√Scholarships Covering Research and Laboratory Expenses

For many international students, especially those in STEM, medical, or research-based fields, access to proper funding for research and laboratory work is essential. Conducting experiments, collecting data, or publishing findings can require significant financial support.

Fortunately, several fully funded scholarships and grants provide financial aid not just for tuition or living costs, but also for research materials, laboratory expenses, and fieldwork funding. These opportunities allow global students to pursue advanced projects and contribute to scientific innovation without financial burden.

Below are the top scholarships that include research and laboratory support for international students at the Master’s and PhD levels.

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (United States)

The Fulbright Program is one of the world’s most prestigious scholarships, offering research-focused funding for Master’s and PhD students across disciplines.

Benefits:

• Full tuition and fees

• Monthly living stipend

• Research and laboratory expense coverage

• Health insurance

• Travel and visa support

Eligibility:

Open to applicants from over 160 countries with a strong academic background and research potential.

Why It’s Worth Applying:

Fulbright provides dedicated research funding, allowing scholars to conduct advanced projects, fieldwork, and laboratory work in collaboration with U.S. institutions.

2. DAAD Research Grants (Germany)

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers research grants for postgraduate students, doctoral candidates, and young researchers who want to study or conduct research in Germany.

Benefits:

• Full tuition and monthly stipend

• Health insurance

• Travel allowance

• Research and laboratory cost coverage

• Possible family or dependent allowance

Eligibility:

Applicants must have completed at least one degree and present a clear research proposal.

Why It’s Worth Applying:

Germany’s universities are globally recognized for their advanced research infrastructure, and DAAD ensures students have financial access to laboratories, equipment, and research facilities.

3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctorate and Master Programs (Europe)

The Erasmus Mundus initiative supports interdisciplinary research and mobility across European universities, offering funding for joint programs that often include lab-based components.

Benefits:

• Full tuition coverage

• Monthly stipend (€1,000–€1,500)

• Travel and research allowances

• Access to laboratory facilities across partner universities

Eligibility:

Applicants must hold a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree and meet program-specific academic requirements.

Why It’s Worth Applying:

Students gain hands-on laboratory experience in multiple European countries, with all research-related costs fully supported.

4. Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)

The Australia Awards Scholarships, funded by the Australian Government, focus on developing research capacity among global scholars.

Benefits:

• Full tuition fees

• Living and establishment allowance

• Return airfare

• Research and fieldwork funding

• Health insurance

Eligibility:

Available for students from eligible developing countries pursuing Master’s or PhD studies in Australia.

Why It’s Worth Applying:

This scholarship provides direct funding for research and lab work, especially in fields related to environmental science, engineering, and health studies.

5. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (United Kingdom)

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship supports exceptional postgraduate students at the University of Cambridge, covering both academic and research expenses.

Benefits:

• Full tuition fees

• Living stipend

• Research, laboratory, and fieldwork funding

• Travel and visa expenses

• Family allowance

Eligibility:

Applicants must be non-UK citizens applying for a full-time postgraduate degree at Cambridge.

Why It’s Worth Applying:

Scholars benefit from Cambridge’s world-class research facilities and additional funding for data collection, lab materials, and publication support.

6. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Switzerland)

This program funds international PhD and postdoctoral researchers conducting innovative research at Swiss universities or research institutions.

Benefits:

• Full tuition and monthly stipend

• Research and lab funding allowance

• Health insurance

• Travel support

• Access to Swiss laboratories and research centers

Eligibility:

Applicants must hold at least a Master’s degree and submit a strong research proposal approved by a Swiss supervisor.

Why It’s Worth Applying:

Switzerland’s high-tech research environment and generous funding make it ideal for scientific exploration and lab-based studies.

7. ADB–Japan Scholarship Program (Asia and Pacific)

The Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP) supports students pursuing advanced degrees that involve research in science, technology, and development.

Benefits:

• Full tuition and living allowance

• Research and thesis support

• Travel and relocation coverage

• Health and insurance fees

Eligibility:

Applicants must be from ADB member countries and have relevant professional experience.

Why It’s Worth Applying:

ADB–JSP provides dedicated research funding, particularly for sustainable development, economics, and environmental projects.

8. Commonwealth Scholarships for PhD Studies (United Kingdom)

The Commonwealth PhD Scholarship offers financial support for students from developing Commonwealth countries conducting research in the UK.

Benefits:

• Full tuition and fees

• Monthly stipend

• Research support grant

• Fieldwork and thesis allowance

• Airfare and visa fees

Eligibility:

Applicants must be citizens of a Commonwealth country with a strong academic and research record.

Why It’s Worth Applying:

The scholarship focuses on development-oriented research, funding both laboratory and field studies across a wide range of scientific fields.

9. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Canada)

The Vanier CGS program supports doctoral students conducting high-level research in Canadian institutions.

Benefits:

• $50,000 per year for three years

• Research and data collection funding

• Health coverage

• Travel and relocation allowance

Eligibility:

Applicants must demonstrate excellence in research, leadership, and academic achievement.

Why It’s Worth Applying:

Vanier CGS provides stable, long-term funding that allows researchers to focus fully on experiments and innovation.

10. Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Fellowships (Japan)

The JSPS Fellowships program is dedicated to supporting international researchers at Japanese universities and laboratories.

Benefits:

• Full research funding

• Monthly allowance

• Travel expenses

• Laboratory access and equipment support

• Health insurance

Eligibility:

Applicants must be early-career researchers or doctoral students with strong research proposals.

Why It’s Worth Applying:

JSPS connects scholars with cutting-edge laboratories and leading scientists across Japan’s top research institutions.

Final Thoughts

If your dream is to work in a lab, conduct experiments, or publish groundbreaking research, these scholarships can help turn that dream into reality. Many of them go beyond covering tuition—they fund lab materials, fieldwork, publications, and technical equipment.

When applying, make sure to:

• Write a detailed research proposal with clear objectives and methodologies.

• Contact potential supervisors or research mentors early.

• Highlight how your research can contribute to innovation and global development.

With the right preparation and persistence, you can secure a scholarship that empowers your academic and scientific journey abroad—from the lab bench to global impact.