Meteorology — the science of the atmosphere — plays a crucial role in understanding weather systems, climate change, natural disasters, and environmental dynamics. From forecasting hurricanes to modeling climate trends, meteorologists work on some of the most pressing challenges facing our planet.
However, earning a degree in meteorology — especially abroad — can be expensive. That’s why finding fully funded scholarships is a game-changer for aspiring meteorologists. In this detailed guide, we’ve curated the Top 12 Fully Funded Scholarships for Meteorology Students — spanning undergraduate, graduate, PhD, and research opportunities around the world.
1. Chinese Government Scholarship – WMO Program (Masters & PhD)
Overview:
Sponsored by the Ministry of Education of China in collaboration with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), this scholarship supports international students pursuing meteorology and closely related atmospheric sciences programs at select Chinese universities such as Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology (NUIST). The scholarship covers tuition, living stipend, free accommodation, and medical insurance. gjy.nuist.edu.cn
Who Can Apply:
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International students (non-Chinese citizens)
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Bachelor’s degree holders for Master’s programs
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Master’s degree holders for PhD programs
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Strong academic records required
Benefits:
✔ Full tuition coverage
✔ Free on-campus accommodation
✔ Monthly stipend
✔ Comprehensive medical insurance
✔ Round-trip airfare support (in many cases)
Apply Here:
➡️ Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS) portal.
Application steps:
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Complete online CGS application.
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Apply directly to the university (e.g., NUIST).
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Send nomination documents through WMO Secretariat.
2. World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Long-Term Fellowships
Overview:
The WMO Fellowship Programme supports long-term training (6 months or longer) in meteorology and related disciplines for candidates from developing countries. These fellowships can sometimes include tuition support or living allowances and are a great complement to formal degree programs.
Who Can Apply:
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Candidates nominated by their national meteorological services
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Applicants from least developed and developing countries
Benefits:
✔ Training in WMO-affiliated institutions
✔ Familiarization with global meteorological systems
✔ Support for researchers and professionals
Apply Here:
➡️ WMO Fellowships page – community.wmo.int/fellowships-applications World Meteorological Organization
3. NOAA Hollings Scholarship (USA) – Undergraduates
Overview:
Offered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship provides generous support for students majoring in meteorology, atmospheric science, oceanography, or related fields. Scholars also complete a paid summer internship with NOAA labs.
Who Can Apply:
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U.S. citizens or permanent residents
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Undergraduates who have completed at least their sophomore year
Benefits:
✔ Tuition assistance up to $9,500 per academic year
✔ Paid summer internship (~$700/week)
✔ Orientation and travel support
✔ Professional development opportunities
Apply Here:
➡️ Official NOAA Hollings Scholarship page – noaa.gov/office-education/hollings-scholarship noaa.gov
4. DoD SMART Scholarship-for-Service (USA)
Overview:
The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship from the U.S. Department of Defense is a highly competitive and fully funded program for STEM students, including those studying geosciences, atmospheric sciences, and related fields. Recipients receive full tuition coverage and a guaranteed job placement with the DoD after graduation.
Who Can Apply:
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U.S. citizens enrolled in undergraduate, master’s, or PhD programs in qualifying STEM areas
Benefits:
✔ Full tuition and fees
✔ Annual stipend
✔ Summer internships with DoD labs
✔ Health and book allowances
✔ Job placement after graduation
Apply Here:
➡️ DoD SMART Scholarship official site – smartscholarship.org smartscholarship.org
5. American Meteorological Society (AMS) Scholarships & Fellowships
Overview:
The American Meteorological Society (AMS) offers a wide range of scholarships and fellowships for students pursuing formal study or research in meteorology and atmospheric sciences — from undergraduates to graduate and research fellows.
Examples Include:
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AMS First-Year Undergraduate Scholarship
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Senior Named Scholarships (up to ~$10,000)
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Graduate research fellowships
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Richard Grotjahn Research Fellowship in extremes
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Travel grants to attend AMS Annual Meeting
Who Can Apply:
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Students enrolled in accredited programs in meteorology or related sciences
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Strong academic performance and involvement in field activities
Benefits:
✔ Tuition support
✔ Living or research stipends
✔ Travel support to professional meetings
Apply Here:
➡️ AMS Scholarships page – ametsoc.org/ams/information-for/students/ams-scholarships-and-fellowships American Meteorological Society
6. National Weather Association (NWA) Foundation Scholarships
Overview:
The NWA Foundation provides several targeted scholarships for meteorology and atmospheric science students. While many awards are smaller, some are highly competitive and can be renewed — effectively supporting a student’s entire degree in combination with other funds.
