Top 20 Fully Funded Ph.D. Programs in 2022

In this article, we discuss the Top 20 Fully Funded Ph.D. Programs For International Students. A fully funded Ph.D. program provides eligible students with financial aid equal to the tuition, fees, and living expenses associated with finishing the program within the specified duration. Most top public and private colleges provide fully-funded Ph.D. programs along with scholarships, fellowships, and grants, as well as teaching and research assistantships for international students.

Top 20 Fully Funded Ph.D. Programs For International Students:

Today, we have done the job of identifying 20 fully-funded Ph.D. scholarships for international students in 2021 and we believe them to be among the best you can find. Here they are:

1. K.U. Leuven University PhD

Considering fully funded Ph.D. programs for international students, we are evaluating another Ph.D. scholarship offered by KU Leuven. The scholarship this time is for the student to complete his or her entire research at KU Leuven. Fully funded Ph.D. programs in social work, Schools of Humanities and Social Sciences, Science, Engineering and Technology, or Biomedical Sciences are all fully funded Ph.D. programs online at this institution.

This scholarship covers tuition, health and life insurance, partner and child allowances, monthly stipend, and travel. There are even more fully funded Ph.D. programs in the United States for international students that are not included in this top ten list.

2. University of Tokyo Masters and Ph.D. Scholarships:

Consider a scholarship that covers not only your tuition but also other costs such as school expenditure waivers, emergency loans, and student discounts. This is the University of Tokyo’s international student scholarship. This fully-funded scholarship program for international students has two goals: to financially support International Students with exceptional academic achievement and to expand the number of international students. This is one of the top fully funded Ph.D. programs for international students and among the best fully funded Ph.D. programs online.

3. Nanyang President’s Graduate Scholarships:

The doctoral degree program (Ph.D.) at Nanyang Technological University is a highly competitive and prestigious scholarship scheme in Singapore designed to encourage outstanding international students, whether graduate or final-year students, to pursue a leading research career by pursuing a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) at Nanyang Technological University. NPGS grantees can get funding for up to four years. Each Academic Year, up to 30 NPGS awards are offered. Nanyang President’s Graduate Scholars are the successful candidates.

4. KAAD Germany Research Fellowship Programme:

The KAAD scholarship is available to Catholic Christian postgraduates and academics in underdeveloped nations (or generally belonging to a Christian denomination). So, if you’re Catholic, have some professional experience, and want to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree (or a research stay) in Germany, keep an eye out for this fully-funded scholarship program.

The KAAD scholarship covers visa arrangements, return flights, German language training, tuition, living expenses, and a variety of other costs. You can apply for any Ph.D. program, however, the KAAD scholarship favors courses that are relevant to development.

5. Japan Foundation United Nations University Ph.D. Scholarships:

This fully-funded Ph.D. program is given to deserving candidates from poor nations who can demonstrate a financial need. The JFUNU scholarship pays full tuition costs and provides a monthly allowance of 150,000 Japanese Yen for living expenses for a maximum of 24 months. So, if you are a Ph.D. student from a developing nation interested in taking a course at the United Nations University in Japan on the topic of Science in Sustainability, Development, and Peace, apply for this scholarship.

6. CARTA Ph.D. Fellowships for African Researchers:

CARTA (Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa) is a collaboration of eight African universities, four African research institutes, and a few northern partners. The fellowship, which lasts four years and is based at an African university, includes a modest monthly stipend, small research grants, a laptop with appropriate software, conference travel, and expenses related to joint program activities. You can apply for this program starting in April. This is one of the top fully funded Ph.D. programs for international students and among the best fully funded Ph.D. programs online.

7.  Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL) Ph.D. Scholarships for Developing Countries:

A competition is held by the University of Louvain to provide Ph.D. scholarships to citizens of underdeveloped nations. You will get a UCL Ph.D. grant for up to 36 months, as well as one or more round-trip airline tickets between your place of residence and Brussels Airport, if necessary.

8. Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) Fully funded Ph.D. Scholarship:

The SINGA fully funded Ph.D. is given twice a year to international students who wish to pursue a Ph.D. in English at Singapore Research Institutes, the National University of Singapore, or Nanyang Technology University. As a result, you could be supported for up to four years with tuition expenses and a monthly stipend, which will be increased once you pass the Qualifying Examination. A one-time travel award of up to $1,500 will be available, as well as a one-time settling-in stipend.

9. Commonwealth Ph.D. Scholarships in the UK for Developing Countries:

This is one of the top fully funded Ph.D. programs for international students and among the best fully funded Ph.D. programs online. The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan are one of the world’s most comprehensive scholarship programs for international students. Over 27,500 people have benefited from it since its inception. You’ll be in good company if you win this award. You should be aware of the following details regarding this scholarship.

Although all topic areas are eligible, if your idea has a strong connection to development, it will be more likely to be selected. This scholarship, like the Split-site scholarship, covers everything, including your partner’s and children’s allowances and fees.

10. Commonwealth Split-site Ph.D. Scholarship:

Split-site Commonwealth Scholarships fund a year of study at a UK university as part of a Ph.D. that is being completed in the candidate’s home country under the supervision of a home country and UK supervisor. Apply for this scholarship if you want to spend up to 12 months studying at a UK university as part of a Ph.D. that you have already started in your native country.

This fully-funded scholarship in the UK for international students allows you to break your 12-month study tenure in the UK into two or more periods, with no more than 12 months between each award term. This scholarship covers everything in terms of coverage, including all allowances and costs, as well as those of your partner and children.

11. Hong Kong Ph.D. Fellowship:

This is one of the top fully funded Ph.D. programs for international students and among the best fully funded Ph.D. programs online. The Hong Kong Fellowship is a fully financed program that is designed to attract the finest and brightest to Hong Kong. For a duration of up to three years, the Fellowship offers an annual stipend as well as a conference and research-related travel allowance. What’s more, guess what? Every academic year, around 230 Ph.D. Fellowships are available. That’s not all, though. Additional funding may be available for recipients who will take longer than three years to finish their Ph.D.

12. Cambridge International Ph.D. Scholarships:

Every year, the University of Cambridge offers several scholarships to international students. Up to 300 Cambridge Scholarships are offered to international students, ranging from the Schlumberger Cambridge Scholarships to the Gates Cambridge Scholarships to the University of Cambridge graduate scholarship. Each grant will cover the full cost of fees and maintenance for three years.

Academic qualifications, references, and research potential are the only factors taken into account. Your financial position has no bearing on the scholarship recipients. So, to receive this complete scholarship, you must wow the selection committee with your application.

13. Rotary Yoneyama Foundation Scholarships for International Students:

International students planning to enroll in a Japanese university or graduate school are eligible for the Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship. The scholarship is made possible by donations from Rotarians throughout Japan. In terms of program scope and number of scholarships provided, the Foundation is Japan’s largest private scholarship organization. Before applying for this 140,000 yen per month scholarship, you must first search for and apply to a Japanese university or graduate school on your own. This is one of the top fully funded Ph.D. programs for international students and among the best fully funded Ph.D. programs online.

14. DAAD Scholarships in Germany:

The German Academic Exchange Service, a government entity, offers a plethora of scholarships year after year. Look no further than DAAD for the largest number of scholarships available to students and young professionals from underdeveloped nations. The scholarships cover a wide range of topics, from undergraduate degrees to research trips and group trips. A large number of students are supported by DAAD to pursue various programs in their native countries as well as at German universities. Could you be the next victim?

15. New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships:

Financial aid for students from developing nations is not as widespread in New Zealand as it is in the United Kingdom and even sister country Australia. International students can, however, apply for scholarship programs. The New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarship is one of them. Do you wish to pursue a Master’s or Doctoral degree in New Zealand? Then don’t miss out on this chance.

The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses while in New Zealand, and airfares for students from Commonwealth countries. Students’ partners may apply for a work visa that allows them to reside and work in New Zealand during their partner’s studies. This is one of the top fully funded Ph.D. programs for international students and among the best fully funded Ph.D. programs online.

