25 Full Ride Scholarship For Adults In 2024

By definition, a full-ride scholarship refers to every scholarship whose financial award covers the full cost of attending the course in the university or college, the full cost might include housing expenses, tuition fees, feeding, and other relevant expenses. It is often quite a difficult type of scholarship to find due to the case of poor publicity and overbearing requirements needed to secure one. Here is where we dig deep to keep you well abreast of the kinds of scholarships already in existence, the latest ones of the year 2024, and the easy channel to secure one.

The advantages of a full-ride scholarship for adults cannot be overemphasized, ranging from the fact that it covers the cost of attending college to the meantime provision of financial security while in the university or college. It often clears the air around the students and makes them stand a better chance of being open to exploring opportunities and experiences that ordinarily would have been difficult to explore if they had to worry about the tuition and other expenses simultaneously with the demanding task of academics.

Full-ride scholarships can be in the form of merit-based, need-based, governmental aid, private, and several other types of scholarship, you just need to find the right one that has you in mind, and as such this article is poised to point you in the right direction.

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General Eligibility Requirements For The 25 Full Ride Scholarship For Adults

The following involves the various requirements needed to be met when considering the 25 full-ride scholarships for adults in 2024.

Being a citizen of an involved country like the US or a permanent resident of the said country.
Being a certain age (e.g., over 25, 30, or 35) depending on the stipulation.
Having a minimum GPA as specified.
Demonstrating financial need.
Having a particular area of study or major in the required field.
Being a graduate or professional student.
Being a first-generation college student.
Being a woman or a minority.

List Of The Full Ride Scholarship For Adults

Below is a list of the full-ride scholarships for adults:

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
The Clarendon Fund Scholarships at the University of Oxford.
The Rhodes Scholarship.
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program.
The Marshall Scholarship.
The Schwarzman Scholars Program.
The Fulbright US Student Program.
The Boren Awards for International Study.
The Gilman International Scholarship.
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Internship Program.
The DAAD RISE Professional Development Program.
The Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad (DDRA).
The Jacob K. Javits Fellowship Program.
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships.
The PEO International Peace Scholarships.
The Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships.
The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) Fellowships.
The Freeman-ASIA Awards.
The Japan Foundation Fellowships.
The Korea Foundation Fellowships.
The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program.
The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan.
The Chevening Scholarships.

The Full Ride Scholarship For Adults

1. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Class of Award: Fully Funded
Eligibility Status: Undergraduates from outside the United Kingdom
Duration And Deadlines of Scholarship: 4 September – 5 December or 4 January (Varies with the course applied).

The class scholarship awarded includes full tuition fees, travel allowances, and a living stipend for postgraduate students at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.

Eligible students are students who demonstrate outstanding performances from outside the UK and are committed to improving the lives of others. Duration and deadlines of scholarship vary by program, therefore applicants are advised to see the course directory.

2. The Clarendon Fund Scholarships at the University of Oxford

Class Of Award: Fully Funded
Eligibility Status: Open to all graduate (Masters, MBA and Doctoral degree)
Duration And Deadlines Of Scholarship: January (Varies with the course applied).

The class scholarship awarded is either a full or partial tuition fee and a living stipend for graduate study at the University of Oxford. Eligible students from International communities with exceptional academic merit. The duration of time it was open was not verified but the deadline is stated above even though it varies by program.

3. The Rhodes Scholarship

Class Of Award: Fully Funded
Eligible Status: Students with academic excellence
Duration And Deadline Of Scholarship: 1 August

The grade of scholarship awarded is usually full tuition fees, travel allowances, and a living stipend for postgraduate study at the University of Oxford.

Outstanding students from selected countries around the world who demonstrate commitment to leadership and public service are mostly the beneficiaries of this scholarship program. The deadline varies by the country of the applicant.

4. The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program

Class Of Award: Fully Funded
Eligibility Status: Applicants from all countries are eligible
Duration And Deadlines Of Scholarship: October 11 – November 9(varies with application)

The scholarship is usually a fully funded scholarship offering Full tuition fees, a living stipend, and travel allowances for graduate study at Stanford University. The eligible candidates are usually students from around the world who have shown exceptional academic achievement, making good grades and CGPA while maintaining leadership potential and showing a commitment to creating a better world.

5. The Marshall Scholarship

Class Of Award: Fully Funded
Eligibility Status: Applicants must be citizens of the United States of America
Duration And Deadline Of Scholarship: September 26 – September 27.

The category of the scholarship award is usually fully funded as they offer Full tuition, fees, travel allowances, and a living stipend for postgraduate study at any university in the UK.

Eligible students are highly qualified students from the United States who have shown great talent in academic exercises and leadership potential.

6. The Schwarzman Scholars Program

Class Of Award: Fully Funded
Eligibility Status: Applicant must be between the ages of 18 and 29 as of August 1 of their Schwarzman Scholars enrollment year
Duration And Deadline Of Scholarship: September 19

It is a fully funded type of scholarship as it offers a Full tuition fee, a living stipend, travel allowances, and activities with rich potential for a master’s degree in global affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China.

