Dreaming of graduate school abroad? One of the biggest questions you’ll face is how to pay for it. Tuition, accommodation, and living costs can quickly add up, but the good news is that there are thousands of fully and partially funded scholarships available for Master’s and PhD students.
The real challenge is finding the right opportunities without wasting hours scrolling unreliable sites.
That’s where trusted scholarship platforms come in. These websites are built to connect international students with verified scholarships, fellowships, and funding programs worldwide.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the 10 best websites for Master’s and PhD scholarships, explain what makes each one special, and share smart tips for using them to secure funding. By the end, you’ll know exactly where to look, how to filter, and how to apply strategically.
Top 10 Websites for Graduate Scholarships
These platforms are widely recognized by students and universities for their reliability and updated listings. Each one can help you cut through the noise and focus on scholarships that truly match your goals.
FindAPhD (findaphd.com)
FindAPhD is a specialized platform that focuses exclusively on doctoral programs and research funding. With over 15 years of experience, it allows you to filter projects by subject, country, and type of funding.
What makes it unique is the extra resources—guides on research life, Erasmus programs, and advice on PhD loans. If you want to dive into research-based funding, this is your go-to.
FindAMasters (findamasters.com)
Think of FindAMasters as the “sibling” to FindAPhD, designed for students seeking Master’s-level opportunities.
It lists thousands of postgraduate programs globally and highlights which ones come with scholarships or stipends. The site also offers study guides, application advice, and funding overviews, making it easy to connect your degree search with financial aid.
ScholarshipPortal (scholarshipportal.com)
ScholarshipPortal, run by StudyPortals, is the largest scholarship search engine in Europe—but it also features global options.
You can refine your search by tuition range, subject area, or study level. Create a free profile to bookmark scholarships and receive alerts about new programs that match your academic interests.
Scholars4Dev (scholars4dev.com)
Scholars4Dev—short for Scholarships for Development—was built to support students from developing countries, but its listings benefit everyone.
The site posts regular updates on fully funded Master’s and PhD scholarships, as well as short-term training and fellowships. Its straightforward filters make it easy to focus on programs that align with your goals.
Scholarship-Positions (scholarship-positions.com)
This is one of the longest-running scholarship websites, with a focus on international opportunities.
It covers a wide range of graduate scholarships, including government-sponsored awards and university-specific funding. The platform is frequently updated, so you’ll always find ongoing calls and approaching deadlines.
ProFellow (profellow.com)
If you’re particularly interested in fellowships, research funding, or postdoctoral support, ProFellow is the site for you.
It provides a curated database of competitive fellowships around the world, and once you register, you gain access to insider tips and detailed application resources. Perfect for those aiming at research-heavy Master’s or PhD paths.
DAAD Scholarships (daad.de)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is one of the most respected funding organizations in the world.
Through its platform, you can access fully funded Master’s, PhD, and research scholarships for international students. Programs usually cover tuition, living expenses, and travel, making Germany one of the top destinations for graduate study.
Chevening Scholarships (chevening.org)
Chevening is the UK Government’s flagship scholarship program, offering prestigious fully funded awards for one-year Master’s degrees.
The website provides detailed guidance, including eligibility criteria, deadlines, and application tips. While extremely competitive, Chevening is highly regarded for its financial coverage and global alumni network.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program (foreign.fulbrightonline.org)
The Fulbright Program is the United States’ most prestigious international scholarship, supporting graduate study and research.
On the official site, you can explore Master’s and PhD scholarships, research fellowships, and application instructions for your country. Each country office posts its own deadlines and requirements, so make sure to check carefully.
Erasmus Mundus / Erasmus+ (ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus)
Erasmus Mundus scholarships are unique because they fund joint programs across multiple European universities.
Through the official Erasmus portal, you’ll find fully funded Master’s and PhD opportunities that cover tuition, living allowances, and travel costs. It’s one of the best platforms for students wanting both academic excellence and international exposure.
11. Makeoverarena (makeoverarena.com)
Makeoverarena is a fast-growing platform that shares up-to-date information on scholarships, fellowships, internships, and study-abroad opportunities.
The site is especially helpful for students who want clear, simplified guides on how to apply, alongside direct links to official applications. It also posts regular updates on fully funded scholarships for Master’s and PhD students.
If you’re looking for a site that combines scholarship opportunities with practical study-abroad tips, Makeoverarena is a strong addition to your shortlist.
How to Use These Sites Effectively
Finding scholarships is only half the work—winning them requires a system. Here’s a simple strategy:
- Shortlist Actively – Select at least 3–5 scholarships and track them carefully.
- Stay Organized – Use a spreadsheet to record links, requirements, deadlines, and submitted documents.
- Customize Your Application – Tailor your Statement of Purpose (SOP) and CV to reflect each program’s mission. Avoid copy-paste applications.
- Apply Early – Graduate scholarships often open 8–12 months before the academic year. Start preparing your references, test scores, and proposals in advance.
Financing a Master’s or PhD doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With these 10 trusted scholarship websites, you can simplify your search, stay updated on funding calls, and submit competitive applications.
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