Chemistry is one of the most fascinating fields of science — it explains the world at the molecular level and helps us solve real-life challenges from medicine to climate change. But studying chemistry at a higher level (Master’s, PhD, or research) can be very expensive. That’s why fully funded scholarships are a blessing for students who dream of becoming chemists, researchers, innovators, or future professors.
If you are passionate about Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Materials Science — or any chemistry-related field — then this guide is for you. Below you will find 12 of the best fully funded scholarships worldwide, covering tuition fees, monthly stipends, travel costs, insurance, and sometimes research expenses as well.
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
The Fulbright Program is one of the world’s most respected scholarships. Every year, thousands of students from over 160 countries travel to the United States through Fulbright to pursue Master’s or PhD programs in various fields, including Chemistry.
As a chemistry student, Fulbright gives you access to state-of-the-art laboratories, modern facilities, and world-renowned professors. You can specialize in Physical Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Molecular Science, Environmental Chemistry, or anything you’re passionate about.
Benefits
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Full tuition fee
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Monthly living stipend
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Airfare tickets
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Health insurance
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Access to U.S. research labs
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Opportunity to work on groundbreaking research
Eligibility
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Bachelor’s degree equivalent
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Strong academic background
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Good English communication
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Research interest in chemistry
Apply Now:
https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org
2. Rhodes Scholarship (University of Oxford, UK)
The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the oldest and most competitive awards in the world. It offers postgraduate study at the University of Oxford — a dream for many.
For chemistry students, Oxford offers exceptional research groups in chemical biology, organic synthesis, physical chemistry, and material sciences. Rhodes Scholars also join a global network of leaders and changemakers.
Benefits
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Full tuition
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Monthly stipend
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Visa & health fees
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International travel
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Leadership training programs
Why It’s Good for Chemistry Students
Oxford has Nobel Prize–winning laboratories and deep research culture.
Apply Now:
https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/scholarships
3. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (University of Cambridge, UK)
This is another premium scholarship for high-achieving students who want to study at Cambridge — a university famous for discoveries in chemistry and materials science.
Benefits
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Full tuition fee
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Allowance for living
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Travel expenses
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Research support
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Family allowance (if needed)
Chemistry Areas Covered
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Molecular Chemistry
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Analytical Chemistry
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Chemical Engineering
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Nanotechnology
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Environmental Chemistry
Apply Now:
https://www.gatescambridge.org
4. DAAD Fully Funded Scholarships (Germany)
Germany is among the best countries for chemistry research due to its strong connection with industry, including pharmaceuticals, food chemistry, and advanced materials.
DAAD offers fully funded scholarships for Master’s and PhD students from all around the world.
Benefits
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Monthly stipend
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Free or low-cost tuition
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Travel allowance
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Health insurance
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German language course
Why Germany?
German universities and research centers like Max Planck Institute are world leaders in chemistry research.
Apply Now:
https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships
5. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships (Europe)
Erasmus Mundus is perfect if you love travel and international exposure. These are fully funded European scholarships where students study in 2 or more countries, depending on the program.
Some Erasmus programs directly connect to chemistry, such as:
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Chemical Innovation and Regulation
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Materials Science
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Nanochemistry
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Smart Materials
Benefits
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Full tuition
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Monthly stipend
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Travel allowance
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Insurance
Apply Now:
https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/scholarships/emjmd-apply_en
6. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Switzerland)
Switzerland is home to high-tech labs, famous institutes, and global chemical companies like Roche and Novartis. Chemistry students who want to pursue research-based studies (PhD or Postdoc) can benefit from this scholarship.
Benefits
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Monthly stipend
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Tuition coverage
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Housing allowance (in some universities)
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Research grant
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Health insurance
Apply Now:
https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/sbfi/en/home/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships.html
7. Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)
If you want to study chemistry under beautiful skies and high-quality universities, Australia Awards is an excellent choice. Many Australian universities are strong in:
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Environmental Chemistry
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Marine Chemistry
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Food Chemistry
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Chemical Engineering
Benefits
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Full tuition
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Monthly stipend
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Travel costs
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Medical insurance
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Research support
Apply Now:
https://www.dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/australia-awards
8. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
This scholarship supports talented students from low and middle-income Commonwealth nations. If you study chemistry and aim to contribute to development challenges, this scholarship is perfect.
Benefits
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Tuition fees
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Monthly living costs
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Travel allowance
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Research and thesis grant
Good For
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Analytical chemistry
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Water purification research
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Environmental chemistry
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Chemical engineering
Apply Now:
9. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Canada)
The Vanier Scholarship is designed for the world’s top PhD students. If you want to do high-level chemistry research — whether in biochemistry, molecular chemistry, or material sciences — Canada offers great opportunities.
Benefits
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$50,000 per year (for up to 3 years)
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Tuition support
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Research funding
Good For
Students with strong research backgrounds and publications.
Apply Now:
10. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (European Union)
MSCA is a fully funded program for researchers who want to move between countries, work with global laboratories, and engage in interdisciplinary work.
It is especially strong in:
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Green chemistry
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Materials science
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Industrial chemistry
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Chemical physics
Benefits
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Competitive salary
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Mobility allowance
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Research funding
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International training
Apply Now:
https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu
11. MEXT Scholarships (Japan)
Japan is a hub of advanced materials science, chemical engineering, and industrial chemistry research. MEXT funds undergraduate, Master’s, PhD, and research students.
Benefits
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100% tuition fee
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Monthly stipend
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Round-trip airfare
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Free Japanese language training
Apply Now:
https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp
12. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Chevening offers fully funded Master’s degrees in the UK. Although it covers all subjects, many chemistry-related programs are available including:
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Analytical Chemistry
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Materials Chemistry
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Environmental Science
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Chemical Engineering
Benefits
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Full tuition
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Monthly stipend
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Travel costs
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Visa fees
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Networking events
Apply Now:
How to Choose the Best Chemistry Scholarship for You
With so many great options, picking the right scholarship may feel overwhelming. Here’s a simple guide:
✔ Choose according to your level:
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Bachelor → MEXT, Australia Awards
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Master → Erasmus Mundus, Chevening, DAAD
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PhD → Vanier, Fulbright, MSCA
✔ Match with your chemistry interest:
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Materials Science → MSCA, Cambridge, Switzerland
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Organic Chemistry → Oxford, Fulbright
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Environmental Chemistry → Australia Awards, Commonwealth
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Industrial/Applied Chemistry → Japan (MEXT), Germany (DAAD)
✔ Check your long-term career plan:
Some scholarships prefer candidates who will return home; others support global research careers.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Fully Funded Scholarship
These tips come from real experiences of successful applicants:
1. Start early
Most scholarships require essays, research proposals, statements of purpose, recommendation letters, etc.
2. Craft a strong personal story
Explain:
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Why chemistry?
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What inspired you?
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What problem do you want to solve?
Human stories win hearts.
3. Highlight research & projects
Show your lab experience, final-year project, internships, or published papers.
4. Get good recommendation letters
Choose professors who actually know you.
5. Apply to multiple scholarships
Never depend on just one.
Final Words
Chemistry is shaping the future — from sustainable energy and medicines to nanotechnology and environmental protection. With a fully funded scholarship, you can be part of this global change. The 12 scholarships listed above are among the best in the world, offering chemistry students the opportunity to study in top universities without worrying about finances.