Where can you get a full scholarship to study abroad? Some countries offer far more fully funded options for international students than others. Knowing the top destinations helps you focus your time and energy.
This guide compares the best countries for full scholarships, the main programme in each, and which level of study it suits. It is written with students from Bangladesh in mind.
Top Destinations at a Glance
| Country | Main full scholarship | Levels |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Chevening, Commonwealth | Master’s, PhD |
| Germany | DAAD | Master’s, PhD |
| South Korea | Global Korea Scholarship | Bachelor’s to PhD |
| Japan | MEXT | Bachelor’s to PhD |
| China | Chinese Government Scholarship | Bachelor’s to PhD |
| European Union | Erasmus Mundus | Master’s |
| Sweden | SI Scholarship for Global Professionals | Master’s |
| USA | Need-based aid at top universities; Fulbright | Bachelor’s (aid), master’s/PhD (Fulbright) |
| Hungary, Türkiye | Stipendium Hungaricum, Türkiye Bursları | Bachelor’s to PhD |
United Kingdom
Chevening funds one-year master’s for future leaders with work experience; see Chevening Bangladesh. Commonwealth Scholarships fund development-focused master’s and PhDs. Read our UK scholarships guide.
Germany
DAAD offers many scholarships, and public universities charge little or no tuition. Search the DAAD database.
South Korea and Japan
GKS and MEXT both fund full degrees from bachelor’s level, plus language training. These are among the best options for undergraduates. See our Global Korea Scholarship guide.
China
The Chinese Government Scholarship covers tuition, accommodation and a monthly stipend. Shanghai’s official FAQ lists CSC stipends of 2,500, 3,000 and 3,500 yuan a month for bachelor’s, master’s and PhD students; see the Study in Shanghai FAQ. For application steps, read our guide to China scholarships.
European Union and Sweden
Erasmus Mundus joint master’s programmes and Sweden’s SI scholarship (Bangladesh is eligible for 2027/28) offer full funding for master’s study.
USA
A few top universities meet full need for admitted international undergraduates. For graduate study, Fulbright and university assistantships are the main routes.
How to Choose Your Destination
- Level: for bachelor’s, look at Korea, Japan, China, Hungary, Türkiye and US need-based aid.
- Experience: Chevening and SI need work experience.
- Language: some countries require learning a new language.
- Career goals: think about degree recognition and job prospects.
Final Thoughts
Full scholarships are available in many countries. Match the destination to your level, experience and goals, then apply to several programmes through official websites.
