Undergraduate vs graduate scholarships for international students: eligibility, funding, and requirements

Undergraduate vs Graduate Scholarships for International Students: The Complete Comparison

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📅 Last Updated August 2026 · Updated for the 2026–27 academic year and upcoming 2027 application cycles

👨‍💻 Reviewed By LearnViaHub Editorial Team

⏱️ Reading Time Approximately 15–18 minutes

📚 Sources Verified Official UKRI, Chevening, DAAD, Fulbright, University of Guelph, Canadian research-agency and other official scholarship and university sources, cross-checked against NAFSA international-education data. Funding amounts, eligibility rules and deadlines can change by academic year.

Quick Answer

What is the difference between undergraduate and graduate scholarships? Undergraduate scholarships generally fund bachelor’s-level study and are often based on academic achievement, admission results, leadership, extracurricular activities, financial need or other eligibility criteria. Graduate funding covers master’s and doctoral study and can include scholarships, fellowships, studentships, research grants, teaching assistantships, research assistantships and living stipends.

The biggest difference is usually the funding structure. Undergraduate international scholarships are often tuition reductions or fixed one-time awards, while graduate research funding is more likely to combine tuition support with a living stipend — but neither level is automatically “fully funded,” and competitiveness varies by scholarship rather than by degree level alone.

Important: Always check exactly what an award covers. A scholarship may cover tuition but not accommodation, travel, insurance, visa costs or other expenses. The term “fully funded” should never be assumed to mean every cost is covered.

Undergraduate vs Graduate Scholarships: What Actually Changes?

The difference between undergraduate and graduate scholarships goes beyond the amount of money offered. The degree level, purpose of the funding, selection criteria, application process and type of financial support can all be different.

For international students, undergraduate scholarships are frequently offered directly by universities as entrance, merit or tuition awards. Graduate funding is often more diverse, particularly for research-based master’s degrees and PhD programs. Depending on the country and institution, graduate students may receive funding through scholarships, fellowships, studentships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships or research grants.

This distinction matters because a scholarship advertised as “$10,000” or “fully funded” cannot be evaluated properly without knowing what costs the award covers, how long it lasts and whether international students are eligible.

Undergraduate vs Graduate Scholarships at a Glance

The following comparison summarizes the most common differences. Individual scholarships can have very different rules, so treat this as a general pattern rather than a guarantee for any specific award.

Factor Undergraduate Graduate
Typical level Bachelor’s degree Master’s, research master’s or PhD
Common awards Entrance scholarships, merit awards, tuition discounts and need-based aid Scholarships, fellowships, studentships and research funding
Primary selection basis Academic grades, test scores, extracurriculars and admission results Research potential, proposal quality, academic record and, often, work or research experience
Tuition support Partial or full, depending on the award Partial or full, depending on the funding package
Living stipend Available in some programs but less common Common in many funded research programs, especially PhD
Research requirement Usually limited Often substantial for research master’s and PhD programs
Assistantships Less common; typically on-campus work only More common, particularly at research-intensive universities
Funding duration One-time or renewable annually, often tied to maintaining a minimum GPA May run for one or multiple years, often tied to academic or research milestones
Application timing Typically alongside undergraduate admissions, in the final year of secondary school Varies widely by program and funding source; deadlines are spread across the year

💡 Key Insight: Do not compare scholarships by the headline amount alone. A $15,000 tuition scholarship and a $15,000 living stipend have completely different financial value depending on the student’s total costs.

Why Graduate Funding Is Often Larger

The funding gap between undergraduate and graduate awards isn’t random — it reflects how universities and funding bodies think about return on investment. It also isn’t universal: a well-funded undergraduate entrance scholarship can still outstrip a modest, tuition-only master’s award. In general, though, a few patterns explain why graduate funding tends to be larger.

1. Graduate students often produce research output.
A master’s or PhD student on a research track can contribute to a university’s publications and grant-funded projects, which is part of why some institutions and funders are willing to invest more in that funding line.

2. Undergraduate scholarships are largely recruitment tools.
Universities use undergraduate scholarships mainly to attract strong applicants; the goal is enrollment rather than research output, which is one reason these awards are more often partial and tuition-focused.

3. Graduate scholarships are sometimes tied to funded research projects.
Many PhD positions are attached to a specific grant held by a supervisor or department, with a budget that already includes a stipend and tuition line — this isn’t universal, but it’s common in research-intensive fields.

4. Fewer, more qualified applicants per award.
Graduate funding pools are typically smaller, and the applicants who reach them already hold a degree. That doesn’t automatically make an individual award larger, but it’s part of the funding logic funders describe.

