“Fully funded” means the scholarship typically includes full tuition coverage plus living expenses, and many also cover travel, health insurance, and sometimes research costs. These opportunities are highly competitive but can change your life.
Here are some of the best fully funded scholarships available in 2026 for international students:
1. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
One of the world’s most prestigious scholarship programs, funded by the UK government.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance
- Travel to and from the UK
- Visa application costs
- Networking and leadership events
Level: Master’s (1 year)
Eligibility: Strong academic profile + work experience commitment + leadership potential
Application: Opens in 2025 for 2026 intake (expected deadline ~Nov 2025)
2. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
Flagship U.S. scholarship programme for international students to pursue graduate study.
Benefits:
- Full tuition and fees
- Living stipend
- Airfare
- Health insurance
Level: Master’s & PhD
Eligibility: Varies by country; academic achievement and clear study plan required
Application Window: Typically starts early 2026 for 2026–27 intake
3. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
One of the most generous graduate scholarships in Canada.
Benefits:
- $50,000 CAD per year
- Awarded for 3 years (PhD only)
- Supports world-class research study
Level: PhD
Eligibility: Excellent academic and research track record
Deadline: Applications around Nov–Dec 2026 (timing varies by university)
4. MEXT Japan Government Scholarship
Offered by the Japanese Ministry of Education.
Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly living allowance
- Travel allowance
- Language study support
Level: Undergraduate, Master’s & PhD
Eligibility: Strong academic record; must meet Japanese embassy/university requirements
Application: April–June 2026 (Embassy track)
5. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships (Europe)
EU-funded scholarships for joint international master’s programmes.
Benefits:
- Tuition fees fully covered
- Monthly stipend (~€1,400/month)
- Travel and installation allowance
- Study across 2–3 European countries
Level: Master’s
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree + strong academic record
Deadline: Oct 2026–Jan 2027 (varies by programme)
6. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Funded by the Swiss Confederation.
Benefits:
- Monthly stipend
- Tuition coverage
- Health insurance or allowance
- Travel support (in some cases)
Level: Master’s & PhD
Eligibility: Completed previous degree + research proposal
Deadline: Varies by country but often through end of 2025/early 2026
7. Türkiye Burslari (Turkish Government Scholarship)
One of the most accessible fully funded scholarships for students from Africa, Asia, Middle East and beyond.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly stipend
- Free accommodation
- Health insurance
- Turkish language training
- Flight support
Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s & PhD
Eligibility: Varies by level and nationality
Deadline: Usually early in the cycle (e.g., early 2026)
8. Shanghai Jiao Tong University Scholarships (China)
Part of China’s government and university-level fully funded programmes.
Benefits:
- Full tuition waiver
- Monthly stipend
- Access to world-class research
Level: Master’s & PhD
Deadline: 15 Dec 2025 (for 2026 intake)
9. Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)
A top fully funded PhD scholarship hosted by Singapore’s major research institutions.
Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly stipend
- Airfare support
- Settling-in allowance
Level: PhD
Deadline: 1 Dec 2025 (for 2026 intake)
10. Swedish Institute Scholarships (SISGP)
Competitive European scholarship for global professionals.
Benefits:
- Full tuition waiver
- Monthly living allowance (~SEK 12,000)
- Travel grant
- Health insurance
Level: Master’s
Deadlines: Admission decisions Jan–Feb 2026; scholarship applications shortly after
Other Opportunities Worth Exploring
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships (UK) – Fully funded for students from low- and middle-income countries with tuition, stipend, travel & settlement support. Deadlines often in late 2025.
National Taiwan University Scholarships – Fully funded for postgraduate study in Taiwan. Deadline ~Nov 2025.
Ireland Government Postgraduate Scholarships – Research scholarships with stipend and tuition in Ireland. Deadline ~Oct 2025.
How to Boost Your Scholarship Success
Start early — Most fully funded scholarships have deadlines in late 2025 or early 2026.
Check eligibility & requirements — Many require strong academic records, language tests, or research proposals.
Prepare application materials carefully — SOPs, transcripts, recommendation letters and test scores matter a lot.
Track deadlines in your calendar — Missing one deadline can eliminate a major opportunity.
FAQs
Q1: Do fully funded scholarships cover living expenses?
Yes. Most cover tuition, monthly stipends (for living costs), travel, and sometimes health insurance.
Q2: Are these scholarships only for master’s/PhD?
Many cover all levels (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD), but some are focused on graduate research degrees.
Q3: Is IELTS required?
Often yes, but some programs waive it or accept alternative proofs. Check each scholarship’s requirements.
Q4: How competitive are fully funded scholarships?
Very competitive — strong academics, leadership, and clear goals increase your chances.
Q5: When should I start applying?
Usually 6–12 months before intake, so planning in advance is essential.
