (formerly Facebook)
Meta's scholarship for students pursuing AI/ML research at US universities. Focus on underrepresented groups in AI. Awards ~50 scholarships annually. Includes potential internship at Meta AI (formerly Facebook AI Research). Strong pipeline to Meta AI/ML full-time roles.
Grace Hopper Celebration Scholarship
AnitaB.org
Provides funding for women and non-binary individuals in computing to attend the Grace Hopper Celebration. It is the premier networking and hiring event for women in tech. Scholars frequently secure internships and full-time offers from top tech companies during the event.
P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship
P.E.O. Sisterhood
Provides scholarships for selected women from other countries for graduate study in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1949, it aims to foster global peace through education. Requires a strict commitment to return to the home country after graduation.
Zonta Amelia Earhart Fellowship
Zonta International
Awarded annually to up to 30 women pursuing Ph.D./doctoral degrees in aerospace engineering and space sciences. Established in 1938 in honor of famed pilot and Zontian, Amelia Earhart.
Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship
Pat Tillman Foundation
Founded in honor of Pat Tillman, who left the NFL to serve in the US Army. Supports active-duty service members, veterans, and military spouses who embody Pat's core values of service, scholarship, humble leadership, and impact.
Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
Paul & Daisy Soros Foundation
Honors the contributions of immigrants and children of immigrants to the US. Awards $90,000 for up to two years of graduate study in any field. Highly prestigious and fiercely competitive.
Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART)
U.S. Department of Defense
A scholarship-for-service program fully funding students pursuing STEM degrees. For every year of degree funding, the scholar commits to working one year as a civilian employee with the Department of Defense.
National GEM Consortium Fellowship
National GEM Consortium
Designed to increase the participation of underrepresented groups (African Americans, Native Americans, and Hispanic Americans) at the master's and doctoral levels in engineering and science.
The Quad Fellowship
Institute of International Education (IIE)
A first-of-its-kind scholarship designed to build ties among the next generation of scientists and technologists. Sponsors 100 exceptional master's and doctoral students from Quad and ASEAN countries to study in the US.
NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
A highly individualized, accelerated PhD or MD/PhD training program. Students conduct collaborative research under two mentors—one at the NIH intramural campus in Maryland, and one at either Oxford or Cambridge.
National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship
U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)
Highly competitive PhD fellowship awarded by the DoD to US citizens pursuing doctoral degrees in science and engineering disciplines of military importance. Awards ~150 fellowships annually. Unlike the SMART scholarship, NDSEG has ZERO post-graduation service commitment.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF)
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
The nation's largest nonprofit organization supporting Hispanic American higher education. HSF Scholars receive financial support and unparalleled access to corporate sponsors (Fortune 500 companies) for internships and jobs. Awards over 10,000 scholarships annually.
Margaret McNamara Education Grants
Margaret McNamara Education Grants
A nonprofit public charity that awards educational grants to exceptional women from developing countries, who are at least 25 years old, and are enrolled at universities in the US, Canada, South Africa, and Latin America.
KAUST Fellowship
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
One of the most generous STEM fellowships globally. Every admitted student at KAUST receives this fully-funded fellowship. Focus on engineering, biological sciences, computer science, and environmental sciences.
MBZUAI Full Scholarship
Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence
The world's first graduate-level AI research university offers a 100% fully-funded scholarship to all admitted students. Focus strictly on Machine Learning, Computer Vision, and NLP.
OAS Academic Scholarship Program
Organization of American States
Provides scholarships for graduate study or research at university institutions in OAS Member States. Aimed at supporting the development of the Americas.