⚠️ Practical implication: Don’t assume an undergraduate award will be a “full ride” — most are partial. If full funding matters most to you, research-track PhD programs are more likely to offer it than undergraduate scholarships, though this still needs to be confirmed award-by-award.

Types of Undergraduate and Graduate Funding

Understanding the terminology helps you find funding that may not be labelled simply as a “scholarship.”

Funding Type What It Usually Means Common Level
Scholarship Financial award based on academic achievement, financial need, nationality, field, leadership or other criteria. Undergraduate and graduate
Fellowship Funding for advanced study, research, professional development or academic training. Mostly graduate
Studentship A term commonly used in the UK for funded postgraduate research study. Research master’s and PhD
Teaching Assistantship Funding connected to teaching or academic support duties. Graduate
Research Assistantship Funding associated with research work, often under a faculty member or research project. Graduate
Tuition waiver/remission Reduces or eliminates eligible tuition charges but may not provide living money. Both

💡 Key takeaway: Graduate applicants should search for studentships, fellowships, assistantships and research funding in addition to conventional scholarships — these often carry more total value than a headline “scholarship” listing.

Undergraduate vs Graduate Scholarship Requirements & Documents

Requirements differ by provider, but graduate applications generally place greater emphasis on university-level academic performance, research potential or professional experience — while undergraduate applications weigh secondary-school results and personal qualities more heavily.

Requirement / Document Undergraduate Graduate
Academic transcript Secondary-school results or equivalent Bachelor’s transcript and, where applicable, prior graduate records
Standardized tests SAT/ACT requirements vary by institution GRE, GMAT or other tests may be required for some programs
English-language test (IELTS/TOEFL) Depends on institution and applicant’s circumstances Depends on institution and program; requirements are often slightly higher
Personal statement / statement of purpose Academic goals, achievements, leadership and study plans Academic, research and career goals; often replaced or supplemented by a research proposal
Research proposal Usually not required Often required or important for research master’s and PhD funding
Recommendation letters 1–2, typically teachers or counsellors 2–3, typically professors or professional referees in the field
CV/résumé Extracurricular activities, leadership and achievements; often optional Academic, research and professional experience; often required
Publication record Not expected Valuable for research funding, though not always required
Faculty/supervisor contact Not required Often important, especially for research master’s and PhD applications
Portfolio Required for some creative or specialized programs Required for some research, creative or professional programs

💡 Key insight: Graduate applications often ask you to demonstrate research capability and faculty fit, not just academic achievement — a different application strategy from undergraduate scholarships, which weigh grades and personal qualities more heavily.

Real Scholarship and Funding Examples

The examples below show how different funding systems actually work. They illustrate real programs — they are not universal funding rates for an entire country or degree level, and every figure should be reconfirmed on the official page before you rely on it.

1. UKRI-Funded Postgraduate Research Studentships — UK

For the 2026–27 academic year, UKRI’s minimum stipend is £21,805 per year (£23,805 with the London weighting). The minimum fee level is £5,238. UKRI’s funding contribution is limited to the home-fee rate, so an international student may need to cover the gap between the international fee charged by the institution and the amount UKRI provides. Students apply through the university or provider offering the studentship, not directly to UKRI.

2. Chevening Scholarship — UK

Chevening is a major UK government scholarship for eligible international applicants pursuing master’s-level study. A full award normally includes tuition fees, return economy travel, an arrival allowance, visa application costs, a departure allowance, a monthly living allowance, and travel grants for Chevening events. The exact package can vary, so applicants should rely on official award documentation for final figures.

3. Fulbright Foreign Student Program — USA

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program supports eligible international graduate students, young professionals and artists for study and research in the United States. Benefits and application procedures vary by country, so applicants should use their country-specific Fulbright program or U.S. Embassy information rather than a single universal funding figure.

4. DAAD EPOS — Germany

The DAAD EPOS program supports eligible professionals from developing and emerging countries in selected development-related postgraduate programs in Germany. The current DAAD listing states a monthly scholarship rate of €992 for graduates and €1,400 for doctoral candidates from February 2026, and can include health, accident and personal liability insurance plus travel support subject to program conditions. Eligibility is course- and applicant-specific.

5. Canada Graduate Research Scholarship — Master’s and Doctoral

The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship–Master’s (CGRS-M) is worth C$27,000 for 12 months; the Doctoral version (CGRS-D) is worth C$40,000 per year for three years. Neither is a general international-student scholarship — eligibility is restricted by citizenship, permanent-resident or protected-person status. This is a useful reminder that a large, prestigious-sounding graduate award may not actually be open to you as an international applicant.

