Are you an international student dreaming of pursuing higher education in Asia but worried about the financial burden? You’re not alone! Asia is rapidly becoming a global hub for academic excellence, offering world-class universities, diverse cultures, and incredible career opportunities. However, the cost of tuition, living expenses, and other fees can often feel overwhelming.
The good news is that numerous prestigious scholarships are available specifically for international students looking to study in Asia in 2025. These fully or partially funded opportunities can turn your academic aspirations into a reality, easing the financial strain and allowing you to focus on your studies and cultural immersion.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unveil the 12 best scholarships in Asia for international students in 2025, detailing their benefits, eligibility criteria, and application processes. Get ready to explore a world of possibilities and find the perfect scholarship to launch your academic journey in the vibrant continent of Asia!
Best Scholarships in Asia for International Student
1. MEXT Scholarship (Japan)
The Monbukagakusho (MEXT) Scholarship, offered by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, is one of the most prestigious and comprehensive scholarships available for international students in Japan. It covers various study levels, including undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. programs.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must generally be under a certain age (e.g., under 35 for Master’s/Ph.D., under 25 for Undergraduate, with some exceptions).
- Must be a national of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan.
- Possess excellent academic records.
- Meet the language proficiency requirements (Japanese or English, depending on the program).
- Be willing to learn Japanese culture and language.
- Application Process:
- Applications are typically submitted through Japanese embassies/consulates in the applicant’s home country (Embassy Recommendation) or directly to a Japanese university (University Recommendation).
- The process usually involves submitting an application form, academic transcripts, research plan (for graduate studies), letters of recommendation, and language proficiency certificates.
- Interviews and written examinations may also be part of the selection.
- Deadlines: Application periods vary significantly depending on the recommendation type and university. Embassy recommendations often open in April-May for the following year, with university recommendations having their own specific deadlines, sometimes as early as October-December of the preceding year. For 2025 intake, some university recommended MEXT applications might have closed in late 2024, but it’s crucial to check individual university websites and the Japanese Embassy in your country for the most current 2025/2026 deadlines.
2. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) – Formerly KGSP (South Korea)
The Global Korea Scholarship, provided by the Korean government, aims to provide international students with opportunities to study in higher education institutions in Korea to promote international exchange in education and mutual friendship between countries. It’s a fully-funded scholarship for undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be citizens of countries invited by NIIED (National Institute for International Education Development).
- Age requirements vary by program (e.g., generally under 25 for undergraduate, under 40 for graduate).
- Academic requirements: Specific GPA requirements apply, typically a minimum CGPA of 2.64 out of 4.0 or equivalent.
- Good health, both mentally and physically.
- Neither the applicant nor their parents should hold Korean citizenship.
- Application Process:
- There are two main tracks: Embassy Track (applying through the Korean Embassy in your country) and University Track (applying directly to a Korean university).
- Required documents include application forms, personal statement, study plan, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of citizenship.
- The embassy track usually involves an interview at the embassy.
- Deadlines: For 2025 intake, the Embassy Track typically opens around February-March 2025 for graduate programs, with results announced by June. Undergraduate applications usually open in September-October for the following year. Deadlines can vary by country and specific program, so checking the Study in Korea website and your local Korean Embassy/Consulate is essential.
3. Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) (Singapore)
SINGA is a fully-funded scholarship for international students who wish to pursue a Ph.D. in Science and Engineering at Singaporean universities. It fosters research talent and promotes scientific advancement.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Open to all international graduates with a passion for research and excellent academic results.
- Applicants should have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with strong academic performance.
- Proficiency in English.
- Not be a Singapore citizen or permanent resident.
- Application Process:
- Applications are submitted online through the SINGA application portal.
- Applicants need to select up to three research projects/supervisors.
- Required documents typically include academic transcripts, passport, recommendation letters, and a research proposal.
- Deadlines: SINGA has two application windows annually. For studies commencing in August 2025, the application deadline for the first period is typically June 1, 2025, and for studies commencing in January 2026, the second period deadline is usually December 1, 2025.
