Scholarships for Study Abroad: Your Ultimate Guide to Studying for Free or at a Lower Cost in 2025

Studying abroad is a dream for many students, but the cost can be a major barrier. The good news? Thousands of students from Bangladesh and other countries successfully study overseas every year with the help of scholarships for study abroad. Whether you’re aiming for undergraduate, master’s, or PhD programs, scholarships can significantly reduce your tuition fees, living expenses, and even travel costs.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about scholarships for study abroad—from types and eligibility to the top scholarships by country and practical tips for winning them.

---

Why Scholarships for Study Abroad Matter

Studying abroad offers high-quality education, global exposure, and better career opportunities. However, tuition fees, visa costs, and living expenses can add up quickly.

That’s where scholarships for study abroad come in:

• Reduce financial burden

• Make education accessible for all income groups

• Boost your resume and academic profile

• Allow you to focus on your studies instead of part-time jobs

---

Types of Scholarships for Study Abroad

1. Merit-Based Scholarships
   Awarded based on academic excellence, leadership, or achievements.

2. Need-Based Scholarships
   Offered to students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.

3. Government Scholarships
   Funded by host country governments to promote international education exchange.

4. University Scholarships
   Provided by specific universities to attract international talent.

5. Country-Specific Scholarships
   Scholarships for students from developing countries, especially South Asia.

6. Subject-Specific Scholarships
   For students pursuing STEM, business, arts, or other focused disciplines.

7. Research Grants
   Designed for postgraduate and PhD research students.

---

Top Scholarships for Study Abroad by Country

Canada

• Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship – Full tuition + living costs at the University of Toronto

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships – For PhD students (CAD 50,000/year)

• Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program – Master’s and PhD scholarships for developing countries

• University-Specific Awards – University of British Columbia, McGill, and York University offer generous funding

Australia

• Australia Awards Scholarships – Fully funded by the Australian government

• Destination Australia Scholarships – Up to AUD 15,000/year for rural or regional campus study

• Research Training Program (RTP) – Fully funded master’s or PhD research

United Kingdom

• Chevening Scholarships – UK government-funded for future leaders (full tuition, stipend, air fare)

• Commonwealth Scholarships – For master’s and PhD students from Commonwealth countries

• GREAT Scholarships – Country-specific scholarships for Bangladeshi and other Asian students

United States

• Fulbright Foreign Student Program – Fully funded master’s or PhD programs

• Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program – Non-degree academic training for mid-career professionals

• University Scholarships – Harvard, MIT, Yale, and many public universities offer full/partial funding

Germany

• DAAD Scholarships – Extensive coverage of living, tuition, and travel expenses for all levels

• Erasmus+ – For exchange programs across the EU, includes Germany

• Heinrich Böll Foundation – Scholarships for international master’s or PhD students

New Zealand

• Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships – Fully funded for students from developing countries

• New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) – Offered by top NZ universities to South Asian students

---

How to Find the Right Scholarships for Study Abroad

• Check official university websites regularly

• Use scholarship databases like:

  • Scholarships.com

  • DAAD.de

  • Chevening.org

  • ScholarshipsAds.com

• Consult an education consultancy firm for personalized guidance

---

Eligibility Requirements (General)

• Strong academic background (GPA or equivalent)

• Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)

• Valid passport

• Statement of Purpose (SOP)

• Letters of Recommendation (LOR)

• Financial need (for need-based scholarships)

• Research proposal (for postgraduate applicants)

---

How to Apply for Scholarships for Study Abroad

1. Research and shortlist scholarships early

2. Check eligibility and deadlines carefully

3. Write a strong SOP/Personal Statement that highlights your motivation, goals, and achievements

4. Collect required documents such as transcripts, IELTS score, LORs

5. Submit applications on time

6. Prepare for interviews (if required)

---

Tips to Win a Study Abroad Scholarship

• Apply for multiple scholarships

• Focus on scholarships aligned with your academic strengths and background

• Keep your documents organized and updated

• Tailor your SOP for each scholarship

• Highlight leadership, volunteer work, and extracurricular achievements

• Get your applications reviewed by mentors or consultants

---

Scholarships for Bangladeshi Students

Many scholarship programs are open to Bangladeshi students, including:

• Commonwealth Master’s and PhD Scholarships

• Fulbright Foreign Student Program

• Australia Awards Scholarships

• Chevening UK Scholarships

• DAAD Germany

• NZEA – New Zealand

Bangladeshi students are highly encouraged to apply early and seek support from an education consultancy firm like Scholars Zone to maximize their chances.

---

Final Thoughts

Securing scholarships for study abroad can make your dream of international education a reality, regardless of your financial background. Whether you are applying to Canada, Australia, the UK, USA, Germany, or New Zealand, there are opportunities waiting for you.

Start researching, stay organized, and take action early.

---

Let Scholars Zone Help You Win Scholarships

At Scholars Zone, our experienced counselors provide step-by-step support for scholarship applications, university admissions, and visa processing. We’ve helped hundreds of students secure funding for their study abroad journey.

📌HEAD OFFICE: House – 27/A, Rd No. #03, Dhadmondi, Dhaka – 1205.

🌐 Website: www.scholarszone.com.bd
📞 Phone: +88 01714-076485  
📧 Email: contact@scholarszone.com.bd