Looking for less competitive, fully funded scholarships in 2025? While popular scholarships get thousands of applications, some valuable ones go unnoticed. These “hidden gem” scholarships are lesser-known but offer generous funding—and better odds of winning.
Here are 7 hidden scholarships in 2025 you probably haven’t heard of, but absolutely should apply for.
1. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)
- Deadline: 27 May 2025 (second application window)
- Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, airfare, health insurance
- Eligibility: Citizens of developing countries, including India; must have relevant professional experience
- Level: Master’s degree in development-related fields
- Apply at: www.worldbank.org
2. The Allan & Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust Scholarship – UK
- Deadline: 30 June 2025 (varies by university)
- Coverage: Full tuition, living expenses, airfare
- Eligibility: Students from developing countries; offered at universities like Sheffield, UEA
- Level: Master’s programs focused on international development
- Apply at: Through university (e.g., University of Sheffield)
3. Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship Program
- Deadline: 15 July 2025
- Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, medical support, travel
- Eligibility: Citizens of IsDB member countries (India included under special agreement), good academic background
- Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
- Apply at: www.isdb.org
4. Orange Knowledge Programme – Netherlands
- Deadline: 5 September 2025
- Coverage: Full tuition, travel, visa, and health costs
- Eligibility: Mid-career professionals from select countries, including India (in priority sectors)
- Level: Short courses & Master’s degrees
- Apply at: www.nuffic.nl
5. The Wells Mountain Initiative (WMI) Scholars Program
- Deadline: 1 July 2025
- Coverage: Up to $3,000/year for tuition and expenses
- Eligibility: Students from developing countries with a passion for community service
- Level: Undergraduate
- Apply at: www.wellsmountaininitiative.org
6. Taiwan ICDF International Higher Education Scholarship
- Deadline: 30 June 2025 (most programs)
- Coverage: Tuition, monthly living allowance, airfare, textbooks, insurance
- Eligibility: Applicants from developing countries; must apply through partner universities
- Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
- Apply at: www.icdf.org.tw
7. Romania Government Scholarship
- Deadline: 31 July 2025 (via diplomatic missions)
- Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend
- Eligibility: Non-EU students, including Indians; requires application via Romanian embassy
- Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
- Apply at: www.mae.ro
✅ Why These Scholarships Are “Hidden”
These scholarships are not always advertised on mainstream platforms, making them less competitive than globally popular ones. They also target specific regions, sectors, or development goals, increasing your chances if you match the profile.