16. Fulbright Foreign Scholarships:

Under the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, graduate students, young professionals, and artists from all over the world can study and research in the United States. Postgraduate studies leading to a Master’s or Ph.D. degree, as well as non-degree postgraduate programs, are eligible for scholarships. The number of Fulbright scholarships offered varies by country, but roughly 4,000 overseas students are awarded each year. The scholarship covers tuition, textbooks, travel, a living stipend, and health insurance.

17. Cambridge Trust International Scholarships:

On August 1, 2013, the Cambridge Commonwealth, European, and International Trust was formed by merging the Cambridge Commonwealth Trust with the Cambridge Overseas Trust. Each year, the Trust provides roughly 500 scholarships and supports between 1,100 and 1,400 students in residence from 85 different countries. International students have received over 19,000 scholarships from the Trust. Selected Ph.D., master’s, and undergraduate students in all fields are eligible for awards. This is one of the top fully funded Ph.D. programs for international students and among the best fully funded Ph.D. programs online.

18. Jiangsu Provincial Government Scholarships:

The Jiangsu Provincial Government established the “Jasmine Jiangsu Government Scholarship” for international students in order to promote the internationalization of Jiangsu higher education, to raise the profile of Jiangsu education around the world, to promote the “Study in Jiangsu” brand, and to make Jiangsu a preferred province for international students. This scholarship will be given to excellent international students and intellectuals who wish to study full-time at Jiangsu’s universities and colleges.

It also covers non-degree program students and exchange students who are enrolled in Jiangsu Provincial Government’s educational exchange agreements and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with state governments, institutes, universities, and foreign organizations.

19. MOFCOM (Ministry of Commerce) Scholarships for Students from Developing Countries:

The Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China established the MOFCOM Scholarship to further promote communication and cooperation between China and other countries, as well as to nurture talents for developing countries. The fully-funded scholarship for international students covers tuition, teaching materials, research and survey, dissertation guidance, a one-time resettlement fee of 3,000RMB per master student, 3,000RMB per Ph.D. student, on-campus housing, and a stipend of medical insurance and one-time round-trip international airfare for masters and Ph.D. students.

20. New Zealand Development Scholarships for African and Developing Countries’ Students:

New Zealand Development Scholarships (NZDS) provide opportunities for candidates from developing nations to gain knowledge and skills via study in certain subject areas that will help their home country improve. After completing their scholarship, awardees must return to their home country for at least two years to utilize their new skills and knowledge in government, civic society, or private business groups.

For international students, there are more Ph.D. Scholarships are available, including fully funded programs. Please do additional studies and accurately analyze them. This is one of the top fully funded Ph.D. programs for international students and among the best fully funded Ph.D. programs online.

Getting a Ph.D. Scholarship

The scholarship is a dazzling word! It attracts all ambitious youth for their dreams and goals are plenty, but resources are limited. When you apply for a scholarship, you are expressing your desire to be recognized for your achievements in the future. And that is exactly what fully financed scholarships accomplish. A Ph.D., which provides full financial support for the duration of doctoral study, is a wonderful opportunity.

It covers all of your tuition costs as well as your living expenses (accommodations, food, transportation, etc). It is not necessary to pay any money to complete the Ph.D. It is a multi-year, full fellowship that allows the recipient to enroll without paying tuition and receive a stipend to help with living expenses throughout the program. It can’t be extendable for 20 years therefore if it took you that long to finish, it could easily be for four years.

It is a rare and precious thing, and not many universities offer them to incoming students. Only major institutions are likely to have these, but a lesser-known university might try to entice a top student with full support. British universities have these and attempt to get students out in a few years. Back in my day, the National Science Foundation offered something close to such a program, and I think it was good for a maximum of three years. Some other foundations may also give fellowships supporting a student’s whole Ph.D. program.

How Fully Funded Ph.D. Scholarships For International Students Work

The fully-funded scholarship for International students in the US varies according to the institution and the field. Ph.D. students in the sciences and engineering in the United States typically do not pay tuition and instead receive a stipend or salary from the university. Instead, the Ph.D. student is employed as a teaching associate, Research attendant, or a Fellowship is awarded.

