15+ College Scholarships You Can Apply For Today

15+ College Scholarships You Can Apply For Today

15+ College Scholarships You Can Apply For Today: 15+ College Scholarships You Can Apply For Today, searching for scholarships is one of the fastest ways to shrink the cost of college or graduate school — and some of the biggest, most competitive awards are open to applicants right now. Below you’ll find 16 scholarships (covering undergraduate, masters, PhD and professional fellowships), who they’re for, what they typically cover, and practical tips to apply today. Each entry includes the official program page so you can jump straight to the application details.

NOTE: scholarship deadlines, eligibility and covered benefits change year-to-year.

This is the outline of 10+ scholarships that don’t take a lot of time to request for. You can, and should, request for these right now.

Always confirm dates and country-specific processes on the official program page linked after each description.

Quick overview — what kinds of scholarships are here

You’ll find a mix of:

• Government-funded national and international scholarships (Fulbright, Chevening, Commonwealth, Australia Awards).

• University-led full-ride programs (Knight-Hennessy, Gates Cambridge, Rhodes).

• Regionally-focused philanthropic programs (Mastercard Foundation).

• Professional and development-oriented scholarships (ADB–Japan, JJ/WBGSP, Rotary Peace).

• Specialized fellowships for women, mid-career professionals, or peace builders (AAUW, Rotary).

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (study/research in the USA)

Who it’s for: International graduate students, young professionals and artists.
What it covers: Varies by country, but typically includes tuition, living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance and research/travel allowances. Program administration and eligibility are handled through your country’s Fulbright commission or U.S. embassy.
Why apply today: The Fulbright runs annual cycles in most countries and is one of the most widely available international scholarships for graduate study and research in the U.S. Check your country page for specific deadlines and placement methods.

2. Chevening Scholarships (one-year master’s in the UK)

Who it’s for: Emerging leaders from around the world who want to pursue a one-year master’s in the UK.
What it covers: Full funding for tuition, monthly stipend, travel to and from the UK, an arrival allowance and other grants (specifics can vary by cohort). Applications are annual and country-specific.
Why apply today: Chevening runs an annual application window — if you have leadership potential and a clear study plan, prepare now: country lists, timing and deadlines are available on the Chevening site.

3. Commonwealth Scholarships (including Distance Learning options)

Who it’s for: Students from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries. Distance-learning and full-study Commonwealth scholarships fund postgraduate degrees.
What it covers: Depending on the award: tuition, living allowance, travel costs, and sometimes thesis/research allowances. The Distance Learning option allows you to earn a UK master’s while staying in your home country.
Why apply today: The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission publishes program-specific calls and eligibility annually. Distance learning routes are especially useful if travel is a barrier. CSC UK+1

4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD)

Who it’s for: International students seeking a prestigious multi-country master’s program in Europe.
What it covers: Scholarships typically include tuition waivers, travel and living allowances for the consortium’s mobility track. EMJMDs are delivered by a consortium of universities across at least three countries.
Why apply today: EMJMDs accept yearly cohorts — find specific programs and their scholarship rounds on Erasmus+ program pages and individual consortium sites.

5. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

Who it’s for: International graduates, doctoral candidates, and researchers aiming to study or research in Germany.
What it covers: DAAD offers many tailored scholarships — from full stipends for postgraduate study to shorter research grants. Program terms and eligibility differ by scheme.
Why apply today: DAAD maintains a searchable scholarship database — ideal for finding scholarships matched to your subject, career stage and nationality.

6. Rhodes Scholarships (University of Oxford)

Who it’s for: Exceptional postgraduate students (young leaders) from eligible countries who want to study at Oxford.
What it covers: Full funding for tuition and college fees, living stipend, and travel to and from Oxford. Selection emphasizes academic excellence, leadership and commitment to service.
Why apply today: Rhodes application cycles are national and annual; check your country’s Rhodes constituency for deadlines and interviews.

7. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (University of Cambridge)

Who it’s for: Outstanding applicants from outside the UK who want to pursue a postgraduate degree at Cambridge (master’s, PhD).
What it covers: Full-cost scholarships (tuition, maintenance allowance, travel, and other support). Selection focuses on intellectual ability, leadership and commitment to improving the lives of others.
Why apply today: Gates Cambridge opens annual applications linked to Cambridge graduate admissions — check the program timeline for the next intake.

8. Schwarzman Scholars (Tsinghua University, Beijing)

Who it’s for: Future leaders seeking a one-year master’s in global affairs at Tsinghua University designed to deepen understanding of China and global trends.
What it covers: Fully-funded tuition, room and board, travel, and a personal stipend. Program includes leadership training and internships.
Why apply today: The program has an annual application cycle; if your profile emphasizes leadership and public sector or global impact interest, it’s a top-tier option.

9. Knight-Hennessy Scholars (Stanford University)

Who it’s for: Graduate students (any discipline) with potential for civic leadership who want to study at Stanford.
What it covers: Up to three years of funding for tuition and living expenses, leadership training and cross-disciplinary programming.
Why apply today: Knight-Hennessy accepts applications from prospective Stanford graduate students — check deadlines and required Stanford program admissions timelines to apply.

10. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (partner universities)

Who it’s for: Young people from Africa (and Indigenous youth in Canada for some programs) with leadership potential and financial need. Many partner institutions administer the scholarship.
What it covers: Comprehensive support at partner universities — tuition, living allowances and support for transition to employment. Application and selection are handled by the partner institutions.
Why apply today: Find partner universities that participate and check their admissions/scholarship pages — deadlines are institution-specific.

11. Rotary Peace Fellowships

Who it’s for: Early- and mid-career professionals committed to peace, conflict resolution and development.
What it covers: Up to 130 fellowships annually for master’s degrees or professional development certificate programs; typically include tuition, room and board, travel, and internships.
Why apply today: If you have background in peacebuilding, human rights, or development work, the Rotary Peace Centers program is uniquely focused and provides excellent global networking.

12. AAUW International Fellowships (for women)

Who it’s for: Women from outside the U.S. pursuing full-time graduate or postgraduate study in the United States.
What it covers: Stipends (amounts vary by award type) for master’s and doctoral study; AAUW emphasizes women’s leadership and academic excellence.
Why apply today: AAUW’s fellowships are competitive and gender-focused; if you’re an international woman seeking study in the U.S., this is a direct route.

13. ADB–Japan Scholarship Program (Asian Development Bank)

Who it’s for: Citizens of ADB’s developing member countries seeking graduate study in economics, management, science and engineering at selected institutions in the Asia-Pacific.
What it covers: Tuition, living allowance, travel, books and medical insurance. About 135 scholarships are typically awarded each year.
Why apply today: If you come from an ADB member country and want regionally-relevant graduate training, the JSP offers a focused route with full support.

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

Who it’s for: Professionals from World Bank member countries admitted to selected master’s programs in development-related fields.
What it covers: Tuition, monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance and travel allowance. Programs and participating universities change periodically — check current participating programs.
Why apply today: JJ/WBGSP is ideal if you want a development-focused master’s with guaranteed financial support and a World Bank alumni network.

15. Australia Awards Scholarships

Who it’s for: Emerging leaders from developing partner countries (regional emphasis varies by country).
What it covers: Full tuition, travel, establishment allowance, living stipend and health coverage for studies in Australia. The program targets priority areas aligned with partner countries’ development needs.
Why apply today: Australia Awards are development-oriented and well-funded; consult your country’s DFAT/Australia Awards page for local application procedures.

16. (Bonus) How to find many more scholarships — search the program databases

If none of the above is a perfect fit, use these searchable databases:

• DAAD scholarship database — for Germany and international programs.

• Erasmus+ / EMJMD program listings — for all Erasmus Mundus scholarships.

• Official program pages listed above for country-specific Fulbright, Chevening and Commonwealth details.

