Many students dream of getting a fully funded scholarship at a top global university.
If you are one of them, then you are in luck! Starting from September 21, 2024, several prestigious scholarships are open for applications, with deadlines in October 2024.
This article will guide you through some of the top scholarships currently available.
Whether you aim to study at Stanford, Cambridge, or Oxford, there are incredible opportunities waiting for you.
These scholarships are highly competitive, so you will need to prepare well to increase your chances of success.
Important Dates and Details
| Scholarship Name | Degree Level | Benefits | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (Stanford) | Master’s, PhD | Full tuition, living stipend, leadership training, research funds | October 11, 2024 |
| Gates Cambridge Scholarship | Master’s, PhD | Full tuition, living expenses, airfare, research funding | October 16, 2024 |
| Rhodes Scholarship (University of Oxford) | Master’s, PhD | Full tuition, living stipends, travel, leadership development | October 2, 2024 |
| Slovak National Scholarship Programme (NSP) | PhD, Research | Monthly stipend (€734), travel grant | April 30, 2025 |
Tier 1: Scholarships for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD Degrees
1. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (Stanford University)
- Degree Levels: Master’s, PhD, and second Bachelor’s in rare cases.
- Benefits: This program covers tuition, living expenses, and offers leadership training. Scholars also get funds for research and travel.
- English Language Requirements: For students whose first language is not English, a TOEFL score is needed. Stanford requires a minimum TOEFL score of 100 on the iBT test.
- Application Process: The process includes writing personal essays, a leadership statement, recommendation letters, and attending interviews. Applicants also need to apply separately for their graduate program at Stanford.
- Why It’s a Top Pick: This scholarship is not just about money. Scholars receive mentorship and leadership development, making it one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world.
Deadline: October 11, 2024
Apply here
Tier 2: Scholarships for Master’s and PhD Degrees
2. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
- Degree Levels: Master’s and PhD.
- Benefits: Full coverage of tuition, living expenses, airfare, and funds for academic research. It is a prestigious and highly competitive scholarship.
- English Language Requirements: Cambridge requires an IELTS score of 7.5 overall, with no section below 7.0. A TOEFL score of 110 iBT is also accepted.
- Application Process: Applicants need to submit a research proposal (for PhD candidates), several essays, references, and proof of academic success.
- Why It’s a Top Pick: Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship allows students to pursue research at one of the world’s top universities, making it an excellent choice for those aiming for a career in academia or research.
Deadline: October 16, 2024
Apply here
3. Rhodes Scholarship (University of Oxford)
- Degree Levels: Master’s, PhD, and sometimes second Bachelor’s degrees.
- Benefits: Full tuition, living stipends, travel expenses, and access to a global network of scholars.
- English Language Requirements: Oxford requires an IELTS score of 7.0, with no section below 6.5. A TOEFL score of 100 iBT with at least 22 in each section is also accepted.
- Application Process: The Rhodes Scholarship requires submission of academic records, essays on leadership, a personal statement, and interviews.
- Why It’s a Top Pick: The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the oldest and most prestigious scholarships, offering not only financial aid but also leadership development opportunities and access to a strong alumni network.
Deadline: October 2, 2024
Apply here
Tier 3: Scholarships for PhD Students (or Master’s Leading to PhD)
1. Slovak National Scholarship Programme (NSP) 2025
- Degree Levels: Primarily for PhD students and researchers, but Master’s students interested in short-term research are also eligible.
- Benefits: The scholarship offers a monthly stipend for living expenses, which is around €734 for PhD students. Travel grants are also available.
- English Language Requirements: There is no specific requirement for English language tests, but applicants must show they are proficient in the language needed for their research.
- Application Process: Candidates need to submit a study or research plan, academic transcripts, and recommendation letters. The application process is simple but requires a well-prepared research proposal.
- Why It’s a Top Pick: The Slovak NSP is growing in popularity, especially for PhD students who want to conduct research in Slovakia. It provides funding and a chance to explore the rich academic and cultural environment of the country.
Deadline: April 30, 2025
Apply here
Benefits of These Scholarships
Each of these scholarships offers excellent financial support, which includes full coverage of tuition fees and living expenses. Some also provide travel grants, funding for research projects, and even leadership training.
- Full Tuition Coverage: Students don’t need to worry about paying for their education, which can often be very expensive.
- Living Stipends: Scholars receive monthly stipends to cover living costs, making it easier to focus on their studies.
- Travel Grants: Some scholarships, like the Slovak NSP, offer extra funds for travel. This is helpful for students who need to travel for research or conferences.
- Leadership Training: Scholarships like the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program provide leadership training, helping scholars become future leaders in their fields.
These benefits can make a huge difference in a student’s life, helping them achieve their academic goals without the stress of financial worries.
By applying for these scholarships, students have a chance to study at top global universities with full financial support. However, the application processes are competitive, so it is important to prepare thoroughly.