Pursuing postgraduate studies abroad can be a life-changing experience—but for many international students, the cost of tuition, living expenses, and travel can be a major barrier.
Fortunately, several fully funded scholarships offer not only free tuition but also monthly stipends to cover everyday living costs. These scholarships are awarded by top governments, universities, and global institutions to help exceptional students achieve academic and professional goals without financial strain.
In this article, we highlight 10 prestigious postgraduate scholarships with monthly stipends that are open for application in 2025. Each listing includes the application deadline, eligibility requirements, and how to apply—so you can take the next step in funding your academic journey.
Top 10 Postgraduate Scholarships with Monthly Stipends
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (Canada)
Deadline: November 2025 (exact dates vary by institution)
Eligibility: Doctoral-level international students; exceptional academic record; leadership and research potential worth CAD $50,000/year for three years
Application:
1. Apply for a PhD program at a Canadian university.
2. University nominates applicants to the Vanier CGS.
3. Submit transcripts, research proposal, and three letters of reference through the nominating institution.
2. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)
Deadline: Varies—typically December–January
Eligibility: Non-UK citizens applying to Cambridge for postgraduate study (MPhil/PhD/MLitt/etc.); outstanding academics, leadership qualities, and a commitment to improving lives
Application:
1. Apply for admission to a full-time Cambridge postgraduate course.
2. Complete Gates Cambridge online form, including academic history and personal statement.
3. Provide references; shortlisted candidates may be interviewed in February–March.
3. Schwarzman Scholars Program (China)
Deadline: September 12, 2024 (for 2025 cohort)
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree holders aged 18–28; leadership potential and academic excellence for the one-year Master’s in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University
Application:
1. Apply via schwarzmanscholars.org with transcripts, essays, references, and GMAT/GRE.
2. Semi-finalists attend video interviews (Oct–Nov); finalists visit Beijing for in-person interviews.
4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (Europe)
Deadline: Typically December 2024–January 2025 (program-specific)
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree holders worldwide; strong academic record and motivation for multi-country study
Application:
1. Choose a joint Master’s program via the Erasmus Mundus catalogue.
2. Apply through the central portal, providing motivation letter, transcripts, references, and language proof.
3. Grants include full tuition, monthly stipend (approx. €1,000), travel, and insurance.
5. University of Freiburg DAAD EPOS Scholarship (Germany)
Deadline: April 2025 (Call opens early 2025)
Eligibility: Professionals from DAC-listed nations with bachelor’s and ~2 years full-time experience seeking a Master’s
Application:
1. Apply via DAAD portal to EPOS program, including transcripts, CV, study plan, two references, and work certificate.
2. Provide proof of German/English proficiency.
3. Monthly stipend of €934, full tuition, insurance, and travel allowance.
6. Australian Government RTP Scholarships (Australia)
Deadline: October 31, 2025
Eligibility: Full-time Master’s or PhD candidates at Australian universities; both domestic and international students
Application:
1. Apply for admission to an HDR program at an Australian university.
2. Simultaneously submit RTP application: transcripts, CV, research proposal, and references.
3. Benefits include full tuition, living stipend (~AUD 33,511 base), relocation, thesis allowances, and health cover.
7. World Bank / Joint Japan–World Bank Graduate Scholarship (JJ/WBGSP)
Deadline: Window 2: March 25–May 23, 2025
Eligibility: Citizens of World Bank member developing countries; accepted into a development-related Master’s program; three years of work experience required.
Application:
1. Apply online on the World Bank portal with a development‑related proposal, transcripts, and references.
2. Shortlisted candidates undergo Skype interviews.
3. Scholarship includes tuition, stipend, round-trip airfare, travel allowance, and insurance.
8. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Deadline: November 5, 2024
Eligibility: Citizens of eligible countries with an undergraduate degree, two years’ work experience, leadership potential, and intent to return home
Application:
1. Complete the online form between August–November on Chevening’s website.
2. Provide course choices, references, academic documents, and four essays (leadership, networking, career plan).
3. Attend interviews (Jan–Feb); awardees receive conditional offers by June 2025.
9. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
Deadline: Typically December 2024–January 2025
Eligibility: Non-Chinese nationals with appropriate degrees (Master’s requires Bachelor’s); age under ~35; sufficient GPA and language ability
Application:
1. Apply via CUCAS or Chinese embassy, select a university and program.
2. Submit application with study plan, transcripts, passport copy, and medical form.
3. Monthly stipend: CNY 3,000 (Master’s) or CNY 3,500 (PhD).
10. MEXT Scholarship (Japan)
Deadline: May 27, 2025 (Graduate programs)
Eligibility: International applicants under 35; bachelor’s degree holders for Master’s; meet academic performance and preferably Japanese proficiency
Application:
1. Apply via Japanese embassy or selected universities through MEXT portal.
2. Submit transcripts, study plan, and references; interviews are typical.
3. Monthly stipend: Approx. ¥117,000; covers tuition, accommodation, and travel expenses.
Application Tips
1. Start Early: Some deadlines are as early as September 2024—give yourself at least 6–12 months.
2. Align with Goals: Each scholarship seeks leadership and post-study impact.
3. Strong Referees: Choose referees who can highlight your research or leadership experience.
4. Polish Essays: Tailor statements to each award’s criteria—don’t reuse generics.
5. Mock Interviews: Scholarships like Chevening, Schwarzman, and JJ/WBGSP all include interview rounds.
6. Track Deadlines: Use shared tracking tools like Google Sheets to stay organized.
7. Proofread Everything: Spelling/grammar mistakes can cost you elite—but avoidable—opportunities.
What to Do Next
Select your top 3 scholarships from the list and map out their deadlines and requirements.
Prepare short research or development proposals, even high-level ones, to adapt across applications.
Request referee letters early, providing them with reminders and relevant documents.
Reach out if you’d like help drafting essays, prepping for interviews, or organizing your application timeline.
These scholarships represent exceptional chances to advance your studies with financial full support—don’t miss the deadline window for 2025!