For many tertiary students, studying abroad or continuing education feels out of reach. The scholarship process can be overwhelming — a maze of deadlines, documents, and unclear requirements.
This week, we’re cutting through the noise.
We’ve curated three powerful scholarships that could reshape your academic path. Whether you’re aiming for global exposure, research excellence, or simply the financial means to keep going, these opportunities are worth your attention.
You’ll find:
- A fully funded scholarship in Indonesia for all degree levels
- A high-performance computing PhD scholarship in Germany
- A flexible scholarship search in Portugal for undergrad to PhD
Each one supports different academic goals and backgrounds — including students with HND/ND qualifications. Let’s break down the benefits, who can apply, and how to get started.
1. UNS International Scholarship – Indonesia
Category: Undergraduate | Master’s | PhD
Reward: Full or Partial Scholarship
Deadline: September 30, 2025
Apply: Visit UNS Application Portal
Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) is offering international scholarships for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs. This is one of the few fully funded opportunities in Southeast Asia that covers tuition, housing, and health.
Who should apply?
- Non-Indonesian citizens under 24 (for Bachelor’s)
- Master’s and PhD applicants from all countries
- Students interested in learning in English or Bahasa Indonesia
- Candidates who meet minimum English proficiency (TOEFL 450/500 or equivalent)
What’s included:
- Full scholarship: Tuition + living stipend + health insurance + Indonesian language course
Living allowance:
- IDR 1,500,000/month (Bachelor)
- IDR 1,750,000/month (Master)
- IDR 2,250,000/month (Doctoral)
- Partial scholarship: Tuition + language course + insurance
Key tip:
Start early with document prep. You’ll need a health certificate, personal statement, recommendation letters, and a research proposal (for PhD). Templates are provided on their site.
2. NHR Graduate School Scholarship – Germany
Category: PhD
Reward: €2,200/month stipend + research and training benefits
Deadline: September 15, 2025
Apply: Fill NHR Graduate School Application Form
Offered by the Nationales Hochleistungs Rechnen (NHR) Alliance, this scholarship supports up to 9 PhD students annually in High-Performance Computing (HPC) fields. Perfect for those with a strong background in computer science, mathematics, or engineering.
Who should apply?
- Master’s degree holders in CS, math, natural sciences, or engineering
- Those interested in research across any of the 9 NHR Centers in Germany
- Applicants meeting the PhD requirements of the chosen university
What’s included:
- €2,200 monthly stipend for up to 36 months
- Research collaboration with international experts
- Advanced HPC training and seminars
- 6-month secondment at another NHR center
- Career coaching, mentoring, and networking
Key tip:
Your motivation letter (1–2 pages) and research statement are critical. Be specific about your research goals and how they align with HPC. A strong CV and recommendation letter will also boost your chances.
3. Portugal Government Scholarships (via Scholarship Portal)
Category: Undergraduate | Master’s | PhD
Reward: Full or Partial Scholarships
Deadline: Varies by program
Apply: Visit Portugal Scholarship Portal
Portuguese universities offer a wide range of scholarships for international students. You’ll find most of them listed on the Scholarship Portal, with options to filter by degree, funding type, and location.
Who should apply?
- Students from developing countries (including Nigeria)
- Those applying to the University of Porto, Lisbon, Coimbra, and others
- Applicants looking for programs in English or Portuguese
What’s included:
- Tuition fee waivers or reductions
- Monthly living stipend (varies by program)
- Housing support
Key tip:
When using the portal, filter by “Fully Funded” and “Non-EU applicants” to save time. Then read the eligibility and deadline sections closely.
Ready to get started?
The hardest part is taking the first step.
Pick one scholarship. Make a checklist of required documents. Start your application—even if you feel unprepared. That momentum matters more than perfection. And the more often you get started the more prepared you’ll be by the time you get to the direct evaluation stages.
We’ll be back with more next week.
And remember:
Better grades = better odds.
Use Distinction to practice your courses, ace your exams, and stay focused.
Your future self will thank you.
