Top Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students 2026–2027
Studying abroad can be expensive, but fully funded and major scholarship programs can help eligible international students cover tuition, living costs, travel, health insurance, or other study-related expenses.
This guide highlights well-known scholarship programs and official scholarship information sources for international students. Eligibility, deadlines, benefits, and application procedures can change, so applicants should always verify the latest information on the official website before applying.
1. Chevening Scholarships – United Kingdom
Chevening is the UK Government’s international scholarship programme for future leaders. It provides opportunities for eligible applicants to pursue a master’s degree in the United Kingdom.
Study level: Master’s
Country: United Kingdom
Funding: Scholarship benefits may include tuition fees, travel and other allowances, subject to the official programme terms.
For the 2027–28 cycle, Chevening applications opened on 4 August 2026 and close on 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
Official Chevening Scholarship Website →
Official Application Timeline →
2. Fulbright Foreign Student Program – United States
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program provides opportunities for non-U.S. citizens to pursue graduate-level study and research in the United States.
Study level: Graduate / postgraduate
Country: United States
Eligibility: Requirements and application procedures vary by applicant’s home country.
Non-U.S. applicants should apply through the Fulbright Commission/Foundation or U.S. Embassy in their home country.
Official Fulbright Foreign Student Program →
3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters – Europe
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are international master’s programmes delivered by a consortium of universities. Students from around the world can apply to participating programmes.
Study level: Master’s
Location: Europe and partner countries
Duration: Usually 1–2 academic years
Scholarship: Some programmes offer full scholarships covering participation costs and contributing toward travel, visa and living expenses.
Applicants apply directly to the institution or programme running the selected Erasmus Mundus Joint Master.
Official Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Information →
4. Australia Awards Scholarships – Australia
Australia Awards Scholarships are long-term scholarships administered by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
Study level: Undergraduate or postgraduate, depending on country and programme
Country: Australia
Benefits generally include tuition fees, return air travel, establishment allowance, contribution to living expenses, Overseas Student Health Cover and other eligible benefits.
Eligibility and application dates are country-specific. Applicants must check their country’s official profile before applying.
Australian Government – Australia Awards →
Official Participating Countries & Eligibility →
Official Opening & Closing Dates →
5. MEXT Scholarship – Japan
The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship supports international students through several scholarship categories, including research students, undergraduate students, teacher training students and other programmes.
Country: Japan
Funding: Benefits depend on the specific MEXT scholarship category and official guidelines.
There are two main application routes: embassy recommendation and university recommendation. Applicants should follow the official application guidelines for their category and country.
Official Study in Japan – MEXT Scholarship →
6. Clarendon Fund – University of Oxford
The Clarendon Fund provides highly competitive graduate scholarships at the University of Oxford. Oxford states that Clarendon offers around 200 new fully funded scholarships each year to outstanding graduate scholars.
Study level: Graduate
University: University of Oxford
Funding: Course fees and a grant for living costs, subject to the scholarship terms.
For most Oxford scholarships, including Clarendon, applicants are considered through the graduate application process and must meet the relevant course deadline.
Official University of Oxford Scholarships →
7. Knight-Hennessy Scholars – Stanford University
Knight-Hennessy Scholars is a graduate scholarship programme at Stanford University. Applicants from countries around the world can apply if they meet the programme and Stanford graduate admission requirements.
Study level: Graduate
University: Stanford University
For the 2027 cohort, the Knight-Hennessy Scholars application deadline is October 6, 2026 at 1:00 PM Pacific Time. Applicants must also apply separately to an eligible Stanford graduate programme.
Official Knight-Hennessy Scholars →
Official Eligibility & Application Information →
8. Schwarzman Scholars – Tsinghua University, China
Schwarzman Scholars is a fully funded master’s-level programme at Tsinghua University designed for young leaders from around the world.
Study level: Master’s
University: Tsinghua University
Location: Beijing, China
The programme has specific age, degree, English-language and other eligibility requirements. Applicants should check the official website for the current selection cycle.
The application window for the 2027–28 class has closed. The next U.S./Global application period is scheduled for April–September 2027.
Official Schwarzman Scholars Admissions →
Explore more opportunities on our Scholarships page.
How to Apply for a Fully Funded Scholarship
- Choose a scholarship that matches your academic level and field.
- Read the official eligibility requirements carefully.
- Check the deadline for your country and programme.
- Prepare your academic transcripts and certificates.
- Prepare your CV or resume if required.
- Write a strong statement of purpose or personal statement.
- Arrange recommendation letters where required.
- Prepare proof of English-language proficiency if required.
- Upload all required documents in the correct format.
- Submit the application through the official scholarship or university portal.
- Save your application confirmation and regularly check your email.
Common Documents Required
- Academic transcripts
- Degree or graduation certificate
- Passport or identification document
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Purpose or personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- English-language test results, where required
- Research proposal, where applicable
- Proof of work experience, where required
Important Tips for International Students
- Never pay an unofficial person or agent simply because they promise a guaranteed scholarship.
- Always verify the scholarship on the official government, university or programme website.
- Check whether the scholarship covers full tuition, living expenses, travel or only part of the costs.
- Check the eligibility requirements before spending time preparing an application.
- Do not wait until the final day to submit your application.
- Keep copies of all documents and application confirmations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are fully funded scholarships available for international students?
Yes. A number of governments, universities and international organisations offer scholarships that may cover tuition and other eligible expenses. However, eligibility and benefits vary by programme.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
In many cases, yes. Applicants should check the rules of each scholarship and university before applying.
Do all scholarships cover living expenses?
No. Some scholarships are fully funded while others cover only tuition or provide partial financial support. Always read the official funding terms.
Where should I apply?
Use the official scholarship provider, government department, university or programme application portal. Avoid unofficial websites that ask for unnecessary payments or personal information.
Final Advice
A scholarship can be highly competitive, so meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection. Build a strong academic and professional profile, follow the official instructions carefully and submit your application before the deadline.
Last Updated: September 15, 2026