Top 10 Best Scholarships for Costa Rican Students

If you’re a Costa Rican student looking to study abroad but worried about how to afford it, you’re not alone. Many students struggle similarly. Fortunately, several international scholarships exist to assist Costa Rican students pay for health insurance, travel fees, living costs, and tuition. Governments, universities, and international organisations all around the world provide these scholarships to assist bright, driven Costa Rican students. Whether your goal is a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. degree, there is something here for you.

This article will show you the top 10 greatest scholarships for Costa Rican students in 2025. I have listed important information, including eligibility criteria and application timeline. Make sure to read carefully so you don’t miss any opportunity.

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)

Offered by the United States government, the Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a completely financed grant meant to assist students from more than 160 nations, including Costa Rica, pursue graduate study in the U.S. Students who want to finish a master’s or doctoral degree at a renowned university in the United States would find this scholarship perfect. It includes academic help, health insurance, monthly living allowance, travel expenses, and tuition costs.

Eligibility requires a high academic background and Costa Rican citizenship. Those seeking a master’s degree must have a bachelor’s degree; those pursuing a Ph.D. must have a master’s degree. Applicants should also demonstrate a strong intention to return and help Costa Rica after finishing their education, as well as community involvement and leadership potential. The 2025 cycle application starts in February and ends in May.

2. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

Among the many scholarships the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) provides to students from disadvantaged nations—including Costa Rica. These grants assist overseas students wishing to pursue postgraduate education in Germany. Most of the programs are in English; candidates are urged to select development-related areas including engineering, public policy, environmental studies, and economics.

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Applicants need a bachelor’s degree and at least two years of pertinent professional experience. They have to demonstrate scholarly achievements as well as provide a well-organised motivation letter describing their professional aspirations. The DAAD scholarship includes health insurance, travel allowance, monthly stipend, and complete tuition coverage as well. Though most deadlines are between August and October for courses commencing in 2026, application deadlines differ by subject and university.

3. Chevening Scholarships (UK)

Funded by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Chevening Scholarship provides a great chance for Costa Rican students to study a one-year master’s degree in the United Kingdom. The program aims to build global leaders and is open to students from over 100 nations. It includes visa fees, travel expenses, a monthly stipend, and tuition.

Applying requires a minimum of two years of job experience, a solid academic background, and a defined professional path. You must also come back to Costa Rica for at least two years following your studies. Given the scholarship’s intense competition, a convincing personal statement and excellent recommendations are absolutely vital. Applications commence in August and close in November.

4. Joint Master Degrees of Erasmus Mundus (Europe)

A European Union project, the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees program lets international students—including those from Costa Rica—study in at least two separate European nations under one master’s degree. This scholarship is particularly appealing since it offers complete financial support, including tuition, travel expenses, and a large monthly stipend.

Eligibility requires a recognised undergraduate degree and fulfilment of the language criteria—usually English or the language of instruction. You choose your desired programs and apply straight via the Erasmus Mundus webpage. The programs are quite competitive and usually call for a high GPA, letters of recommendation, and a motivation statement. For the next academic year, most applications open in October and close by January.

5. Australia Awards Scholarships

Given Costa Rica, among other underdeveloped nations, the Australian government offers fully financed Australia Awards scholarships for students from such countries. These scholarships assist postgraduate study (master’s programs) in Australia in areas that promote development and sustainability.

Eligible candidates should hold a bachelor’s degree, have at least two years of pertinent professional experience, and fulfil the English language criteria of the selected university. Recipients have to return to Costa Rica for at least two years following their studies to help apply the knowledge they have acquired. The scholarship provides full tuition, return airfare, living expenses, health insurance, and academic support. The application period runs from February through April .

6. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship

Another great chance for Costa Rican students to study overseas is the MEXT Scholarship given by the Japanese government. Available for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees, the fellowship offers complete financial support comprising tuition, a monthly stipend, and round-trip travel expenses.

Those managing the first round of selections, the Embassy of Japan in Costa Rica, must receive the application submitted. We advise applicants to study Japanese, even though it’s not required at the time of registration. Selection is by means of embassy-run interviews and written tests. Usually starting in April and ending in May, the application period runs; tests take place approximately in June or July.

7. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program (France)

Aimed towards top-performing international students—including those from Costa Rica—who want to study for a master’s or Ph.D. degree in France, the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is funded by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. Available solely by nomination from participating French colleges, the scholarship is quite competitive.

For master’s degrees, eligible candidates must be under 25; for doctoral degrees, under 30. You have to first seek admission to a French university; the institution will send your scholarship application to Campus France on your own. Health insurance, overseas travel, and monthly allowance are offered under the scholarship. Most universities send applications from October to early January.

8. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals

The Swedish Institute Scholarships provide complete financial support to gifted students from disadvantaged nations, including Costa Rica, who are accepted into qualifying master’s programs in Sweden. The program provides insurance, travel subsidies, a monthly stipend, and tuition.

Applicants have to show leadership experience, a solid professional background, and a dedication to their home nation’s development. First, you have to apply to a Swedish university between October and January; secondly, in February, you should apply for the SI scholarship separately. We strongly advise students to submit a clear and compelling motivation letter, given the stringent selection procedures.

9. Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP)

International students wishing to pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees in South Korea are given the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP). The scholarship includes a yearly Korean language course, a monthly stipend, flights, and full tuition.

Students from Costa Rica have to apply either directly to a participating Korean university or via the Korean Embassy in Costa Rica. Undergraduate applicants must be under 25, graduate applicants under 40, and all applicants must be in excellent health and have outstanding academic standing. While university-track applications span from March to April, embassy-track applications usually open in February and end in March.

10. OAS Academic Scholarships

Students from member nations, including Costa Rica, can apply for graduate scholarships through the Organisation of American States (OAS). This program supports master’s and doctorate programs at institutions across the Americas, including nations like the U.S., Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia.

To qualify, students must already be accepted into an OAS-partnered program and show a solid academic background. The scholarship might cover living costs in part and it is for tuition. We accept online applications; the contest is based on academic excellence and the potential impact of the studies. Application cycles start in January and end in March.

Conclusion

For many Costa Rican students, studying abroad is a major aspiration; with the correct scholarship, it can come true. These top 10 international scholarships are not only completely supported but also provide the possibility to learn in some of the best schools throughout the world. Starting early, meticulously preparing your papers, and following all application deadlines are the keys to success. There is a scholarship out there waiting for you, whether your goal is an undergraduate degree in South Korea, a Ph.D. in Germany, or a master’s in the UK. Please consider beginning your application now to take the first step.