In the fast-evolving landscape of technology and engineering, education is the launchpad for innovation. However, the high cost of pursuing degrees in these fields can be a significant barrier for many aspiring engineers and technologists. The good news is that fully funded scholarships—which cover tuition, living expenses, travel, and sometimes even research costs—can eliminate these barriers and open doors to world-class education and global careers.
This article explores some of the top fully funded scholarships in tech and engineering around the world, offered by governments, universities, and private organizations to empower the next generation of innovators.
1. DAAD Scholarships – Germany
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers one of the most extensive scholarship programs in the world. For students pursuing tech and engineering degrees in Germany, DAAD provides fully funded scholarships for both master’s and PhD programs.
What’s Covered:
-
Full tuition waiver
-
Monthly living stipend
-
Travel allowance
-
Health insurance
Eligibility:
-
Bachelor’s degree in a related field
-
At least two years of professional experience (for most programs)
-
Open to students from developing countries
Germany is home to top technical universities like RWTH Aachen and TU Munich, making this an attractive opportunity for engineers worldwide.
2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) – European Union
The Erasmus Mundus program offers fully funded scholarships for international students to pursue joint master’s degrees across multiple universities in Europe, often in fields like computer science, robotics, data science, and environmental engineering.
What’s Covered:
-
Tuition fees
-
Monthly stipend (€1,000+)
-
Travel and installation costs
-
Health insurance
Eligibility:
-
Open to students from any country
-
Requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant field
Programs such as the European Master in Embedded Computing Systems or Data Science and Innovation are popular among tech students.
3. Knight-Hennessy Scholars – Stanford University, USA
This prestigious program funds students from all disciplines, including tech and engineering, to pursue graduate studies at Stanford. It combines academic excellence with leadership development.
What’s Covered:
-
Full tuition
-
Stipend for living expenses
-
Travel grant for annual trips home
-
Additional research and enrichment funding
Eligibility:
-
Open to all nationalities
-
Must apply and be accepted to a graduate program at Stanford
-
Strong academic and leadership background
Given Stanford’s prominence in tech and Silicon Valley’s proximity, this is a golden opportunity for future engineers and tech entrepreneurs.
4. MIT – MISTI Global Seed Funds & Graduate Fellowships
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers multiple funding sources for graduate students, especially in engineering and computer science. Through fellowships, assistantships, and international partnerships, many students are able to attend with full financial support.
What’s Covered:
-
Tuition
-
Monthly stipend
-
Research and travel funding
Eligibility:
-
Admitted students are automatically considered for funding
-
Strong background in math, science, or engineering
MIT also partners with global organizations and governments (like the Singapore-MIT Alliance) to fund specific programs.
5. Fulbright Foreign Student Program – USA
Though not specific to tech, the Fulbright Program funds graduate studies in any discipline at accredited U.S. universities. Many Fulbright Scholars pursue MS and PhD programs in engineering, computer science, or information technology.
What’s Covered:
-
Tuition and fees
-
Monthly stipend
-
Health insurance
-
Travel to and from the U.S.
Eligibility:
-
Open to students from over 160 countries
-
Bachelor’s degree required
-
Demonstrated academic and leadership merit
Each country has its own Fulbright commission or embassy handling the application process.
6. ADB-Japan Scholarship Program – Asia-Pacific
The Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) supports graduate students from ADB’s developing member countries to study in Asia-Pacific institutions, especially in fields like civil, environmental, and energy engineering.
What’s Covered:
-
Full tuition
-
Monthly subsistence allowance
-
Housing, books, and materials
-
Medical insurance and travel expenses
Eligibility:
-
Work experience in a development-related field preferred
-
Must return to home country after study
-
Strong academic background in engineering or science
Top participating institutions include the University of Tokyo, Asian Institute of Technology (Thailand), and the University of Melbourne.
7. ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship – Switzerland
ETH Zurich, one of Europe’s top science and technology universities, offers the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) for master’s students.
What’s Covered:
-
Full tuition waiver
-
Living expenses (CHF 12,000 per semester)
-
Mentorship and networking opportunities
Eligibility:
-
High-ranking bachelor’s degree in engineering, mathematics, or natural sciences
-
Exceptional academic record
This scholarship places students at the forefront of innovation and research in one of Europe’s most advanced countries.
8. Australia Awards Scholarships
These are long-term development awards administered by the Australian government. While open to many fields, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) is heavily prioritized.
What’s Covered:
-
Full tuition fees
-
Living expenses
-
Health insurance
-
Airfare and relocation allowance
Eligibility:
-
Citizens of eligible developing countries
-
Commitment to return home and contribute to development
Australian universities like the University of Melbourne and UNSW offer cutting-edge engineering programs supported by these awards.
9. Chevening Scholarships – United Kingdom
Funded by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Chevening enables future global leaders to pursue one-year master’s degrees in the UK, including in technical fields.
What’s Covered:
-
Full tuition fees
-
Monthly stipend
-
Travel to and from the UK
-
Research grants and visa fees
Eligibility:
-
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
-
At least two years of work experience
-
Leadership and networking potential
Chevening is highly competitive but ideal for engineers interested in policy, energy, sustainability, or technology management.
10. Schwarzman Scholars – Tsinghua University, China
This one-year master’s program in Global Affairs is not a traditional tech program, but students can tailor it to focus on technology policy, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
What’s Covered:
-
Tuition
-
Room and board
-
Health insurance
-
Travel and personal stipend
Eligibility:
-
Bachelor's degree in any field
-
Strong leadership and academic credentials
The program is especially suited for engineers seeking roles in global leadership, technology policy, or international tech markets.