Scholarships for Students from Developing Countries

Scholarships for Students from Developing Countries: Top Opportunities for 2024

Students from developing countries often face financial barriers when pursuing higher education abroad. Fortunately, there are many scholarships for students from developing countries that provide financial aid to cover tuition, living expenses, and other study-related costs. These scholarships are offered by governments, international organizations, and universities to support students in developing regions and help them achieve their educational goals.

Below is a list of some of the best scholarships available to students from developing countries for 2024.

1. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program provides full funding for students from developing countries to pursue master’s degrees in development-related fields. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and travel costs, aiming to foster the growth and development of these regions.

Eligibility: Students from World Bank member developing countries with relevant professional experience.
How to Apply: Applications are submitted online via the World Bank’s scholarship portal.
Website: JJ/WBGSP

2. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships to students from developing countries to study in Germany at the postgraduate level. DAAD provides full funding, including tuition fees, living costs, health insurance, and travel expenses. These scholarships focus on fields that can contribute to sustainable development, such as engineering, public policy, and health.

Eligibility: Students from developing countries with a strong academic record.
How to Apply: Applications are submitted through the DAAD portal or the selected German university.
Website: DAAD Scholarships

3. Chevening Scholarships (UK)

The Chevening Scholarships, funded by the UK government, offer fully funded opportunities for students from developing countries to pursue a one-year master’s degree in the UK. The scholarship covers tuition, living costs, airfare, and additional allowances, and provides access to a network of global leaders.

Eligibility: Students from Chevening-eligible countries who have at least two years of work experience.
How to Apply: Applications are submitted online via the Chevening website.
Website: Chevening Scholarships

4. The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders

The Mandela Washington Fellowship, part of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), is a program that provides outstanding young African leaders with the opportunity to study in the United States. The fellowship includes six weeks of academic coursework and leadership training at a U.S. university, followed by professional development opportunities.

Eligibility: Young African leaders aged 25-35 with a track record of leadership in public or private sectors.
How to Apply: Applications are submitted online via the YALI website.
Website: Mandela Washington Fellowship

5. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)

The Commonwealth Scholarships are offered by the UK government to students from Commonwealth developing countries. These scholarships provide full funding for master’s and PhD programs in the UK and are aimed at students who demonstrate strong academic potential and a commitment to contributing to the development of their home countries.

Eligibility: Students from Commonwealth developing countries.
How to Apply: Applications are submitted through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
Website: Commonwealth Scholarships

6. Australia Awards Scholarships

The Australia Awards Scholarships, funded by the Australian government, offer full funding for students from developing countries in the Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies in Australia. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and travel costs.

Eligibility: Students from eligible developing countries in the Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East.
How to Apply: Applications are submitted through the Australia Awards website.
Website: Australia Awards Scholarships

7. Swedish Institute Study Scholarships (Sweden)

The Swedish Institute (SI) Study Scholarships provide full scholarships for students from developing countries to study master’s programs in Sweden. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. It aims to promote leadership and sustainable development in the recipients’ home countries.

Eligibility: Students from eligible countries with a strong academic record and leadership potential.
How to Apply: Applications are submitted through the Swedish Institute’s online portal.
Website: Swedish Institute Scholarships

8. OFID Scholarship Award (The OPEC Fund)

The OFID Scholarship Award provides funding for students from developing countries to pursue graduate studies in any field related to development, such as economics, energy, or sustainable development, at any recognized university worldwide. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.

Eligibility: Students from developing countries with a strong academic background and a commitment to development.
How to Apply: Applications are submitted through the OFID website.
Website: OFID Scholarship

9. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme

The Aga Khan Foundation provides scholarships to students from developing countries to pursue postgraduate studies. These scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant and 50% loan basis and aim to support students who have no other means of financing their education.

Eligibility: Students from developing countries with excellent academic records and a demonstrated financial need.
How to Apply: Applications are submitted through the Aga Khan Foundation’s local offices.
Website: Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships

10. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EU)

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) are funded by the European Union and provide full scholarships for students from developing countries to pursue master’s programs in various European universities. The scholarship covers tuition, living costs, travel expenses, and insurance.

Eligibility: Students from eligible developing countries.
How to Apply: Applications are submitted through the Erasmus Mundus website or participating universities.
Website: Erasmus Mundus Scholarships

Tips for Applying for Scholarships

1. Start Early

Scholarship applications can be time-consuming, so it’s important to start researching and preparing early. Pay attention to deadlines and give yourself enough time to gather the required documents.

2. Tailor Your Application

Ensure that your application is tailored to each scholarship. Highlight your achievements, leadership potential, and how the scholarship will help you contribute to your home country’s development.

3. Prepare Strong Supporting Documents

Scholarship applications often require transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal statements. Ensure these are ready and that they meet the requirements of the specific scholarship.

4. Focus on Leadership and Community Engagement

Many scholarships for developing countries prioritize candidates who show leadership potential and a commitment to community service. Make sure to emphasize these qualities in your application.

Conclusion

There are many opportunities for students from developing countries to receive scholarships for higher education abroad. Whether you aim to study in Europe, the USA, Australia, or other regions, these scholarships can help you achieve your academic and professional goals while contributing to the development of your home country. Be sure to apply early, tailor your application, and demonstrate your leadership potential to increase your chances of securing a scholarship for 2024.