Universities and countries offer scholarships that cover both language preparation and the full academic degree, making it easier for international students who don’t yet meet language requirements to study abroad. It is typical for students in these programs to spend a foundation year learning the language, adjusting academically, and preparing for the main degree program.
Here’s an overview of how these scholarships work, who they target, and what to expect.
The purpose of these scholarships
Countries use scholarships for the following purposes:
- Students with a need for language training should be recruited
- Help learners make the transition from high school to college
- Increase the success rate of international students
- Support study abroad in non-English speaking countries
Having a foundation year ensures students are confident and prepared for their degree.
Coverage of typical scholarships
In some countries and programs, scholarships may include the following:
- The tuition for the year of language preparation has been paid
- Funding for foundations/preparatory programs
- There is no tuition for bachelor’s and master’s degrees
- Stipends for living expenses
- Accommodations support
- Health insurance
- Travel support
- Language learning textbooks or materials
The language exam requirements are easier to meet if a student hasn’t met them yet.
Scholarships for Language + Degree Programs abroad
Germany (DAAD Pathway Scholarships)
In Germany, students can obtain a bachelor’s or master’s degree through a German-language foundation program before moving on to a full bachelor’s or master’s program.
In addition to studying German, students also study academic skills and subject foundations.
This course is ideal for students with a background in STEM, social sciences, or engineering.
South Korea (GKS – Global Korea Scholarship)
It is one of the most famous scholarship programs in the world.
Students learn Korean for one year before starting their degree.
Language school, living stipends, tuition, flights, accommodation support, and settlement allowances are all covered by the government.
Both graduate and undergraduate degrees are covered.
Japan (MEXT Scholarship Foundation Year)
A preparatory year is offered by MEXT for undergraduate applicants who need Japanese language and academic preparation.
Prior to beginning the full degree program, students receive instruction in Japanese reading, writing, culture, mathematics, and basic sciences.
A portion of the funds goes towards tuition, allowances, travel, and dormitory accommodations.
China (CSC Scholarships with Chinese Language Preparation)
Many CSC scholarships include a one-year Chinese language training program before students begin their main degree.
This is especially common among students entering engineering, medicine, business, and humanities programs.
Tuition, room and board, a stipend, and some medical insurance are usually covered by this program.
France (French Government / Campus France Pathways)
French-language instruction is included in some funded programs before the main program.
Students on these pathways prepare for degrees taught in French or bilingually.
Students from abroad who wish to attend public universities can use this guide.
Russia (Government Scholarship – Preparatory Faculty)
Prior to beginning a degree program in Russia, students are eligible for a funded preparatory year (Russian language and subject preparation).
Covers tuition and provides affordable housing options.
Scholarship for Hungary (Hungaricum Pathway Year)
For students needing language or academic adjustment, Scholarship Hungaricum awards sometimes include a one-year Hungarian preparatory program.
Government Scholarships in the Czech Republic
The foundation year of a Czech-language scholarship is often used to learn the language and basic academic subjects before students begin their degree program.
What are the best candidates for these scholarships?
These scholarships are ideal for:
- Language requirements not yet met by students
- English-speaking students who wish to study abroad
- Students in the sciences, medicine, engineering, public policy, the arts, and humanities
- Students with academic challenges who require adjustment time
It is beneficial for students to take foundation years in order to make a smooth transition to college.
The benefits of foundation year scholarships are numerous
- There is no requirement for language proficiency
- Over time, academic and cultural environments can be adapted
- Your career prospects improve when you are fluent in a foreign language
- You enter the main degree more prepared and confident as a result
- The funding covers almost everything
- Consequently, you gain a stronger network of international students
Especially in countries where local language skills increase employment opportunities, this route is advantageous.
What You Can Do to Strengthen Your Application
- By showing a genuine interest in learning the language, you can become familiar with the country’s language
- The foundation year will support your academic goals, please explain
- Highlight previous accomplishments, even if they are unrelated
- Your career goals should be relevant to the country or field you are applying for
- Be adaptable, curious, and motivated
In these programs, long-term commitment is valued.
Make sure you avoid these common mistakes
- Overlooking the importance of language training
- Applying without checking if the degree is taught in the local language
- Essays that ignore the reasons why you want to study in that country
- Having no idea that foundation-year scholarships are competitive
- Unprepared for small additional costs
When you’re realistic and prepared, you’re more likely to succeed.
In conclusion
Those who want a complete academic pathway but need extra support before entering their studies should consider scholarships that fund both language preparation and degree programs. Especially in countries where local languages play a significant role, programs such as these facilitate smooth transitions, improve language skills, and increase academic success.