Types of study abroad scholarships: full, partial, school, government and business scholarships

🔄 Cập nhật lần cuối: 08/10/26

When first learning, many people only hear "scholarship" without knowing how each type is different. Understanding the types of study abroad scholarships will help you choose the right goals, accurately estimate the remaining expenses and avoid applying for scattered applications. Articles are classified according to two criteria: sponsorship level and sponsor.

Classify types of study abroad scholarships according to funding level

Full scholarship

Full scholarships usually cover full tuition and some or all living expenses. For example, according to information published by the Fulbright program for Vietnamese students, master's scholarships in the US cover tuition and fees, monthly living allowance, round-trip airfare and health insurance. The Japanese Government's MEXT Scholarship for graduate students covers tuition, airfare to and from Japan, and a monthly allowance (recently announced about 143,000–145,000 yen, subject to change).

However, "full package" doesn't mean it doesn't cost you anything: certification exam fees, visas, medical exams, excess baggage, and first week's expenses are usually still yours to take care of. Article Are full scholarships truly free? Analyze these accounts in detail.

Partial scholarship

Partial scholarships cover a portion of tuition fees – usually as a percentage (e.g. 25%, 50%) or a fixed amount per year. This is the most common type in Australian, British, Canadian, and American universities. The advantage is high quantity, lower competition rate; The downside is that the family still needs to prove and pay the rest.

The scholarship covers part of other expenses

Some scholarships do not pay tuition but support living expenses, housing, airfare or research costs. These can often be combined with tuition scholarships. See more articles stipend and tuition-free scholarships.

Sort by sponsor

Government scholarships

Funded by the destination government or the Vietnamese government, usually fully and with diplomatic and development goals. Typical: Chevening (UK), Fulbright (USA), Australia Awards (Australia), DAAD (Germany), MEXT (Japan), GKS (Korea). General characteristics:

• Very competitive, multi-round process, often with interviews.
• Appreciate leadership potential, work experience and contribution plans after returning home.
• Some scholarships have a mandatory condition of returning to your home country to work after graduation for a certain period of time.

School scholarships (entrance scholarships, faculty scholarships)

Awarded by the university itself, largely based on academic achievement (merit-based). Many schools automatically consider scholarships when you apply; others require a separate application and essay. At the university level in the US, there is also need-based financial aid. For doctoral level, the common form is teaching assistant/research assistant with free tuition.

Corporate and private foundation scholarships

Sponsored by a corporation, bank, non-profit organization or family foundation. Some types come with a commitment to work for a company after graduation, while others are just a one-time award. This type is rarely promoted so few people submit it - details in the article Corporate and private foundation scholarships.

Scholarships from international and regional organizations

For example, European Union programs such as Erasmus Mundus, or scholarships for ASEAN citizens. Strengths are good benefits and multinational environment.

Comparison table of types of study abroad scholarships

Specific benefits change each year; Always check the scholarship's official page before making financial plans.

What type of scholarship should I aim for?

A reasonable strategy for most is a combination of: 1–2 government scholarships (the “reaching goal”), 3–4 school scholarships (the main goal), and 1–2 corporate/fund sources (additional). This way reduces the risk of being left empty-handed if you miss out on a major scholarship.

• New graduate, good GPA: priority given to school scholarships and scholarships that do not require experience.
• People who have worked 2+ years: government scholarships such as Chevening, Fulbright, Australia Awards are very suitable.
• Research orientation: find a funded position through a professor – see Master's scholarship strategy.
• High school students: mainly school scholarships and boarding school scholarships – see scholarships for high school students.

To arrange these scholarships into a plan with a clear deadline, you can refer to 12-month scholarship hunting roadmap.

Frequently asked questions

Are full scholarships and 100% tuition scholarships the same?

Not necessarily. The 100% tuition scholarship only waives tuition, you still take care of your own living expenses. Full scholarships often include a living allowance and sometimes airfare and insurance.

Can I receive two scholarships at the same time?

It is possible, if the regulations of both allow it. Some full scholarships prohibit receiving additional funding; Partial school scholarships can often be combined with outside scholarships. Ask your school's scholarship office.

Are government scholarships required to return home?

Some have, for example, a requirement to return home for a period of time after graduation. These conditions are clearly stated in the regulations of each scholarship.

Does a partial scholarship make it easier to apply for a visa?

Scholarships help reduce the amount of financial proof needed, but the visa decision depends on the entire application, not just the scholarship.

Conclusion

Understanding the types of study abroad scholarships helps you set realistic goals and proactively prepare financially. Regardless of which scholarship you receive, the first flight is still an expense that needs to be calculated - please refer to the service air tickets to study abroad or contact hotline/Zalo 090.1800.918 for advice.

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