Cambodia is a Southeast Asian country famous for its historical fortresses, such as the Angkor Wat. And while the oppressive Khmer rouge tainted its history, the nation has bounced back as it is now one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia.
Apart from its majestic sites, Cambodia offers affordable tuition that international students will find hard to resist. Undergraduate students only need to pay about $2,500 a year, while graduate students need to shell out about $9,000 annually.
Because of its reasonable prices, Cambodia has become a hotspot for international students who wish to get a scholarship. After all, its universities – and some foundations – offer the following scholarships in Cambodia for deserving applicants:
Best Scholarships in Cambodia
1. Asia Euro University Ph.D. Scholarship
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: Full scholarship
- Eligible Degree: Doctorate degree at Asia Euro University
Asia Euro University is another private university based in Phnom Penh. Founded in 2005, it has five faculties in Science & Technology, Law & Political Science, Social Science & Economics, Arts & Humanities, and Business & Tourism.
The university also has a Graduate School that offers full scholarships to select Ph.D. students. Qualified applicants may study any of the following doctorate degrees for free:
- Economic Science
- Business Administration
- Law
- International Relations
- Public Administration
With this Cambodia scholarship program, the student will receive assistance throughout the program. Traditionally, doctorate students need about five to six years to finish their respective degrees.
Potential scholars need to have a Master’s degree to apply for any of the programs mentioned above. They also need to undergo an entrance exam and provide a letter of recommendation from previous instructors.
Additionally, the applicant needs to provide two copies of former school certificates.
Scholars are expected to follow the anticipated Ph.D. timeline, which involves penning a thesis and finishing a comprehensive exam by the third year.
For the remaining years, the scholar should undertake the data collection part of the thesis. Likewise, they should be able to defend the results in front of a panel before graduation.
2. Paragon International University (PIU) Rector’s Scholarship
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: 75% of the tuition amount
- Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s degree at Paragon International University
Formerly known as Zaman University, PIU is a private institution based in the capital of Phnom Penh. It is divided into 11 departments under three faculties: Engineering, Information & Computer Technology, and Economics & Administrative Science.
The university also has a graduate school that offers a Master’s in Business Administration.
Currently, the university offers a Rector’s Scholarship for international students. Ten full awards are available for local enrollees, while a 75% discount will be given to qualified foreigners. To date, there are 20 slots available for this partial scholarship at Cambodia.
Interested parties may course their application via the PIU website. They will need to fill up an online form, which will ask for the student’s particulars.
The applicant also needs to upload a 500-word motivation letter, apart from evidence of their achievements. These may include Olympiad/competition wins, recommendation letters, and other course certifications.
3. Paragon International University (PIU) STAR Scholarship
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: Full tuition
- Eligible Degree: Master’s degree at Paragon International University
PIU is one of a handful of Cambodian universities that provide scholarships to international students. On the graduate level, applicants may take advantage of its STAR scholarship.
In exchange for 30 hours of work per week, the scholar will get a full-tuition discount and monthly stipends. Add to that, they will benefit from the teaching, research, and administrative experience that comes with the position.
Interested students may apply for positions in line with their degrees. Those who wish to take a Master’s in Business Administration or International Relations may work as a dean’s assistant. Additionally, an MBA student may apply as a teaching and administrative assistant.
The primary requirement for STAR scholarships is the completion of a bachelor’s degree. As expected, the applicant must have a GPA of at least 3.0 and above. In some positions, an IELTS score of 6.5 is required.
Some additional requirements may be needed as well to receive this Cambodia scholarship. For example, a position in the web development unit will require proficiency in front-end web programming.
4. ASEAN-SHARE Scholarship
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: Full tuition for two years
- Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s degree at participating Cambodian Universities
The ASEAN-SHARE scholarship is exclusive to students from the ASEAN countries (except Singapore and Brunei.)
The student must have finished two years of their undergraduate studies in their home country to be eligible. The scholarship will shoulder the tuition amount for the next two years.
It will also provide a monthly stipend/allowance, a one-time settling allowance, health insurance, and return airfare. The scholarship will also shoulder the fees associated with visa applications and study materials.
Students may only be given the scholarship once they have been accepted at their university of choice. Additionally, the chosen program should be aligned with the degree they have taken in their home country.
Cambodian universities participating in this program include the Royal University of Phnom Penh, the University of Cambodia, the National University of Management, and Phnom Penh International University.
5. University of Puthisastra Scholarship Program
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: Undisclosed
- Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s Degree Universities at the University of Puthisastra
The University of Puthisastra, also known as UP, is a private institution founded in 2007. It offers a variety of health-related courses, including Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, and Medical Technology. UP has ICT-related programs as well.
UP also offers a scholarship program based on merit and financial need. The student’s academic performance and community service will be considered in the awarding as well.
To apply for this Cambodia scholarship, the student needs to submit proof of identification and high school leaving exam results. They also need to furnish a completed application form. This should include the student’s background information and essay entry.
Additionally, foreign applicants need to provide certification of Khmer proficiency, which needs to be recognized by the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport.
Students shortlisted by the selection committee will need to attend an interview. Those who meet the selection criteria will be notified of the award a few weeks later.
We hope that this article on Cambodia scholarships for international students was helpful. If you’re interested in studying abroad, make sure to check out the Available Programs for International Students!