Who Can Apply:
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Meteorology majors (undergraduate and occasionally graduate)
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Diverse scholarship offerings with variant eligibility and deadlines
Examples Include:
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NWAF Arthur C. Pike Scholarship
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Phillips Family Undergraduate Scholarship
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John B. McLaughlin Radar Meteorology Scholarship
Benefits:
✔ Financial awards ranging from minor tuition support to several thousand dollars
✔ Free NWA membership (for select awards)
Apply Here:
➡️ NWA Foundation Scholarships – nwafoundation.org/scholarships-grants nwafoundation.org
7. NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) – USA
Overview:
The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) supports research-oriented graduate students in STEM, including meteorology and atmospheric sciences. While not exclusively meteorology-specific, it provides excellent financial support for PhD research.
Who Can Apply:
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U.S. citizens or permanent residents
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Graduate students early in their PhD studies
Benefits:
✔ Annual stipend
✔ Tuition support for up to three years
✔ Access to professional development networks
Apply Here:
➡️ NSF GRFP – nsf.gov/grfp (official site)
8. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Overview:
The Fulbright Program enables international graduates to undertake master’s or PhD studies abroad — often with a research focus in climate science, meteorology, and environmental fields. This highly prestigious award covers tuition, travel, and living costs.
Who Can Apply:
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Graduates from non-U.S. countries seeking study or research abroad
Benefits:
✔ Full tuition coverage
✔ Monthly living stipend
✔ Round-trip airfare
✔ Health insurance
Apply Here:
➡️ Fulbright official portal – foreign.fulbrightonline.org
9. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) – Europe
Overview:
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) are world-class programs offered by consortia of European universities. Some interdisciplinary EMJMD programs focus on climate, atmospheric sciences, and environmental science — all highly relevant for meteorology students.
Who Can Apply:
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International applicants with bachelor’s degree
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Highly competitive process
Benefits:
✔ Full tuition coverage
✔ Monthly living allowance
✔ Travel allowance and insurance
Apply Here:
➡️ Erasmus+ EMJMD catalogue – erasmusplus.ec.europa.eu
10. Commonwealth Scholarships – UK
Overview:
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission funds postgraduate study in the UK for students from Commonwealth nations. Meteorology and atmospheric science applicants can apply under science & technology fields.
Who Can Apply:
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Citizens of Commonwealth countries
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Holders of a bachelor’s degree
Benefits:
✔ Full tuition paid
✔ Living stipend
✔ Travel support
Apply Here:
➡️ Commonwealth Scholarships – cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
11. DAAD Scholarships – Germany
Overview:
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides many master’s and PhD scholarships for international students in environmental sciences, climate research, and closely related disciplines. These are ideal for students interested in meteorology studies within Germany’s top universities.
Who Can Apply:
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International applicants with relevant degrees
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Strong academic records and language proficiency
Benefits:
✔ Monthly stipend
✔ Travel allowance
✔ Tuition fee support
Apply Here:
➡️ DAAD Scholarship Database – daad.de/en/study-research-in-germany/scholarships
12. UK Chevening Scholarships
Overview:
The Chevening Scholarship program supports future leaders from around the world to pursue master’s degrees in the UK — including climate science and atmospheric research programs.
Who Can Apply:
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Prospective postgraduate students worldwide
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Demonstrated leadership and academic excellence
Benefits:
✔ Full tuition coverage
✔ Monthly stipend
✔ Return airfare
✔ Networking and leadership events
Apply Here:
➡️ Chevening – chevening.org
How to Improve Your Chances of Winning These Scholarships
Winning a fully funded scholarship isn’t just about exceptional grades — it’s about strategy. Here are actionable tips:
1. Plan Ahead
Start researching scholarships at least 9–12 months in advance of program start dates. Many awards have early deadlines or require nomination from institutions like WMO or AMS.
2. Tailor Your Application
Prepare a compelling personal statement or research proposal. Highlight your passion for atmospheric science, career goals, and how your work will contribute to the field — especially for research scholarships like NSF GRFP or Fulbright.
3. Get Strong Recommendations
Seek letters of recommendation from mentors, professors, or professionals who can speak to your research skills and academic potential.
4. Prepare for Standardized Requirements
Some programs (especially international ones) may require English proficiency tests (IELTS/TOEFL) or GRE scores. Check requirements early.
5. Apply Broadly
Don’t limit yourself to just one scholarship. You can apply for multiple awards simultaneously — for example, AMS scholarships, NWA awards, and government scholarships.
Conclusion
Whether you’re just beginning your undergraduate journey or you’re ready to conduct advanced research in atmospheric sciences, there’s a fully funded opportunity out there for you. From global programs like the WMO Scholarships, U.S. federal awards like NOAA Hollings and DoD SMART, to international graduate support via Erasmus+ or Fulbright, this guide has mapped out the best paths for meteorology funding.