Scholarships for International Relations

Disclosure: International Relations Careers may be compensated by course providers.

There are many different types of scholarships available to students. Some are based on financial need, while others are based on academic merit. There are also scholarships available for specific groups of people, such as minorities or women.

If you are interested in finding out more about scholarships, we have created an extensive list of scholarships for international relations:

International Scholarships

College of New Caledonia

The College of New Caledonia (CNC) was established in 1969 and is a post-secondary academic institution serving citizens of British Columbia’s Central Interior. The College of New Caledonia (CNC), Canada is offering partial undergraduate and graduate scholarships to prospective International Relations students. CNC scholarships, bursaries, and awards can provide an amount ranging from $500 to $1500 towards tuition fees to all successful applicants. The College of New Caledonia offers scholarships which are open internationally – to all students.

DAAD Scholarships

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) supports German and international students and researchers around the globe by providing funding for different study programs.  DAAD scholarships are aimed primarily at graduates, doctoral students and postdocs and are awarded for study and research visits to universities and non-university research institutions in Germany. In some programmes, internships are also funded. DAAD scholarships do not have to be paid back. They usually consist of a monthly scholarship payment (€ 861 for graduates and € 1,200 for doctoral/PhD students) and a flat-rate travel allowance. In many instances, DAAD also provides health, accident and personal liability insurance. Depending on the scholarship programme, it may include additional benefits.

Orange Knowledge Programme Netherlands

Orange Knowledge Programme Netherlands is a scholarship programme initiated and funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, open for International Students. The scholarship allows Short Training, Master’s level program(s) in the field of All Subjects taught at universities in the Netherlands. It provides prospective students with fully funded study opportunities. The Orange Knowledge Programme aims to contribute to a society’s sustainable and inclusive development. Its scholarships are open to mid-career professionals in a wide range of specific countries. The aim of the Orange Knowledge Programme is for the scholarship holder to return to their home country and employer.

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)

The World Bank’s Development Economics Vice Presidency (DEC) provides scholarships to students and young researchers. JJ/WBGSP is one of its active programs enabling mid-career professionals from 160 developing countries and Japan to complete Master’s degree programs in development-related fields. This scholarship provides funding for 48 Participating Programs at universities in U.S.A., Europe, Africa, Oceania and Japan. The value of the scholarship is full-funding, and it covers tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and travel allowance.

The Graduate Institute Geneva

The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, often referred as the Graduate Institute was founded in 1927 and is a government-accredited postgraduate higher education institution in Geneva, Switzerland. Among its graduates and professors are one UN Secretary-General (Kofi Annan), seven Nobel Prize winners, one Pulitzer Prize winner, and plenty of other ambassadors, foreign ministers, and heads of state. The Graduate Institute, which was founded by two senior League of Nations officials, has close ties to the United Nations, which is its successor. The Graduate Institute Geneva offers scholarships for master’s degrees in all the university’s subjects. The Graduate Institute Geneva will provide privileges to all successful candidates. Domestic students receive CHF 5000, while international students receive CHF 8000 as a tuition fee grant. Scholarships are usually partial (CHF 10,000 per year) or full (CHF 20,000 per year). In addition, students can get CHF 18000 for costs of living. The Graduate Institute Geneva offers scholarships which are open internationally – to all students.

Skidmore College need based Finaid

Skidmore College was established in 1903 and is a private liberal arts college in Saratoga Springs, New York. Skidmore College gives prospective students the opportunity to apply for a scholarship for bachelor’s degrees in any of the university’s subjects. Scholarships and financial aid include only tuition fees. Skidmore College need based Finaid offers scholarships which are open internationally – to all students.

BG Succes Scholarship

Bowling Green State University (BGSU) was established in 1910 and is a public research university in Bowling Green, Ohio. Bowling Green State University offers scholarships through the BG Succes Scholarship program and the Freshman Academic Scholarships program. The BG Succes Scholarship is open to students pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in any of the university’s subjects. The funding for this program is equal to one-half of the non-resident fee (currently rated $4,000) per academic year. The BG Succes Scholarship program offers scholarships which are open internationally – to all students.

