If you want a graduate scholarship, don’t waste time – where the scholarship actually comes: government, university, international organization, private foundation and large database/portal. Below you will find the most reliable source (official page), a mobile-friendly table with links and a small action plan so that you can apply today.
Where undergraduate scholarships come from (fast list):
- Government / national scholarships — countries run undergraduate scholarship programmes (often for international students or citizens). Check country portals and ministry pages.
- University undergraduate scholarships — top universities offer need-based or merit scholarships (some meet full cost for international undergrads).
- International organisation & development scholarships — banks and development funds run undergraduate schemes for member countries.
- Private foundations & corporate scholarships — targeted awards (STEM, women in STEM, regional programs).
- Scholarship portals & databases — one-stop search tools that aggregate hundreds of awards.
Quick Facts (Real, Official Examples):
- Türkiye Scholarships runs government undergraduate scholarships via the official portal. Turkey Scholarships
- Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) funds many undergraduate placements at Chinese universities. ChineseGovScholarship2025
- MEXT (Japan) offers undergraduate scholarships (embassy recommendations — read the official application guidelines). 日本留学情報サイト Study in Japan
- Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary) includes undergraduate scholarship tracks for international students. Embassy of Japan in the United States
- Several elite U.S. universities (Harvard, Yale, Princeton) provide full need-based financial aid to admitted international undergraduates — check each school’s financial-aid page. Harvard College+2Yale College Undergraduate Admissions+2
Quick-Reference Table:
| Source Type | Program / Where to search | What it covers (typical) | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government scholarships | Türkiye Scholarships (undergraduate & more) | Tuition + stipend + accommodation options (varies by award) | turkiyeburslari.gov.tr |
| Government scholarships | Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) – undergraduate tracks | Tuition + monthly stipend + accommodation (depends on university) | campuschina.org / CSC |
| Government scholarships | MEXT (Japan) — Embassy Recommendation (Undergraduate) | Tuition, monthly stipend, travel – check embassy call | studyinjapan.go.jp (MEXT) |
| Government scholarships | Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary) — Bachelors & Masters | Tuition + stipend + health insurance (varies) | stipendiumhungaricum.hu |
| University scholarships | Top universities (Harvard, Yale, Princeton) — need-based aid for internationals | Can meet full demonstrated need (tuition, room, board) — apply via each university | Harvard financial aid |
| University merit awards | Lester B. Pearson Scholarship (University of Toronto) — international undergrads | Tuition + books + residence support (highly competitive) | future.utoronto.ca/pearson |
| International organisations | Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) — undergraduate streams (member countries) | Tuition + monthly allowance or grants (eligibility: member countries) | isdb.org scholarships |
| Scholarship portals | ScholarshipPortal, IEFA, IIE, InternationalScholarships.com | Search hundreds of country/university/private awards in one place | ScholarshipPortal · IEFA |
✔️ All links above are official/major resources—use them as your first stop, then check the specific program call (deadlines & documents) on the official page.
How to choose the right scholarship (do this first):
- Country and degree level decide – narrow for 2-3 countries.
- Read the official call for application – eligibility, required tape, language proof. Always rely on the official site.
- Prepare the documents quickly: Transcript, passport copy, SOP (objective description), recommendation letter, MOI (medium of instructions) if necessary.
- Use portals to filter – are scholarship, IEFA and IIE search engines; Use them after knowing the country/region.
Scholarship portal+1
Fast application checklist:
- Read the official application page fully.
- Note deadline & timezone.
- Prepare passport, transcripts, SOP, 2–3 references.
- Get Medium-of-Instruction letter if degree was in English.
- Scan documents into PDF, name files clearly.
- Apply early & track application ID/email.
Start with 3 immediate actions: 1) open the table links above, 2) pick 2 programs you meet most eligibility for, 3) collect documents this week.
