Top 10 Asian Countries With Surprisingly Generous Scholarships (2025-2026)

Why apply for scholarships in Asia?

• Fully funded support: Many Asian governments cover tuition, housing, stipends, living expenses, healthcare and airfare, allowing students to focus on studies rather than money.
• Cultural accessibility: Asia, with its strong educational standards, offers a rich tapestry of cultural and linguistic diversity, broadening horizons and enriching your understanding of the world.
• Cost efficiency: Living costs are often far lower than in the West, making scholarships go further.
• Career pathways: Several countries provide post-study work or research visas, ensuring that your investment in education yields long-term benefits.

Note: Immigration and scholarship rules are subject to change; always confirm on the official ministry/university pages. USD conversions are approximate and may vary based on current exchange rates.

Top scholarships by country

While Japan, China, Singapore, and South Korea remain the traditional favorites, several countries, such as Indonesia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, are emerging as popular Asian study destinations, offering generous scholarships with less competition. These programs often have higher acceptance rates and connect students to rapidly growing research hubs.

Japan

MEXT (Monbukagakusho) is Japan’s premier government‑funded award, available for undergraduate, graduate, teacher‑training, and specialized college programs through embassy or university recommendations.

• Application window: April to May via embassy/university channels.
• Eligibility: 17-35 years old, depending on the course; strong academic background; health and nationality conditions apply.
• Language tests: Japanese and English exams (undergrad applicants take Japanese, English, math, and sciences).
• Work during study: Up to 28 hrs/week permitted. (This rule applies to all student visa holders and lets scholars supplement their stipend if needed, as long as academic progress is maintained.)
• Post-study options: Graduates can apply for a job search or research visa.
• Living-cost band: ~USD 900-USD 1,200/month (Tokyo).
• Scholarship covers: Full tuition waiver, round‑trip airfare, monthly stipend (JPY 117,000-JPY 145,000 ≈ USD 780-USD 960), and health insurance (mandatory enrollment for a small monthly premium) for the duration of the study.

South Korea

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), managed by NIIED under Korea’s Ministry of Education, is a fully funded program that enables international students to pursue undergraduate, associate, master’s, or PhD degrees at leading universities in South Korea.

• Application window: January-April for graduate applications (undergraduate deadlines are earlier in the fall).
• Eligibility: Citizens of NIIED-designated countries (parents not Korean), under 25 for undergraduate, under 40 for graduate; strong academics (min 80% or top 20%).
• Language tests: Optional initially; TOPIK 5-6 exempts from the Korean language course. English scores (IELTS/TOEFL) add merit points.
• Work during study: Part-time jobs are allowed after the first semester.
• Post-study options: D‑10 job‑seeker visa available for graduates.
• Living-cost band: ~USD 800-USD 1,000/month (stipend sufficient).
• Scholarship covers: Full tuition (up to 5 million KRW/semester), settlement allowance, monthly stipend (KRW 900,000-KRW 1,500,000 depending on level), round-trip airfare, one‑year Korean language training, health insurance, and research/thesis support.
• Quota (2026): 280 undergraduates (150 Embassy Track, 130 University Track).

China

The China Scholarship Council (CSC) Scholarship is a fully funded program for international students to study in China, covering tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and other allowances. It provides access to China’s leading universities and promotes academic and cultural exchange.

• Application window: Many universities accept applications from December to April; deadlines vary by institution.
• Eligibility: Non‑Chinese citizens in good health; under 25 for undergraduate, under 35 for master’s and under 40 for PhD programs.
• Language tests: HSK level 3 for Chinese‑taught undergraduate courses; level 4 for master’s/doctorates. English‑taught programs may require IELTS/TOEFL.
• Post‑study options: Graduates may apply for work visas or research permits; China is expanding stay‑back policies.
• Living-cost band: ~USD 500-USD 700/month.
• Scholarship covers: Full tuition, accommodation, living allowance, and comprehensive medical insurance for the entire study period.

