10 Best Scholarships for Masters Degree in the World. Pursuing a Master’s degree can be expensive, but there are many prestigious scholarships available that can cover tuition, living costs, and other expenses.
If you are aiming for top international universities, knowing about the best scholarships for Masters degree in the world can make a huge difference. In this article, we will explore the top ten scholarships, their benefits, eligibility, and application tips to help you plan your next step.
What Makes a Scholarship One of the Best?
Before we list the scholarships, it’s important to understand what makes them stand out:
- Full Funding: Covers tuition, living allowance, travel, and sometimes insurance.
- Prestige & Recognition: Boosts your academic profile and career prospects.
- Global Reach: Open to students from multiple countries.
- Flexibility: Available for various fields and programs.
- Additional Support: Leadership training, networking opportunities, internships, or research assistance.
With these criteria, here are ten of the best scholarships for Masters degree in the world you should consider.
10 Best Scholarships for Masters Degree in the World
1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (European Union)
Erasmus Mundus is a well-known scholarship for Master’s students seeking international experience. This program is offered by a consortium of universities in Europe. It provides:
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly stipend
- Travel and installation costs
It is ideal for students who want to study in multiple countries and participate in collaborative international projects.
2. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is among the best scholarships for Masters degree in the world, especially for international students. Benefits include:
- Monthly living allowance
- Travel support
- Tuition coverage in many programs
- Health insurance
Germany’s strong academic environment, research opportunities, and low tuition fees make DAAD highly attractive.
3. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)
For those aiming to study at Cambridge University, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a top choice. Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, it provides:
- Full tuition
- Maintenance allowance
- Travel expenses
It recognizes both academic excellence and leadership potential and is very competitive due to its prestige.
4. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
The Chevening Scholarship, funded by the UK government, is designed for one-year Master’s programs at UK universities. Benefits include:
- Tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance
- Travel costs
Chevening also emphasizes networking, leadership development, and building global connections.
5. Clarendon Fund Scholarships (Oxford, UK)
At Oxford University, the Clarendon Fund Scholarship is automatically considered when you apply for graduate studies. It covers:
- Tuition fees
- College fees
- Living expenses
The combination of full funding and the Oxford prestige makes this scholarship highly desirable.
6. Rhodes Scholarship (University of Oxford)
The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the oldest and most respected scholarships in the world. It supports postgraduate study at Oxford University and includes:
- Tuition
- Living stipend
- Travel expenses
Rhodes also provides access to an influential alumni network and global recognition.
7. Weidenfeld Hoffmann Scholarships (Oxford, UK)
This scholarship is aimed at students from developing and emerging economies. Benefits include:
- Full tuition and living costs
- Leadership and mentoring programs
- Support for around 35 Master’s courses annually
It combines funding with professional and leadership development, making it one of the best scholarships for Masters degree in the world.
8. Swedish Institute Scholarships
The Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP) target young professionals interested in issues like sustainable development. It offers:
- Tuition coverage
- Living allowance
- Travel support
- Insurance
Sweden’s high-quality universities and global perspective make this scholarship appealing.
9. OFID Scholarship Award
Offered by the OPEC Fund for International Development, the OFID Scholarship supports students from developing countries. It allows recipients to study for a Master’s degree at any recognized global university with full financial support, including tuition, travel, and living costs.
10. ETH Zurich Excellence Program (Switzerland)
For students interested in science, technology, and engineering, the ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarship provides:
- Tuition reduction or waiver
- Stipend for living expenses
- Additional support for outstanding international students
ETH Zurich is one of Europe’s top technical universities, making this scholarship highly competitive and valuable.
Tips to Maximize Your Chances
Securing these scholarships requires more than excellent grades. Here are strategies to improve your chances:
- Start Early: Many applications open a year before enrollment.
- Choose the Right Programs: Align your goals with the scholarship’s mission (leadership, research, social impact).
- Strong Recommendations: Letters from professors or professionals familiar with your work.
- Clear Personal Statement: Explain why you deserve the scholarship and how it fits your goals.
- Demonstrate Impact: Many top scholarships favor applicants who intend to contribute to society, research, or global development.
- Backup Plan: Apply to multiple scholarships to increase your chances.
Conclusion
The ten scholarships listed above represent some of the best scholarships for Masters degree in the world. They stand out due to full funding, prestige, global reach, and additional supports like leadership development, networking, and career opportunities. Whether you aim to study in the UK, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, or across Europe, these scholarships can open doors for top students worldwide. Planning early, aligning with scholarship objectives, and submitting strong applications will maximize your chances of success.
FAQ About Best Scholarships for Masters Degree
1. What makes a scholarship among the best for Masters degrees globally?
Top scholarships usually provide full funding, global reach, prestige, support for multiple fields, and extra benefits like leadership training and networking.
2. Are these scholarships open to international students from developing countries?
Yes. Many scholarships, including Chevening, DAAD, OFID, and Weidenfeld Hoffmann, encourage applications from international students and those from developing nations.
3. Do I need to apply separately for the university and scholarship?
It depends. Some, like Clarendon Fund, consider you automatically, while others, like Gates Cambridge or Erasmus Mundus, require a separate application.
4. How can I improve my chances of winning these scholarships?
Start early, prepare a strong personal statement, obtain solid recommendation letters, demonstrate leadership and social impact, and apply to multiple scholarships.
5. Which countries offer the best Masters scholarships?
Countries like the UK, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, and across the European Union have many globally recognized scholarships for Masters students.