Monmouth’s Academic Excellence International Awards

Monmouth University was founded in 1933 (officially 1995 after receiving its charter) and is a private university located in West Long Branch, Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States. Monmouth University’s Academic Excellence International Awards are open for bachelor’s degrees in any of the university’s courses. Applicants must have great academic achievement and possess a good cumulative grade point average (GPA). The Monmouth University offers scholarships with partial funding ($3,500 to $16,000). The Monmouth’s Academic Excellence International Awards offer scholarships which are open internationally – to all students (except citizens of the United States).

Collegio Superiore International Award

The University of Bologna (Italian: Università di Bologna, UNIBO) was the world’s first and oldest university, founded in 1088. The Collegio Superiore International Award offers bachelor’s degree scholarship in any of the university’s subjects. The amount of this scholarship is partial funding – €2,650, and it has been granted by the University of Bologna. The University of Bologna offers scholarships which are open internationally – to all students.

The VU Future Leaders Scholarship (International) / The VU Diplomatic Scholarship

Victoria University (VU) is an Australian university located in Melbourne. It is a dual-sector tertiary institution that offers higher education, as well as Technical and Further Education courses (TAFE). The VU Future Leaders Scholarship (International) and The VU Diplomatic Scholarship are available for bachelors and master’s degrees in any of the university’s subjects. The value of the VU Diplomatic Scholarship, which is offered by Victoria University, is partial funding –10% off tuition cost, whereas for the VU Future Leaders Scholarship – 20% off the first two semesters’ tuition fee are offered. Both scholarships can be extended. Victoria University offers scholarships which are open internationally – to all students.

Regional Victoria Experience Bursary

La Trobe University is a multi-campus public research university in Australia, with its main campus in Bundoora, a Melbourne district. In 1964, the university was established, making it the third university in Victoria and the twelfth university in Australia. Victoria’s Regional Experience Scholarships are available for bachelor’s and master’s degrees in any of the university’s courses. The worth of the scholarship is partial funding, $3000, and it is granted by La Trobe University. The Regional Victoria Experience Bursary offers scholarships which are open internationally – to all students.

Stockholm School of Economics

The Stockholm School of Economics, or SSE (Swedish: Handelshögskolan I Stockholm, or HHS), is a significant business institution in Europe. SSE provides bachelor’s, master’s, and MBA degrees, as well as prestigious PhD and extended Executive Education programs (customized and open programs). While Citizens of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland are free from paying tuition fees, the SSE offers numerous scholarships for prospective students all around the world. Candidates from China can apply for a scholarship at this prestigious school through the Catarina and Sven Hagströmer Scholarship. Applicants from Eastern Europe and Turkey (including Moldova, Macedonia, Azerbadjan, Ukraine, Belarus, Russia) can apply exclusively through the Af Jochnick Scholarships. Citizens of United States or Canada are able to further their studies through the American Friends of SSE Scholarship. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is a foundation that gives students from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar and Mozambique the opportunity to receive a scholarship for the Stockholm School of Economics. A big number of other scholarship opportunities are offered for citizens of Sweden, Germany, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan etc.

Concordia University Wisconsin International Undergraduate Student Scholarships

Concordia Institution Wisconsin, located in Mequon, Wisconsin, is a private Lutheran university. The institution is part of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod’s Concordia University System, that has eight members. Concordia University Wisconsin International Undergraduate Student Scholarships are available for bachelor’s degrees in the university’s courses. Students that apply without taking the ACT or SAT might receive up to $12,000 every academic year. Students that have taken the ACT or SAT might get up to $22,000 each academic year if they pass. The Concordia University Wisconsin offers scholarships which are open internationally – to all students.

Co-funded Monash Graduate Scholarship (CF-MGS)

Monash University is a public research university in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It is Victoria’s second-oldest university, having been established in 1958. In 2016, Monash was ranked in the top 20% of universities worldwide for teaching, top 10% for international orientation, top 20% for industry income, and top 10% for research. The Co-funded Monash Graduate Scholarship (CF-MGS) is available for masters and PhD degrees in the all of the university courses. Monash University is offering a scholarship with partial funding – up to $29,000. CF-MGS offers scholarships which are open internationally – to all students.

University of Manchester – MSc Social Research Methods and Statistics Scholarships in UK

The University of Manchester (UoM) was founded in 2004 when the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology and the Victoria University of Manchester united to establish the University of Manchester. MSc Social Research Methods and Statistics Scholarships at the University of Manchester are available for master’s degrees in the field of Social Research Methods and Statistics. The University of Manchester – MSc Social Research Methods and Statistics Scholarships provides prospective candidates up to GBP 6,000 towards tuition fees. The University of Manchester offers scholarships which are open internationally – to all students.

