Funding your education as a foreign student can be challenging, especially when tuition fees and living costs are high. While many well-known scholarships like Fulbright and Chevening dominate the conversation, there are countless hidden opportunities that often go unnoticed. These lesser-known scholarships can significantly ease the financial burden, and since they are less competitive, you stand a better chance of securing them. Here are ten hidden scholarships for foreign students you might not have heard of but should definitely consider.
1. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)
This program provides scholarships to students from developing countries who wish to pursue a master’s degree in development-related fields such as economics, health, education, and public policy.
What It Covers:
- Tuition fees
- Monthly living stipend
- Round-trip airfare
- Health insurance
Who Can Apply:
- Citizens of World Bank member developing countries
- Applicants with professional experience in development-related work
Why It’s Hidden: Despite its long history, this scholarship isn’t widely advertised compared to other global opportunities.
2. Hungarian Government Scholarship (Stipendium Hungaricum)
Hungary offers fully-funded scholarships for international students to study at its universities. The Stipendium Hungaricum covers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs in various fields.
What It Covers:
- Tuition fees
- Monthly stipend
- Accommodation or housing allowance
- Health insurance
Who Can Apply:
- Students from partner countries of the Stipendium Hungaricum program
Why It’s Hidden: This scholarship is region-specific, and many students outside Europe are unaware of its existence.
3. The OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) Scholarship
The OFID scholarship supports outstanding students from developing countries pursuing a master’s degree in a development-related discipline.
What It Covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living expenses
- Round-trip airfare
Who Can Apply:
- Students from developing countries who have been accepted into a master’s program
Why It’s Hidden: This scholarship caters to a specific group of countries, and its promotional efforts are limited.
4. The Wells Mountain Initiative (WMI) Scholars Program
The WMI Scholars Program focuses on students from developing nations who are committed to improving their local communities through education.
What It Covers:
- Tuition support (up to $3,000 per year)
- Books, materials, and supplies
Who Can Apply:
- Students from developing countries enrolled in undergraduate programs
- Applicants who demonstrate a dedication to community service
Why It’s Hidden: Its grassroots focus means it doesn’t receive as much publicity as larger programs.
5. Canadian Vanier Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier CGS program supports doctoral students studying in Canada, offering a generous stipend to attract talented international scholars.
What It Covers:
- $50,000 per year for three years
Who Can Apply:
- International doctoral students in health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, or humanities
Why It’s Hidden: Many students associate Canadian scholarships with more commonly known programs like the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship.
6. New Zealand Pacific Scholarships (NZPS)
This scholarship is specifically designed for students from the Pacific region who want to study in New Zealand.
What It Covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Living stipend
- Airfare
- Medical and travel insurance
Who Can Apply:
- Students from eligible Pacific countries
Why It’s Hidden: The scholarship targets a niche demographic, and students from other regions rarely come across it.
7. The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
Targeted at students from India, this scholarship supports postgraduate studies at top universities in North America and Europe.
What It Covers:
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
- Airfare
Who Can Apply:
- Indian citizens under the age of 30
- Applicants with a strong academic record and admission to a prestigious institution
Why It’s Hidden: This scholarship is highly specific and not widely advertised outside of India.
8. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)
This Swedish government initiative supports master’s students from developing countries who want to study in Sweden.
What It Covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Living expenses (approximately $1,000 per month)
- Travel grant
- Health insurance
Who Can Apply:
- Professionals with leadership potential from eligible countries
Why It’s Hidden: Many students overlook Sweden as a study destination despite its world-class education system.
9. The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program
This scholarship supports outstanding students from developing countries who lack financial resources for higher education.
What It Covers:
- Tuition fees and living expenses (partly loan-based)
Who Can Apply:
- Students from developing countries with a strong academic record
- Applicants committed to returning to their home countries after graduation
Why It’s Hidden: The foundation’s selective and low-profile approach makes this scholarship lesser-known.
10. The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France)
This program, funded by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is aimed at attracting top international students to study in France.
What It Covers:
- Monthly stipend
- Travel expenses
- Health insurance
Who Can Apply:
- International master’s and Ph.D. students in engineering, law, and political sciences
Why It’s Hidden: Many students aren’t aware of the specific eligibility criteria and focus areas of the Eiffel program.
How to Find and Apply for Hidden Scholarships
Finding hidden scholarships requires proactive research and strategic planning. Here are some tips to uncover and apply for these opportunities:
1. Explore Local Resources
Check with your local education ministry, embassies, and cultural centers for information on scholarships specific to your country or region.
2. Use Online Scholarship Databases
Websites like Scholarships.com, DAAD, and Scholarship Positions have search filters to help you find lesser-known programs.
3. Network with Alumni
Reach out to past scholarship recipients through LinkedIn or university alumni groups to learn about opportunities they’ve discovered.
4. Check University Websites
Many institutions offer scholarships specifically for international students, which are often listed in the financial aid section.
5. Apply Early
Hidden scholarships often have early deadlines and require substantial documentation, so start your applications well in advance.
Conclusion
Hidden scholarships for foreign students can be a game-changer for those willing to look beyond the obvious options. Programs like the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship and the Hungarian Government Scholarship provide incredible opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds. By digging deeper and broadening your search, you can discover funding options that align with your academic goals and financial needs. Start exploring today, and you might just find the perfect scholarship to make your dream education a reality.
