In the ever-competitive world of higher education, merit-based scholarships offer a golden opportunity for students who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and extracurricular achievement. These scholarships are awarded based on performance rather than financial need and can cover partial or full tuition—and sometimes even living expenses, books, and travel.
As we move through the second half of 2025, many scholarships are still open for applications. This article compiles a comprehensive list of merit-based scholarships you can still apply for in 2025, along with deadlines, eligibility criteria, and how to apply.
Why Merit-Based Scholarships Matter
Merit-based scholarships are not only a reward for hard work but also a chance to study at prestigious institutions without accumulating debt. These scholarships are often renewable and can significantly enhance a student’s resume and career prospects.
Benefits include:
-
Full or partial tuition coverage
-
Recognition of academic or extracurricular excellence
-
Access to mentorship programs and alumni networks
-
Opportunities for internships and research funding
Whether you're a high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student, there are still numerous scholarships available globally that recognize and reward talent.
✅ Top Merit-Based Scholarships Still Open in 2025
1. Coca-Cola Scholars Program (USA)
Deadline: October 31, 2025
Level: High school seniors in the U.S.
Award: $20,000 for 150 students
Eligibility: Minimum GPA of 3.0; strong leadership and community service background
Application: Online through the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation website
This prestigious program focuses on academic excellence and leadership potential. Winners become part of an exclusive alumni network that includes entrepreneurs, CEOs, and public servants.
2. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Deadline: November 7, 2025
Level: Postgraduate (Master’s)
Award: Full tuition, monthly stipend, travel costs, visa fees
Eligibility: Outstanding academic background, leadership potential, and work experience
Application: Online via the official Chevening website
Funded by the UK government, Chevening targets future leaders from over 160 countries. Although need is considered, the scholarship is primarily merit-based and highly competitive.
3. Rhodes Global Scholarships (Oxford University)
Deadline: Varies by country, generally between July–October 2025
Level: Postgraduate
Award: Full tuition, living stipend, flights
Eligibility: Exceptional academic performance, leadership, and ethical character
Application: Through Rhodes Trust portal
Rhodes is one of the oldest and most prestigious merit-based scholarships in the world, offering students a chance to study at the University of Oxford.
4. University of Toronto – Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (Canada)
Deadline: November 8, 2025 (Nomination deadline); January 15, 2026 (Student deadline)
Level: Undergraduate
Award: Full tuition, books, incidental fees, residence support for 4 years
Eligibility: International students with outstanding academic achievement and leadership
Application: Nominated by school and applied through the University of Toronto portal
This scholarship rewards international students who demonstrate exceptional academic talent and leadership skills.
5. Asian Development Bank – Japan Scholarship Program (Asia-Pacific)
Deadline: Rolling (Some deadlines through November 2025)
Level: Postgraduate
Award: Tuition, monthly living allowance, housing, travel
Eligibility: Citizens of ADB’s developing member countries; academic excellence
Application: Through partner institutions listed on the ADB website
Targeted at students in Asia and the Pacific, this scholarship supports graduate studies in economics, science, management, and technology.
6. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship (USA)
Deadline: November 17, 2025
Level: High-achieving high school seniors with financial need
Award: Up to $55,000/year for undergraduate studies
Eligibility: GPA 3.5+, top 10% of class, strong test scores
Application: Via the Common App
While this is partially need-based, the core criteria emphasize merit and academic distinction. It is one of the largest undergraduate scholarships in the U.S.
7. Generation Google Scholarship
Deadline: October 2025 (varies by region)
Level: Undergraduate or Graduate students in computer science
Award: $10,000 (USA); €7,000 (Europe); other regional equivalents
Eligibility: Academic achievement, passion for technology, and leadership
Application: Online through Google’s scholarship portal
This is one of Google’s flagship scholarships aimed at empowering future leaders in tech, particularly from underrepresented groups.
8. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) – South Korea
Deadline: August–October 2025 (varies by embassy or university)
Level: Undergraduate and Graduate
Award: Full tuition, monthly stipend, airfare, settlement allowance
Eligibility: Academic excellence and recommendation from home country embassy or university
Application: Through Korean embassy or partner university
This government-funded program welcomes talented international students to Korean universities and promotes global educational exchange.
9. Illinois Wesleyan University Merit Scholarships (USA)
Deadline: Rolling until February 15, 2026
Level: Undergraduate
Award: $16,000–$30,000 annually
Eligibility: Academic excellence; SAT/ACT optional
Application: Through university’s admission portal
The university provides merit-based awards to high-performing international students, renewable for up to four years.
10. University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships (Australia)
Deadline: October 31, 2025
Level: Master’s by research or PhD
Award: Full tuition, living stipend (AUD $37,000), relocation grant
Eligibility: High academic merit
Application: Automatic consideration upon course application
This is a competitive and fully funded scholarship for high-performing graduate students in Australia.
🎯 How to Maximize Your Chances of Winning
-
Start Early: Many scholarships require essays, recommendations, transcripts, and sometimes interviews. Start your applications 2–3 months in advance.
-
Tailor Each Application: Don’t send the same personal statement everywhere. Customize each application based on the scholarship's goals.
-
Show More Than Grades: Highlight leadership, extracurriculars, research, innovation, and community service.
-
Ask for Strong Recommendations: Choose mentors, teachers, or employers who know your achievements well.
-
Proofread and Edit: Spelling or grammar mistakes can hurt your chances. Ask someone to review your essays and documents.
📌 Additional Merit-Based Scholarships With Later Deadlines
-
Clarendon Scholarships (University of Oxford, UK) – Deadline: January 2026
-
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships – Deadline: November 2025 (varies by country)
-
EPFL Excellence Fellowships (Switzerland) – Deadline: December 15, 2025
-
Yale Young Global Scholars (for High Schoolers) – Deadline: November 2025