Looking for scholarships that won’t cost you a dime and close in April? You’re in the right place. Each year, thousands of international students miss out on life-changing opportunities simply because they didn’t apply on time. In this guide, we’ll walk you through fully funded scholarships that have deadlines every April — so you can plan, apply, and secure your academic future without financial stress.
Why April Scholarships Matter
April is a golden window for many prestigious scholarships around the globe. But why is that? It aligns with academic calendars in Europe, Asia, and North America, making it an ideal time for final selections. If you apply early, you get ahead of the competition and have more time to prepare documents and secure your visa. Procrastinate, and the opportunity vanishes like smoke in the wind.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships Closing in April
| Scholarship Name | Country | Deadline (Approx.) | Benefits | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAAD EPOS Scholarship | Germany | Mid-April | Full tuition, €934/month stipend, travel costs, health insurance | Bachelor’s degree, 2+ years work experience |
| Joint Japan/World Bank Scholarship | Various | April 27 | Tuition, monthly stipend, airfare, health insurance | Bachelor’s degree, development-related work |
| Orange Knowledge Programme | Netherlands | April 22 | Tuition, travel, insurance, monthly allowance | Professionals from eligible developing countries |
| Fulbright Foreign Student Program | USA | April (varies) | Tuition, airfare, stipend, visa support | Bachelor’s degree, citizens of eligible countries |
| MEXT Research Scholarship | Japan | Late April | Tuition, ¥143,000/month, airfare | Under 35 years old, bachelor’s degree |
| Rotary Peace Fellowship | Global | April 15 | Tuition, living costs, travel, internship support | Bachelor’s degree, 3+ years work in peace/development |
| Australia Awards Scholarships | Australia | April 30 | Tuition, stipend, airfare, academic support | Citizens from developing Indo-Pacific countries |
| Think Big Scholarships – Univ. of Bristol | UK | April 29 | £5,000–£20,000 tuition aid, possible living cost support | International applicants for UG/PG degrees |
| Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP) | Taiwan | April 1 | Tuition, NT$34,000/month, travel, housing | Master’s degree, strong research background |
| Yenching Academy Scholarship | China | Early April | Tuition, monthly stipend, accommodation, travel | Bachelor’s degree, interest in China Studies |
| Univ. of Lausanne Master’s Grant | Switzerland | April 1 | CHF 1,600/month, tuition aid | International students with academic excellence |
| UAL/ISH Postgraduate Scholarship | UK | April 17 | Tuition, accommodation, living costs | Low-income country residents, postgraduate applicant |
| Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship | Various | April 1 | Tuition, living cost (50% loan, 50% grant) | Strong academic record, financial need |
| Edinburgh Global Online Learning Scholarship | UK | April 15 | Full tuition (distance learning) | Must be from eligible low-income countries |
| Holland Government Scholarship | Netherlands | April (varies) | €5,000 grant (first year) | Non-EEA applicants to Dutch universities |
| Eira Francis Davies Scholarship | UK | April 28 | Full tuition | Female students from developing countries |
Let’s break down the most competitive and rewarding fully funded scholarships that close in April. These opportunities cover everything from tuition to living expenses — a true blessing for any student aiming to study abroad.
1. DAAD EPOS Scholarship (Germany)
Germany’s DAAD EPOS program offers fully funded master’s and doctoral degrees in development-related fields. It’s a powerhouse for students from developing countries who want to shape global policy.
Deadline: Mid-April (varies by course)
Funding Includes:
- Full tuition
- Monthly stipend (~€934)
- Travel allowance
- Health insurance
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with at least two years of professional experience in a relevant field.
“DAAD opens doors for real change — it’s more than education, it’s empowerment,” says Anna Fischer, DAAD program coordinator.
2. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
This program supports students from World Bank member countries to pursue development-focused master’s degrees.