It is a nondiscriminatory scholarship as students from around the world are free to apply. The only catch there is that those students will show commitment to understanding China and its role in the world.

7. The Fulbright US Student Program

Class Of Award:
Eligibility Status: Applicants must be US citizens. But it has a foreign students program and applicants must be citizens or nationals of Nigeria, or permanent residents holding a valid passport issued by the government of Nigeria, applicants must have an outstanding academic record and a high level of English proficiency, applicants must take their first TOEFL exam by May. applicants must meet the minimum score on required standardized tests (TOEFL: a score of 90)
Duration And Deadline Of Scholarship: No deadlines are usually renewable but Vary by program.

It is a fully funded type of scholarship but its funding is usually for research, study, or teaching English abroad. The scholarship is open to students who are US citizens and are recent graduates or professionals with at least a bachelor’s degree but grants are available for interested Nigerians who meet the application criteria. The duration of the scholarship usually Varies by program.

8. The Boren Awards for International Study

Class Of Award: Fully Funded
Eligibility Status: Applicant must be a high school graduate and at least 18 years of age
Duration And Deadline Of Scholarship: February 9

Usually fully funded type of scholarship, providing funds for undergraduate and graduate students to study abroad in other countries of the world especially friends of the US.

The eligible students must be US citizens who are enrolled in a degree program at a US institution of higher education. With outstanding academic records.

9. The Gilman International Scholarship

Class Of Award: Fully Funded
Eligibility Status: Applicant Must Be Enrolled In A Degree Program At A US or Theny Other Institution Of Higher Education.
Duration And Deadline Of Scholarship: October 5

Fully funded type of scholarship providing funds for undergraduate International students to study abroad. Potential beneficiaries are usually Pell Grant recipients who are enrolled in a degree program at a US or any other institution of higher education. The scholarship varies by program of the applicant.

10. The Benjamin A. Gilman International Internship Program

Class Of Award: Internship
Eligibility Status: Applicant must be pursuing an undergraduate degree and must be in good standing at an accredited institution of higher institution education.
Duration And Deadline Of Scholarship: December 1 – October 31

Intern type of scholarship is graded as one of the best internship programs known for its efficiency in providing funds for undergraduate students to intern abroad.

Eligible students are usually Pell Grant recipients who are enrolled in a degree program at a US institution of higher education. The application format varies by program.

11. The DAAD RISE Professional Development Program

Class Of Award: Fully Funded
Eligibility Status: Applicants must be citizens of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, or Ireland.
Duration And Deadline Of Scholarship: July – August

The Scholarship provides Funding for US faculty and professionals to conduct research or participate in professional development programs in Germany. Eligible candidates must be US, Canada, and Ireland citizens who are also faculty members, administrators, or professionals working in the fields of education, culture, or the media. The benefit package varies by program.

12. The Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad (DDRA)

Class Of Award: Partly Funded
Eligibility Status: Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the United States.
Duration And Deadline Of Scholarship:

The scholarship provides funding for doctoral students to conduct research abroad for their dissertations. It takes care of part of the required fund while the beneficiary takes care of the other part of the fund required for the research.

Usually open to US citizens who are enrolled in a doctoral program at a US institution of higher education which must be a postgraduate student with an outstanding academic record in an accredited institution of higher education resident in the United States.

The applicant, however, should be admitted to candidacy in a doctoral program in modern foreign languages with other notable abilities to maximize the chances of getting the scholarship.

13. The Jacob K. Javits Fellowship Program

Class Of Award: Fully Funded
Eligibility Status: Applicant must be a United States citizen
Duration And Deadline Of Scholarship: November 1

This is a fully funded scholarship providing Funds for doctoral students to study and conduct research on foreign languages and area studies. Gender-based fully funded scholarships can be found on the list of the top best women-driven fully funded scholarships.

The mandate is geared towards providing funds for women to pursue postgraduate study or research abroad. The potential beneficiaries must be in the category of women with a bachelor’s degree who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States.

14. The American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships

Class Of Award: Fully Funded
Eligibility Status: Applicant must be a woman, and applicant must have applied to their proposed institutions of study by the time of the application
Duration And Deadline Of Scholarship: August 1 – November 15 (Every Year)

Started in 1917 the program is a gender-based fully funded scholarship, funding for women to pursue postgraduate study or research abroad, to be eligible the potential beneficiaries must be in the category of women with a bachelor’s degree who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States.

15. The PEO International Peace Scholarships

Class Of Award: Partly Funded
Eligibility Status: An applicant pursuing a graduate degree in either a college or university that is accredited and resident in the United States or Canada.
Duration And Deadline Of Scholarship: 15 December (annually)

Gender-based type of scholarship, Funding for women to pursue full-time graduate study at the doctoral or apply for post-doctorate programs in the United States or Canada. The category of eligible candidates are usually women from outside the United States or Canada who are citizens or permanent residents of their home countries.

16. The Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships

Class Of Award: Partly funded
Eligibility Status: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in any field of study
Duration And Deadline Of Scholarship: Not verified

The scholarship falls under the category of grants. furthermore, it is a grant-awarding type of scholarship. The grants being awarded provide funding for graduate-level study abroad.