4. Asian Development Bank – Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)
The ADB-JSP provides scholarships for postgraduate studies in development-related fields at participating academic institutions in the Asia-Pacific region. It’s for citizens of ADB’s developing member countries.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a national of an ADB borrowing member country.
- Have a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
- Have at least two years of full-time professional working experience.
- Be under a specific age limit (often 35, with some exceptions for senior officials).
- Not be living or working in a country other than their home country.
- Meet the admission requirements of the chosen participating institution.
- Application Process:
- Applicants must first gain admission to an ADB-JSP participating university program.
- The scholarship application is typically made through the university.
- Required documents include application forms, academic records, proof of employment, and a statement of purpose.
- Deadlines: Deadlines are set by individual participating universities. Some university application deadlines for the ADB-JSP for the 2025 intake might extend into July 2025 or even later, but it’s crucial to check the specific university’s admissions page for the ADB-JSP.
5. Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS) (China)
The Chinese Government Scholarship is a comprehensive scholarship offered by the Chinese Ministry of Education to international students, covering various levels of study (undergraduate, master’s, Ph.D.) across a wide range of universities.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens in good health.
- Educational background and age limits apply (e.g., under 25 for undergraduate, under 35 for Master’s, under 40 for Ph.D.).
- Meet the academic and language proficiency requirements of the chosen program and university.
- Not be a beneficiary of any other scholarship.
- Application Process:
- Applicants can apply through their home country’s Chinese Embassies or Consulates (Type A) or directly to Chinese universities (Type B).
- The process involves online application, submission of academic transcripts, study plan/research proposal, recommendation letters, and language proficiency certificates (HSK for Chinese-taught programs, IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught programs).
- Deadlines: Application periods vary widely. Embassy applications typically run from November to April for the following academic year. University applications can have different deadlines, often closing around March or April 2025 for the Fall 2025 intake. It’s essential to check the CSC (China Scholarship Council) website and the specific university’s international admissions page.
6. Schwarzman Scholars Program (China)
This highly selective scholarship funds a one-year Master’s degree at Tsinghua University in Beijing, designed to prepare future global leaders.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must have an undergraduate degree or be graduating by August 1 of the enrollment year.
- Be 18-29 years of age as of August 1 of the enrollment year.
- Demonstrate strong leadership potential, academic excellence, and a commitment to understanding global issues.
- English proficiency is required (TOEFL or IELTS).
- Application Process:
- The application is submitted online and requires essays, letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, and a video introduction.
- Shortlisted candidates participate in interviews.
- Deadlines: The application for the 2025 intake for international applicants typically closes around September 2025. For applicants from Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, the deadline is usually earlier, around May 2025.
7. Chevening Scholarships (Asia focus)
While a global scholarship, Chevening is a significant opportunity for students from many Asian countries to pursue a one-year Master’s degree in any subject at any UK university.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country/territory (many Asian countries are included).
- Return to your country of citizenship for a minimum of two years after your award has ended.
- Have completed all components of an undergraduate degree that will enable you to gain admission to a postgraduate programme at a UK university.
- Have at least two years of work experience.
- Apply to three different eligible UK university courses and receive an unconditional offer from one of your choices by a specified date.
- Application Process:
- Applications are submitted online through the Chevening website.
- Requires essays, academic and professional references, and a valid passport.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.
- Deadlines: Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year (which would commence in September/October 2026, so for the 2025 application cycle for this) typically open in August 2025 and close in November 2025.
8. Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) (Hong Kong)
Established by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC), this scheme aims to attract the best and brightest students from around the world to pursue PhD studies in Hong Kong universities.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be new full-time Ph.D. students.
- Possess outstanding academic performance and research ability/potential.
- Meet the admission requirements of the specific university and program.
- Application Process:
- Candidates must first make an initial application online through the HKPFS Electronic System to obtain a reference number.
- Then, they submit full applications to their chosen universities, quoting the HKPFS reference number.