Deadline: April 27 (typically)
Coverage:
- Full tuition
- Monthly living stipend
- Round-trip airfare
- Health insurance
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree, work experience in development, and employment in a development-related role.
3. Orange Knowledge Programme (Netherlands)
Funded by the Dutch government, this scholarship supports short courses and master’s programs in various sectors including agriculture, water, and health.
Deadline: April 22 (usually)
What You Get:
- Full tuition fees
- Travel costs
- Insurance
- Monthly allowance
Eligibility: Professionals from specific countries working in development sectors.
4. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (U.S.)
The Fulbright Program doesn’t have a universal deadline, but in many countries, applications are due around April.
Deadline: Varies (April in many partner countries)
Financial Support:
- Tuition
- Living stipend
- Airfare
- Visa support
Who Can Apply: Citizens of over 155 countries, holding a bachelor’s degree.
“Fulbright alumni include Nobel laureates, artists, and leaders — it’s not just a scholarship, it’s a network,” states Dr. Karen Chen, Fulbright advisor.
5. MEXT Research Scholarship (Japan)
The Japanese Government’s MEXT scholarship is an excellent route to earning a master’s or PhD in Japan — fully funded!
Deadline: Late April
Includes:
- Full tuition
- Monthly allowance (~¥143,000)
- Round-trip airfare
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree, age under 35, good academic standing.
6. Rotary Peace Fellowship (Rotary International)
This scholarship supports professionals pursuing a master’s degree or certificate in peace and conflict resolution at partner universities worldwide.
Deadline: April 15
Benefits:
- Full tuition and fees
- Travel expenses
- Internship funding
- Monthly stipend
Eligibility: Minimum 3 years of work experience in peace or development fields; bachelor’s degree required.
“We believe in empowering peacebuilders with tools that drive global change,” says John Hewko, Rotary’s General Secretary.
7. Australia Awards Scholarships
Funded by the Australian Government, these awards are for students from developing countries, primarily in the Indo-Pacific region.
Deadline: April 30 (varies by country)
Covers:
- Tuition
- Living expenses
- Health insurance
- Airfare
- Academic support
Eligibility: Must reside in eligible countries and meet academic & language requirements.
8. Think Big Scholarships – University of Bristol (UK)
Bristol offers Think Big Scholarships to support outstanding international students for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Deadline: April 29
Funding Includes:
- £5,000 to £20,000 toward tuition fees
- Additional support for living costs (in some cases)
Eligibility: International students applying for full-time degree programs.
9. Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP)
Hosted by Academia Sinica, Taiwan’s most prestigious research institution, this PhD scholarship covers science and technology fields.
Deadline: April 1
Support Includes:
- Monthly stipend (~NT$34,000)
- Full tuition
- Travel subsidy
- Housing assistance
Eligibility: International students with strong research background and a master’s degree.
10. Yenching Academy Scholarship (Peking University, China)
This elite master’s program in China Studies is based at Peking University — offering a unique combination of interdisciplinary education and cultural immersion.
Deadline: Early April (varies by nationality)
What’s Covered:
- Full tuition
- Monthly stipend
- Accommodation
- One round-trip travel fare
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree; strong interest in China and global leadership.
11. University of Lausanne Master’s Grants (Switzerland)
Offered to international students who want to pursue a master’s degree at UNIL in any discipline (except some business & law programs).
Deadline: April 1
Grant Includes:
- CHF 1,600/month (10 months/year for full duration)
- Exemption from registration fees (with exceptions)
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree; academic excellence; must not have previously studied in Switzerland.
12. UAL/ISH International Postgraduate Scholarships (UK)
University of the Arts London (UAL) in partnership with International Students House (ISH) offers these full postgraduate scholarships.
Deadline: April 17
Benefits:
- Tuition fees
- Living costs allowance
- Accommodation at ISH
Eligibility: Must be a resident from a low-income country and demonstrate financial need.
13. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
These scholarships are offered to outstanding students from developing countries with no other means to finance their education.
Deadline: Around April 1
Covers:
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
- 50% loan, 50% grant
Eligibility: Strong academic record, financial need, and admission to a reputable university.
14. Edinburgh Global Online Learning Scholarships (UK)
This scholarship supports part-time distance learning master’s students worldwide.
Deadline: April 15
Scholarship Includes:
- Full tuition fees
Eligibility: Must be from eligible low-income countries and meet academic admission standards.
15. Holland Government Scholarship (Netherlands)
This program offers financial aid to non-EEA students applying for bachelor’s or master’s programs in the Netherlands.
Deadline: April (depends on the institution)
What You Get:
- €5,000 grant for the first year
Eligibility: Must apply to a participating Dutch higher education institution.
16. Eira Francis Davies Scholarship (Swansea University, UK)
Offered to female students from developing countries applying to study in the health sciences field.
Deadline: April 28
Covers:
- Full tuition
Eligibility: Must be a female student from a developing country applying for a master’s program in health sciences.
Eligibility Criteria
Each scholarship has its own unique set of requirements, but here are the common elements you’ll find:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Strong academic records (usually GPA above 3.0/4.0)
- English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL scores)
- Two years of professional or volunteer experience (for DAAD, JJ/WB)
- A clear motivation letter or study plan
Scholarship Benefits
What makes these scholarships life-changing?
- Zero Tuition: Say goodbye to $40,000/year university fees.
- Living Allowances: Covering food, transport, rent, and more.
- Health Insurance: Protects you abroad.
- Travel Funds: Free flight tickets mean no barrier to starting your journey.
- Networking Opportunities: You’re not just studying — you’re connecting with global leaders.
How to Apply for These Scholarships
Follow these steps like a checklist. Think of it as baking a cake — miss one ingredient, and the outcome changes.
- Find Official Links: Go directly to the sponsoring organization’s site.
- Review Eligibility: Read all fine print. Missing a detail can lead to automatic rejection.
Prepare Documents:
- Academic transcripts
- CV/Resume
- Motivation Letter
- Letters of Recommendation
- Language Test Scores
- Create an Online Profile: Register and upload documents before the deadline.
- Submit Early: Don’t wait till the last minute. Systems crash, and late submissions aren’t accepted.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the smartest students mess up because of simple errors:
- Using generic letters: Personalize every motivation letter.
- Ignoring guidelines: If it says 500 words, don’t write 700.
- Last-minute uploads: Start early to avoid technical hiccups.
- Weak references: Ask professors or employers who know you well.
Expert Tips for a Successful Application
We asked real scholarship advisors what sets winners apart:
“Tell a compelling story. Numbers matter, but your passion makes the difference,” says Jacob Millan, an international scholarship consultant.
- Use active language. Show what you did and why it mattered.
- Quantify achievements. “Improved community literacy by 30%” is stronger than “helped teach.”
- Tailor each application. One-size-fits-all never wins.
- Proofread. Ask mentors to review your documents.
FAQs
Q1: Can I apply for more than one April scholarship?
Yes! You can and should apply for multiple. It boosts your chances.
Q2: Do I need to know the local language?
Not always. Many programs offer courses in English, but check each scholarship’s requirements.
Q3: What are my chances as a first-time applicant?
Great! Scholarships love first-time, motivated applicants who show potential.
Q4: How competitive are these?
Very. But don’t be discouraged — clear motivation, strong academics, and a neat application go a long way.
Q5: Do I need work experience for all scholarships?
No. But for programs like DAAD and JJ/WB, work experience is essential.
Conclusion
Now that you know the fully funded scholarships that close every April, it’s time to act. These scholarships are your passport to world-class education without debt. The clock is ticking, and doors are waiting to open. Whether it’s Germany, Japan, the U.S., or the Netherlands — your dream education starts with one step. Don’t wait — apply now, and unlock your future!