6. University of Guelph International Entrance Scholarships — Canada

For Fall 2026, the University of Guelph lists international entrance scholarships based on admission average. The President’s International Entrance Scholarship is a one-time first-year award tiered by admission average: C$7,500 for 95%+, C$6,500 for 90–94.9%, C$5,500 for 85–89.9%, and C$2,000 for 70–84.9% — a good illustration of how undergraduate international scholarships are often structured as entrance awards rather than living stipends.

7. Australian Research Training Program (RTP)

Australia’s Research Training Program supports eligible domestic and international students undertaking research master’s and doctoral degrees through participating universities. The exact scholarship value and package vary by university, so applicants should check the RTP information published by their target institution.

⚠️ Important distinction: A scholarship can be generous without being available to international students. Always check citizenship, residency, enrollment status and program eligibility before including an award in your application plan.

How Scholarship Funding Differs by Country

United States

Undergraduate: universities may offer merit scholarships, need-based institutional aid and tuition discounts to eligible international students — though this is typically partial funding, and international students cannot access federal aid such as Pell Grants or Direct Subsidized Loans. Graduate: funding can come from departments, fellowships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships and research grants, and full funding is more common at the PhD level.

United Kingdom

Undergraduate: international scholarships are relatively few and commonly university-specific, usually reducing tuition rather than covering it fully. Graduate: funding is more numerous and can include university scholarships, UKRI-funded studentships and major programs such as Chevening, often with a separate stipend and tuition structure.

Germany

German public universities charge minimal or no tuition at many institutions (though fees can apply in certain states and circumstances), so scholarships primarily cover living costs at both levels. DAAD funds graduate research more generously than undergraduate study, but the funding gap is narrower than in the U.S. or UK because tuition isn’t the main cost driver.

Canada

International undergraduate scholarships are offered by many universities based on high school grades. Graduate research funding can be substantial, but some major federal awards (like the CGRS programs above) are restricted to Canadian citizens, permanent residents or protected persons — so international applicants need to distinguish between Canadian graduate funding generally and funding actually open to international applicants.

Australia

International undergraduate scholarships are frequently offered directly by universities, typically as tuition reductions. For research master’s and PhD students, the Research Training Program and university-specific research scholarships can provide tuition offsets and/or stipends, with the exact package varying by institution.

Are Graduate Scholarships More Competitive?

There’s no universal rule that graduate scholarships are always harder — or easier — to win than undergraduate scholarships. What’s true is that the two applicant pools look different.

Factor Undergraduate Graduate
Number of applicants Very high — most graduating secondary students are potential applicants Lower — only bachelor’s degree holders in the relevant field apply
Qualification level of applicants Secondary-school level Already hold a degree, often with research or work experience
Number of awards Generally more awards, many partial Fewer awards, but a wider mix of funding types (assistantships, fellowships)

Beyond applicant numbers, competitiveness also depends on the number of scholarships available, academic requirements, nationality or residency restrictions, field of study, research fit, leadership or professional experience, financial need, institutional priorities, and the strength of the applicant’s personal statement or research proposal. A highly selective undergraduate scholarship can be more competitive than a niche graduate award with a small applicant pool — so the smarter question isn’t “which level is easier,” it’s “where does my profile fit best.”

💡 Key takeaway: The best scholarship isn’t necessarily the largest one. The strongest opportunity is usually the one where your academic profile, goals, nationality, field and experience closely match the selection criteria.

When Should You Start Applying?

There is no single international scholarship deadline. Some university awards are considered automatically when you apply for admission, while major external scholarships can have separate deadlines many months before enrollment.

Planning Stage Undergraduate Graduate
Start researching funding Ideally 9–12 months before enrollment 12–18+ months before enrollment for competitive research funding
Typical application window Roughly September–January for Fall enrollment Varies widely — some as early as December, others rolling year-round
Prepare documents Begin several months before deadlines (test prep, essays, transcripts) Begin several months before deadlines, especially for references and research proposals
Supervisor/faculty contact Usually not required Often important for research master’s and PhD applications
When results are announced Often Spring (roughly March–April) Varies — some rolling, some fixed windows (often April–June)

⚠️ Important: Graduate scholarship deadlines are far less predictable than undergraduate ones. If you’re applying for graduate study, contact your target department directly to confirm their specific funding deadlines rather than relying on general timelines.

