Imagine receiving a fully funded scholarship to spend time studying in BRICS- China, Brazil, Russia, India or South Africa, countries with world-class universities, amazing cultures, and growing economies. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s very real.
The BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) account for more than 40% of the world’s population and are home to a rapidly growing number of educational hubs. China alone now attracts more than 492,000 international students annually, many of which are on scholarships. Russia? Over 300,000. And with its iconic IITs and IIMs, India is emerging as a hub for learners.
The best part? Those places in particular are noteworthy: they provide some of the most generous scholarships — all-run tuition, housing, and even monthly stipends of sorts. But the right one (and actually getting it) can be elusive.
That’s where we come in! In this guide, we will cover the best scholarships in BRICS countries, the application process, and some top tips to help you succeed in securing that golden ticket. Let’s dive in!
Table of contents
- Which International Students Can Get Scholarships in BRICS Countries?
- How to Apply for Scholarships in BRICS Nations as an International Student?
- Why Should You Study in BRICS Countries on a Scholarship?
- Difficulties and Solutions for Studying in BRICS on a Scholarship
- Do BRICS Scholarships Have High Acceptance Rates?
- Conclusion
- FAQs
- References
- Recommendations
Which International Students Can Get Scholarships in BRICS Countries?
BRICS countries provide some of the best scholarships in the world to International students. This includes tuition, accommodation, and in some cases living allowance, research funds, and travel.
Here’s a list of the best scholarships for students in each of the BRICS countries:
Brazil
Brazil is one of the best destinations for students in search of quality education at a low cost.
PEC-G (UG) & PEC-PG scholarships
Sponsored by: Government of Brazil
Who can apply? Full students from underdeveloped nations (African, Latin American, even Asian countries)
Benefits: Full tuition coverage at Brazilian public universities
Simplified application process: You must speak Portuguese, and you can apply at Brazilian embassies
OAS-GCUB Scholarship Programme
Sponsored by: Organization of American States (OAS) & Brazilian universities
Who can apply? For students from OAS member states (primarily Latin America and the Caribbean)
Benefits: Tuition, plus stipends each month for living expenses
Application process: Online applications along with evidence of academic excellence
Russia
Russia is another seeking increasing international students, with 300,000+ international students currently studying there.
Grants by the Government of Russia – Open Doors Scholarship Project
Sponsored by: Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education
International PhD and Pomaster students
Benefit(s): Covers full tuition and accommodation as well as a small monthly stipend
Application process: students must complete an online academic competition
Scholarships at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT)
Sponsored by: University MIPT
Who can apply? Students in science and technology who are high-achieving
Perks: Tuition waivers, dormitory housing, research grants
Entry: A strong academic record and entrance exam are keynote
India
India has one of the cheapest education costs in BRICS countries, and you can save even more with scholarships.
CCR Scholarships (Indian Council for Cultural Relations)
Sponsored by: Indian Government
Who can apply? Students from low-income countries, particularly Africa, Latin America and Asia
Pros: Includes tuition, accommodation, and medical insurance
Application process: You need to apply to the Indian embassy in your country
Scholarships to Study in India
Backed by: Indian Government
Who can apply? Foreign students seeking admission to Indian universities
Benefits: Tuition Waivers for Top Students
How to apply: Online application with previous academic documents
China
China is by far the most generous BRICS country in the number of scholarships and will host (over 492,000 international students).
Chinese Government Scholarship ( CSC )
– Funded by: Chinese Ministry of Education
Who can apply? Bachelor, Master and PhD with International Certificates
Benefits: Tuition in full, living expenses, monthly allowance (~$300-$500), health insurance
How to apply: Through the Chinese embassy or the university
Chinese Government Scholarship — Confucius Institute Scholarship
Sponsored by: Hanban (Confucius Institute Headquarters)
Who can apply? Inquiring students of Chinese language and culture
Perks: Tuition, housing, health insurance, and a stipend
Application process — An HSK (Chinese proficiency) test score is required
South Africa
Highest degree-awarding institution in South Africa University of Cape Town & University of the Witwatersrand
Mandela Rhodes Scholarship
Sponsoring Institution: Mandela Rhodes Foundation
Who can apply? Postgraduate students from the African States
– Benefits: Tuition, accommodation and leadership experience
Application process: High grades and sign of leadership potential
MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
Supported by: MasterCard Foundation
Who can apply? Financial need based scholarships for African students
BenefitsFull scholarship (tuition, accommodation, books and a stipend)
Read also: Jobs in BRICS Nations: Best Industries to Watch in 2025
How to Apply for Scholarships in BRICS Nations as an International Student?
