Top 2023/24 International Scholarships for Development-Related Studies

If you’re passionate about improving living conditions in developing countries and enjoy studying, several scholarships can help make this possible. Many scholarships are available for those looking for development-related topics, from food security to sustainable energy. Whether you’re interested in development economics, public health, or another specialized field, you can find generous sponsors and fellowships to support your educational endeavors. However, read on to learn more about the top international scholarships for development-related studies.

Meanwhile, as the global community increasingly realizes the dire need to address issues like poverty, malnutrition, and disease, more international scholarship opportunities are being created that encourage students to study development-related topics. However, some of these scholarships target those who have already graduated from college and wish to continue their education to pursue careers in development. In contrast, others are aimed at students right out of high school who have plans to attend college and major in a development-related field.

20+ International Scholarships for Development-Related Studies

Many universities, foreign governments, and international organizations give scholarships to fund development-related studies (such as those in agriculture, education, global health, environment, public policy, peace, water, and sanitation, etc.). However, other scholarships support broad academic areas of study that advance one’s native nation.

Rotary Foundation Global Scholarship Grants (Any Country)

Scholarships in one of Rotary’s six development-related focus areas—peace and conflict prevention/resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, primary education and literacy, and economic and community development—can be funded through Rotary Foundation Global Grants. Moreover, the value of the research funding is at least $30,000. Generally speaking, study grants may be used in any nation with a Rotary club or district.

OFID Scholarship Award (Any Country)

OFID (The OPEC Fund for International Development) provides fully-funded scholarships to successful candidates who intend to study for a Master’s degree from a recognized university anywhere in the world in a field connected to development (subject to approval). Furthermore, the recipient of the OFID Scholarship Award will also get a monthly allowance to help with living expenses, books, and housing costs, in addition to up to $50,000 in tuition support.

Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship Program (Multiple Countries)

Students from World Bank member nations can receive financial aid to attend particular universities around the globe to study development-related subjects under the Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program. Moreover, the scholarships pay for tuition, a living stipend, and travel expenses associated with earning a master’s degree or equivalent.

ADB Japan Scholarship Program (Asian countries)

The goal of the Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) is to give highly qualified residents of ADB’s developing member countries the chance to pursue postgraduate studies in economics, management, science, and technology, as well as other development-related fields, by participating in academic institutions in the Asian and Pacific Region. Furthermore, full tuition fees, a monthly subsistence, and housing allowance, a stipend for books and school supplies, health insurance, and travel costs are all covered by the scholarship.

DAAD Scholarships for Development Related Postgraduate Courses (Germany)

International students can apply for scholarships from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) to take a variety of postgraduate courses at German universities that are focused on development. The scholarships are designed to help young professionals with academic backgrounds from poor nations pursue additional specialized training. Moreover, the scholarships include travel allowance unless these costs are paid by the home country or another source of funding, contributions towards health, accident, and personal liability insurance coverage, and monthly payments of 750 euros for graduates and 1,000 euros for doctoral candidates.

KAAD Scholarships for Developing Countries (Germany)

The postgraduates and academics with professional experience who are interested in postgraduate studies (or research stays) in Germany are targeted by the KAAD scholarships. Furthermore, the recipients of the scholarships must be nationals of emerging or developing nations in Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, or Africa. Although there is no particular subject preference, there is a little tendency toward “development-oriented” studies or studies that will be important for the applicant’s home country.

VLIR-UOS Scholarship Program (Belgium)

Every year, VLIR-UOS offers scholarships to students from developing nations who wish to enroll in one of the 6 ITPs or one of the 15 ICPs in subjects connected to international development. Moreover, the scholarships pay for all associated expenditures, including salary, lodging, travel, tuition, and insurance.

Hubert Humphrey Fellowships Program (USA)

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program offers seasoned professionals from specified nations around the globe a year of professional enrichment in the United States. Furthermore, the Fellowship offers ten months of non-degree academic education in the United States along with relevant work experiences. The majority of the study areas that qualify concern development. Moreover, the Fellowship covers tuition, a living stipend, insurance for accidents and illnesses, a book allowance, air travel, etc.

Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)

The Commonwealth Scholarships are geared toward students from the Commonwealth’s developing nations who desire to study for their master’s and doctoral degrees in the UK. Although all subject areas are acceptable, the CSC’s selection criteria give preference to proposals that show a strong connection to development. Moreover, each scholarship covers travel to and from the UK, tuition and test costs, personal maintenance expenses, a thesis award (if needed), and initial living expenses.

