International education continues to expand through national, regional, and institutional partnerships designed to promote academic exchange, cultural understanding, and global development. Among the most recognized opportunities available to students worldwide are Bilateral Scholarships, the UNESCO–Great Wall Fellowship, the European Union (EU) Scholarship schemes, and the African Union Network (AUN) programs.
Although each program operates differently, they all share one mission: empowering students, researchers, and professionals through accessible, high-quality education across borders. This article explains what each scheme represents, who is eligible, and how applicants can take advantage of them.
1. Bilateral Scholarships
What They Are
Bilateral scholarships are academic awards funded through agreements between two countries. These agreements promote cooperation in education, research, cultural exchange, and capacity building.
Who Offers Them?
Governments usually sponsor these scholarships through:
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Ministries of Education
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Ministries of Foreign Affairs
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National scholarship boards
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Embassies or consulates
Common Features
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Cover undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate studies
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Often include full tuition, accommodation, and stipends
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Open to citizens of partner countries
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Offered across all fields of study, depending on the agreement
Examples
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China–Nigeria Bilateral Scholarship
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Japan–World Bank Joint Scholarships
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Turkey Government Bilateral Agreements
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Russian Government State Scholarships
Ideal For
Students who want fully funded education supported directly by government partnerships.
2. UNESCO–Great Wall Fellowship (Great Wall Scholarship)
Overview
The Great Wall Fellowship is a prestigious program offered by China’s Ministry of Education in cooperation with UNESCO. It supports students and scholars from developing countries to pursue advanced studies or research in selected Chinese universities.
Key Benefits
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Full tuition coverage
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Free on-campus accommodation
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Monthly living allowance
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Comprehensive medical insurance
Eligibility
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Citizens of developing countries
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Applicants for general scholars or senior scholars programs in China
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Strong academic background and recommendation by the UNESCO National Commission
Focus Areas
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Science and technology
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Engineering
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Social sciences
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Language and cultural studies
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Educational development
Why It’s Unique
It emphasizes cultural diplomacy, academic advancement, and long-term capacity building for developing nations.
3. European Union (EU) Scholarships
These include several highly competitive and world-renowned scholarship schemes aimed at fostering international education within Europe and beyond.
Top EU Scholarship Programs
a. Erasmus+ Scholarships
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Funded by the European Union
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Supports mobility for students, researchers, and staff
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Offers joint master’s degrees, exchange programs, internships, and research mobility
Benefits:
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Tuition coverage
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Monthly stipend
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Travel allowance
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Health insurance
Who Can Apply:
Students worldwide interested in pursuing master’s degrees in Europe.
b. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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Designed for researchers at all stages
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Focuses on scientific collaboration, innovation, and training
Ideal For:
Research professionals pursuing advanced scientific or academic careers.
c. EU–Africa, EU–Asia, and other regional scholarships
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Promote cooperation with partner regions
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May support STEM, development studies, climate science, digital innovation, etc.
Why EU Scholarships Stand Out
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Highly competitive
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Globally recognized degrees
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World-class universities
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Strong focus on multicultural learning
4. AUN: African Union Network / African Union Scholarships
Often referred to simply as AUN Scholarships, these are educational initiatives supported by the African Union (AU) to strengthen capacity, innovation, and academic development across the continent.
Key Programs Under AUN
a. Pan African University (PAU) Scholarships
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Fully funded
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Offered by AU in collaboration with host universities across Africa
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Covers master’s and PhD studies
Fields Include:
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Life and Earth Sciences
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Governance, Humanities, and Social Sciences
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Basic Sciences, Technology, and Innovation
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Water and Energy Sciences
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Space Sciences
b. African Union Commission (AUC) Scholarships
May include:
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Short-term training
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Postgraduate studies
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Leadership development programs
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STEM advancement awards
Benefits
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Tuition-free education
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Monthly living stipend
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Accommodation
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Opportunities for internships and leadership training
Purpose
To build homegrown African leaders, researchers, and professionals equipped to drive continental transformation.
Comparison Table
| Program | Region | Type | Funding Level | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bilateral Scholarships | Global | Government-to-government | Usually fully funded | Students at any level seeking government-sponsored education |
| Great Wall Scholarship | China & UNESCO | International fellowship | Fully funded | Scholars from developing countries |
| EU Scholarships | Europe | Union-funded academic & research | Fully/partially funded | Students & researchers seeking world-class European education |
| AUN Scholarships | Africa | Continental academic initiative | Fully funded | African students pursuing postgraduate studies |
Final Thoughts
The Bilateral, Great Wall, EU, and AUN scholarship systems represent some of the most accessible avenues for international students seeking high-quality, fully funded education. Whether you aim to study in Europe, China, Africa, or through a government exchange program, these schemes open doors to global learning, cultural enrichment, and long-term career growth.
