Top Fully Funded PhD Scholarships for International Students
Explore top fully funded PhD scholarships in Europe and beyond. Apply without IELTS and start your research journey as an international student
Fully Funded PhD Scholarships
PhD Scholarships for International Students
Finding a PhD scholarship can be challenging, but with the right guidance, it becomes much easier. Here you will get the best fully funded PhD scholarships, including opportunities in Europe, the UK, the USA, Canada, and Australia.
Why Choose a Fully Funded PhD Scholarship?
Pursuing a PhD is a major academic and financial commitment. A fully funded scholarship ensures your tuition, living costs, and research expenses are covered so you can focus entirely on your research.
Key Benefits
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Monthly living allowance or stipend
- Health and travel insurance
- Research and conference funding
- Access to global academic networks
Top Countries Offering Fully Funded PhD Scholarships
Below is an overview of leading destinations where international students can apply for fully funded PhD programs.
PhD Scholarships in Europe
Europe offers world-class research opportunities, often with no tuition fees and generous stipends. Each country has its own strengths, from innovation hubs to historic universities.
PhD Scholarships in Germany
Germany is one of the most popular destinations for PhD students due to its tuition-free education system and DAAD scholarships.
- Funding: DAAD, DFG, and university assistantships
- Coverage: Tuition, health insurance, living stipend
- IELTS: Not always required if your previous education was in English
- Popular Fields: Engineering, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences
PhD Scholarships in Sweden
Sweden offers paid PhD positions rather than traditional scholarships. Students receive a monthly salary and are treated as employees.
- Funding: Swedish Institute, University-funded PhD positions
- Coverage: Salary, insurance, and research support
- Popular Fields: Sustainability, Innovation, IT, and Environmental Studies
PhD Scholarships in the United Kingdom
The UK is home to some of the most prestigious doctoral programs in the world.
- Funding: Commonwealth PhD Scholarships, Gates Cambridge, Clarendon (Oxford)
- Coverage: Tuition, living allowance, travel grant
- Deadline: December – February
- IELTS: Required (waivers available for English-medium education)
PhD Scholarships in France
France offers high-quality PhD programs through government and institutional funding.
- Funding: Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, Campus France, and university grants
- Coverage: Tuition, health insurance, and monthly stipend (~€1,200/month)
- Popular Fields: Arts, Humanities, Engineering, Physics
PhD Scholarships in the Netherlands
Dutch universities offer innovative and interdisciplinary PhD programs.
- Funding: Erasmus University, Leiden University, University of Amsterdam
- Coverage: Salary-based PhD positions, social benefits, research funding
- IELTS: Optional for English-taught programs
PhD Scholarships in Norway
Norway’s public universities charge no tuition fees, even for international students.
- Funding: Norwegian Research Council, University PhD positions
- Coverage: Salary (approx. NOK 500,000 per year), insurance, and benefits
- Popular Fields: Marine Science, Renewable Energy, Data Analytics
PhD Scholarships in Switzerland
Swiss universities are globally recognized for advanced research facilities.
- Funding: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, ETH Zurich Fellowships
- Coverage: Tuition, stipend (CHF 2,000–3,000/month), health insurance
- Popular Fields: Life Sciences, Engineering, Physics, Finance
PhD Scholarships Outside Europe
United States
The US offers extensive PhD funding options through assistantships and fellowships at universities such as MIT, Harvard, and Stanford.
Most programs include full tuition waivers and annual stipends of $30,000–$45,000.
Canada
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships and University-specific programs fund international PhD students across all disciplines.
Australia
The Research Training Program (RTP) provides full financial coverage for PhD students, including tuition, stipends, and relocation allowances.
Eligibility Criteria for PhD Scholarships
To be eligible for most PhD scholarships, applicants must:
- Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline
- Demonstrate academic excellence and research potential
- Submit a research proposal or study plan
- Provide letters of recommendation
- Meet English language requirements (IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent)
PhD Scholarships Without IELTS
You can apply for several PhD programs without IELTS if:
- Your previous degree was taught in English
- You provide a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate
- You’re from an English-speaking country
- You take alternative tests like Duolingo or TOEFL Home Edition
Countries like Germany, Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands frequently accept applications without IELTS.
