Are you dreaming of studying abroad but worried about the cost? Don’t worry — you’re not alone. Many international students are looking for affordable ways to study in top universities around the world. Luckily, there are cheap scholarships that cover tuition fees, accommodation, and even living expenses.
In this post, you’ll find the Top 20 Cheapest Scholarships for International Students in 2025. These scholarships are budget-friendly, and some are even fully funded! So, whether you want to study in Europe, Asia, America, or elsewhere — there’s something here for you.
Why Choose Affordable Scholarships?
Studying abroad is exciting, but it can also be expensive. Many universities charge high fees for international students. That’s where affordable scholarships come in.
Benefits of Cheap Scholarships:
Lower or no tuition fees
Monthly living allowances
Free accommodation or housing support
Health insurance and travel costs
More chances for low-income students
With the right scholarship, you can get a world-class education without spending a fortune.
Top 20 Best Cheapest Scholarships for International Students in 2025
Let’s explore the best and most affordable scholarships available right now.
1. DAAD Scholarships – Germany
Country: Germany
Degree Level: Master’s, PhD
Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend (€934+), travel allowance
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree, language skills (German/English)
Deadline: Varies by course
Website: daad.de
Why It’s Cheap: Covers nearly all expenses and tuition is low in German universities.
2. MEXT Scholarship – Japan
Country: Japan
Degree Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, travel expenses
Eligibility: Excellent academic records
Deadline: May–June (via embassy or university)
Website: studyinjapan.go.jp
Why It’s Cheap: Completely free education at top Japanese universities.
3. Chevening Scholarship – United Kingdom
Country: UK
Degree Level: Master’s
Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, travel costs
Eligibility: 2 years’ work experience, strong academics
Deadline: November 2024
Website: chevening.org
- Why It’s Cheap: Fully funded by the UK government.
4. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship – France
Country: France
Degree Level: Master’s, PhD
Coverage: Monthly allowance (€1,181), health insurance, travel
Eligibility: Non-French nationals
Deadline: January 2025
Website: campusfrance.org
Why It’s Cheap: Covers most expenses, and French tuition is low.
5. Chinese Government Scholarship – China
Country: China
Degree Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, medical insurance, stipend
Eligibility: Non-Chinese citizens
Deadline: March–April 2025
Website: campuschina.org
Why It’s Cheap: Everything is paid — it’s one of the most affordable options.
6. Fulbright Scholarship – USA
Country: United States
Degree Level: Master’s, PhD
Coverage: Full tuition, travel, books, living expenses
Eligibility: Academic excellence
Deadline: October 2024
Website: fulbrightprogram.org
Why It’s Cheap: Full funding by U.S. government.
7. Turkey Burslari Scholarship – Turkey
Country: Turkey
Degree Level: All levels
Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, insurance, flight tickets
Eligibility: Minimum GPA 2.5+
Deadline: February 2025
Website: turkiyeburslari.gov.tr
Why It’s Cheap: Very generous support for foreign students.
8. Erasmus+ Scholarship – Europe (Multiple Countries)
Country: EU countries
Degree Level: Master’s
Coverage: Tuition, travel, living costs
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree
Deadline: Varies by program
Website: erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu
Why It’s Cheap: Offers education in 2–3 countries in one program.
9. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) – South Korea
Country: South Korea
Degree Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Coverage: Tuition, airfare, monthly allowance, settlement money
Eligibility: Non-Koreans with good grades
Deadline: March–April 2025
Website: studyinkorea.go.kr
Why It’s Cheap: Covers all costs including flights.
10. Netherlands Orange Knowledge Programme
Country: Netherlands
Degree Level: Short courses, Master’s
Coverage: Tuition, visa, travel, insurance
Eligibility: From developing countries
Deadline: June & October 2025
Website: studyinholland.nl
Why It’s Cheap: Best for short-term budget learning.
11. Sweden Institute Scholarships
Country: Sweden
Degree Level: Master’s
Coverage: Tuition, stipend, travel
Eligibility: From eligible countries
Deadline: February 2025
Website: si.se
Why It’s Cheap: Tuition is waived and monthly allowance is included.
12. Hungary Stipendium Scholarship
Country: Hungary
Degree Level: All levels
Coverage: Tuition, monthly stipend, dormitory or housing allowance
Eligibility: Non-EU applicants
Deadline: January 2025
Website: stipendiumhungaricum.hu
Why It’s Cheap: Very low cost of living in Hungary.
13. Belgium ARES Scholarship
Country: Belgium
Degree Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Coverage: Tuition, travel, living costs
Eligibility: Developing countries
Deadline: February 2025
Website: ares-ac.be
Why It’s Cheap: Excellent support and free education.
14. Russia Government Scholarship
Country: Russia
Degree Level: All levels
Coverage: Tuition, dormitory, monthly stipend
Eligibility: All countries
Deadline: December 2024
Website: education-in-russia.com
Why It’s Cheap: No tuition fees and affordable living.
15. Malaysia International Scholarship
Country: Malaysia
Degree Level: Master’s, PhD
Coverage: Tuition, allowance
Eligibility: From selected countries
Deadline: May 2025
Website: mis.moe.gov.my
Why It’s Cheap: Malaysia offers low-cost high-quality education.
16. Thailand SIIT Scholarship
Country: Thailand
Degree Level: Master’s, PhD
Coverage: Full tuition, living cost, health insurance
Eligibility: Engineering/Science students
Deadline: September 2025
Website: siit.tu.ac.th
Why It’s Cheap: Great for tech students on a budget.
17. Finland Government Scholarship
Country: Finland
Degree Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Coverage: Tuition, relocation grant
Eligibility: Non-EU students
Deadline: January 2025
Website: studyinfo.fi
Why It’s Cheap: Tuition-free options available.
18. Qatar University Scholarship
Country: Qatar
Degree Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Coverage: Tuition, dorm, books, airfare
Eligibility: High academic achievers
Deadline: March 2025
Website: qu.edu.qa
Why It’s Cheap: Full coverage in a wealthy country.
19. University of Bologna Scholarship – Italy
Country: Italy
Degree Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Coverage: Tuition waiver and grant (€11,000+)
Eligibility: International students
Deadline: April 2025
Website: unibo.it
Why It’s Cheap: Study in a top EU university almost for free.
20. Slovak Government Scholarship
Country: Slovakia
Degree Level: All levels
Coverage: Tuition, stipend, accommodation
Eligibility: From developing countries
Deadline: May 2025
Website: scholarships.sk
Why It’s Cheap: Low living costs + full support.
How to Apply for These Scholarships
Research early: Deadlines vary, so plan 6–12 months in advance.
Prepare documents: Academic transcripts, recommendation letters, motivation letter, passport, language tests (like IELTS/TOEFL if needed).
Write a strong SOP: Show your passion, career goals, and why you’re a good fit.
Apply via the official website: Never use third-party agents unless verified.
Follow up: Check your email and portals regularly.
Final Tips for Success
Start your application process early
Keep track of deadlines
Don’t be afraid to apply for more than one
Practice for interviews if required
Stay positive!
Conclusion
Now you know the Top 20 Cheapest Scholarships for International Students in 2025 — it’s your time to take ac
