Applying for scholarships abroad can be expensive, especially when students have to pay several university application fees, examination fees and document-processing costs.
For international students who want to study in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Europe, finding scholarships with no application fee can make the process more affordable.
Fortunately, some universities and scholarship programmes do not charge students to submit scholarship applications. Others waive university application fees for eligible international applicants.
This guide explains how to find these opportunities, highlights universities worth researching and shares practical tips for applying successfully.
What Are Scholarships With No Application Fee?
Scholarships with no application fee are funding opportunities that allow eligible students to apply without paying a separate fee to submit the scholarship application.
However, it is important to understand the difference between a scholarship application fee and a university admission application fee.
A scholarship may be free to apply for, while the university may still charge an admission fee. Some institutions offer application-fee waivers, allowing eligible international students to apply without paying either fee.
Students should always check the specific conditions before submitting an application.
1. Chevening Scholarships in the UK
Chevening is a UK government scholarship programme for outstanding individuals with leadership potential.
It supports eligible international students pursuing one-year master’s degrees at participating UK universities.
There is no separate fee to submit a Chevening scholarship application through its official application system.
The scholarship generally provides:
- University tuition fees.
- Monthly living allowance.
- Return travel to the UK.
- Certain arrival and departure allowances.
- Other eligible travel support.
However, applicants may still need to meet the admission requirements of their chosen universities.
Official website: https://www.chevening.org/
2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships
Erasmus Mundus offers scholarships for international students interested in joint master’s programmes delivered by European universities.
Students can apply for eligible programmes without paying a separate central Erasmus Mundus scholarship application fee.
Some participating universities or programmes may have their own admission procedures, so applicants should confirm whether any additional charges apply.
Scholarship benefits may include:
- Tuition and participation costs.
- Monthly living allowance.
- Travel support.
- Installation allowance.
- Insurance.
Official website: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/
3. University of Oxford Scholarships
The University of Oxford offers several scholarships to international postgraduate students.
Some funding opportunities, such as the Clarendon Fund, do not require a separate scholarship application. Eligible applicants are automatically considered when they submit their graduate application by the relevant deadline.
However, Oxford generally charges a graduate application fee. Eligible applicants may be able to request an application fee waiver.
This makes it important to distinguish between free scholarship consideration and free university admission applications.
Official website: https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/fees-and-funding
4. University of Cambridge Scholarships
The University of Cambridge provides several scholarship opportunities for international students.
Some awards are considered through the university’s general funding application process, while others require separate applications.
For example, eligible postgraduate applicants can be considered for certain funding opportunities through their admission application.
However, the university normally charges an application fee, although some applicants may qualify for a fee waiver.
Official website: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/funding
5. University of British Columbia Scholarships
The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers financial support opportunities for international students, including selected awards under its International Scholars Program.
Some scholarships are considered as part of the admission process, while others have additional requirements.
International applicants should check the relevant application instructions to determine whether a separate scholarship fee applies and whether an admission fee waiver is available.
Official website: https://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships-awards-international-students/
6. University of Toronto Scholarships
The University of Toronto offers several scholarships for international students.
One major opportunity is the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, which supports outstanding undergraduate students.
The scholarship itself does not have a separate application fee, but students must follow the university admission and school nomination procedures.
Applicants should also check the university’s current admission fee requirements.
Official website: https://future.utoronto.ca/pearson/
How to Find Universities With No Application Fees
Finding universities that do not charge application fees requires careful research.
Here are some useful methods:
1. Visit official university websites.
Search the admissions and international student sections for information about application fees and fee waivers.
2. Check scholarship application instructions.
Some scholarships do not require a separate application fee, even when university admission fees apply.
3. Look for application fee waiver programmes.
Certain universities waive application fees for eligible international students, students with financial difficulties or applicants participating in specific recruitment events.
4. Contact the admissions office.
If the information is unclear, send an email asking whether international applicants can receive an application fee waiver.
5. Apply through official scholarship portals.
Avoid unofficial agents or websites requesting unnecessary payments for supposedly free scholarship applications.
Documents You May Need
Although requirements vary, most scholarship applications require some of the following:
- Academic certificates and transcripts.
- International passport.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Personal statement or motivation letter.
- Recommendation letters.
- English-language test results, where required.
- Research proposal for certain postgraduate programmes.
- Evidence of financial need, where applicable.
Prepare digital copies of your documents before applications open.
Important Tips to Avoid Scholarship Scams
Scholarship scams often target students who are desperate to study abroad.
Keep these precautions in mind:
- Use official university and government websites.
- Do not pay individuals who promise guaranteed scholarships.
- Be cautious of emails requesting processing fees for awards advertised as completely free.
- Confirm scholarship deadlines directly with the institution.
- Never share sensitive banking information with unverified scholarship agents.
A legitimate scholarship programme should provide clear information about its organisers, eligibility requirements and application procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there scholarships abroad that are completely free to apply for?
Yes. Some scholarship programmes do not charge a separate scholarship application fee. However, university admission fees may still apply.
Can Nigerian students apply for scholarships with no application fee?
Yes. Nigerian students can apply for eligible international scholarships that accept applicants from Nigeria.
Do no-application-fee scholarships cover tuition and accommodation?
Not necessarily. The absence of an application fee does not determine the amount of scholarship funding. Some awards are fully funded, while others provide partial financial support.
Can I apply for several free scholarships at once?
Yes, provided you meet the eligibility requirements and follow the application rules of each programme.
Conclusion
Scholarships with no application fee can help international students reduce the cost of pursuing education abroad.
Opportunities such as Chevening, Erasmus Mundus and selected university scholarships provide ways to access international education without paying a separate scholarship submission fee.
However, students should always distinguish between scholarship fees and university admission fees. Research carefully, use official application portals and prepare your documents early to improve your chances of success.