Top 10 Fully-Funded Scholarships for International Students in 2026
2 August 2026
Introduction
Finding the right scholarship can transform your academic career. Fully-funded awards cover tuition, living expenses, travel, and more — removing financial barriers so you can focus entirely on your studies. Here are the ten most prestigious fully-funded scholarships available to international students in 2026.
1. Chevening Scholarship (UK)
The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government's flagship global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. It supports outstanding professionals who have demonstrated leadership potential and who are likely to become influential in their careers, countries, and globally.
Chevening covers full tuition at a UK university, a monthly living allowance, flights to and from the UK, and a travel grant to attend Chevening events. Applicants must have at least two years of work experience and a strong academic record. Applications are typically open from August to November each year.
2. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most competitive postgraduate awards in the world, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. It supports outstanding scholars from outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge.
The award provides full course fees, a maintenance allowance of £21,227 per year, funding for visa fees, travel costs, and family allowances where applicable. Candidates must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to improving the lives of others. There are approximately 80 awards each year.
3. Rhodes Scholarship (UK / Oxford)
Established in 1902, the Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest international graduate scholarship programme in the world, tenable at the University of Oxford. It funds postgraduate study in any discipline across Oxford's 40+ departments.
The scholarship covers all university and college fees, a stipend for living expenses (approximately £18,180 per year), and airfare to and from Oxford. Eligibility varies by country — check the Rhodes Trust website for your national programme. Scholars are selected for their academic excellence, character, commitment to service, and leadership potential.
4. Fulbright Program (USA)
The Fulbright Program is the United States government's premier international exchange program, offering opportunities for students, scholars, teachers, and professionals to study, teach, and conduct research in the United States and over 155 countries worldwide.
Fulbright awards cover round-trip transportation, tuition, a living stipend, health insurance, and in some cases book allowances. Eligibility requirements vary by country of origin; most programmes require a bachelor's degree and strong English language proficiency. Awards are available for master's, doctoral, and postdoctoral research.
5. DAAD Scholarship (Germany)
The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) is the world's largest funding organisation for the international exchange of students and researchers. DAAD scholarships support study and research in Germany at all levels — from bachelor's to postdoctoral.
Awards typically cover a monthly stipend (€934 for master's students), health insurance, travel allowance, and a study and research allowance. Germany's world-class research universities, many of which charge no tuition fees, make DAAD one of the best-value fully-funded scholarships available. Programmes include Development-Related Postgraduate Courses and the DAAD Government of Ghana Scholarships.
6. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (Europe)
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) are prestigious, integrated, international study programmes funded by the European Union. They allow students to study in multiple European countries and receive a joint or multiple degree from participating institutions.
The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel and installation costs, and a monthly subsistence allowance of €1,400. Programmes span two years and require study at two or more European universities. Approximately 3,000 scholarships are awarded annually across more than 150 different study programmes in STEM, humanities, social sciences, and the arts.
7. Commonwealth Scholarship (UK)
The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) enables talented and motivated individuals from Commonwealth countries to gain the skills they need to drive development in their home countries. Scholarships are funded by the UK government through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
Awards cover tuition, a monthly stipend, airfares, a thesis grant, and a study travel grant. They are primarily aimed at citizens of low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries who have a first degree at upper second class level or above. Applications open in the autumn for the following academic year.
8. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) provides a limited number of competitive scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from developing countries who have no other means of financing their studies. The programme targets graduates from eight developing countries in Africa and Asia.
Awards are offered as a 50% grant and 50% loan and cover tuition, living expenses, and travel. Priority is given to candidates who demonstrate financial need alongside academic excellence. Fields supported include health sciences, natural sciences, engineering, education, and international relations.
9. ADB–Japan Scholarship Program (Asia and the Pacific)
The ADB–Japan Scholarship Program (JSP) is funded by the Japanese government and administered by the Asian Development Bank. It offers postgraduate scholarships at designated academic institutions in the Asia-Pacific region to citizens of ADB's developing member countries.
The scholarship covers tuition, a monthly subsistence and housing allowance, an education allowance, health insurance, and economy class airfare. Applicants must have at least two years of professional work experience, hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and have gained admission to an approved postgraduate programme. Over 3,000 scholarships have been awarded since the programme began in 1988.
10. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program (Africa)
The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program partners with leading universities in Africa, the United States, Canada, and Rwanda to provide scholarships to young Africans with talent, leadership potential, and a demonstrated commitment to giving back to their communities.
The programme covers full tuition, accommodation, meals, books, a personal allowance, and mentoring support. Scholars are also supported through internship opportunities and leadership development activities. Partner universities include Ashesi University, University of Cape Town, EARTH University, McGill University, and Cornell University.
How to Maximise Your Chances
- Start early. Most fully-funded scholarships open applications 12–18 months before the intended start date.
- Tailor your personal statement. Show alignment between the scholarship's values and your career goals.
- Secure strong references. Choose referees who can speak specifically to your leadership and academic potential.
- Research the host institution. Interviewers consistently reward candidates who have engaged seriously with faculty profiles and research clusters.
- Track every deadline. Use Global Scholarships' deadline tracker to stay organised.
Global Scholarships verifies information against official scholarship pages. Always check the primary source before applying.