In today’s competitive academic landscape, applying for higher education abroad often comes with a hefty price tag — not just in tuition but also in application costs. For many students, especially from developing countries, the application fee is the first barrier to even trying. However, numerous fully funded scholarships with no application fee are available in 2025, making the dream of studying at top international institutions more accessible than ever.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of scholarships that cover all educational expenses and do not charge an application fee, allowing you to apply without financial risk. Whether you're pursuing an undergraduate, master's, or doctoral degree, these opportunities are open to talented students worldwide and can serve as your passport to world-class education.
Why Scholarships with No Application Fee Are Important
Even before tuition and living expenses, many students struggle with the cost of applying. Each university or scholarship fund may charge an application fee ranging from $20 to $150. For students applying to multiple programs, these costs add up quickly.
Fully funded scholarships with no application fee eliminate this barrier, providing access to free, quality education with minimal financial risk. These scholarships typically offer:
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Full tuition coverage
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Living stipends
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Travel costs
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Health insurance
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Books and academic materials
And most importantly, they allow students to apply free of charge.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships with No Application Fee in 2025
Let’s explore some of the best scholarship programs that are completely funded and have no application cost.
1. Turkiye Burslari Scholarships (Turkey Government Scholarships)
Offered by: Government of Turkey
Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD
Coverage:
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Full tuition
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Monthly stipend
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Accommodation
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Health insurance
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One-time airfare
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Turkish language course
Application Fee: None
Why It Stands Out:
Open to students from over 160 countries, this scholarship is one of the most inclusive and comprehensive programs worldwide. You can apply directly through the Turkiye Scholarships portal without any payment.
2. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
Offered by: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Level: Master’s and PhD
Coverage:
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Tuition-free education (at public universities)
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Monthly living allowance (€861–€1,200)
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Travel allowance
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Health insurance
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Research grants
Application Fee: None
Special Notes:
Germany has a strong reputation for free, high-quality education. DAAD allows applicants to submit their documents at no cost, and most public universities in Germany also do not charge tuition or application fees.
3. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Offered by: Swiss Confederation
Level: PhD and postdoctoral
Coverage:
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Full tuition
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Monthly stipend
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Health insurance
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Airfare
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Housing allowance
Application Fee: None
Highlights:
This scholarship promotes international research collaboration and allows students from over 180 countries to study at top Swiss institutions without paying any application fee.
4. Government of Brunei Darussalam Scholarship
Offered by: Brunei Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Level: Diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate
Coverage:
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Tuition fees
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Monthly living allowance
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Accommodation
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Health insurance
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Return air tickets
Application Fee: None
Why Apply:
Brunei’s scholarship is an excellent option for students seeking a peaceful and culturally diverse academic environment. It covers everything from tuition to living and travel, and it’s completely free to apply.
5. Hungarian Government Scholarships (Stipendium Hungaricum)
Offered by: Government of Hungary
Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD
Coverage:
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Tuition fees
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Monthly stipend
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Dormitory or housing allowance
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Medical insurance
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Visa assistance
Application Fee: None
Unique Advantage:
Over 600 degree programs are offered in English, and students from over 80 countries can apply directly without paying any application fee.
6. Lester B. Pearson Scholarship – University of Toronto (Canada)
Offered by: University of Toronto
Level: Undergraduate
Coverage:
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Full tuition
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Books
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Incidental fees
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Residence support
Application Fee: Waived for nominated students
Eligibility:
Students must be nominated by their school. Once nominated, they receive a waiver for the application fee, making the entire process free for eligible students.
7. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (Stanford University, USA)
Offered by: Stanford University
Level: Graduate (all disciplines)
Coverage:
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Full tuition
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Stipend for living and academic expenses
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Travel grant
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Leadership development
Application Fee:
Knight-Hennessy application is free. However, applicants may still need to pay for the Stanford degree program unless a fee waiver is requested and granted.
Pro Tip:
Many U.S. universities offer need-based fee waivers, so students should inquire about them when applying.
8. Asian Development Bank – Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)
Level: Master’s programs
Participating Countries: Various in Asia and the Pacific
Coverage:
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Tuition
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Monthly allowance
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Housing
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Books and materials
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Travel expenses
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Medical insurance
Application Fee: None
Best For:
Students from ADB member countries looking to study in top universities in countries like Japan, New Zealand, India, or the USA.
9. University of the People (UoPeople)
Level: Associate, Bachelor’s, and Master’s
Mode: 100% Online
Coverage:
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Tuition-free (students only pay for exams unless they receive a scholarship)
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Scholarships available to waive exam fees for those in financial need
Application Fee: Waivable
Standout Feature:
As the world’s first tuition-free, accredited online university, UoPeople offers an accessible education model. Many students are granted waivers for the $60 application fee based on need.
10. Islamic Development Bank Scholarship (IsDB)
Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD, and Post-Doctoral
Coverage:
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Tuition fees
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Monthly living allowance
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Medical treatment
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Travel expenses
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Research support
Application Fee: None
Eligibility:
Open to students from IsDB member countries and Muslim communities worldwide.
Tips to Apply Successfully Without Paying Fees
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Search for Direct Applications: Many scholarships require you to apply through government or institutional portals that do not charge fees.
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Request Application Fee Waivers: For scholarships that are tied to universities, ask the admissions office about fee waivers, especially if you’re applying for a fully funded award.
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Prepare Early: Since these scholarships are highly competitive, gather all documents — recommendation letters, transcripts, and personal statements — well in advance.
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Tailor Your Application: Customize your motivation letter or essay to reflect the mission and goals of the scholarship provider.
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Follow Official Channels: Always apply through official scholarship websites to avoid scams or hidden fees.
Final Thoughts
Higher education should be about potential, not privilege. Fully funded scholarships with no application fee are essential tools for making global education accessible to everyone, regardless of economic background. These scholarships remove financial barriers from both ends — you don’t pay to apply, and you don’t pay to study.