Are there really Scholarships for Students who are the first in their family to go abroad? Yes, there are scholarships offered to students that are the first of their families to study abroad. Such are commonly referred to as first-generation scholarships.
These are for the young individuals whose parents or close relatives never had an opportunity to attend college or even to study outside their native country.
To most students, the idea of going to school and being the first member of the family to travel to a foreign country is exciting and yet scary as they lack someone at home who will guide them through this process.
This is why such scholarships are very helpful. The basic idea of these scholarships is to eliminate the economic burden and offer an equal chance to the students who cannot be supported by other people.
They pay tuition, traveling costs or living. They even mentor or counsel students in some cases so students don’t feel lost in a new country.
The significance of such scholarships is that it exposes these students to an opportunity of studying in another country that they would otherwise have lacked. Well, such scholarships do exist and numerous universities, governments and institutions worldwide are now providing them to facilitate diversity and education.
10 Best Scholarships for Students Who Are the First in Their Family to Go Abroad
Below are some of the best scholarships for student who are the first in their family to travel abroad.
1. Fulbright Scholarship (USA)
One of the most well-known scholarships all over the world is Fulbright Program. One can study, research or teach in the United States. It is strongly advisable that first-generation students apply as the program is set to nurture global leaders who will eventually introduce new ideas back in their countries. The scholarship includes tuition, travelling, health care and lodging. Fulbright also counsels and gives workshops to guide the students to settle in a new land.
Why it is worthy applying to: It offers full funding and good network with other international students.
2. Chevening Scholarship (UK)
Chevening Scholarship is one of the best scholarships to apply if a UK student wants to study in the United Kingdom. The UK government funds this scholarship and it covers 1 year masters programs in any university in the UK. Chevening is very beneficial to students who are the first in their family to study abroad as its main priority is to form future leaders. The scholarship covers tuition, living allowance, travel expenses and in some cases a family support stipend.
Why it’s great: It gives you opportunity to study in the best universities around the world and join the global alumni network.
3. Erasmus Mundus Scholarship (Europe)
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is a great scholarship to study in Europe. You can study at various universities in Europe. First generation students should apply as the program appreciates diversity and tries to include students from different backgrounds. The scholarship will cover tuition, travelling and accommodation fees.
Why it’s so good: You get to live in different countries across Europe and have a global perspective.
4. DAAD Scholarship (Germany)
Germany offers great education and many programs are taught in English. DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) Scholarship is perfect for undergraduate, master’s or PhD students in Germany. First generation students are often considered because DAAD wants to help talented students who may not have family support to study abroad. The scholarship will cover tuition fees, monthly stipend and sometimes travel costs.
Why it’s great: You can study in one of the most innovative country in Europe without worrying about money.
5. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is another wonderful scholarship that learners in the UK can get. It is fully sponsored and also covers tuition, living and transport costs. This scholarship is for future leaders with high grades. First generation students are welcome to apply since the program appreciates students who rise above adversities and can inspire others in their communities.
Why it’s great: You get to study at Cambridge University and be part of the fraternity of world leaders.
6. Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)
Australia Awards Scholarships apply to students of the developing world, who would like to pursue an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Australia. This is excellent to the first generation students as the program is actually created to give chances to those students who might be unable to study abroad.The scholarship includes tuition, travel, health insurance and living allowance.
Why it’s great: You can study in a safe and friendly country and be fully supported financially.
7. New Zealand Development Scholarships.
New Zealand has a scholarship system designed for developing country students. The scholarship is for undergraduate and postgraduate education. First generation students are not excluded as the program will assist students who may not have family experience studying abroad. It includes tuition, living and travelling costs.
Why it is great: You get to learn in a country that is regarded as one of the safest, most innovative and beautiful.
8. Rotary Peace Fellowship (International)
Rotary Peace Fellowship is a scholarship for students who want to study peace and conflict resolution. This scholarship is open to master programs in some universities around the world. First-generation students are encouraged to apply because the program targets first-generation students. It covers tuition, living expenses, travel and even internships related to peace work.
The best part about it: You get full support and get some practical experience that can really make a difference.
9. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
It is a program developed by the Stanford University and offered to the first in the family to travel overseas. The sponsors and the location? Funded by Stanford University in the United States of America. It helps in training and educating a child to become a leader who is able to rectify significant problems in the world.
One of the focus group is first-generation students since the program wants ambitious and willing-to-take-challenges-that-they-have-never-had-before students. The scholarship includes tuition, living expenses, travel and mentorship.
Why it is great: You are studying in one of the best universities in the world and you have leadership guidance to help you make the most out of your leadership potential.
10. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (Worldwide)
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program helps African students to attend partner universities internationally. First-generation students are motivated since the program focuses on young and talented youths who have struggled to achieve. It pays tuition, living expenses, travel and leadership training.
Why it is great: It’s a full financial commitment with a leadership training program that guarantees students academic and personal success.
How to Increase Your Chances of Winning Scholarships
Scholarship winning, especially being a first-generation student, takes some serious preparation. Here are some of the tips that can help you:
- Get It When You Can: Scholarships have deadlines and you want to do your research at least a year before you intend to go abroad.
- Achieve High grades: Scholarships usually have an academic criteria.
- Show Leadership and Initiative: Often, scholarships are those that recognized some type of initiative in students in their communities or schools, no matter how minor.
- Write a Good Personal Statement: Why do you want to study abroad, what is your story, what are your challenges. It may be a powerful narrative to be the first in the family.
- Get Strong Recommendations: Ask teachers, mentors or community leaders that know you well to write letters of recommendation.
- Apply on time.
Challenges First-Gen Students Face Abroad
Being the first in your family to study abroad is fun but it is not always easy. You will go through culture shock, language barrier or loneliness. Even scholarships fail to address another problem that can be financial. To be able to surmount these difficulties:
- Join student bodies or student organizations that will help you see other students with your interests.
- Join student groups or student associations to meet other students who have the same interests as you.
- Find faculty or other senior student mentors who have studied abroad.
- Know how to spend money, cook food and manage your time to be more independent.
- Use internet groups and forums to meet students from your home country.
Why Scholarships Matter for First-Gen Students
Scholarships not only pay tuition but also open doors to life changing experiences. As the first in your family to study abroad you can be an inspiration to your siblings, friends and community. Scholarships give you the option to not worry about money so you can focus on your work and enjoy most of your time in a foreign country. They also prove that financial or social barriers can be overcome by hard work, talent and courage.
Scholarship Guides:
- How to Win a Full-Ride Scholarship in 2025 (Everything You Need to Know)
- What Are No-Essay Scholarships and How Do They Work in 2025?
- Top HBCU Scholarships for Students in 2025 (How to Apply)
Conclusion
Being the first in your family to study abroad is a big and motivating move. Through scholarships this dream can be achieved as it finances and guides. These 10 scholarships below, from Fulbright in the USA to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, are all good for students like you. They are not only financiers but also mentors, connectors and leaders.
Remember those who prepare, work hard and believe in themselves succeed. The first step is to research on these scholarships, prepare your application and tell your story. You get to open doors to yourself and others in your family. Scholarships are not just money but the door to a brighter future.