Türkiye

Türkiye, a trans-continental nation bridging Asia and Europe, is generally included among Asian scholarship destinations due to its regional education policies and cultural ties. The Türkiye Burslari Scholarships are government-funded programs designed to attract outstanding international students to pursue undergraduate, graduate, and PhD degrees at Turkish universities while promoting cultural exchange.

• Application window: January-February
• Eligibility: Open to international students meeting age limits (under 21 for undergraduate, 30 for master’s and 35 for PhD) and academic requirements.
• Language Tests: Programs may be offered in Turkish or English (a year of Turkish-language preparation is provided if needed).
• Post-study options: Graduates may seek work under Türkiye’s immigration rules.
• Living-cost band: ~USD 400-USD 600/month.
• Scholarship covers: Full tuition fees, accommodation in state dormitories, health insurance, return airfare, and a monthly stipend (varies by undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels).

Singapore

The SINGA – Singapore International Graduate Award is a collaboration between Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), and Singapore Management University (SMU).

• Application window: Two intakes per year; applications usually close 1 December (for August intake) and 1 June (for January intake).
• Eligibility: Open to all international students with excellent academic results and a strong research interest. Applicants must have good English proficiency and positive academic references.
• Fields of study: PhD research in Biomedical Sciences, Engineering, Computing, and Physical Sciences.
• Post‑study options: Many graduates take up research positions in Singapore’s institutes or industry.
• Living-cost band: ~USD 1,200-USD 1,800/month.
• Scholarship covers: Full PhD tuition fees, a monthly stipend of USD 2,000, increased to USD 2,350 upon passing the qualifying examination, a one-time airfare grant, and a settling-in allowance.

Malaysia

The Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS), administered by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), supports outstanding graduates from eligible countries to pursue full-time postgraduate studies in Malaysia’s top universities.

• Application window: Opens early each year (refer to MOHE portal for current cycle).
• Eligibility: Citizens of MIS 2025 recipient countries; under 40 years (Master’s) or under 45 years (PhD), strong academic record (CGPA ≥ 3.0 or equivalent), IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 550 or degree taught in English.
• Fields of study: Education, arts and humanities, social sciences, business, natural sciences, ICT, engineering, agriculture and health (excluding medicine/nursing).
• Participating universities: 20 public and 4 private institutions, including Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), and Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP)
• Work during study: Not allowed unless with written approval from the host university.
• Post-study options: Graduates can seek employment locally after completing their studies by applying for a work visa.
• Living-cost band: ~USD 320-USD 400/month (stipend sufficient for basic expenses).
• Scholarship covers: Full tuition (paid directly to the university) and a monthly living allowance of RM 1,500 (≈ USD 320)

Hong Kong

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS), established by the Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong, aims to attract outstanding students from around the world to pursue full-time PhD studies at Hong Kong’s leading universities.

• Application window: Applications usually open in September and close on 1 December for admission the following September.
• Eligibility: Open to all international PhD applicants.
• Language tests: English proficiency through IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent as required by the host university.
• Participating universities: Includes eight University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded institutions, such as The University of Hong Kong (HKU), The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).
• Work during study: PhD candidates may participate in on-campus or research-related activities, as permitted by their institutions.
• Post-study options: Graduates can apply for a 24-month post-study job visa to gain professional experience in Hong Kong.
• Living-cost band: ~USD 1,800-USD 2,500/month.
• Scholarship covers: Annual stipend of HKD 340,000 (~USD 43,700) and a conference and research-related travel allowance of HKD 14,000 (~USD 1,800) per year for up to three years. Universities may offer top‑up funds or housing allowances.

Taiwan

The Taiwan Scholarship encourages international students to pursue degree programs at universities in Taiwan, promoting educational and cultural exchange.

