Yes, You Can Study Abroad on a Scholarship — And Thousands Are Doing It Every Year!
For most students from developing or developing nations, pursuing education abroad could be an out-of-pocket luxury. The idea of exorbitant tuition fees, transportation fees, and living expenses always appears to be an obstacle too insurmountable to climb.
But here’s the better news: Yes, it’s totally possible to study abroad with a Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships and thousands of students just like you already are, each year. From top global programs such as Erasmus Mundus, Fulbright, and DAAD, to new opportunities emerging from nations such as China, Türkiye, and Japan, global scholarships are unlocking doors worldwide.
Aside from paying tuition, these scholarships also offer monthly stipends, travel allowances, insurance, and even research grants—especially at the undergraduate level. You don’t have to do it on your own. We make it simple and help you find scholarships that fit your purposes according to your education background and education at WeMakeYouScholar.com.
Why Do Countries Offer Scholarships to International Students?
You might wonder: why would another country pay for your education?
Here are the main reasons:
- Global Diplomacy: Scholarships help foster strong political and economic ties between nations.
- Talent Acquisition: Countries benefit when bright minds contribute to their economy or research.
- Cultural Exchange: Encouraging diversity on campuses helps societies more open and global.
- Development Goals: Initiatives tend to fund students from developing areas to advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4 – Quality Education).
Don’t consider scholarships as charity—they are strategic investments, and motivated students from developing nations often as a perfect candidates.
5-Year Snapshot: How Many Students Are Studying Abroad on Scholarships?
International student mobility and scholarship support have steadily grown in recent years. Here’s a breakdown of key trends and figures from the last five years:
Global Overview
- As of 2017, around 5.1 million students were studying abroad—up from 4.8 million in 2012.
- However, only around 1% of mobile students from low- and lower-middle-income countries received scholarships funded by government aid programs.
- Annual funding for government-sponsored scholarships globally has stayed near USD 1.2 billion since 2010, despite growing student interest.
- The majority of these scholarships go to students from Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
Sub-Saharan Africa
- A 2019 study revealed that the top 50 scholarship providers offered around 30,000 scholarships annually to African students.
- About 56% of these were for undergraduate programs.
- China was the largest provider, awarding over 12,000 scholarships each year, followed by Türkiye, Germany, India, the UK, Russia, and Egypt.
South Asia
- Pakistan topped the list of Erasmus Mundus recipients in 2023 with 192 scholarships—more than 140+ countries.
- The Fulbright Program in Pakistan awarded 189 scholarships, making it the largest Fulbright program worldwide in terms of U.S. government funding.
- In India, thousands of students annually pursue higher education through scholarships like ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations), Chevening, Commonwealth, and more.
What’s Missing? – The Data Gap
Despite the large number of programs, there’s no unified system that tracks:
- Total scholarship awardees by region or country
- The breakdown between undergraduate and postgraduate awards
- Success rates of applicants by region
This data gap makes it harder to measure impact—but the available numbers clearly show that tens of thousands of students from developing nations are already making it happen.
Real Student Stories: From Villages to Global Classrooms
Thousands of students from modest backgrounds have turned their dreams into reality through scholarships:
- A student from rural Ghana received a full scholarship to study engineering in Turkey.
- A girl from southern Pakistan is now pursuing political science in the U.S. through Fulbright.
- An Indian student from a Tier 2 town is studying computer science in Germany on a DAAD scholarship.
They didn’t have powerful connections or massive savings. What they had was determination—and access to the right information.
You can read about more scholarship options and application tips at WeMakeYouScholar.com.
Where Should You Start?
If you’re a college student aiming for Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships abroad, here’s what you should focus on:
1. Know Where You’re Eligible
- Many scholarships are restricted by age, country, or field of study.
- Filter scholarships that specifically mention developing nations.
2. Prepare a Strong Application
- Write a compelling statement of purpose (SOP)
- Highlight academic achievements and community impact
- Collect strong recommendation letters from mentors/teachers
3. Meet the Language Requirements
- Most scholarships require an English proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL).
- For countries like Japan, Korea, or Germany, you may need beginner-level language courses.
4. Apply Early and Widely
- Start at least 8–12 months before intake.
- Apply for at least 5–7 programs to improve your chances.
Summary: You’re Closer to Studying Abroad Than You Think
To summarize the last five years:
- International scholarships are growing, with thousands awarded annually across Asia and Africa.
- Only a small percentage of applicants currently receive funding, mostly due to lack of information or poor application quality.
- Government-funded scholarships total about $1.2 billion annually, with undergraduate programs making up a large portion of awards.
- Students from developing countries like Pakistan, Ghana, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Nepal are securing top scholarships worldwide.
- With the right resources, studying abroad isn’t just a dream—it’s a well-planned goal within reach.
Ready to Apply?
Your first step is knowing where to look and how to apply. At WeMakeYouScholar.com, we list verified, high-impact international scholarships that you can apply for today. Check out our Undergraduate Scholarships Section and take control of your future.
