Dreaming of studying abroad but worried about visa costs and complex immigration paperwork? You’re not alone. Many students around the world give up their dreams of studying overseas due to expensive visa fees or the stress of applying for one. Luckily, several prestigious scholarships with visa sponsorship in 2025 not only cover your tuition and living costs but also help you get your student visa approved — completely free. In this guide, we’ll explore the top global scholarships that include visa sponsorship and explain how to apply for them step-by-step.
What Are Scholarships with Visa Sponsorship?
A scholarship with visa sponsorship is a program that pays for your education and also assists with visa application fees and processing. In most cases, the sponsoring university or organization directly handles your visa paperwork and provides the required documents to ensure a smooth relocation. These scholarships are designed to attract international talent and make studying abroad accessible to students from developing and emerging countries.
Why Choose Scholarships with Visa Sponsorship?
Choosing a scholarship that includes visa sponsorship gives you several advantages:
- No Visa Fees: Your visa costs are covered or reimbursed.
- Smooth Process: Institutions handle most of the visa paperwork.
- Less Stress: Direct assistance from international student offices.
- Faster Approval: Official sponsorship often speeds up visa processing.
- Complete Funding: Many of these programs also cover airfare, housing, and stipends.
Now, let’s explore the top fully funded scholarships that offer visa sponsorship in 2025.
1. Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom)
The Chevening Scholarship, funded by the UK government, is one of the world’s most recognized scholarships. It provides full financial support for a one-year master’s degree in any UK university — and includes visa sponsorship.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance
- Return airfare to the UK
-
Visa sponsorship covered by the UK Foreign Office
Eligibility:
- Must hold a bachelor’s degree
- Demonstrate leadership potential
- At least two years of work experience
Apply at: Chevening Scholarships 2026: Study for free in the UK
2. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
The Fulbright Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and provides scholarships to international students for graduate study and research in the United States. It includes visa sponsorship (J-1 visa), making it one of the best opportunities for global scholars.
Benefits:
- Tuition and fees covered
- Travel and visa costs included
- Health insurance
- Living stipend
Eligibility:
- Strong academic record
- English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)
- Commitment to return to your home country after studies
Apply at: Fully Funded Scholarships in the USA: The Complete Guide to Study with All Expenses Covered
3. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
Germany’s DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) offers thousands of scholarships to international students each year. It includes visa sponsorship support for all admitted students.
Benefits:
- Monthly stipend (€934–€1,200)
- Tuition-free education
- Health insurance
- Visa assistance and processing support
- Travel allowance
Apply at: www.daad.de
4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Scholarships (Europe)
The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship allows students to study at multiple European universities. Funded by the European Union, this program covers all visa-related documentation and costs.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly allowance (€1,400 per month)
- Health and travel insurance
-
Visa sponsorship for Schengen and national student visas
Eligibility:
- Must hold a bachelor’s degree
- Excellent academic record
- Open to all nationalities
Apply at: www.europa.eu/erasmus-plus
5. Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)
Funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Australia Awards Scholarships are fully funded and provide complete visa assistance to international students.
Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage
- Return airfare
- Establishment allowance
- Student visa fees covered
- Living expenses
Apply at: www.dfat.gov.au
6. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Switzerland)
Switzerland is known for its research-driven institutions and government-funded scholarships for international students. The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship includes visa sponsorship, travel, and living allowances.
Benefits:
- Monthly stipend
- Tuition and accommodation
- Health insurance
- Visa sponsorship by Swiss Embassy
Apply at: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships – Fully Funded
7. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK and Commonwealth Countries)
The Commonwealth Scholarships are offered to students from developing Commonwealth nations to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK. Visa costs are directly managed by the UK government and the host institution.
Benefits:
- Tuition and exam fees
- Travel and visa sponsorship
- Living allowance
- Family allowances (in some cases)
Apply at: Commonwealth Scholarships
8. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships (Japan)
The MEXT Scholarship by the Japanese Government provides free study opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students. It includes visa support through Japanese embassies worldwide.
Benefits:
- Full tuition
- Monthly stipend
- Round-trip airfare
- Visa assistance and sponsorship
Apply at: www.mext.go.jp
9. New Zealand Government Scholarships (New Zealand)
New Zealand offers fully funded scholarships that cover all major study costs, including visa application assistance.
Benefits:
- Tuition fees covered
- Living allowance
- Travel and insurance
- Visa sponsorship by New Zealand Immigration
Apply at: www.nzscholarships.govt.nz
10. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (Stanford University, USA)
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University is one of the most competitive scholarships globally, covering tuition, living expenses, and visa sponsorship for all international scholars.
Benefits:
- Full tuition
- Living stipend
- Airfare
- Visa sponsorship for all selected students
Apply at: knight-hennessy.stanford.edu
How to Apply for Scholarships with Visa Sponsorship
- Choose the Right Scholarship: Focus on those that match your field and degree level.
- Prepare Key Documents: Transcripts, recommendation letters, statement of purpose, and English test scores.
- Apply Early: Many programs close applications between August and December.
- Highlight Your Motivation: Emphasize leadership, innovation, and community service in essays.
- Follow Embassy Guidelines: Each country has specific visa rules for sponsored students.
Final Thoughts
Getting a scholarship with visa sponsorship in 2025 is one of the smartest ways to study abroad without financial stress. These programs not only cover your education and living expenses but also take care of your visa — giving you peace of mind from start to finish. Whether your dream destination is the USA, UK, Germany, Australia, or Japan, the opportunities are endless. Don’t wait — start preparing today and make your international education dream come true!