• Application window: February-March (exact date varies by country or Taiwan mission).
• Eligibility: Non-Taiwanese citizens with a good academic record and no prior MOE or MOFA scholarship. Applicants must apply directly through Taiwan’s overseas missions.
• Language tests: TOEFL/IELTS for English-taught programs; TOCFL required for Chinese-taught programs.
• Work during study: Allowed with a valid work permit under Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor regulations.
• Post-study options: Graduates may apply for a job‑seeking visa or employment in Taiwan after graduation.
• Living-cost band: ~USD 600-USD 900/month, depending on the city.
• Scholarship covers: Tuition and academic fees (up to NTD 40,000 per semester), plus a monthly stipend of NTD 15,000 (≈USD 480) for undergraduates and NTD 20,000 (≈USD 640) for master’s and PhD students.

Indonesia

The KNB Scholarship is the Government of Indonesia’s flagship scholarship designed for students from developing countries to study at Indonesian universities for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs.

• Application window: January-March.
• Eligibility: Citizens of developing countries; high school graduates for bachelor’s, bachelor’s degree holders for master’s (under 35), and master’s holders for PhD (under 40).
• Language tests: Applicants may be required to submit proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL/IELTS) or Bahasa Indonesia proficiency.
• Post‑study options: Graduates may stay for research or work with appropriate visas.
• Living-cost band: Affordable; stipend sufficient for daily needs.
• Scholarship covers: Full tuition, accommodation (depends on the host university), round-trip airfare, monthly living allowance, health insurance, and a settling-in allowance.

Saudi Arabia

King Abdulaziz University (KAU), one of the leading universities in Saudi Arabia, presents fully funded scholarships for international students to pursue master’s and PhD programs. 

• Application window: The scholarship is open year‑round; however, screening usually occurs twice a year.
• Eligibility: All nationalities may apply. Applicants must be under 30 for master’s and under 25 for PhD programs, hold a bachelor’s degree, submit English test scores and recommendation letters.
• Post-study options: Graduates can apply for academic or research positions within Saudi universities.
• Living-cost band: USD 300-USD 500 per month in Jeddah and other Saudi cities; the stipend generally covers basic living expenses.
• Scholarship covers: Monthly grant, research assistant stipend, preparation allowance, complete medical care, free accommodation and facilities, subsidized meals, thesis‑printing allowance, book‑shipping allowance and an annual round‑trip airfare.

Quick scan: 2025-2026 Scholarship overview

Quick tips for applicants

• Start early: Major deadlines typically fall between January and April.
• Apply through official portals: Use embassy or university websites rather than third‑party agents. Fraudulent websites are common.
• Prepare documents early: Ensure passports, transcripts, recommendation letters, language certificates, and study plans are ready.
• Prepare for language training: Many scholarships require or include compulsory language courses. Studying the local language beforehand will make your transition smoother.

FAQs

• Do I always need to take the IELTS or TOEFL?
  Not necessarily. Several programs accept proof of previous English‑medium education or waive language tests if you submit national language scores. However, providing a recognized English test score can strengthen your application, especially for competitive scholarships.
• Can I work part-time while studying?
  Yes, but with conditions. Always check visa conditions and ensure work doesn’t affect academic progress.
• Can I stay in the country to look for jobs after graduation?
  Several Asian countries offer post-study job visas and stay-back options ranging from 6 to 24 months for job searching or research purposes.
• Can my spouse or dependents join me?
  Most scholarships allow dependents to be supported through dependent or family visas. However, approval depends on immigration policy and financial proof.
• Are acceptance rates much higher compared to Western scholarships?
  Generally yes. Asian government scholarships often prioritize diversity and encourage applications from Africa, the Middle East and South Asia. Less competitive programs (e.g., KNB in Indonesia, MOE in Taiwan, KAU in Saudi Arabia) may have higher acceptance rates.
• Are these scholarships truly fully funded?
  Most cover full tuition, housing, and stipends. Some may not include airfare or certain research costs, so constantly review the latest official call notice for details.