Laurentian University Academic Excellence Scholarships

The Laurentian University (Université Laurentienne) was founded in 1960 and is a mid-sized bilingual university in Greater Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. Laurentian University Academic Excellence Scholarships are available for bachelor’s degrees in any of the university’s eligible courses. The Laurentian University Academic Excellence Scholarships provide prospective candidates up to $60,000. The Laurentian University offers scholarships which are open internationally – to all students.

Berows International Scholarship Program Test (BISPT)

Berows International Scholarship Program Test (BISPT) is a scholarship program providing financial aid to meritorious students from all over the world. The BISPT scholarship program’s objective is to motivate the students by providing the scholarship and making students independent. This program aims to solve a student’s financial problems so students can progress in life without taking any loan for their education. The scholarship is offered for High/Secondary School, Bachelors and Master’s degree students in the field of All subjects. The full value of the scholarship amounts to $16,000 USD.

Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarships in Germany

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, is a German foundation for liberal politics, related to the Free Democratic Party offering scholarships to prospective Master’s degree students. The scholarship’s value is up to € 861 per month. In addition, there is a contribution to health insurance. The FNS offers further non-material support in the form of a variety of projects, events and initiatives. Both German and foreign students who study full-time at state or state-recognized universities and technical colleges are eligible to apply for the scholarship. The scholarship department of the FSN offers special programme lines in addition to the regular funding programme.

University College London – The Denys Holland Scholarships

Denys Holland Scholarship aims to support undergraduate students who without support, would be unable to secure the funding required to study at UCL, United Kingdom. The scholarship is offered for Bachelor’s degree in the field of any Undergraduate Programme offered at the University. The value of this scholarship is partial funding, and it amounts to £9,000 per year per year for three years, subject to satisfactory academic progress. All nationals are considered eligible to apply. Applicants must hold an offer of admission to UCL for full-time undergraduate study and be able to demonstrate broad interests and intend to be actively involved in, and contribute to, the life of the university.

Drexel Global Scholar Program

The Drexel Global Scholar program recognizes a select number of incoming international students with exceptional academic achievement and outstanding commitment to global leadership and international community building. The program encourages the active involvement of participants in valuable, peer-based mentorship and leadership development opportunities as well as team-building activities and community service. This scholarship is offered for Bachelor’s degree in the field of all subjects offered by Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. The value of this scholarship is partial funding covering the full cost of the tuition fee. Applicants of All nationalities are considered eligible to apply. Dexter University offers a wide variety of scholarships.

Fully-funded International Awards at Russia

Far Eastern Federal University is one of the leading Russian universities located close to the Asia-Pacific Region, offering scholarship opportunities for prospective students. Fully funded International Awards at Russia is offered for Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD degrees in the field of All Subjects offered at Far Eastern Federal University. Applicants of All nationalities are considered eligible. This scholarship is provided by Far Eastern Federal University and the value of this scholarship is full-funding, tuition fee and allowances up to 11,500 Rubles per month depending on the study programme.

Research Training Program international (RTPi) Scholarships

Research Training Program international (RTPi) Scholarships are funded by the Australian Government and awarded to international students of All nationalities based on academic merit and research potential. An RTPi scholarship covers tuition fees and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and provides a stipend ($28,597 per annum / 2021 rate) but does not provide support for travel expenses. The stipend is available for up to 3 years for a Doctoral program or a maximum of 2 years for a Master’s by Research Program. RTPi scholarships are offered by multiple universities located in Australia.

American University of Sharjah – Chancellor’s Scholars Awards in UAE

American University of Sharjah (AUS) has designated funds available for highly qualified undergraduate students with limited financial resources by offering a wide range of scholarships. AUS – Chancellor’s Scholars Awards in UAE is offered for Bachelor’s degree in the field of All Programs offered by the University. The value of this scholarship is full-funding, 75% to 100 % of the tuition, lab and housing fees. Prospective students of All nationalities are considered eligible. After their first semester, students may also qualify for additional scholarships.