Common Myths About Undergraduate vs Graduate Scholarships

Myth 1: “Graduate scholarships are always harder to win because fewer people apply.”
Truth: Fewer people apply, and that pool is generally more qualified — but “harder to win” depends heavily on the specific scholarship, field and eligibility rules. A niche graduate award with few eligible applicants can be easier to win than a famous undergraduate scholarship that draws thousands of entries.

Myth 2: “If I don’t get an undergraduate scholarship, I have no chance at graduate funding.”
Truth: Graduate applications are evaluated on your bachelor’s degree performance, research experience and proposal — not your high school record. Many students who received no undergraduate scholarships go on to well-funded graduate programs.

Myth 3: “All graduate scholarships include a living stipend.”
Truth: Only some do. Many funded PhD programs include a stipend, but plenty of master’s scholarships are tuition-only, just like many undergraduate awards. Always read the award letter carefully.

Myth 4: “Undergraduate and graduate scholarships use the same application process.”
Truth: They’re generally different. Undergraduate scholarships tend to prioritize grades and personal qualities; graduate scholarships more often prioritize research ability, faculty fit and proposal quality — though exact weighting varies by scholarship.

How to Verify a Scholarship Before Applying

Scholarship information can become outdated quickly. Before applying, verify these details directly on the official provider website:

  1. Academic year: Confirm the published amount applies to your intended intake.
  2. Official provider: Check whether the information comes from the university, government agency or scholarship organization.
  3. International eligibility: Confirm your citizenship and residency status qualify.
  4. Degree level: Make sure the scholarship supports bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral study as required.
  5. Funding components: Check tuition, stipend, accommodation, travel, insurance and visa support separately.
  6. Renewal: Determine whether the award is one-time or renewable.
  7. Conditions: Check GPA, enrollment, academic progress, workload and other conditions.
  8. Deadline: Confirm the current application deadline and time zone.
  9. Application route: Determine whether you apply directly, through the university or through a national office.

⚠️ Important: Scholarship directories and blogs are useful for discovering opportunities, but the official provider should be your final source for eligibility, funding amounts and deadlines.

How to Read a Scholarship Award Letter

Receiving a scholarship doesn’t necessarily mean every cost of studying abroad is covered. Read the award letter carefully and identify each component of the funding package.

  • Tuition: Is it fully covered, partially covered, capped or conditional?
  • Living stipend: How much is paid and how frequently?
  • Duration: Does the funding last for the full degree or only one academic year?
  • Fees: Are student, laboratory, college or administrative fees excluded?
  • Travel: Is airfare included or is there a fixed travel allowance?
  • Insurance: Is health or other insurance included?
  • Visa costs: Does the provider cover visa-related expenses?
  • Renewal: What academic or enrollment conditions apply?
  • Dependants: Does the award provide any support for accompanying family members?
  • Tax: Could any portion of the funding be taxable under the relevant country’s rules?

Don’t Compare Scholarships by Currency Alone

A scholarship with the largest numerical amount isn’t automatically the best financial offer. A large award in a high-cost city may leave less disposable income than a smaller award in a lower-cost location. Compare the complete package against the actual cost of living where you’ll study — including accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, books and academic materials, visa and immigration costs, utilities, communication, taxes and an emergency buffer.

Are Scholarship Stipends Taxable?

There’s no universal answer. Tax treatment depends on the country, the type of payment, the purpose of the scholarship, the student’s circumstances and applicable tax law. Don’t automatically assume a scholarship stipend is tax-free — check the rules in the country where you’ll study, and seek professional tax advice when necessary.

How to Improve Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship

1. Match the Criteria

Prioritize scholarships where you meet the eligibility requirements instead of applying randomly.

2. Research the Provider

Understand the scholarship’s purpose, priorities and selection criteria.

3. Use Evidence

Support leadership, impact and achievement claims with specific examples.

4. Start Early

Give yourself enough time to obtain transcripts, recommendations, test scores and other documents.

Which Scholarship Level Is Right for You?

Look for undergraduate scholarships if:

  • You are applying for a bachelor’s degree.
  • You are completing secondary school or an equivalent qualification.
  • You need entrance, merit or tuition support.
  • You are interested in university-specific international awards.

Look for graduate funding if:

  • You already hold or are completing a bachelor’s degree.
  • You are applying for a master’s or PhD.
  • You are interested in research, fellowships or assistantships.
  • Your program has a substantial research component.
  • You want to investigate funding through your department or prospective supervisor.