- Deadlines: The initial application to the HKPFS system typically opens in September and closes around December 1, 2024 (for 2025/2026 intake). Individual university application deadlines may vary but generally align closely with this timeframe.
9. KAIST International Student Scholarship (South Korea)
The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) offers its own scholarships to international students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in science and engineering.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Open to international applicants who hold foreign citizenship.
- For Master’s/Ph.D., applicants must hold or expect to hold a Bachelor’s/Master’s degree by the enrollment date.
- Must have completed their entire elementary, junior high, and high school education outside of Korea.
- Excellent academic records.
- Application Process:
- There is no separate scholarship application; applicants are automatically considered for the KAIST scholarship when they apply for admission.
- The application is done online through the KAIST admissions portal.
- Required documents include academic transcripts, personal statement, study plan, and letters of recommendation.
- Deadlines: For Fall 2025 intake, the online application deadline for graduate programs typically closes around March 25, 2025. Undergraduate deadlines might be different. It’s crucial to check the official KAIST international admissions website for the most up-to-date information.
10. TaiwanICDF Scholarship Program (Taiwan)
The Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF) offers scholarships to students from partner countries for undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. programs at universities in Taiwan.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Be a national of a country that is eligible for TaiwanICDF cooperation (specific list of countries provided by TaiwanICDF).
- Meet the admission requirements of the partner universities.
- Academic merit and good moral character.
- Must not hold ROC (Taiwan) nationality.
- Have never had any scholarship revoked by any ROC (Taiwan) government agency or related institution.
- Application Process:
- Applicants must first apply for admission to a program at a TaiwanICDF partner university.
- Simultaneously, an online application for the TaiwanICDF scholarship must be completed.
- Required documents include academic transcripts, diplomas, health certificate, and letters of recommendation.
- Deadlines: The application period typically runs from December 2024 to March 15, 2025, for the 2025 academic year.
11. Great Wall Program Scholarship (China)
This scholarship, co-sponsored by UNESCO and the Government of the People’s Republic of China, supports scholars and students from developing countries for study and research in China.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be from a developing country.
- Meet specific age and academic qualifications for the chosen program (e.g., General Scholars, Senior Scholars, Master’s, Ph.D.).
- English proficiency is generally required; Chinese proficiency (HSK Level 3 or 4) for Chinese-taught programs.
- Be in good health.
- Application Process:
- Applicants usually apply through their National Commissions for UNESCO.
- The application typically involves submitting an online form, academic documents, study plan, and recommendation letters.
- Deadlines: The deadline for National Commissions to submit nominations to UNESCO is often around February 12, 2025, for the 2025-2026 academic year. Therefore, applicants should aim to complete their applications to their National Commissions well in advance of this date.
12. ASEAN Scholarship (Singapore)
The ASEAN Scholarship is offered by the Ministry of Education, Singapore, to bright students from ASEAN member countries to study in selected Singapore secondary schools or junior colleges. While primarily for pre-university levels, it’s a significant regional opportunity. Note: For university-level scholarships, explore individual university websites in Singapore, as they often have specific scholarships for ASEAN students.
- Eligibility Criteria (for pre-university):
- Be a citizen of an ASEAN member country (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam).
- Strong academic results and an excellent record of co-curricular activities.
- Meet specific age and academic requirements for the targeted level (Secondary 1, Secondary 3, or Pre-university 1).
- Application Process:
- Applications are typically made online through the Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE) website.
- Selection usually involves a selection test and an interview.
- Deadlines: Application periods vary by country, generally from January to May for the following academic year. For the 2025 intake, specific country deadlines would have likely occurred in early 2025. It’s best to check the official MOE Singapore website for the latest updates.
Conclusion
Studying in Asia offers a multitude of benefits beyond financial support. You’ll gain a global perspective, immerse yourself in rich and diverse cultures, develop invaluable language skills, and forge international networks that can significantly boost your future career prospects. While challenges like language barriers or cultural adjustments might arise, the support systems at Asian universities are increasingly robust, and the rewards of this unique experience far outweigh any hurdles.