Now that you know the best scholarships, how do you apply for them? Now let’s go through it step by step:
#1. Find the Right Scholarship
- Decide which country and university you want to study in
- Verify the eligibility requirements (some scholarships are restricted to certain areas or disciplines)
- Check funding details (does it cover tuition, housing, flights?)
#2. Prepare Your Documents
Most scholarships require:
- Academic Transcripts– Your past studies grades
- Letters of Recommendation- From teachers or employers
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Personal Essay – Why you should win the scholarship
- Language Tests — TOEFL/IELTS for English, HSK for Chinese, or PRT for Brazil
- Passport and ID Documents – Customer Nationality
#3. Online Application or Embassy Application
Some scholarships (for example China’s CSC) applications are done through the Chinese embassy in your country
Others (eg. Russia’s Open Doors) utilize an online application portal
India and South Africa: Students can apply directly to universities
#4. Study for Entrance Exams / Interviews
Certain scholarships need an entrance test (eg: An academic competition, such as Russia’s Open Doors)
Some need an interview (Mandela Rhodes Scholarship has an leadership interview)
#5. Await Results and Visa Processing
If offered, immediately apply for a student visa. A few scholarships (such as Brazil’s PEC-G) mandate that students undergo language training prior to starting their studies)
You should read: Top Graduate Program Scholarships
Why Should You Study in BRICS Countries on a Scholarship?
World-Class Universities and High-Quality Education
There are top-ranked universities in BRICS countries that surpass the best worlds.
Clear of Tsinghua & Peking University, China has 7 universities in the QS Top 100
Russia’s Moscow State University is list as one of the 150 top universities in the world.
India’s IITs and IIMs turn out some of the world’s best engineers and business leaders.
South Africa’s University of Cape Town – 1 Africa.
Graduated from these institutions adds sparkle to your resume, catches the eye of employers.
International Networking Opportunities
Students from over 180 countries come to China alone — that’s a great global network.
Over the past decade, Russia’s international student body has increased by 5x.
This means that the connections you will build will be lifelong and could serve you well on future career opportunities, business ventures or research collaborations.
Reasonable Cost of Living
The cost of studying in BRICS is much lower as compared to US, UK, Australia.
Tuition fees in India, Brazil, and South Africa are still cheaper than American or European universities even without a scholarship.
Cost of living:
- China – About $600/month (with rent and food)
- Russia — About $500/month
- India — Starting from $300/month
- Brazil & South Africa — Approx. $600-800/month
A scholarship reduces most of these costs, and makes education virtually free.
Strong Career and Research Opportunities
Most BRICS scholarships are meant to bring in talent for national industries and research projects.
There are millions of job openings for foreign graduates in China (tech, engineering, business, healthcare).
Russell’s Skolkovo Innovation Center in Russia, a tech startup hub, provides students jobs within AI, cybersecurity and IT
Global corporations such as Google, Microsoft, and Tata are widely present in India, providing job opportunities to top international graduates.
South Africa and Brazil have expanding industries of finance, energy and mining that are open to foreign talent.
A degree + overseas experience gives you the cutting edge.
Cultural Immersion & Language Skills
Studying in BRICS gives you the opportunity to experience various cultures and learn new languages:
- Mandarin ( China) – The number one language in the world
- Russian (Russia) – Essential for jobs in engineering, space research, and diplomacy
- Portuguese (Brazil) – Predominantly spoken in Latin America as well as parts of Africa
- Hindi & English (India) India having the one of the largest English-speaking country
- Afrikaans & English (South Africa) – South Africa a multilingual country
How it Helps: Knowing multiple languages boosts career opportunities and thus also is a helping hand in international business, diplomacy, and academia.
