Students from Asian countries now have numerous opportunities to acquire quality education. Education is no longer for those who can afford it. Scholarships have made it possible for everyone to have a chance at quality education. In the past, high cost of tuition and living expenses made it extremely challenging for many Asian students to pursue their dreams of studying abroad. The good news is that every year, national governments and universities offer thousands of scholarships specially designed to support students from Asian countries.

If you are currently living in any country in Asia, this blog post is for you. We will list eight top scholarships specifically designed to reduce your financial burdens. These are beacons of hope for Asian students who want to have quality university education.

Best 8 Scholarships for Asian Students 

1. Asian Development Bank – Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)

The ADB-JSP is a scholarship that focuses on students from ADB’s developing member countries, of which Asia is a big part. This scholarship provides not only full tuition fees, but also a monthly allowance for expenses, housing, books, medical insurance and travel expenses. However, this scholarship is for postgraduates who are interested in fields such as economics, management, science and technology, and other related fields.

Eligibility and Application Process: To qualify for this scholarship, you must be a national of any ADB member country. You must also have applied and gained admission to study one of the approved master’s courses at a university connected to the scholarship. You must have a bachelor’s degree or similar qualifications, and at least two years of full-time professional work experience. Finally, you must send your application directly to the academic institution you have chosen. The institution will contact ADB to inform them of your eligibility for the scholarship.

2. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships

The Japanese Government, through the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), offers scholarships to international students interested in studying at any Japanese university. These scholarships are specifically for undergraduate, research, teacher training and specialized training programs.

Eligibility and Application Process: Eligible candidates must come from countries that have diplomatic ties with Japan. The selection process is rigorous and involves submission of academic records, a written examination and an interview. If you are Interested in this scholarship, you may apply at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country.

3. Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)

This is a scholarship created through a collaboration between the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), the National University of Singapore (NUS), the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). This scholarship supports international students intending to pursue a PhD in science and engineering at top universities in Singapore.

Eligibility and Application Process: All international students are welcomed to apply for this scholarship. However, candidates must have excellent academic records and a strong interest in research. Once you meet the criteria, you may submit your application together with academic transcripts, a research proposal, and letters of recommendation. If you are shortlisted, you will receive an interview invitation.

4. Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP)

The KGSP is an opportunity offered to international students with the purpose of conducting advanced studies at higher academic institutions in Korea. The idea behind this program is to promote international exchange and friendship between Korea and selected countries. The KGSP scholarship covers such things as tuition fees, a monthly allowance, a round trip airfare and medical insurance.

Eligibility and Application Process: To apply for this scholarship, you must be under 25 years old for undergraduate programs and under 40 for graduate programs. You must also hold a bachelor degree or a post high school diploma. If you meet the criteria, you may send your application through the Korean embassy or submit directly to the selected Korean universities.

5. New Zealand ASEAN Scholars Awards (NZAS)

This scholarship offers opportunities to students from ASEAN countries who want to pursue postgraduate studies in New Zealand. Members of the ASEAN countries include Brunei Darussalam, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. This scholarship takes care of full tuition fees, a living allowance, an establishment allowance, travel insurance and expenses and medical insurance.

Eligibility and Application Process: Applicants must come from any of the mentioned ASEAN member countries. Candidates must have a good academic record and a strong interest in the scholarship. The selection process involves an assessment of leadership potential, academic merit, and relevance of the proposed study to the development of the candidate’s home country. If you meet all the requirements, you may send your applications online through the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

6. Fulbright Foreign Student Program

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a famous scholarship program in the world. It provides adequate funding for graduate study, research and teaching assistantships in the United States. The program is open to students from 160 countries, including those in Asia.

Eligibility and Application Process: Applicants must have good academic results and a proposal or research project to be carried out in the United States. If qualified, you must submit an application, together with academic transcripts, a research proposal, letters of recommendation, and standardized test scores. There is also an interview during the selection process.

7. Chevening Scholarships

These scholarships, funded by the UK government, are awarded to exceptional developing leaders from around the globe. Selected candidates receive the opportunity to pursue one-year master’s degrees in the United Kingdom. The Chevening Scholarships include travel costs, an arrival allowance, tuition fees, a monthly stipend, a homeward departure allowance and a thesis grant.

Eligibility and Application Process: To be eligible, you must be a citizen of a country affiliated with Chevening Scholarships. You must hold an undergraduate degree, with at least two years of work experience. The application process includes submitting your academic transcripts, a personal statement and recommendation letters. If your application goes through, the scholarship board will invite you for an interview.

8. Australia Awards Scholarships

Australia Awards Scholarships is sponsored by the Australian government and offered to students from developing countries, specifically those in the Indo-Pacific region. The Indo-Pacific regions include Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, and the Pacific Island countries. These scholarships aim to meet the development needs of Australia’s partner countries.

Eligibility and Application Process: To apply, you must come from an Indo-Pacific country and also meet the criteria given to you by the higher institution you chose. You must show solid leadership qualities. The application process includes submitting academic transcripts, a research proposal, and letters of recommendation. To complete the application process, you must submit online through the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).