20 Free Scholarships for Students from Developing Countries

Start your journey with these free scholarships designed for students from developing countries; these are annual application portals eagerly awaiting eligible and qualified applicants. Initiate your journey by submitting online and other required forms through the official websites provided in this comprehensive guide.

Explore opportunities to study abroad, as these scholarships offer a gateway to diverse educational experiences. Take the first step towards your academic aspirations by engaging with the application processes outlined by each scholarship. The included official websites serve as valuable resources to guide you through the application procedures and ensure a seamless submission.

Developing Countries

Developing countries, often referred to as “developing economies” or “low and middle-income countries,” are nations that are in the process of industrialization and experiencing economic growth.

The classification is based on various socio-economic indicators, including Gross Domestic Product (GDP), income per capita, infrastructure development, and standards of living.

The list of developing countries can vary, and international organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank provide classifications based on specific criteria.

Some common characteristics of developing countries include:

  1. Low GDP per capita: Developing countries generally have lower GDP per capita compared to developed countries.
  2. Limited infrastructure: Infrastructure such as transportation, healthcare, and education may be less developed in these countries.
  3. High poverty rates: Many people in developing countries may experience poverty, with limited access to basic necessities.
  4. Agricultural economies: Some developing countries rely heavily on agriculture as a primary economic activity.
  5. Limited access to healthcare and education: Healthcare and education systems may be less advanced, leading to challenges in these areas.

It’s important to note that the classification of countries as “developing” or “developed” is dynamic, and progress is constantly being made. The terms themselves are sometimes considered outdated, and alternative terms like “Global South” and “Global North” are used to highlight economic and power dynamics.

The specific list of developing countries can be obtained from international organizations’ classifications, and the status of individual countries may change over time as they experience economic growth and development.

Free Scholarships for Developing Country Students

Here are 19 best free scholarships for students from developing countries:

  1. Chevening Scholarships:
    • Official Website: Chevening Scholarships
    • Description: Funded by the UK government, Chevening Scholarships offer full financial support for international students to pursue a master’s degree in the UK. The scholarships aim to develop future leaders with strong academic backgrounds.
  2. Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan:
    • Official Website: Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
    • Description: Commonwealth Scholarships are funded by the UK government and are available for citizens of Commonwealth member countries. These scholarships cover full tuition, living expenses, and other allowances.
  3. Fulbright Foreign Student Program:
    • Official Website: Fulbright Foreign Student Program
    • Description: Fulbright scholarships are awarded to students, scholars, and professionals for academic and cultural exchange between the United States and other countries. The program provides funding for a variety of disciplines.
  4. Australia Awards Scholarships:
    • Official Website: Australia Awards Scholarships
    • Description: The Australia Awards Scholarships provide financial support to students from eligible countries to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies in Australia. The scholarships cover full tuition, living expenses, and more.
  5. Erasmus Mundus Scholarships:
    • Official Website: Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
    • Description: Erasmus Mundus offers joint master’s and doctoral programs across European universities. Scholarships are available for international students to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
  6. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program:
    • Official Website: Aga Khan Foundation
    • Description: The Aga Khan Foundation provides scholarships for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from select developing countries. The scholarships aim to enhance human development.
  7. Gates Cambridge Scholarship:
    • Official Website: Gates Cambridge Scholarship
    • Description: Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship offers full financial support for graduate study at the University of Cambridge. It is awarded based on academic excellence and leadership potential.
  8. Rotary Foundation Global Grants:
    • Official Website: Rotary Foundation
    • Description: Rotary Global Grants support international graduate-level study and humanitarian projects. These grants are funded by Rotary clubs and districts.
  9. Japanese Government Scholarships (MEXT):
    • Official Website: MEXT Scholarships
    • Description: The Japanese Government (MEXT) offers scholarships for international students to study in Japan. The scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, and round-trip airfare.
  10. VLIR-UOS Training and Masters Scholarships (Belgium):
    • Official Website: VLIR-UOS
    • Description: VLIR-UOS Scholarships support students from developing countries in pursuing master’s or training programs in Belgium. The scholarships cover tuition, accommodation, and other expenses.
  11. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships:
    • Official Website: Swiss Government Scholarships
    • Description: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are available for international students to pursue research or postgraduate studies in Switzerland. The scholarships cover living expenses and tuition.
  12. African Leadership University (ALU) Patoranking Scholarship:
    • Official Website: ALU Patoranking Scholarship
    • Description: ALU’s Patoranking Scholarship aims to support outstanding young African leaders. It covers tuition, accommodation, and other related costs.
  13. Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program:
    • Official Website: ADB Scholarships
    • Description: The Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program provides scholarships for students from ADB member countries to pursue postgraduate studies in economics, management, science, and technology.
  14. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program:
    • Official Website: MasterCard Foundation
    • Description: The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program provides scholarships to economically disadvantaged students in Africa, enabling them to access education and contribute to their communities.
  15. Holland Scholarship (Netherlands):
    • Official Website: Study in Holland
    • Description: The Holland Scholarship is for non-EEA international students to pursue bachelor’s or master’s degrees in the Netherlands. The scholarship covers tuition fees.
  16. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals:
    • Official Website: Swedish Institute Scholarships
    • Description: The Swedish Institute Scholarships support master’s students from specific countries in various fields. The scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, and travel.
  17. New Zealand Scholarships for Development:
    • Official Website: New Zealand Scholarships
    • Description: New Zealand Scholarships for Development provide opportunities for students from eligible developing countries to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies in New Zealand.
  18. Belgium ARES Scholarships:
    • Official Website: ARES Scholarships
    • Description: ARES Scholarships offer master’s and training programs in Belgium to students from developing countries. The scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, and travel.
  19. ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarships (Switzerland):
    • Official Website: ETH Zurich Scholarships
    • Description: ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarships are awarded to outstanding students pursuing master’s degrees at ETH Zurich. The scholarships cover living and study costs.

FAQ

Which country offer free scholarship?

The Nordic nations, including Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, stand out for their commitment to providing educational opportunities through free or low-cost scholarship programs.

Among these countries, Norway particularly distinguishes itself by offering tuition-free university study to all students, irrespective of their study level or nationality.

In Norway, the policy of providing tuition-free education reflects a dedication to fostering inclusivity and equal access to higher education. This means that both domestic and international students can pursue university studies without the burden of tuition fees.

This approach aligns with the Nordic countries’ broader emphasis on education as a public good and a means to create a more equitable society.

The tuition-free model in Norway not only attracts international students seeking high-quality education but also contributes to the country’s global reputation as an education hub.

It exemplifies a commitment to creating an environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds can access educational opportunities, fostering a more inclusive and globally connected academic community.

How to apply for World Bank scholarship 2024?

Here is how to apply for the World Bank scholarship 2024: to be eligible for the World Bank scholarship, applicants from Developing Country nationals must adhere to the following criteria:

  1. Be a national of a World Bank member developing country as listed.
  2. Not hold dual citizenship of any developed country.
  3. Maintain good health.
  4. Possess a bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree acquired at least three years before the Application Deadline date.
  5. Have three years or more of recent development-related work experience after obtaining a bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree.
  6. Be currently employed in a paid full-time position related to development work at the time of submitting the scholarship application.
  7. Prior to the scholarship application deadline date, secure unconditional admission (except for funding) for the upcoming academic year to at least one of the JJ/WBGSP participating master’s programs outside the applicant’s country of citizenship and residence, as listed during the scholarship application opening.

For additional requirements and details about this scholarship, please visit the official World Bank website for the application process. You can access the application page through this link: World Bank Scholarships.

Scroll to Top