Access to quality education is a fundamental right, but for students in remote areas, financial constraints, geographic isolation, and limited educational resources can make this right seem unattainable. However, there is a growing number of scholarships specifically designed for students from remote and underserved regions, aimed at reducing these barriers and enabling them to pursue higher education.
In this article, we will explore the best scholarships for students in remote areas, which provide crucial financial support and opportunities to help these students realize their educational dreams.
1. The Fulbright Program (USA)
Eligibility: International students from remote regions
The Fulbright Program, established by the U.S. government, is one of the most prestigious scholarship opportunities available to international students. This program is particularly beneficial for students from remote or underserved areas who wish to study in the United States. It focuses on promoting mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and other nations by providing full scholarships for academic study, research, and teaching programs.
Scholarship Benefits:
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Full tuition coverage
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Living stipends to cover housing and other expenses
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Travel allowances to and from the U.S.
Why it’s ideal for remote-area students: The Fulbright Program is open to students from diverse backgrounds, especially those from regions where access to international education is limited. It empowers them to experience higher education in a world-renowned academic system.
2. The Chevening Scholarship (UK)
Eligibility: International students, especially from developing countries
Chevening Scholarships are awarded by the UK Government and are aimed at future leaders and influencers. This scholarship is available for individuals from all over the world, including remote areas, who demonstrate leadership potential and a passion for shaping their communities. The scholarship is open for master's-level study at universities across the UK.
Scholarship Benefits:
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Full tuition fees
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Monthly living allowance
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Travel costs to and from the UK
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Visa costs
Why it’s ideal for remote-area students: Chevening gives students from rural or remote regions the opportunity to study in the UK and gain valuable experiences that they can bring back to their communities to drive change.
3. The United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) Scholarships
Eligibility: International students from underserved regions
The UNAI Scholarship Program supports students from remote and underserved areas who have demonstrated a commitment to the UN’s principles of peace, education, and human rights. This scholarship encourages students to pursue their studies in the areas of international development, environmental sustainability, and social justice.
Scholarship Benefits:
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Full tuition coverage
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Access to academic and professional networks
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Research funding for students working on global issues
Why it’s ideal for remote-area students: The UNAI program helps students from underrepresented and marginalized areas gain the academic skills and knowledge necessary to advocate for their communities and address local and global challenges.
4. The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
Eligibility: Students from Africa and other underserved regions
The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program is one of the most impactful scholarship programs available for students from remote areas, particularly in Africa. The program provides comprehensive financial support for students who wish to pursue higher education at partner universities, including institutions in the U.S., Canada, and sub-Saharan Africa.
Scholarship Benefits:
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Full tuition and fees
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Accommodation and travel expenses
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Leadership development programs and internships
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Post-graduation support for job placement
Why it’s ideal for remote-area students: This scholarship is tailored for young people from underserved regions, providing them with both financial assistance and holistic support to ensure academic success and leadership development.
5. The Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF)
Eligibility: Students from sub-Saharan Africa
The RSIF is designed to support students from sub-Saharan Africa, especially those from rural and remote areas, who wish to pursue postgraduate degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The program is focused on developing the next generation of STEM leaders who will drive innovation and development in their home countries.
Scholarship Benefits:
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Full tuition fees for postgraduate programs
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Research funding
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Living stipends
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Support for innovation and entrepreneurship
Why it’s ideal for remote-area students: By targeting remote and rural areas, RSIF provides financial support for students who may not have had access to advanced STEM education in their home regions, helping them build a bright future in these critical fields.
6. The Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)
Eligibility: Students from developing countries in Asia and the Pacific
The ADB-JSP offers full scholarships to students from developing countries in Asia and the Pacific, especially those from remote regions. This program is designed for graduate students who aim to pursue a degree in development-related fields such as economics, engineering, and public policy.
Scholarship Benefits:
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Full tuition fees
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Accommodation and living stipends
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Travel allowances
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Full coverage of necessary health insurance
Why it’s ideal for remote-area students: Students from remote regions of Asia, where opportunities for higher education are often limited, can greatly benefit from this scholarship as it opens doors to study at top universities across the Asia-Pacific region.
7. The Government of India Scholarships for International Students
Eligibility: Students from developing countries, including remote areas
The Government of India offers a variety of scholarships for international students, especially those from remote and rural areas. These scholarships are intended for undergraduate and postgraduate students from developing countries who wish to pursue studies in various fields, including science, engineering, and the humanities.
Scholarship Benefits:
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Full tuition fees
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Living allowances
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Airfare and medical benefits
Why it’s ideal for remote-area students: This scholarship helps students from remote and rural areas in developing countries access top-tier education in India, often at a fraction of the cost they would incur elsewhere.
8. The Australian Awards Scholarships
Eligibility: Students from the Indo-Pacific region, especially from remote areas
The Australian Awards Scholarships provide opportunities for students from the Indo-Pacific region, including those in remote and rural areas, to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Australia. These scholarships are focused on promoting skills in development-related fields that will help improve the student’s home country.
Scholarship Benefits:
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Full tuition fees
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Travel expenses
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Living expenses
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Dependents’ allowances (for students bringing families)
Why it’s ideal for remote-area students: The Australian Awards help bridge the educational divide for students from isolated regions by giving them the opportunity to study abroad, gain expertise, and contribute to development in their communities upon returning home.
9. The Norwegian Quota Scheme
Eligibility: Students from developing countries, particularly in remote areas
The Norwegian Quota Scheme offers scholarships to students from developing countries, including those in remote areas, who wish to study in Norway. This program is designed to support students who will contribute to the development of their home countries after their studies.
Scholarship Benefits:
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Full tuition fees
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Living stipends for students and their families
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Airfare and travel allowances
Why it’s ideal for remote-area students: By offering full financial coverage, the Quota Scheme enables students from remote and underdeveloped regions to pursue education in one of the world’s most advanced educational systems, returning home with the skills to enact meaningful change.
10. The Brazilian Government Scholarships for International Students
Eligibility: Students from Latin American and other underserved regions
The Brazilian Government Scholarships offer funding for students from underrepresented regions who wish to pursue undergraduate or graduate studies in Brazil. These scholarships are especially beneficial for students from remote areas in Latin America and other countries where access to higher education is limited.
Scholarship Benefits:
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Full tuition fees
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Living allowances
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Health insurance
Why it’s ideal for remote-area students: These scholarships offer a pathway for students from rural and isolated regions of Latin America to access world-class education in Brazil, helping them gain the skills needed to make a difference in their communities.
Conclusion
Students from remote areas often face significant obstacles when it comes to accessing higher education. However, there are numerous scholarship programs available that are specifically designed to break down these barriers and provide opportunities for academic success. These scholarships not only cover tuition fees, but they also provide essential financial support, mentorship, and leadership development, ensuring that students from even the most isolated regions can access education and empower their futures.
Whether it’s the Fulbright Program in the U.S. or the Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship in Asia, these programs offer essential opportunities for students to expand their horizons and contribute meaningfully to their home countries.