Fully Funded PhD Scholarships for International Students
| # | University Name | Scholarship Program Name | Expected Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yale University (USA) | Full Tuition Fellowship & Stipend for PhD Students (GSAS) | Varies by department; typically December–January |
| 2 | Harvard University (USA) | Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Fellowships | Varies by department; typically December–January |
| 3 | Stanford University (USA) | Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program | October 2025 |
| 4 | University of Oxford (UK) | Clarendon Fund | January 2025 |
| 5 | University of Cambridge (UK) | Cambridge International Scholarships | December 2025 |
| 6 | Imperial College London (UK) | Imperial College PhD Scholarships | January 2025 |
| 7 | University College London (UCL) | UCL Global Scholarships | January 2025 |
| 8 | University of Edinburgh (UK) | Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships | January 2025 |
| 9 | ETH Zurich (Switzerland) | ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme | December 2025 |
| 10 | University of Toronto (Canada) | Ontario Trillium Scholarship Program | February 2025 |
| 11 | McGill University (Canada) | McGill International Doctoral Awards | February 2025 |
| 12 | University of British Columbia (Canada) | Four Year Doctoral Fellowship Program | January 2025 |
| 13 | University of Melbourne (Australia) | Melbourne Research Scholarships | October 2025 |
| 14 | Australian National University (ANU) | ANU PhD Scholarships | October 2025 |
| 15 | University of Sydney (Australia) | University of Sydney International Scholarships | October 2025 |
| 16 | University of Copenhagen (Denmark) | PhD Scholarships for International Students | January 2025 |
| 17 | University of Helsinki (Finland) | Finnish Government Scholarship Pool | January 2025 |
| 18 | University of Munich (Germany) | LMU Munich International Doctoral Program | January 2025 |
| 19 | University of Göttingen (Germany) | Göttingen Graduate School of Social Sciences Scholarships | January 2025 |
| 20 | University of Debrecen (Hungary) | Hungarian Government Scholarships | January 2025 |
| 21 | University of Warsaw (Poland) | Polish Government Scholarships | January 2025 |
| 22 | University of Tokyo (Japan) | University of Tokyo Fellowship Program | January 2025 |
| 23 | National University of Singapore (Singapore) | NUS Research Scholarship Program | January 2025 |
| 24 | University of Waikato (New Zealand) | Waikato International Excellence Scholarship | January 2025 |
| 25 | University of Auckland (New Zealand) | Auckland Doctoral Scholarships | January 2025 |
| 26 | King Saud University (Saudi Arabia) | King Saud University PhD Scholarships | April 2025 |
| 27 | King Abdulaziz University (Saudi Arabia) | KAUST PhD Fellowship Program | April 2025 |
| 28 | Khalifa University (UAE) | Khalifa University Graduate Scholarships | May 2025 |
| 29 | United Arab Emirates University (UAE) | UAEU PhD Scholarships | March 2025 |
| 30 | Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (South Korea) | GIST International Scholarships | October 2025 |
Notes:
Automatic Funding: Many U.S. and Canadian universities provide automatic funding to admitted PhD students, covering tuition and living expenses.
Separate Applications: Some institutions require separate applications for scholarships; it’s essential to check each university’s specific requirements.
Deadlines: Deadlines can vary by department and program; always verify with the respective department or scholarship office.
How to Apply for a PhD Scholarship
- Identify a Suitable Program: Browse university or scholarship portals.
- Contact a Supervisor: Send a personalized research proposal to potential supervisors.
- Prepare Documents: CV, academic transcripts, proposal, recommendation letters.
- Submit Online Application: Through university or government portals.
- Prepare for Interviews: Some programs include interviews or presentations.
- Await Results: Notifications are typically sent between April–June.
Required Documents
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Academic Transcripts and Degrees
- Research Proposal
- Recommendation Letters
- English Proficiency Proof
- Copy of Passport
Application Deadlines (Approximate)
| Country | Major Scholarship | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | DAAD | Oct – Dec |
| UK | Gates, Commonwealth | Dec – Feb |
| Sweden | Swedish Institute | Feb |
| Canada | Vanier | Nov |
| Australia | RTP | Mar |
| France | Eiffel Scholarship | Jan |
FAQs About Fully funded PhD scholarships
1. Are PhD scholarships in Europe fully funded?
Yes, many European programs are fully funded or salary-based, covering tuition and living expenses.
2. Can I apply for multiple PhD scholarships at once?
Yes, you can apply for several programs as long as they allow multiple applications.
3. Is IELTS mandatory for PhD scholarships?
Not always. Some universities accept MOI or waive IELTS for English-taught backgrounds.
4. What is the average PhD stipend in Europe?
Between €1,000 – €2,500 per month, depending on country and program.
5. Do European PhDs require tuition fees?
Most public universities in Germany, Norway, and Sweden charge no tuition fees.
Start Your PhD Journey in Europe
Europe remains one of the best destinations for international PhD students, offering tuition-free education, advanced research, and generous stipends.
👉 Start your application today for a fully funded PhD scholarship and unlock a world of academic excellence and innovation.