Travel & Adventure
The BRICS countries have some of the best travel destinations on Earth:
- China – The Great Wall, Shanghai skyline, ancient temples
- Russia — Moscow and St. Petersburg, Red Square, Siberian landscapes
- India – Taj Mahal, trekking in the Himalayas, Bollywood
- Brazil — Amazon rainforest, Rio de Janeiro beaches, Carnival festival
- South Africa – Safaris, Cape Town mountains, beautiful coastlines
With several scholarships even with travel grants, you can even see a new country while studying for free!
You should read: UCA Foundation Scholarships: How to Apply
Difficulties and Solutions for Studying in BRICS on a Scholarship
If studying in BRICS countries is an amazing opportunity among some challenges. Here’s what to know and how to deal like a pro:
Language Barriers
Solution:
- Select universities with English-instructed programs (yes, numerous in China, Russia, India, and South Africa).
- Pack your bags and take language courses before arriving if possible (some free prep classes are available with scholarships).
- Do use translation apps like Google Translate and Duolingo.
Complex Visa and Paperwork
Solution:
- Begin 6-12 months ahead to have ample time.
- Seek assistance from your university’s international office or embassy.
Managing Living Costs
Some scholarships cannot cover all cost, like daily transportation and personal expenses.
Solution:
- Work part-time jobs (students can work in China, Russia and South Africa).
- Student discounts for food, transport, and entertainment.
- For some extra bucks, freelance and tutor online.
Healthcare and Insurance Concerns
International students may pay high medical expenses.
Solution:
- Confirm whether your scholarship provides health insurance (usually, they do).
- Look for low-cost student health insurance before getting there.
- Familiarize yourself with nearest hospitals and clinics around your university.
Cultural Adjustment & Homesickness
Solution:
Join student groups & clubs to find friends.
Keep in touch with family & friends by video calling.
Explore the country! Sample different cuisines, join cultural events, and cultivate a local social circle.
Read also: Freelancing in BRICS: How to Thrive in these Emerging Markets
Do BRICS Scholarships Have High Acceptance Rates?
The short answer? Yes and no. Some of the scholarships provided by the BRICS are quite competitive but there are some cases where it is handy to apply if you fit into the profile. Your chances depend on academic performance, country of origin, and field of study
Conclusion
While it’s not always easy to get a BRICS scholarship, with the right strategy, preparation and determination, you can significantly increase your chances.
If you stay in any of the 5 BRICS countries, you will have fantastic opportunities to study, grow and build an international career almost for free. If you start early, pay attention to strong applications, and apply widely to many programs, you can get that dream scholarship!
After you graduate, you might want to start a business. Read: How to Start a Business in BRICS Countries: All You Need to Know
FAQs
Am I allowed to work during my studies on a BRICS scholarship?
Yes! China, Russia and South Africa permit part-time work for students under certain conditions. Make sure to check visa rules ahead of applying.
Do BRICS scholarships include travel expenses?
Many do! Most common are CSC China, Russian Government and South Africa BRICS scholarships which usually cover flight tickets”.
Can I apply if I don’t speak the local language?
Yes! English is the language of instruction at many universities in BRICS countries, but speaking the language will be beneficial for daily life and for networking.
Is there any age limit for BRICS scholarships?
Some set age limits (e.g., Russia’s scholarships have a cut-off at 35 for postgraduates). Check the particular requirements for each schlarship before you apply.
What can I do for BRICS after I complete my degree?
Stay and work: You can get another job or return home, or you may choose to continue studying. Some scholarships also include post-study work opportunities.
References
- TopUniversities– Scholarships to study in BRICS Countries
- QSChina– Top Scholarships to study in BRICS nations
- eB5 BRICS– Scholarships for BRICS