The grant is open to individuals with a bachelor’s degree who are citizens of a country where Rotary clubs are located as its affiliation is with the Rotary Club. The deadline for application often varies by country.

17. The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) Fellowships

Class Of Award: Fully funded
Eligibility Status: Applicants must be United States citizens or permanent residents.
Duration And Deadline Of Scholarship: Not verified

Fully funded type of scholarship awards. They provide funding for study, research, or professional development in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, or Sweden.

Candidates for whom these grants are open must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States. However, the issued grants vary by the programs of the applicants.

18. The Freeman-ASIA Awards

Class Of Award: Need-based funded
Eligibility Status: Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or provide an equivalent which is a permanent resident document at the time of application with verifiable need for finance.
DurationDurationdline Of Scholarship: March 28

This is a fully funded type of scholarship, providing funding for study, research, or teaching English in East or Southeast Asia. Those who are open to assessing the scholarship are candidates who are usually United States citizens and are educators, administrators, graduate students, or professionals.

19. The Japan Foundation Fellowships

Class Of Award: Fully funded
Eligibility Status: Applicants must hold an academic position in a research institute
Duration And Deadline Of Scholarship: December 1

Being a fully funded type of scholarship that provides funding for research, study, or professional training in Japan usually open to researchers, academics, professionals, and artists and there are no exclusions as it accepts applications from around the world. The benefits package Varies by program.

20. The Korea Foundation Fellowships

Class Of Award: Fully funded
Eligibility Status: Applicants must be a student pursuing a degree or master’s degree
Duration And Deadline Of Scholarship: September 7

This type of scholarship is provided for the funding of research, study, or professional training in Korea. Open to candidates who are Researchers, academics, and professionals. It is a nondiscriminatory scholarship awarding students from around the world, the field research Varies by program.

21. The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship

Class Of Award: Fully funded
Eligibility Status: Applicants must demonstrate strong indications
Duration And Deadline Of Scholarship: 1-year program (annually)

This is a fully funded scholarship offering a Full tuition fee, a living stipend, and leadership development opportunities for postgraduate study in South Africa. The scholarship is open to students who are African citizens with outstanding results of academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to social justice. The selection basis Varies by country.

22. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Class Of Award: Fully funded
Eligibility Status: Applicants must be academically strong
Duration And Deadline Of Scholarship: Not verified

This is a fully funded type of scholarship providing full tuition, fees, a living stipend, and wraparound support for undergraduate and graduate study at partner universities around the world. Those who the funds are open to are candidates who are students from Africa who have demonstrated academic talents and have indications of financial need and a commitment to social change.

23. The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program

Class Of Award: Not verified
Eligibility Status: Applicants must show genuine financial need
Duration And Deadline Of Scholarship: Scholarship duration varies but payment lasts for 5 years

This is usually a comprehensive or fully funded type of scholarship awarding Full tuition fees and a living stipend for postgraduate study at a select group of universities around the world. Eligible candidates must be in the category of Outstanding students from developing countries who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to community service.

24. The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan

Class Of Award: Fully funded
Eligibility Status: Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of a Commonwealth country
Duration and Deadline Of Scholarship: 17 October

This is a fully funded type of scholarship, awarding beneficiaries full tuition fees, a living stipend, travel allowances, and other benefits for postgraduate study at universities in Commonwealth countries. Open to Citizens of Commonwealth countries who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to development. The scholarship award varies by country.

25. The Chevening Scholarships

Class Of Award: Fully funded
Eligibility Status: Applicants must be a citizen of one of 160+ Chevening-eligible countries
Duration And Deadline Of Scholarship: November 7

This is a fully funded type of scholarship providing full tuition fees, a living stipend, travel allowances, and other benefits for postgraduate study at universities in the UK. Open to students who demonstrated outstanding fits from around the world, also demonstrating strong academic and leadership potential. The award package usually varies by country.

FAQs About Full Ride Scholarships For Adults

Who is eligible for full-ride scholarships for adults?

The eligibility criteria for these scholarships depend on several factors that determine the operations of the scholarship. They vary greatly and depend heavily on the scholarship provider. While some indicators like academic achievement are usually focused on, some prioritize financial needs, career goals, or specific demographics. Moreover, good research is advised before applying for any scholarship.

What types of full-ride scholarships are available for adults?

There are many types, including merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, career-specific scholarships, and scholarships for returning students. Some cover tuition and fees only, while others also provide living expenses, books, and other resources.

What are the benefits of getting a full-ride scholarship as an adult?

There are so many benefits of Full-ride scholarships owing to how significantly they can reduce or eliminate financial barriers to pursuing your academics, especially in higher education. This allows adults to channel most of their energies to their academics become open to gaining new skills and knowledge, and open doors to career advancement and personal fulfillment.

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Conclusion

As you’ve learned throughout this article, full-ride scholarships for adults are chances you do not want to miss out on, they indeed represent a tangible reality anyone including you can access, nevertheless, the process of scholarship goes with a lot of research, application deadlines, and essays. But every step you take is an investment in your future, empowering you to unlock doors you never thought possible.

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