One of the biggest concerns students have about studying abroad is the cost. The good news is that there are more funded scholarship opportunities available in 2026 than at any point in history — and many of them specifically target students from Bangladesh, India, Nigeria, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
This guide covers the most valuable scholarships by country, with deadlines, eligibility criteria, and practical application advice.
Germany: DAAD Scholarships
DAAD Scholarships (Research Grants and Degree Programs)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the world’s largest funding organization for international students. DAAD offers multiple scholarship programs for different levels and fields.
Value: Monthly stipend of EUR 934 (Bachelor’s/Master’s) or EUR 1,200 (PhD), plus travel allowance and health insurance Eligibility: Strong academic record, relevant language skills, research proposal Application deadline: Varies by program (typically October-November for the following academic year) Apply at: daad.de
Deutschlandstipendium
A national scholarship funded jointly by the German government and private sponsors. Available to enrolled students at German universities.
Value: EUR 300/month for at least two semesters Eligibility: Academic excellence; applied through individual universities Tip: Apply directly through your German university after enrollment — each university manages its own selection.
United Kingdom: Chevening Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. One of the most prestigious scholarships in the world.
Value: Full tuition + GBP 1,173/month living allowance + travel costs + visa fees Eligibility: Citizens of Chevening-eligible countries (includes Bangladesh, India, Nigeria, Vietnam, Malaysia); at least 2 years of work experience; strong leadership potential; Master’s level Application deadline: Typically November each year for the following September start Apply at: chevening.org
Commonwealth Scholarships
Funded by the UK government for students from Commonwealth countries.
Value: Full tuition + living allowance + flights + thesis allowance Eligibility: Citizens of Commonwealth countries (Bangladesh, India, Nigeria, Malaysia); academic excellence; commitment to national development Level: Primarily Master’s and PhD Apply at: cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
United States: Fulbright Program
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The most prestigious US government scholarship for international students. Each country has its own Fulbright commission with specific program details.
Value: Full tuition + living allowance + health insurance + travel Eligibility: Strong academic record, English proficiency, clear study plan, commitment to return home after studies Application deadline: Varies by country (typically May-October for the following academic year) Apply at: eca.state.gov/fulbright, or through your country’s Fulbright commission
Graduate Assistantships (TA/RA)
Not technically a scholarship — but one of the most reliable ways to fund US graduate education.
Value: Full or partial tuition waiver + monthly stipend (USD 1,500-3,000/month) Eligibility: Strong academic record; applies mostly to Master’s and PhD students How to get one: Apply to multiple US graduate programs and explicitly express interest in TA/RA positions. Many STEM programs fund most admitted students.
Australia: Australia Awards
Australia Awards Scholarships
Funded by the Australian Government, targeted at students from developing countries including Bangladesh, India, Nigeria, and Vietnam.
Value: Full tuition + living allowance + return airfare + health cover Eligibility: Citizens of eligible countries; Bachelor’s or Master’s level; commitment to contribute to home country’s development after graduation Application deadline: Varies by country (typically April-June for Australian universities starting in January/February the following year) Apply at: australiaawards.gov.au
Japan: MEXT Scholarship
MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship
The Japanese government’s flagship scholarship program. One of the most generous government scholarships globally.
Value: Full tuition + monthly stipend (JPY 143,000-148,000 for graduate students) + travel costs Eligibility: Varies by program type (Embassy recommendation or university recommendation); strong academic record Application deadline: April-June for Embassy recommendations (check your local Japanese embassy) Apply at: Through your local Japanese embassy or a participating Japanese university
South Korea: Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
GKS Scholarship (Undergraduate and Graduate)
The South Korean government’s main scholarship for international students. Formerly known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP).
Value: Full tuition + KRW 900,000/month living allowance + airfare + Korean language training (1 year) Eligibility: GPA of 2.64/4.0 or above (varies by country); not a Korean citizen; strong academic record Application deadline: February-March each year through your home country’s Korean Embassy, or April through Korean universities Apply at: studyinkorea.go.kr
Ireland: Government of Ireland Scholarship
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship
75 scholarships per year for international students at Irish universities.
Value: EUR 10,000 (applied toward tuition or living costs) Eligibility: International students from outside the EU/EEA; outstanding academic achievement Application deadline: Applications made through Irish universities — check individual university deadlines Apply at: Through your Irish university international office
Netherlands: Orange Tulip Scholarship
Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS)
Country-specific scholarships funded by Dutch businesses and universities.
Value: Varies (typically EUR 5,000-25,000 toward tuition) Eligibility: Citizens of specific countries including Bangladesh, India, and Vietnam; enrolled in eligible Dutch institutions Application deadline: Typically January-February for September enrollment Apply at: Nuffic (nuffic.nl) and through participating Dutch universities
Holland Scholarship
EUR 5,000 for international students from outside the EU/EEA in the first year of a Bachelor’s or Master’s program.
Application deadline: Check individual university deadlines (usually January-April)
Tips for Scholarship Applications
Start Early
Most major scholarships have deadlines 8-12 months before your course starts. For fully funded scholarships, the process (shortlisting, interviews, medical checks) takes 4-6 months.
Build Your Narrative
Scholarship committees fund people, not grades. Your personal statement should explain: why you want to study abroad, why this specific country and program, what you will do with your education when you return, and what leadership or community contribution you have demonstrated.
Apply to Multiple Scholarships
Do not put everything on one application. Apply for government scholarships in your target country, scholarships from your target university, and scholarships from organizations in your home country that fund study abroad.
Do Not Self-Reject
Many students from Bangladesh, India, Nigeria, Vietnam, and Malaysia do not apply for prestigious scholarships because they assume the competition is too stiff. In reality, many scholarships are specifically designed for students from these countries — and strong candidates who apply thoughtfully do win.
Get Help With Your Application
applyportal.ai advisors can help you identify the best scholarships for your profile, review your personal statement, and prepare you for interviews. Our service is free.
Talk to an advisor on WhatsApp — we’ve helped students from our partner countries win Chevening, DAAD, Australia Awards, and university scholarships.