Earth Science is the study of our planet — from the layers beneath our feet to the atmosphere above our heads, oceans that shape climate, and landscapes that tell ancient stories. As climate change intensifies and natural resource management becomes more critical, the demand for skilled Earth Scientists has never been higher.
Yet, many students passionate about this field are deterred by the high costs of higher education — especially international degrees. Thankfully, fully funded scholarships exist that cover tuition, living expenses, travel, research stipends, and more, enabling aspiring earth scientists to study without financial stress.
In this definitive guide, we showcase the Top 12 Fully Funded Scholarships for Earth Science Students — ranging from undergraduate opportunities to doctoral research programs around the globe.
1. WMO-China Government Scholarship in Atmospheric & Earth Sciences (NUIST)
Location: China
Degree Level: Master’s & PhD
Funding: Fully Funded
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) partnership with the Ministry of Education of China offers a fully funded scholarship in atmospheric and earth sciences, including meteorology, geophysics, ocean science, and climate studies at institutions such as Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology (NUIST). This award is tailored for students worldwide and is one of the most generous for Earth Science disciplines.
What It Covers:
✔ Full tuition fees
✔ Monthly stipend
✔ On-campus accommodation or housing allowance
✔ Medical insurance
✔ Round-trip airfare (varies by case)
Who Should Apply:
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International students with a bachelor’s or master’s pursuing higher studies in Earth Sciences, Atmospheric Science, or Climate Systems.
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Strong academic and research potential candidates.
Apply Link:
👉 Chinese Government Scholarship portal: https://www.campuschina.org
Why It Matters:
This scholarship is structured for deep scientific training and international collaboration — ideal for anyone aiming at careers in climate research, geological survey, satellite remote sensing, or environmental modeling.
2. National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (Earth Sciences)
Location: United States
Degree Level: PhD
Funding: Fully Funded
The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is one of the most prestigious research fellowships in the world for STEM, including Earth Sciences disciplines such as geology, geochemistry, geophysics, and environmental Earth sciences.
Scholarship Benefits:
✔ 3 years of annual stipend (~US$37,000+)
✔ Tuition support (~US$12,000 per year)
✔ Access to professional development and global research networks
✔ Long-term academic recognition
Who Can Apply:
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U.S. citizens or permanent residents accepted or enrolling in PhD programs in Earth Sciences or related fields.
Apply Link:
👉 NSF GRFP official application: https://www.nsf.gov/grfp
Why It’s Powerful:
This fellowship not only funds your education but also places you in a network of elite researchers. GRFP support generally lasts beyond coursework, into dissertation research.
3. Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowships
Location: Global
Degree Level: PhD & Postdoctoral (Earth Sciences/Engineering)
Funding: Fully Funded
The Faculty for the Future program supports women from developing countries who are pursuing advanced degrees in technical fields, including Earth Sciences, Geosciences, Environmental Engineering, and related disciplines.
Scholarship Coverage:
✔ Full tuition and living expenses
✔ Research costs and travel grants
✔ Conference support and professional mentoring
Who Should Apply:
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Women nationals of developing countries
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Strong academic track record in Earth Sciences or Engineering
Apply Link:
👉 Faculty for the Future: https://www.facultyforthefuture.net
Human Impact:
This fellowship is transformative for women scientists advancing research in land, water, climate, and earth systems — especially in regions disproportionately affected by climate change.
4. DAAD Study Scholarships in Earth & Environmental Sciences
Location: Germany
Degree Level: Master’s & PhD
Funding: Fully Funded
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides comprehensive scholarships for international students in environmental sciences, earth resources, climate research, sustainable resource management, and related areas.
What It Includes:
✔ Monthly stipend
✔ Travel support
✔ Health insurance
✔ Tuition fee support (where applicable)
Who Can Apply:
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Students from all countries with bachelor’s or master’s degrees applying for postgraduate study in German universities.
Apply Link:
👉 DAAD Scholarship Database: https://www.daad.de/en/study-research-in-germany/scholarships
Why It’s Unique:
Germany is a global leader in geological and environmental research, and DAAD scholarships provide access to world-class research infrastructure and scientists.
5. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters in Earth and Marine Sciences (EMJMD)
Location: Europe (Consortium of Universities)
Degree Level: Master’s
Funding: Fully Funded
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMDs) provide highly competitive scholarships that include Earth and Marine Sciences — often with specializations in geoscience, coastal dynamics, climate systems, and oceanography. These programs rotate across partner universities in Europe.
Scholarship Benefits:
✔ Tuition fees covered
✔ Monthly stipend
✔ Travel and installation allowance
✔ Health insurance
Who Can Apply:
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Students from any nationality with a related undergraduate degree
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Strong motivation and academic performance
Apply Link:
👉 Erasmus+ EMJMD Catalogue: https://erasmusplus.ec.europa.eu
Why It Helps:
This scholarship lets students study in multiple European institutions — immersing them in diverse earth science research approaches.
6. Geological Society of America (GSA) Graduate Student Research Grants
Location: United States & Worldwide
Degree Level: Master’s & PhD
Funding: Fully Funded (Research Support)
While not a traditional tuition scholarship, the GSA Graduate Student Research Grants are essential for students conducting field research, data collection, and geoscience thesis work — often covering costs of research outside regular funding.
What It Covers:
✔ Fieldwork expenses
✔ Travel to study sites
✔ Research supplies and equipment
Who Can Apply:
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GSA student members (graduate level)
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Earth Science thesis or dissertation research projects
Apply Link:
👉 Geological Society of America Research Grants: https://www.geosociety.org/GSA/awards
Why It’s Valuable:
Field research is crucial in Earth Science. GSA grants empower students to do real exploration — from rock sampling to seismic studies.
