When it comes to studying abroad or even at top-tier institutions in your home country, scholarships aren’t one-size-fits-all. In fact, many of the most generous and targeted funding opportunities are field-specific scholarships—created to support students in disciplines like STEM, arts, business, education, law, medicine, and social sciences.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the top scholarships based on academic discipline, offering a valuable roadmap for students seeking fully funded or partial financial aid in their chosen career path.
Scholarships for STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math).
STEM fields are often high-priority areas for national development and innovation, so funding is plentiful.
Top Scholarships:
- Google Lime Scholarship (USA/Canada): For students with disabilities pursuing computer science or tech fields.
- Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future (Global): For women from developing countries studying science or engineering at the PhD level.
- DAAD STEM Scholarships (Germany): Full scholarships for master’s and research in science & tech fields.
Why Apply?
STEM students often receive higher stipends, research support, and priority visa processing.
Scholarships for Arts, Design & Creative Fields.
Creative students often struggle to find funding, but several arts-specific scholarships exist across the globe.
Top Scholarships:
- Art Center College of Design Scholarships (USA): For visual artists and designers with exceptional portfolios.
- Royal College of Art Scholarships (UK): Fully or partially funded master’s-level arts programs.
- DAAD Fine Arts Scholarships (Germany): For painters, sculptors, musicians, and filmmakers.
Tip: Strong portfolios and recommendations matter more than GPA in this category.
Scholarships for Business & MBA.
With the rising cost of MBAs, many top business schools now offer generous merit-based and need-based awards.
Top Scholarships:
- Harvard Business School Fellowships (USA): Covers tuition + living for admitted students with financial need.
- INSEAD Scholarships (France/Singapore): Various merit and diversity scholarships for MBA candidates.
- Rotman Entrance Awards (Canada): Scholarships for MBA students with strong leadership and academics.
Extra Perk: Many business scholarships include internship and startup funding.
Scholarships for Medicine & Health Sciences.
Medical degrees can be expensive, but specific governments and institutions offer full funding to fill healthcare gaps.
Top Scholarships:
- Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK): Full scholarship for PhD and professional medical degrees.
- Australia Awards Scholarship: Includes health and public health fields, especially for developing nations.
- Wellcome Trust International Training Fellowships: Research funding in biomedical and health-related fields.
Note: Some require service obligations in home countries post-graduation.
Scholarships for Law and Public Policy.
Law students with a passion for justice and reform can access global opportunities.
Top Scholarships:
- Yale Law School Scholarships (USA): Generous need-based aid and fellowships.
- Erasmus Mundus Master in Law & Economics (Europe): Full scholarship covering 2–3 countries.
- Open Society Foundations (OSF) Fellowships: Focused on human rights and public interest law.
Advantage: Law scholarships often include networking, internships, and advocacy opportunities.
Scholarships for Education & Teaching.
Educators are crucial changemakers, and many global institutions support future teachers with funding.
Top Scholarships:
- Teach for America & Teach for All: Partner with universities offering fellowships and degree subsidies.
- Fulbright TEA Program: For secondary school teachers to study in the USA.
- Commonwealth Scholarships in Education (UK): For students studying education theory or leadership.
Tip: Prior teaching or tutoring experience can boost your chances.
Scholarships for Psychology & Social Sciences.
From sociology to political science and psychology, social sciences play a vital role in policymaking and community wellness.
Top Scholarships:
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: For PhD students in social sciences.
- Rhodes Scholarship (UK): Includes social sciences as an eligible area, with full funding and leadership training.
- American Psychological Association Scholarships: For undergrad and graduate students in psychology.
Bonus: Many scholarships offer field research support or mental health advocacy stipends.
