Studying abroad can be in any country other than Europe or USA. Asian countries are also perfect hubs to get the best education. They also have in place a decent number of Scholarships for International Students who want to live and study in Asia.
Aside from the thriving economies and cultures that the majority of us get to see in documentaries and movies, the quality of education has grown well and is even more affordable. Over the years, thousands of students, especially science students have found countries like China, Japan, and Korea a perfect place to start and further their education.
In this article, we will be providing you with some of the best scholarships for both intending undergraduate and postgraduate students. Depending on available funds, they may be fully or partially funded.
Studying in Asia countries as an International Student
The schools in Asia are not getting enough flowers. The value put on education has ensured that their students are capable of being a success no matter where they find themselves. Schools like Tsinghua University and the National University of Singapore are highly placed in the world university ranking.
It only costs a few dollars even for those who will only be receiving partial tuition fees. This is unlike the total cost in countries like USA and Canada. You can get an affordable education and even save more on tickets and visas. Additionally, the cost of living is also lower. With all these in sight, you can conveniently complete your studies without the need to stretch your finances.
Most countries have English as an official language and also the most widely spoken language, studying in Asia presents you with an opportunity to add a second language. This could give you an edge back home, and even if you decide to stay back after your education, the added language could also be put to good use towards building a great career.
Most students may have experienced a bit of the Western world in their respective countries, you can opt for something much different. You can gain exposure to different cultures, languages, and make stories that count. The decision is not often easy considering that most students’ study destinations are often the west but there is a lot to gain as a student there.
Top Scholarships in Asia for International Students
1. Schwarzman Scholars Program
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: Undisclosed, but fully funded
- Eligible Degree: Postgraduate
- Eligible Countries: All countries
Schwarzman Scholars Program was created by leaders for leaders. This scheme is for brilliant leaders that are looking to take their leadership skills to the next level under the guidance of Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. The school is a very top university in the country and will also provide you with an opportunity to build a network to advance your career.
Although all students from all countries are welcome to apply, 45% of students with first class are from USA, 20% from China and the rest of the percentage will be for students from the rest of the world.
Applicants for this scholarship must not be more than 29 years of age by August and must be at least 18 years at the time of the application. English is very important as guidance and lecturing will be provided in the language. The full instructions are provided on the scholarship webpage.
2. The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (JSP)
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: Undisclosed, but fully funded
- Eligible Degree: Postgraduate
- Eligible Countries: ADB’s developing member countries
The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (JSP) aims to provide over 135 students with all-around support during their one-year postgraduate studies. This offer is only extended to ADB’s developing member countries.
The eligible programs are business and management, economics, science and technology, and other development-related fields. Scholars who will be taking on research will get funding for thesis preparation.
It is also important for you to know that only students who have been offered admission by the host institution will be able to get the scholarship package. The host schools include The University of Hong Kong, Hitotsubashi University, International University of Japan, Kyoto University, Kobe University, and the Asian Institute of Technology & Thammasat University in Thailand.
3. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: Tuition fee + ¥242,000 per month
- Eligible Degree: Postgraduate
- Eligible Countries: Available to over 29 countries including Bangladesh, Poland, India, Pakistan, Bulgaria, and Turkey.
This full scholarship will only be provided to students who have been accepted at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS). The application opens in October every year.
This is a very competitive scholarship as young and prospective applicants do apply every year from almost all parts of the world. We acknowledge candidates to peruse the information page as something as little might sieve your application out.
This is a fully funded support that also covers feeding, travel expenses, and other daily expenses. The only limitation is that it is not open to African students, but there is a good number of countries that make the list.
4. Taiwan International Higher Education Scholarship Program
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: Fully funded and up to NT$17,000 monthly payment depending on the level
- Eligible Degree: Undergraduate & Postgraduate
- Eligible Countries: Not all countries are accepted. The list can be found on the official page.
Taiwan International Higher Education Scholarship Program is available for students from all countries on the List of Countries Eligible for the TaiwanICDF Scholarship. It is also important for all applicants to satisfy every requirement as stated on the official website.
This move was made to aid developing countries in achieving development by educating their citizens. The scholarship will provide succor to all levels including undergraduates. Undergraduates will get NT$12,000 monthly, NT$15,000 monthly for masters, and NT$17,000 monthly for Ph.D.
5. Singapore International Graduate Award
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: Fully funded
- Eligible Degree: Postgraduate
- Eligible Countries: All countries
Singapore International Graduate Award recognizes students with exceptional intellect and provides them with the financial support needed to take their education to the next level. There are many students out there with a strong desire for education but are handicapped by a lack of support. With Singa, you can get your post-graduate dreams back on track. The following programs are available – Biomedical Sciences; Physical Sciences, and Engineering.
About 240 students from around the world get this support every year. The award is fully funded, tuition fees, upkeep, and settlement allowance are among what you get to enjoy if selected.
6. JFUNU Scholarships for MSc in Sustainability Programme
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: 120,000 JPY to 130, 000 JPY depending on the award applied for.
- Eligible Degree: Postgraduate
- Eligible Countries: Developing countries
Brilliant students from developing countries who will be able to demonstrate their need for scholarships can apply for the JFUNU Scholarship. There are several gifted students out there who have always wanted it more, this support will go a long way in taking them closer to their dreams.
All applicants must satisfy every laid down requirement including providing the necessary document for them to stand a chance of being slotted in. The package will only cover a period of two years, which is about the same period that the programme is expected to last.
