For many international students, the dream of studying abroad often comes with one big challenge—the cost. Tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses can quickly add up, making higher education overseas seem unreachable. However, a growing number of scholarship programs around the world now combine financial aid with work opportunities, helping students not only fund their studies but also gain valuable professional experience.
These scholarships don’t just support education—they empower students to become globally employable. Below is a comprehensive guide to some of the top scholarships that include work or internship components, making them ideal for ambitious learners seeking both academic and career growth abroad.
1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships (Europe)
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree (EMJMD) program is one of the most prestigious scholarship opportunities in the world, funded by the European Union. It allows international students to study in two or more European countries under a joint academic program.
What makes it unique:
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Students not only receive full scholarships covering tuition, travel, and living expenses but also gain access to internship opportunities within Europe.
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The program encourages work placements between academic semesters, giving students hands-on experience with European companies, research institutes, or NGOs.
Fields available: From engineering and data science to business, humanities, and environmental studies.
Why it’s valuable: Graduates leave with both a joint European degree and international work experience—an unbeatable combination for career success.
2. DAAD Scholarships with Internship Programs (Germany)
Germany’s DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) scholarships are renowned for supporting international students across all academic levels. While many DAAD programs are purely academic, some integrate paid internships or research assistant roles.
Examples include:
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DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Programme – for public policy and governance students, combining classroom learning with professional placements in German organizations.
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RISE (Research Internships in Science and Engineering) – provides undergraduates with research internships at German universities or companies.
Key benefits:
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Full or partial funding (tuition-free education, travel allowance, and monthly stipends).
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Access to Germany’s strong job market for international graduates.
Why it’s ideal: Germany allows international students to work up to 120 full days per year, making it one of the most student-friendly destinations for combining study and work.
3. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (United States)
The Fulbright Program is one of the most well-established scholarship schemes in the world, offering full funding for graduate study and research in the United States.
Work component:
Fulbright encourages cultural and professional exchange. Scholars can participate in teaching assistantships, internships, or community projects while studying. These activities not only enhance academic learning but also improve cross-cultural communication and leadership skills.
Benefits:
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Covers tuition, living stipend, airfare, and health insurance.
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Provides academic and career networking through Fulbright alumni connections.
Why it’s impactful: The Fulbright experience is not just about education—it’s a holistic personal and professional journey that equips students to become global leaders.
4. Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)
Funded by the Australian government, the Australia Awards Scholarships aim to promote international collaboration and development. These scholarships support students from developing countries to study full-time at participating Australian universities.
Work and training opportunities:
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Scholars may engage in internships or practical training related to their field of study, supported by Australian institutions.
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Additionally, international students in Australia can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semesters and unlimited hours during holidays.
Coverage: Full tuition, airfare, establishment allowance, and living stipend.
Why it stands out: Australia combines world-class education with a flexible work environment, making it ideal for students who want to gain real-world skills while earning an income.
5. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Switzerland)
Switzerland is known for its high standard of education and global business environment. The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are available for postgraduate students and researchers from around the world.
Work-related advantages:
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Scholarship holders can collaborate with Swiss research institutes or private organizations during their studies.
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Students can also work up to 15 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks, depending on their visa type.
Why it’s valuable: Switzerland’s strong academic system and international industries—especially in finance, engineering, and innovation—offer immense opportunities for practical experience.
6. Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom)
Funded by the UK government, Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding students from over 160 countries. They are designed to develop future global leaders by offering one-year master’s programs at top British universities.
Work integration:
While the scholarship primarily covers tuition, travel, and living expenses, scholars are encouraged to engage in networking events, leadership training, and short-term professional placements.
Additional opportunities:
After graduation, many Chevening scholars are eligible for the UK’s Graduate Route Visa, allowing them to work for up to two years in the UK.
Why it’s special: Chevening combines academic excellence with career development—students graduate with both a degree and international professional connections.
7. ADB–Japan Scholarship Program (Asia-Pacific)
The Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP) provides funding for students from developing countries to study in leading universities across Japan, Hong Kong, India, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
Key features:
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Covers tuition, housing, books, and travel costs.
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Many participating institutions offer internships or assistantships, especially in fields related to economics, business, science, and development studies.
Why it’s beneficial: Students not only receive a world-class education but also gain regional work experience that prepares them for leadership roles in their home countries.
8. Holland Scholarship and Nuffic Programs (Netherlands)
The Netherlands is rapidly emerging as a favorite study destination due to its English-taught programs and affordable tuition. The Holland Scholarship, funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, provides partial funding for non-EEA students.
Work options:
International students can work up to 16 hours per week during term and full-time in the summer. Additionally, universities encourage internships with Dutch companies—especially in engineering, logistics, and design fields.
Why it’s ideal: The Netherlands combines practical education with accessible work opportunities, helping students build careers in a global business hub.
9. Work-Study Opportunities in Nordic Countries
Nordic nations like Norway, Finland, and Sweden offer low-cost or free education for international students and allow them to work part-time while studying.
While scholarships such as the Swedish Institute Scholarship or University of Oslo Grants cover tuition and living costs, students can still work 10–20 hours weekly to supplement their income and gain local experience.
Why they’re attractive: The Nordic model promotes a healthy balance of study, work, and personal well-being—perfect for students who value both education and quality of life.
Conclusion
The best study-abroad scholarships today don’t just pay for your education—they prepare you for a career. Programs like Erasmus Mundus, DAAD, Fulbright, and Australia Awards blend academic excellence with real-world work experience, allowing students to earn, learn, and grow simultaneously.
When choosing a scholarship, look beyond financial benefits. Focus on those that include internships, research assistantships, or work-study components—they provide practical experience, help offset living costs, and make your degree more valuable in the global job market.