📖 Continue Reading: For complete guidance on what you need to qualify at each level, see our Undergraduate Scholarship Requirements Guide. For specific scholarship listings, visit our main scholarships directory.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between undergraduate and graduate scholarships?
Undergraduate scholarships generally support bachelor’s-level study and lean on academic achievement and personal qualities. Graduate funding supports master’s and doctoral study and can include scholarships, fellowships, studentships, assistantships and research stipends, with more weight placed on research potential and proposal quality.
Are graduate scholarships more competitive than undergraduate scholarships?
Not universally. Graduate applicant pools are smaller but more qualified, which raises competition per award — but competitiveness ultimately depends on the specific scholarship, applicant pool, number of awards, field, eligibility rules and selection criteria.
Are graduate scholarships usually fully funded?
No. Some research master’s and PhD opportunities provide comprehensive funding including a stipend, but others cover only tuition or provide partial support. Always check the specific award terms.
Can international students get undergraduate scholarships?
Yes. Many universities offer scholarships for eligible international undergraduate students, though the award amount, eligibility requirements and application process vary by institution.
Can international students get fully funded master’s scholarships?
Yes. International students can qualify for fully or substantially funded master’s opportunities, but availability varies significantly by country, university, subject and scholarship.
Are PhD scholarships usually fully funded?
Many funded PhD positions provide tuition support and a stipend, particularly in research-intensive systems. However, funding isn’t universal, so the actual package must be checked at the program or university level.
Which is easier to get: undergraduate or graduate scholarships?
Neither is universally easier. Your chances depend on the specific scholarship, eligibility requirements, number of awards, applicant pool and how closely your profile matches the selection criteria.
What’s the difference between full-tuition and fully funded?
A full-tuition scholarship generally covers tuition but may not cover living expenses. A fully funded award generally provides tuition support plus additional financial support, often including a living stipend — but the exact definition varies by provider, so always confirm what’s included.
Can undergraduate students receive living stipends?
Yes. Some undergraduate scholarships include living support, but tuition-focused awards are more common. The scholarship’s official terms determine what is covered.
Can international students apply for Canadian graduate scholarships?
Some Canadian universities and programs offer funding to international graduate students, but major federal awards like the CGRS can have citizenship or residency restrictions. Always check the eligibility rules for the specific scholarship.
Should I look for assistantships instead of graduate scholarships?
Not instead of — in addition to. Graduate applicants should search for scholarships as well as fellowships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships and studentships. Depending on the university and program, these can provide tuition support, a stipend or both.
What GPA do I need for an undergraduate vs graduate scholarship?
Requirements vary widely by scholarship and institution, so there’s no single figure that applies everywhere. As a general pattern, undergraduate scholarships often reference a strong secondary-school GPA, while graduate scholarships typically expect a solid undergraduate GPA plus, for research funding, evidence of research potential. Always check the specific award’s published minimum.
Can I apply for the same scholarship as both an undergraduate and graduate student?
Rarely. Most scholarships are level-specific. Some university-wide scholarships may be open to both, but eligibility criteria usually differ significantly between undergraduate and graduate applicants — always check the specific scholarship’s criteria.

Official Scholarship Resources to Verify

Use official provider pages to confirm current eligibility, funding amounts and deadlines before applying.

UKRI — Support for UKRI-Funded Students

Official information on UKRI postgraduate research studentships, minimum stipends and fee support.

Chevening

Official UK government scholarship information for eligible international applicants.

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

Official information on Fulbright graduate study and research opportunities for international applicants.

DAAD — Scholarships

Official German scholarship information and scholarship database.

University of Guelph — Student Financial Services

Official information on international entrance scholarships and other university awards.

EducationUSA

U.S. Department of State network providing official guidance for international students considering study in the United States.

NAFSA — Association of International Educators

Resource for international student financial aid context, policy background and study-abroad data.

Final Takeaway

The main difference between undergraduate and graduate scholarships isn’t simply the amount of money available. It’s the type of funding, selection criteria, degree structure and expenses covered.

Undergraduate international students will often find university-based entrance, merit and tuition scholarships. Graduate students — especially those pursuing research-intensive master’s degrees and PhDs — can access a wider range of funding through scholarships, fellowships, studentships and assistantships.

The most important rule is simple: never judge a scholarship by its title or headline amount. Verify the eligibility requirements, tuition coverage, stipend, duration, renewal conditions, additional costs and application deadline on the official provider website before applying.

Editorial Note

This LearnViaHub guide was reviewed in August 2026 using official scholarship, university and government sources, cross-checked against NAFSA international-education data. Scholarship amounts, deadlines, eligibility requirements and funding conditions can change between application cycles. Always verify the latest information on the official provider website before applying or making financial decisions.


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