Getting a scholarship can make a huge difference in your journey through university. Whether you are planning to study in your home country or abroad, financial assistance through scholarships can help cover tuition, living expenses, books, and more. With 2025 approaching fast, this updated list of undergraduate scholarships will guide you toward real opportunities you can apply for today.
Many of these scholarships are open to international students as well as local applicants. Some are based on academic excellence, while others focus on leadership, financial need, or specific fields of study.
Let’s explore some of the best undergraduate scholarships available for 2025.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
This scholarship supports students from Africa with strong academic performance and leadership potential. It covers full tuition, accommodation, books, and other expenses. Partner universities include institutions in Africa, the U.S., and Canada.
Application Tip: Apply directly through the participating university’s website, and be sure to check deadlines, as each institution sets its own.
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (Canada)
Offered by the University of Toronto, this scholarship is for exceptional international students who demonstrate academic excellence, creativity, and leadership.
Benefits include full tuition, books, residence, and incidental costs for four years.
Reach Oxford Scholarship (UK)
This award is for students from developing countries who are unable to study in their home country due to political or financial reasons. It covers course fees, a living allowance, and one return airfare per year.
Eligibility: Academic excellence and financial need are key.
Government of Ireland – International Education Scholarships
This is a great option for students outside of the EU who want to study in Ireland. It offers €10,000 toward living expenses and covers full tuition for one academic year.
The scholarship supports all fields of study and is open to undergraduate and postgraduate applicants.
Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
These scholarships are funded by the UK government and are aimed at students from Commonwealth countries. Some are for postgraduate study, but several universities offer undergraduate opportunities as well.
Chevening’s partner universities sometimes include undergraduate support schemes that align with the Commonwealth fund.
DAAD Undergraduate Scholarships (Germany)
Germany is known for low or no tuition fees in many public universities. DAAD offers scholarships to international students that include a monthly stipend, travel allowance, and more.
Applicants should have excellent academic records and meet language or course-specific requirements.
Australia Awards Scholarships
These are long-term scholarships offered by the Australian government to students from developing countries, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. Some universities accept undergraduate applicants, covering full tuition, return airfare, living expenses, and health cover.
Local/National Undergraduate Scholarships for 2025
Besides international options, many countries have their own national scholarships. Here are a few worth checking out:
- Federal Government Scholarship (Nigeria): For undergraduate students studying education, science, or technology-related fields. This is usually merit-based.
- MEXT Undergraduate Scholarships (Japan): Sponsored by the Japanese government, this scholarship is fully funded and supports students from many countries to study in Japan.
- Turkey Türkiye Scholarships: Open to international students from all levels including undergraduate. It covers tuition, monthly allowance, accommodation, and health insurance.
Application Tips
To improve your chances of getting a scholarship, consider these important points:
- Start Early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Most scholarships have long application forms and require essays, recommendation letters, and official documents.
- Read the Requirements Carefully: Make sure you qualify before applying. Some scholarships require specific grades, age limits, or courses of study.
- Tailor Your Application: Customize your personal statement or essay to each scholarship. Let them know why you’re a great fit.
- Stay Organized: Use a spreadsheet or planner to track deadlines, submitted applications, and documents needed.
- Apply for More Than One: Don’t limit yourself. Apply for multiple scholarships to increase your chances.
Documents You May Need
Although each scholarship has its own requirements, most ask for:
- Academic transcripts
- A personal statement or essay
- Reference or recommendation letters
- Passport or ID
- Proof of admission (if you already applied to a university)
Final Thoughts
Getting a scholarship in 2025 is possible if you act now. With many new and updated opportunities opening globally and locally, there’s something for everyone—no matter your background or field of study. Be focused, stay organized, and apply as early as you can.