Study Without Debt: Grants & Scholarships That Don’t Require Repayment

Student funding is one of the biggest concerns for learners around the world. While loans are commonly advertised, many students prefer funding programs that don’t require repayment, such as grants and scholarships. These forms of financial aid allow students to focus on their education without the burden of future debt.

Grants and scholarships are among the most reliable sources of non-repayable student funding, and they are available for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies.

What Makes Grants and Scholarships Different from Loans?

Unlike student loans, grants and scholarships:

• Do not require repayment

• Are awarded based on merit, need, or special criteria

• Often cover tuition, living expenses, or both

• Do not accumulate interest

This makes them ideal for students seeking long-term financial freedom after graduation.

Types of Grants Available to Students

Grants are usually awarded based on financial need, academic background, or specific fields of study.

Common types include:

• Government education grants

• Research grants for postgraduate students

• Field-specific grants (science, education, health, technology)

• International student support grants

Many grants are renewable yearly as long as academic requirements are met.

Scholarships That Don’t Require Repayment

Scholarships are typically awarded based on merit or achievement. These include:

• Academic excellence scholarships

• Leadership and community service scholarships

• Sports and talent-based scholarships

• International student scholarships

Some scholarships are fully funded, while others partially reduce tuition or living costs.

For programs that cover all expenses, see fully funded student funding programs.

Who Can Apply for Grants and Scholarships?

Eligibility depends on the program but usually includes:

• Strong academic records

• Proof of admission

• Personal statements

• Recommendation letters

• Demonstrated financial need (for grants)

Students from developing countries often have access to special funding opportunities.

Where to Find Legitimate Grants and Scholarships

Trusted sources include:

• Government education portals

• University financial aid offices

• International scholarship foundations

• Recognized scholarship databases

Avoid platforms that request payment to access funding information.

Legitimate Grants You Can Apply For

Here are real grants with official application links:

1. U.S. Pell Grant (For Eligible U.S. Citizens/Residents)

While not available to international students, this grant is one of the largest federal grants for students studying in the U.S.

2. UNESCO Education Grants

UNESCO supports education access through various grants and funding programs globally:
 Official UNESCO Funding Info

3. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Supports academically talented students from Africa at partner universities worldwide.

4. World Bank Scholarships Program

The World Bank funds graduate-level study for students from developing countries:

5. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

Available for students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries to study in the UK.

6. DAAD Research Grants (Germany)

Offers grants for postgraduate students, faculty, and researchers:

How to Find More Grants

You can also search through trusted scholarship databases such as:
FastWeb: https://www.fastweb.com
IEFA: https://www.iefa.org
EducationUSA: https://educationusa.state.gov

For broader international options, check international student funding programs that don’t require repayment.

Final Thoughts

Grants and scholarships remain the most popular student funding programs that don’t require repayment. They offer students a debt-free path to education and are available across many countries and disciplines.