SNU Global Scholarship

Seoul National University is a national Research University, offering scholarship opportunities for prospective students. SNU Global Scholarship 2021 is offered for Master’s degree in the field of All subjects offered at Seoul National University. The value of this scholarship is full-funding, tuition fee, living expenses and airfare. The amount of subsidies may vary depending on individual circumstances. Prospective students of All nationalities are considered eligible. Language training support can be offered for those who seek to master Korean Language as well as additional funding can be offered for those who require academic support.

Schwarzman Scholars

Schwarzman Scholars is the first scholarship created to respond to the geopolitical landscape of the 21st century. The scholarship is a fully-funded, one-year master’s degree and leadership program at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. Prospective students of all nationalities in the field of All Subjects offered by the University are considered eligible. Candidates must hold an Undergraduate degree or first degree from an accredited college or university. Scholars will receive a comprehensive scholarship, including: tuition & fees, room & board, in-country study tour, travel to and from Beijing, health insurance and stipend for personal expenses.

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program

The Fulbright Program, the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government, enables graduate students, young professionals and artists from abroad to study and conduct research in the United States and for U.S. citizens to go abroad. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program operates in more than 160 countries worldwide. The value of this scholarship is full funding covering tuition fees and benefits. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is administered by binational Fulbright Commissions/Foundations or U.S. Embassies. All Foreign Student Program applications vary and are processed by these offices in counties where they operate.

Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme

The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from select developing countries who have no other means of financing their studies. Scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant: 50% loan basis through a competitive application process once a year in June or July. Requests for Master’s level courses are given priority. Applications for PhD programmes may be considered only in the case of outstanding students, highly recommended for doctoral studies by their professors and who need a PhD for the fulfilment of their career objectives (academic or research oriented). The Foundation accepts applications from nationals of a specified list of countries. Preference is given to students under 30 years of age.

West Virginia State University’s Department of Political Science Scholarships

The Political Science department of West Virginia State University gives out over $20,000 per year in scholarships and awards. The qualifications for these scholarships vary on criteria such as performance within the major, financial need-status, West Virginia-residency, career plans, and involvement in campus activities. These scholarships are available to all of the Department’s majors, including Pre-Law Studies, American Politics, and International Relations. Applicants must be enrolled as a student at West Virginia State University in a major with the department of Political Science. All Nationals are considered eligible to apply.

The British Council IELTS Award

British Council – IELTS Award is offered for Bachelor’s, Master’s degree programmes in the field of Any subject offered by the universities. The award enables successful applicants to study at an undergraduate or postgraduate level at an institution of higher education anywhere in the world, in an English taught program that accepts IELTS as part of its admission requirements. The value of this scholarship is worth between £3,000 up to £10,000 depending on the tuition fees of the institution chosen by the scholarship holder. All nationals are considered eligible to apply.

Federal Ministry Of Education And Research, Germany Scholarship

The German Federal Ministry of Educations and Research offers scholarships for Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD degrees in the field of All subjects. The value of this scholarship is partial funding consisting of the value of this scholarship is partial-funding consisting of € 300 per month. Applicants of all nationalities are considered eligible to apply. The award lasts for at least 2 semesters and until the end of the standard study period. Applicants are selected based on their academic excellence.

Chevening Scholarship

Chevening Scholarships are awarded to individuals with demonstrable leadership potential and strong academic backgrounds. The scholarship offers full-funding for international students to study for any eligible master’s degree at any UK university. Applicants must be citizens of a Chevening-eligible country or territory and have at least two years (equivalent to 2,800 hours) of work experience prior to the applications. Once the award has ended, applicants must return to their country of citizenship for a minimum of two years.

Regional Scholarships

Symbiosis International Awards in India

Symbiosis International University (SIU) is a multi-institutional private coeducational university in Pune, Maharashtra, India. The UGC and the AICTE have given it official recognition. The university has received an ‘A’ grade from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council. Symbiosis International University (SIU) is a part of the Symbiosis Society. Symbiosis International University accepts students for a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university usually gives fully funded tuition fees scholarships. Symbiosis International University offers scholarships to students from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, as well as domestic students.

Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC)

Every year, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) of the United Kingdom (UK) provides approximately 900 scholarships and fellowships to Commonwealth nationals for postgraduate study and professional development. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships encourage outstanding and motivated students to achieve the skills and knowledge needed for sustainable development, and are intended for people who would not be able to afford to study in the UK otherwise. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) offers scholarships to citizens and permanent residents of developing Commonwealth countries.