How to choose which scholarships to apply for (quick checklist)

1. Match the level: Some awards are undergraduate-only (e.g., some national scholarships), others are strictly master’s/PhD (Fulbright Foreign Student, Rhodes, Gates). Confirm level on official pages.

2. Check nationality rules: Many programs are open only to citizens of certain countries or regions (Chevening, Commonwealth, Australia Awards, ADB–JSP).

3. Assess timing: Scholarship cycles differ — some have a single annual window; others accept applications year-round via partner universities. Mark deadlines in your calendar.

4. Read the “what it funds” section: Full-fee v. partial funding makes a big difference. Some programs are “last dollar” (top-up after other aid), others are full-cost.

5. Eligibility beyond academics: Leadership, community service, work experience and a clear “how you’ll contribute after study” statement are crucial for many awards (Chevening, Rhodes, Gates, Knight-Hennessy).

6. Language and admission requirements: Many awards require admission to the host university first (e.g., Gates Cambridge) or proof of English (IELTS/TOEFL) — start these early.

Application-ready tips that increase your chance of success

• Start early and track deadlines. Use a spreadsheet with program name, link, deadline (local deadline if country-specific), required documents, references and status.

• Write story-driven personal statements. Don’t just list achievements — explain motivations, impacts and future plans. Scholarship panels look for evidence you’ll “pay it forward.”

• Gather strong referees. Choose recommenders who can speak with specificity about your leadership, academic potential and real-world impact. Provide them with deadlines and a short brief/pack.

• Tailor each application. One-size-fits-all essays rarely win. Address the program’s mission (e.g., Chevening’s leadership focus, Rotary’s peace focus).

• Proof and polish. Get at least two rounds of external edits from mentors or professionals; clarity and grammar matter.

• Prepare for interviews. Many top scholarships include rigorous interview rounds or situational assessments. Practice behavioral questions and current affairs.

• Apply widely. Competitive awards are lotteries in practice — apply to a balanced set (reach, match, safety).

Documents most scholarships ask for (check program pages)

• Academic transcripts (certified copies).

• Curriculum vitae / resume (2–3 pages typical).

• Personal statement / statement of purpose (varies by program).

• Research proposal (for research-focused awards).

• English test scores (IELTS/TOEFL) where applicable.

• Letters of recommendation (usually 2–3).

• Proof of citizenship / passport ID page.

• Admission letter (for programs that require it).
  Always check the official guidance — some programs accept digital copies; others require notarized or certified documents.

Timeline and planning (six-month plan if you’re ready now)

1. Month 1: Choose 6–10 scholarships that match your level and country; gather eligibility and deadline data.

2. Month 2: Request reference letters; order transcripts and book language tests if needed.

3. Month 3: Draft personal statements and research proposals; get feedback.

4. Month 4: Finalize essays; prepare CV and evidence documents; fill online forms.

5. Month 5: Submit applications before deadlines; ensure referees uploaded letters.

6. Month 6+: Prepare for interviews; finalize logistics (visas, finances, acceptances).

Realistic expectations & what to do if you don’t win

• Don’t be discouraged. Most successful applicants applied to multiple scholarships and often to more than one program per year.

• Use feedback: If programs provide feedback, incorporate it in next cycles.

• Explore local and university aid: Many universities offer departmental funding, assistantships, or merit scholarships that are less visible but accessible.

• Consider part-time or conditional study routes: Distance learning (Commonwealth Distance Learning) or program-specific support can be a bridge.

Final checklist — before you click “submit”

• All documents named and meet size/format rules.

• Reference letters requested and confirmed.

• Word limits respected on essays.

• Application fees (if any) paid or fee waiver requested.

• Backups saved offline and a calendar reminder set for interviews/next steps.

Closing — take action today

15+ College Scholarships You Can Apply For Today, there are many world-class scholarships accepting applications each year — from governments, universities and foundations. Start by narrowing choices to programs that match your nationality, study level and career intention, then block time weekly to draft, polish and submit applications. The programs in this list are an excellent starting point; follow the official links provided and reach out to country-specific program offices if you need clarification.