Applicants must not be living in Japan at the time. Those on working visas are also not allowed to participate. The applicant must be from a developing country and with a strong need for foreign education. He or she must also not be enrolled in any postgraduate program in any school. Additionally, those who are already on scholarships are also exempted.
The host institution is the celebrated school of the United Nations University, the Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS)
7. Commonwealth Scholarship at the National University of Singapore
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: S$2,200 for Ph.D. and S$1,900 for a Master’s program
- Eligible Degree: Postgraduate
- Eligible Countries: Commonwealth countries
This scholarship is specifically tabled for outstanding students from all commonwealth countries for research leading to a postgraduate degree at the National University of Singapore.
This scholarship is usually for a year but can be renewed every year. The maximum for a master’s program is 2 years and 4 years for Ph.D. Do note that the tuition fee only covers your program at the school. Also, successful Ph.D. candidates will get up to $500 every month.
8. S P Jain School of Global Management Scholarship
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount:
- Eligible Degree: Undergraduate and postgraduate
- Eligible Countries: All countries
You do not have to stop dreaming just because of some financial constraints, your dream is still possible with the S P Jain School of Global Management Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to candidates based on their credentials and their performance in interviews.
S P Jain School of Global Management is well positioned in Australia, the Middle East, and Asia and was once featured on the popular Forbes. The big magazine ranked it 19th in the world for Global MBA despite being a small school.
The school has recorded success in nurturing several leaders from around the world in various disciplines including business administration, finance, and economics.
Most times, the scholarship given only covers the tuition fee. It may also be provided as accommodation expenses which do not usually happen. Applications are collected online.
9. SEARCA Graduate Scholarships in Agriculture
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: Fully funded
- Eligible Degree: Postgraduate
- Eligible Countries: Southeast Asian Countries
SEARCA has been very consistent when it comes to awarding scholarships to students over the years. With over 5 decades to their story, it is no wonder why they always get the numbers doing the registration period. The core goal of this scheme is to develop the gifted to bring positive changes to the southeastern side of the Asian country.
Also, quite some benefits you get to enjoy as a successful applicant. They include tuition fees, health insurance, travel allowance, and living allowance.
Before completing your application online, go through the guide on the scholarship page to know the supported programs. Social science, agricultural & biological science, Forestry and Fisheries, Environmental Sciences, Agro-industrial Technology, and Engineering are among the acceptable programs.
Candidates applying for the master’s degree program must not be more than 35 years and 40 years is the maximum for Ph.D. Only citizens of SEAMEO member countries who are also employees of government establishments or academic/research institutions can apply.
10. Hong Kong Ph.D. Fellowship Scheme
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: an annual stipend of US$42,460 + other allowance which is about US$1,760
- Eligible Degree: Postgraduate
- Eligible Countries: All countries
Hong Kong Ph.D. Fellowship Scheme was spearheaded and formed by the Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong in 2009 with the sole aim of aiding intelligent students with support to pursue their Ph.D. education on track in Hong Kong.
All students from all countries are welcome to apply, but the slots would go to the best. As an applicant, understand that you will need to demonstrate the best of your ability to get in. There are over 300 spaces available.
Successful applicants will get about HK$331,200 and an additional allowance, HK$13,800 to cover conference, research, and travel tickets. These are provided yearly and last for up to 3 years.
11. AIT Scholarships
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: Full or Part payment of tuition fee only
- Eligible Degree: Postgraduate
- Eligible Countries: All countries
The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) is offering students from international countries the chance to study Masters and Doctoral degree programs at the school on scholarship. There is a large number of slots available giving you a very strong chance to obtain this opportunity.
The school in conjunction with the Government has made big progress in education and is looking to work and improve the level of international engineers, managers, and those in the science fields.
This cost could be fully or partially funded. If you are interested in studying in Asia using the financial aid provided by the institute, you can apply online for this. This opportunity comes up every year and you can always check back even when closed for the year.
12. Russell E. Train Fellowships
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: Up to $30,000 per year. Maximum of 2 years
- Eligible Degree: Postgraduate
- Eligible Countries: Eligible countries within the WWF-US priority areas.
Russell E. Train Fellowships is offering financial aid to international students who want to pursue their postgraduate studies in conservation and related fields. The fellowship supports committed leaders and leaders who are in dire need of cash support for academic and research purposes.
This grant has two phases. One is for Food which is to help students and leaders cultivate and develop a food system. In doing so, there will be a need to understand the social, cultural, economic, political, and environmental areas of the effects of such transformation in all countries. Available for master’s and PhDs degrees.
The second will revolve around enhancing and developing leaders, scientists, and practitioners who will continue to impact and increase the learning pace in their communities or wherever they find themselves. Only for Ph.D. degrees
The scholarship is only available to countries within the WWF-US priority areas.
13. ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO PhD Scholarship
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: Full Tuition waiver + Stipend (6,000 to 7,000 Chinese yuan renminbi) + application fee waiver + health insurance + travel allowance
- Eligible Degree: Postgraduate
- Eligible Countries: Developing countries in South Asia
Through the partnership of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS/UNESCO), and the Alliance of International Science Organizations (ANSO), up to 40 students are offered an opportunity to study in China for the award leading to doctoral degrees. This is valid for up to 4 years.
To apply for the program, you must have obtained MSc in eligible programs and must also not be more than 35 years old at the time of applying for the program.