The South Asia Scholarship (Undergraduate)

The University of Dundee is a public research university located in Dundee, Scotland’s city and royal burgh, on the east coast of the central Lowlands. It is routinely placed among the world’s top 250 universities, with several academic areas ranking in the top 100. The South Asia Scholarship (Undergraduate) is available to students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in all of the university’s courses. Candidates from South Asia are eligible for undergraduate scholarships worth of up to £25,000, while others are offered scholarships of £5,000 annually. The South Asia Scholarship (Undergraduate) offers scholarships to citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka.

European Union Undergraduate Scholarship

The Edinburgh Napier University is a Scottish public university located in Edinburgh. It has about 19,500 students on campus in Scotland, along with those enrolled in transnational programs abroad and online. The European Union Undergraduate Scholarship is available for bachelor’s degrees in all of the university’s courses. Successful European Union Undergraduate Scholarship candidates will be given a £3,000 scholarship for the first year of their studies. The Edinburgh Napier University offers scholarships to citizens and residents of certain eligible EU member countries.

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation awards merit-based scholarships to college students who plan to pursue careers in government or elsewhere in public service. Truman Scholars receive up to $30,000 for graduate or professional school, participate in leadership development activities, and have special opportunities for internships and employment with the federal government. Applicants must be nominated by the Truman Scholarship Faculty Representative at their institution. Applicants must be full-time college juniors, in the upper quarter of their class and U.S. citizens (or American Samoa).

Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Gates Cambridge Scholarship is offered for Masters, PhD degree in the field of All subjects offered by University of Cambridge with some exceptions. The value of this scholarship is full-funding including tuition fee, a maintenance allowance for a single student (£17,848 for 12 months at the 2021-22 rate; pro rata for courses shorter than 12 months), for PhD scholars the award is for up to 4 years with additional benefits. Applicants are selected based on their academic excellence. Citizens of any country outside the UK are eligible to apply.

National Scholarships

The Alice Belkin Memorial Scholarship

Alice Belkin Memorial Scholarships are awarded annually to outstanding minority graduate students in the field of international relations who need financial assistance. Applicants must be a student of color, enrolled in a graduate degree program at UCLA in studies related to the field of Globalization or International Relations. Only U.S. Citizens or permanent residents in the U.S. are considered eligible to apply. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Graduate students pursuing a JD, MBA, PhD, LLM, MPH, or MA may apply. Successful applicants will receive up to $4,000.

Widener University

Widener University, located in Chester, Pennsylvania, was established in 1821 as a private university. There are three more campuses of the university: two in Pennsylvania (Harrisburg and Exton) and one in Delaware (Wilmington). Scholarships for International Relations students are available through The Bonner Leaders (Presidential Service Corps) program. The Bonner Leaders program is available for undergraduate degrees in any of the university’s subjects. The Bonner Leaders (Presidential Service Corps) program grants awards of $5,000 USD per year to all successful candidates. These rewards can be renewed based on performances throughout the course. The Widener University offers scholarships which are open to United States citizens or a select list of high schools in specific areas.

‘Ko Te Tangata’ School Leaver Scholarship

The University of Waikato is a higher education university in Hamilton, New Zealand, with a smaller regional campus located in Tauranga. It was the first university in New Zealand to be built from the ground up, opening its doors in 1964. ‘Ko Te Tangata’ School Leaver Scholarship is available for undergraduate degrees in any of the university’s subjects. Each scholarship will be worth up to NZD 5,000 and will be awarded for a period of one year. The University of Waikato offers scholarships which are open only to citizens of New Zealand.

University of Birmingham – Hong Kong Outstanding Achievement Scholarships in UK

The University of Birmingham is a public research university located in Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom. As a successor of Queen’s College, Birmingham, it was granted a royal charter in 1900. The 10 University of Birmingham – Hong Kong Outstanding Achievement Scholarships in UK are available for undergraduate degrees in any of the university’s subjects. Successful applicants for University of Birmingham – Hong Kong Outstanding Achievement Scholarships in the United Kingdom will receive £2500 towards tuition costs only for the first year of studies. The University of Birmingham offers scholarships which are open only to citizens or residents of Hong Kong.