Although not all, most scholarship programs are merit-based meaning scholars are chosen based on academic merit or in others forms such as leadership, athletic, or artistic merits. Merit-based scholarships are sometimes referred to as excellence scholarships since it seeks out the most bright and most talented students. In this list, scholars4dev.com highlights the most popular merit-based scholarships out there.
Top 20 Excellence Scholarships for the Best International Students
Merit-based Scholarships offered by Foreign Governments »
*Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)*
The Fulbright Scholarship Program is the flagship international exchange
scholarship program between the U.S. Government and 155 countries. Each
year, approximately 1,800 Fulbright scholarships are awarded to the most
excellent foreign students who wish to pursue a Masters or PhD Degree in
the United States. The Fulbright Scholarship Program provides full
funding for the duration of the study which includes tuition, textbooks,
airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance.
*Chevening Scholarships (UK)*
Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship
programme, funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and
partner organisations. The Scholarships are awarded to outstanding
scholars with leadership potential. Every year, it provides
scholarships to around 1000 outstanding students from over 130 countries
who wish to pursue postgraduate study in the UK. Chevening Scholarships
are full scholarships which cover tuition fees, monthly stipend and
various one-off allowances as well as international travel to and from UK.
*Endeavour Postgraduate Awards (Australia)*
The Endeavour Postgraduate Awards provide full financial support for
high-achieving international students to undertake a postgraduate
qualification at a Masters or PhD level either by coursework or research
in any field of study in Australia. The scholarship covers tuition fees,
monthly stipend, travel allowance, establishment allowance as well as
health and travel insurance.
*Eiffel Scholarships (France)*
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme is funded by the French
Government and was launched to attract elite overseas students who wish
to pursue Master’s, Engineering and PhD degrees in France. The Eiffel
Programme does not cover tuition fees but scholarship holders are given
a monthly allowance, travel costs, health insurance and possibly an
accommodation allowance. Approximately 400 new scholarships are awarded
each year.
*Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Switzerland)*
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships provide graduates from all
fields with the opportunity to pursue doctoral or postdoctoral research
at one of the public funded university or recognized institution in
Switzerland. The scholarship covers a monthly allowance, tuition fees,
health insurance, lodging allowance, etc.
Merit-based Scholarships offered by Global Universities »
*Gates Cambridge Scholarships (UK)*
Gates Cambridge Scholarships are full-cost awards for graduate study and
research in any subject available at the University of Cambridge. The
scholarships are open to all international students from all over the
world. A Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers the full cost of studying
at Cambridge namely: university fees, maintenance allowances, airfare,
and some dependant’s allowance. About 100 new Gates Scholars are
awarded annually (although the exact number of awards may change from
year to year).