Allan & Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust Masters Scholarships at University of Sheffield (UK)

In partnership with the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust and the Sheffield Institute for International Development, the University of Sheffield offers three scholarships each year to citizens of developing nations who wish to enroll in one of the courses offered by the Sheffield Institute for International Development. Meanwhile, each scholarship provides a monthly stipend, upkeep for on-campus housing, and a full waiver of tuition fees.

Louis Dreyfus-Weidenfeld Scholarship and Leadership Programme (UK)

Outstanding students from developing nations in Africa, Asia, and South America are supported by the Louis Dreyfus-Weidenfeld Scholarship and Leadership Programme to pursue graduate studies at Oxford University. Graduate degrees in public and foreign policy, economics, environmental and water management, healthcare, agriculture, and health care are all eligible. The scholarship will provide a grant for living expenses in addition to paying all university and college tuition.

UEA International Development Full Fees Scholarships (UK)

Students enrolling in any full-time Master’s program offered by the University of East Anglia are eligible for competitive scholarships from the School of International Development that cover the full cost of EU or international tuition. The full £17,600 in tuition expenses are covered by the grant.

Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program (Any country)

Outstanding students from a few countries (Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Mozambique, and Madagascar) who have no other way to pay for their education are given a small number of postgraduate scholarships each year by the Aga Khan Foundation.

Applications are accepted from people who are originally from one of the aforementioned developing countries, are interested in studies relevant to development, and have no other means of financing their study in France, Portugal, the UK, the USA, and Canada. Scholarships are given out a year after a competitive application process on a 50/50 grant/loan basis. The Foundation solely helps students with living expenses and tuition. The scholar is often free to select any respectable university of his or her choosing, pending clearance.

Reach Oxford Scholarships (UK)

Students from developing nations who cannot pursue higher education in their home nations due to political, financial, or other obstacles may be eligible for Reach Oxford Scholarships from various Oxford colleges. Applicants must have the intention of finishing their studies and moving back to their country of permanent residency. The scholarships pay for college and university tuition, a grant for living expenses, and one round-trip ticket each year.

Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)

Australia Awards Scholarships, formerly known as Australian Development Scholarships (ADS), are financial aid opportunities for international students who wish to enroll in undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs at Australian universities. After finishing their education, recipients of scholarships are obligated to stay in their home country for two years to help with development efforts there. Full tuition fees, round-trip airfare, an establishment allowance, a contribution toward living expenses (CLE), overseas student health insurance (OSHC), and other perks are typically included in the benefits of scholarships.

New Zealand International Scholarships (New Zealand)

The New Zealand International Scholarships provide international students from particular developing nations in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean with the chance to study in New Zealand and acquire knowledge and skills through post-graduate study in particular subject areas that will help their home country’s development. The scholarships cover living expenses, insurance, and travel expenses.

American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (USA)

The American University’s Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is intended for outstanding overseas students who want to pursue a Bachelor’s degree and are committed to bringing about constructive social and political change. It is designed for students who will go back to their native countries to help underdeveloped, underserved areas there. The AU EGL scholarship covers all expenses for housing and food.

Developing Solutions Scholarships at the University of Nottingham (UK)

International students from Africa, India, or other developing Commonwealth members who wish to pursue a Master’s degree at the University of Nottingham and contribute to the growth of their home nation are eligible for the Developing Solutions Scholarships. A total of 105 scholarships are given out annually, with 30 covering the entire cost of tuition and 75 covering half.

University of West England Millennium Scholarships (UK)

The Millennium Development Scholarship is made available by the University of the West of England, Bristol. It is aimed at foreign students who want to contribute to their nation’s achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. The scholarship recipient is obliged to complete an internship with the International Development Office. The scholarship covers the entire cost of tuition.

Final Thoughts

You may be qualified for a number of international scholarships if you’re a student from a developing country. Such as parts of Asia, Africa, Latin America, or the Middle East. These scholarships are designed to increase the diversity and inclusivity of the student body at universities around the world. Finding a scholarship that works for you may require some shrewd scholarship hunting and a little bit of flexibility. Because many scholarships for students from developing countries will have additional requirements. Such as a specific country of origin or destination, a specific subject of study, or connections to a particular university.

There is, however, no particular reason why you can’t start applying for ten or more international scholarships right away. As always, specific colleges and other outside organizations may offer extra funding opportunities. Search online for more opportunities, and look at the websites of the school you are considering to learn more about funding and international scholarships.