If you’re an international student dreaming of studying abroad but feeling overwhelmed by competitive scholarships, here’s some great news—not all scholarships are hard to win. In fact, some of the most fully funded scholarships around the world offer low competition, no IELTS requirement, no application fees, and even accept students with modest academic records.
Let’s dive into the top 5 lowest competition scholarships in 2025 that you should seriously consider applying for!
1# China Government Scholarships (CSC)
The China Government Scholarship (CSC) is a powerhouse in the international education arena—and surprisingly, it’s one of the least competitive fully funded scholarships.
Why It’s Low Competition:
-
- No IELTS required – many Chinese universities conduct their own English assessments.
- No application fees for most programs.
- Low GPA scores are accepted, with many students reporting success with average academic results.
- Offered by over 200 universities across China, increasing your chances significantly.
What’s Covered:
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- Full tuition
- Free on-campus accommodation
- Monthly stipend
- Medical insurance.
Apply: https://campuschina.org/scholarships/index.html?k=Chinese%20Government%20Scholarships.
2# Turkey Government Scholarship (Türkiye Bursları)
Türkiye Bursları is another scholarship gem with relatively low competition compared to Western government-funded scholarships.
Why It’s Low Competition:
-
- No IELTS or TOEFL required – you can even study in Turkish with a free 1-year language course.
- No application fee makes it risk-free to apply.
- Flexible academic requirements, with many accepted students having average GPAs.
- High acceptance rate compared to the number of global applicants.
- Additional benefits like academic mentoring, cultural events, and internship opportunities.
What It Covers:
-
- Tuition
- Monthly stipend
- Accommodation
- Airfare
- Health insurance
- Free Turkish language training.
Apply: https://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr/.
3# Government of Brunei Darussalam Scholarship
Often overlooked, this Brunei-based scholarship is a hidden treasure that comes with full funding and low application pressure.
Why It’s Low Competition:
-
- No IELTS or standardized test requirement
- No application fee
- Fewer applicants due to limited global awareness of the program
- Modest academic criteria—GPA requirements are not strictly enforced
- Applications are handled directly by the government, cutting out complicated steps.
What It Covers:
-
- Full tuition
- Monthly living allowance
- Accommodation
- Economy-class airfare
- Medical insurance.
Apply: https://ubd.edu.bn/admission/scholarship/.
4# Romania Government Scholarship
Romania’s Government Scholarship is a strong contender for students seeking a stress-free, fully funded opportunity.
Why It’s Low Competition:
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- No IELTS or English test required for many programs (especially Romanian-taught ones).
- No application fees
- Wide availability for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students
- Most students overlook Romania for top-tier options, reducing the crowd.
What It Covers:
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- Tuition fee waiver
- Monthly stipend
- Free accommodation in student dormitories
- Local transport discounts
- Medical assistance in case of emergency.
Apply: https://scholarships.studyinromania.gov.ro/scholarship-auth.
5# Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungarian Government Scholarship)
The Stipendium Hungaricum is among the most generous and accessible scholarships in Europe—yet still offers relatively low competition due to its inclusive requirements.
Why It’s Low Competition:
-
- No IELTS required – most universities accept alternative English certificates or conduct their own assessments.
- No application or tuition fees
- Partnered with 90+ countries, giving you a direct path through your home country’s nomination
- Multiple degree levels and disciplines available
- High number of slots per country.
What It Covers:
-
- Full tuition
- Monthly living allowance
- Free accommodation or housing allowance
- Medical insurance.
Apply: https://stipendiumhungaricum.hu/apply_main/apply-for-scholarship/
✨ Comparison Between These 5 Scholarships
| Scholarship | IELTS Needed? | Application Fee? | GPA Requirement | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| China Government Scholarship | ❌ | ❌ | Low to Medium | Full |
| Türkiye Bursları | ❌ | ❌ | Low to Medium | Full |
| Brunei Darussalam Scholarship | ❌ | ❌ | Low | Full |
| Romania Government Scholarship | ❌ | ❌ | Low | Full |
| Stipendium Hungaricum | ❌ | ❌ | Medium | Full |