In each of these three circumstances, the student is not responsible for their tuition and is paid a stipend. However, the back-end mechanics are different. The money for a teaching associate usually comes from the department or school, and then from undergraduate tuition payments or university endowment returns. The graduate student must teach a class in exchange. (In addition to working with their Ph.D. mentor on research).

The money for a research assistant” usually comes from monies raised by the Ph.D. adviser, as well as government and industrial grants and gifts. It might cost $75,000–$100,000 for a private university adviser to support one Ph.D. student for a year. (Tuition, wages, health insurance, and university overhead are all included.) A “Fellowship” can be supported by the government (such as the National Science Foundation) or by university funds.

These are frequently competitive and merit-based; for example, a student may apply for a National Science Foundation graduate research fellowship, or an adviser may recommend a student for an internal institution fellowship.

Everything else (summer salary for professors + 12-month salary for postdocs and research staff + salary and tuition for Ph.D. students + travel + equipment) must be funded by the Ph.D. adviser, either through government/industrial grants, signing up students as teaching assistants, or assisting them in obtaining fellowships.

It’s not easy to find Ph.D. scholarships for international students. Scholarships for Master’s and Bachelor’s programs are more common. You should be aware, however, that there are tens of thousands of Ph.D. fellowship positions available, many of which are targeted towards students from Africa and other developing countries. There are several scholarships available in the United Kingdom for courses ranging from undergraduate to master’s degree to doctoral programs.

A high-achieving university or master’s student interested in pursuing a doctoral degree at a world-class research institute may be chosen for a fully-funded UK Ph.D. scholarship at Imperial College London. With a plethora of top-notch universities, the United States is one of the most popular global destinations for graduate students. A doctoral degree earned in the United States will provide you with the knowledge and skills you’ll need to contribute to your own country’s development.

Conclusion

Because a Ph.D. is the highest degree that can be earned, graduates are considered experts in their fields. Ph.D. students can apply for jobs in administration, supervision, research, and higher education with confidence. Working full-time while pursuing a doctorate is nearly impossible due to the rigors of doctoral studies. Currency fluctuations and travel expenses are often a concern for international students.

Fortunately, scholarships, grants, and fellowships are available to help pay for a doctorate. If you intend to study in any of these countries, consider these 20 top fully funded Ph.D. programs for international students. Don’t be like the majority of folks who forget to apply for 2016 programs. Save the aforementioned websites to your computer and begin surfing them as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can international students get a fully-funded Ph.D. in the UK?

If you’re a UK or EU student, you can apply for fully-funded Ph.D. studentships starting in October 2021. Browse all the already-approved Ph.D. projects across our subject areas – including self-funded projects – and find out how to apply.

How do I get a fully-funded Ph.D. in the UK?

If you want to apply to a specific university in the United Kingdom, the simplest way to get started is to look for scholarships on their websites. Many of the students get scholarships from their home nations’ governments.

Can international students get funding for Ph.D. in the US?

Ph.D. scholarships for international students can help foreign residents achieve the “American Dream” of affluence and achievement. Whether you live in Europe, Asia, Africa, or Australia, Ph.D. scholarships will be critical in allowing you to pursue higher education for four to six years.

What is a fully-funded Ph.D. program?

A fully funded Ph.D. scholarship program is a financing package from the institution that includes full tuition remission and an annual stipend for living expenses for the four to six years a student is in the Ph.D. program. It is normally granted at acceptance.

What countries provide completely supported Ph.D. programs?

Most countries offer full Ph.D. scholarships based on your field of study. Here is a list of some of the most well-known fully financed Ph.D. scholarships available worldwide. Commonwealth Scholarships & Felix Scholarships at University of Reading for Developing Countries Only, Mo Ibrahim Foundation University of London Scholarships for African Students Only, University of Oxford Dulverton Scholarships, Gates Cambridge Scholarships for International Ph.D. Students, and many more offer fully funded Ph.D. Scholarships in the UK.

IBM Fellowship Awards Program, Microsoft Research Dissertation Grant, Facebook AI Research (FAIR) Residency Program, Microsoft Research Scholarship for Scholars in Europe Africa Middle East (EMEA), and others all offer fully-funded Ph.D. scholarships in the United States.