7. WHO/TDR Training Awards for Research in Tropical Diseases
Location: Global
Degree Level: Master’s & PhD (Earth & Environmental Health Interfaces)
Funding: Fully Funded
The TDR (Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases) under the World Health Organization offers scholarships for interdisciplinary projects, including earth environment impacts on health, water and sanitation studies, and climate-linked epidemiology.
Scholarship Coverage:
✔ Monthly stipend
✔ Tuition support
✔ Research funding
✔ Travel allowance
Who Should Apply:
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Students researching environment–health interlinks
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Applicants from low- and middle-income countries
Apply Link:
👉 WHO TDR Opportunities: https://tdr.who.int/our-work/training-grants
Human Angle:
Earth scientists tackling environmental determinants of disease — like water contamination or climate-driven outbreaks — benefit immensely from this support.
8. UNESCO-L’Oréal International Fellowships for Women in Geosciences
Location: Global
Degree Level: Master’s & PhD
Funding: Fully Funded
Focused on empowering women in science, this fellowship supports women pursuing geosciences — including geology, geophysics, ocean science, environmental science, and earth system research.
What’s Offered:
✔ Monthly stipend for living costs
✔ Research and laboratory support
✔ Travel for fieldwork and conferences
Who Can Apply:
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Women graduate students in geosciences
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Strong commitment to scientific research
Apply Link:
👉 UNESCO-L’Oréal Fellowships: https://www.unesco.org
Why It Matters:
This award strengthens global gender balance in earth sciences — creating pathways for more women researchers in critical geoscience fields.
9. Rotary – INTERACT Earth Science Scholarships
Location: Global
Degree Level: Undergraduate & Graduate
Funding: Fully Funded
The Rotary INTERACT program (often tied to Rotary Global Grants) also funds students pursuing environmental geology, natural disaster mitigation, and climate resiliency studies at universities around the world.
Scholarship Includes:
✔ Tuition fees
✔ Travel costs
✔ Living allowances
✔ Project support
Who Should Apply:
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Young leaders involved in environmental or earth science community projects
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Applicants with social impact initiatives in geoscience fields
Apply Link:
👉 Rotary Scholarships: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/scholarships
Impact Focus:
This award is ideal for students with passion for earthquake resilience, tsunami awareness, sustainable mining, and geological hazard reduction.
10. ISRO Young Scientist Program (India & International)
Location: India (with international participation)
Degree Level: Master’s & PhD
Funding: Fully Funded (research & training support)
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) offers scholarships and research fellowships supporting students in Earth Observation, Remote Sensing, Geoinformatics, and Geological Satellite Research.
Award Benefits:
✔ Monthly stipend
✔ Research grants
✔ Training at ISRO centers
✔ Field experiment support
Who Can Apply:
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Students with Earth Science, Physics, Geology, or Engineering backgrounds
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Strong interest in satellite applications in earth processes
Apply Link:
👉 ISRO Opportunities: https://www.isro.gov.in
Why It’s Special:
Remote sensing and satellite research are critical tools in modern Earth Science — and ISRO support opens doors to high-impact research.
11. ADB-JSP Scholarships – Earth & Environmental Studies
Location: Asia-Pacific
Degree Level: Master’s
Funding: Fully Funded
The Asian Development Bank – Japan Scholarship Program supports students from ADB member countries to pursue Earth and Environmental Sciences, focusing on sustainable development, climate adaptation, and natural resources.
Scholarship Includes:
✔ Tuition and fees
✔ Monthly stipend
✔ Travel support
✔ Research funding
Who Should Apply:
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Students from Asia and Pacific nations
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Candidates addressing environmental or geoscience challenges
Apply Link:
👉 ADB-JSP Official Site: https://www.adb.org/work-with-us/careers/japan-scholarship-program
Real-World Relevance:
This scholarship encourages solutions to environmental degradation, land management, and disaster risk reduction in rapidly changing regions.
12. World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (Earth & Environment Focus)
Location: Partners worldwide
Degree Level: Master’s
Funding: Fully Funded
The World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (WB GSP) supports students from developing countries pursuing degrees that contribute to development — including Earth Sciences, Environmental Management, Natural Resource Economics, and Climate Studies.
What It Covers:
✔ Tuition fees
✔ Living stipend
✔ Travel costs
✔ Health insurance
Who Can Apply:
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Nationals of World Bank partner countries
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Applicants enrolled in relevant master’s programs
Apply Link:
👉 WB GSP Official Portal: https://www.worldbank.org
Why It’s Transformative:
This scholarship is designed to build future leaders who will tackle development, climate resilience, and earth resource governance in their home countries.
Tips to Maximize Your Scholarship Success
1. Build a Strong Research Proposal
Many Earth Science scholarships — especially PhD and research fellowships — require a clear, practical proposal. Highlight real earth challenges (e.g., landslides, climate impacts, groundwater depletion) and how your work addresses them.
2. Get Good Field Experience
Fieldwork, internships with geological surveys or environmental agencies, and volunteer experience strengthen applications immensely.
3. Connect with Professors Early
Reach out to potential supervisors whose research aligns with yours — strong mentorship support can boost your application.
4. Prepare Early and Apply Widely
Openings for scholarships often start 8–12 months before the academic year begins. Apply to as many eligible programs as possible.
Conclusion
Earth Science connects us to the planet we live on. Whether your passion lies in geology, climatology, oceanography, natural resources, or environmental sustainability, the scholarships above can make your academic dreams financially attainable.
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