Planning to study abroad in 2025 but worried about tuition fees? Don’t let money stop your dreams! While most students know about big-name scholarships like Chevening (UK) or Fulbright (USA), there are many lesser-known but powerful scholarships that can fund your education overseas — and you probably haven’t heard of them.

Here’s a curated list of unique and underrated scholarships for international students in 2025 that could be your ticket to an affordable global education.

🌍 1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EU)

Country/Region: European Union (Multiple countries)
Level: Master’s
Coverage: Full tuition, travel, visa, and monthly stipend

Erasmus Mundus allows students to study across multiple European countries under one program. You can earn a joint or double degree and experience different cultures — all on a fully funded basis.

Why it’s underrated: Many students think it’s only for Europeans, but it’s open to students worldwide.

🔗 Website

🇨🇦 2. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (Canada)

University: University of Toronto
Level: Undergraduate
Coverage: Full tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence support for 4 years

This is one of Canada’s most prestigious awards for international students, recognizing academic excellence and leadership potential.

Why it’s underrated: Limited to the University of Toronto, but it’s a golden opportunity with very few knowing about it early.

🔗 Website

🇳🇿 3. Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships

Country: New Zealand
Level: Undergraduate & Postgraduate
Coverage: Full tuition, living allowance, travel, insurance, and more

This government scholarship supports students from select countries, particularly in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Pacific, with a focus on development and leadership.

Why it’s underrated: It’s incredibly generous but underpublicized compared to Australian awards.

🔗 Website

🇩🇪 4. DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme – Master’s in Public Policy & Good Governance (Germany)

Level: Master’s
Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend (€934), travel, and insurance

Offered by Germany’s prestigious DAAD, this program is ideal for students aiming to lead in government, public administration, or NGOs.

Why it’s underrated: It’s different from regular DAAD scholarships — very specific and ideal for leadership-focused students.

🔗 Website

🇯🇵 5. MEXT Scholarship (Japan)

Provider: Japanese Government
Level: Undergraduate, Research (Masters/PhD)
Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, and airfare

A fantastic opportunity to study in Japan’s world-class universities while experiencing its rich culture.

Why it’s underrated: Many students assume it’s only for STEM, but MEXT supports a wide range of subjects including humanities, business, and arts.

🔗 Website

🇺🇸 6. #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship (USA)

Provider: Multiple U.S. universities
Level: Undergraduate
Coverage: At least 50% tuition

This scholarship promotes intercultural exchange and is offered by over 50 U.S. colleges. It’s open to all international students who show interest in bridging cultural divides.

Why it’s underrated: It’s decentralized, offered directly through participating universities, and often overlooked.