25 Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students to Study Abroad (2026 Guide)

Studying abroad is a goal for millions of students around the world. However, tuition fees, accommodation, travel costs, and living expenses can make earning an international degree expensive.

Fortunately, many governments, universities, and international organizations offer fully funded scholarships to international students. These scholarships can cover tuition fees, monthly stipends, accommodation, airfare, health insurance, and other study related expenses.

In this guide, you'll discover 25 of the best fully funded scholarships available in 2026 for undergraduate, master's, PhD, and research students.

Quick Summary

International students can study abroad through fully funded scholarships offered by governments, universities, and international organizations. Many of these scholarships cover tuition fees, accommodation, monthly stipends, airfare, and health insurance. Some of the most popular scholarships include Fulbright Nehru, Chevening, Commonwealth Scholarships, DAAD, Erasmus Mundus, MEXT, Global Korea Scholarship, Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, and Australia Awards.

What Is a Fully Funded Scholarship?

A fully funded scholarship pays for most or all of the expenses associated with studying abroad. While benefits vary between programs, many scholarships include:

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly living allowance
• Accommodation support
• Round trip airfare
• Health insurance
• Visa assistance
• Research grants
• Books and study materials

Some scholarships also provide language training, relocation allowances, networking opportunities, and career development support.

Best Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students

1. Fulbright Nehru Master's Fellowships

Country: United States

The Fulbright Nehru Master's Fellowships are among the most prestigious scholarships available to international students. They are awarded to talented professionals who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership skills, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.

What it covers

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly living stipend
• Round trip airfare
• Health insurance
• J-1 visa support

Best for

Students planning to pursue a master's degree in the United States with a strong academic and professional background.

2. Knight Hennessy Scholars

Country: United States

The Knight Hennessy Scholars program at Stanford University supports exceptional graduate students from around the world. In addition to financial support, scholars participate in leadership development and interdisciplinary learning experiences.

What it covers

• Full tuition
• Annual living stipend
• Travel allowance
• Academic enrichment programs

Best for

Students admitted to graduate programs at Stanford University who demonstrate leadership potential and academic excellence.

3. MIT Presidential Fellowship

Country: United States

Several graduate departments at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology provide Presidential Fellowships to outstanding doctoral candidates. These fellowships help attract world class researchers in science, engineering, technology, and related disciplines.

What it covers

• Full tuition
• Generous living stipend
• Research support

Best for

Students applying for research focused PhD programs at MIT.

4. Yale Graduate Funding

Country: United States

Yale University provides comprehensive funding packages for many international doctoral students. Funding is usually offered as part of admission and helps students focus on research without worrying about financial challenges.

What it covers

• Full tuition
• Annual stipend
• Health insurance
• Research opportunities

Best for

International students pursuing doctoral studies at Yale University.

5. Commonwealth Scholarship

Country: United Kingdom

The Commonwealth Scholarship is funded by the UK government and supports talented students from Commonwealth countries. It is designed for applicants whose education will contribute to the social and economic development of their home country.

What it covers

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly living allowance
• Return airfare
• Thesis and research grants where applicable

Best for

Students applying for master's or PhD programs in development related fields.

6. Chevening Scholarship

Country: United Kingdom

Chevening Scholarships are awarded to future leaders who demonstrate strong academic ability, professional experience, and leadership potential. The scholarship supports one year master's degrees at UK universities.

What it covers

• Tuition fees
• Monthly stipend
• Return flights
• Visa application costs
• Travel grants for selected events

Best for

Professionals and graduates seeking a fully funded master's degree in the United Kingdom.

7. Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Country: United Kingdom

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship enables exceptional international students to study at the University of Cambridge. It is highly competitive and places strong emphasis on academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to improving the lives of others.

What it covers

• Full tuition
• Living allowance
• Airfare
• Academic development funding

Best for

Outstanding students applying for postgraduate degrees at the University of Cambridge.

8. Rhodes Scholarship

Country: United Kingdom

The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the oldest and most respected international scholarship programs in the world. It supports exceptional students pursuing postgraduate study at the University of Oxford.

What it covers

• Full tuition fees
• Living stipend
• Airfare
• Visa expenses
• Additional settling allowance

Best for

Students with excellent academic records, leadership experience, and a strong commitment to public service.

9. Clarendon Fund

Country: United Kingdom

The Clarendon Fund provides fully funded scholarships to academically outstanding students admitted to graduate programs at the University of Oxford. Every eligible applicant is automatically considered during the admission process.

What it covers

• Full tuition
• Annual living stipend

Best for

Master's and doctoral students admitted to Oxford University.

10. Warwick Chancellor's International Scholarship

Country: United Kingdom

This scholarship supports exceptional international students pursuing doctoral research at the University of Warwick. Selection is based primarily on academic excellence and research potential.

What it covers

• Full tuition fees
• Living stipend
• Research support

Best for

Students applying for PhD programs across various academic disciplines.

11. DAAD Scholarship

Country: Germany

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers some of the most popular scholarships for international students. Since many German public universities charge little or no tuition, a DAAD scholarship can make studying in Germany almost completely free.

What it covers

• Monthly living stipend
• Travel allowance
• Health insurance
• Research and study allowance
• Tuition support where applicable

Best for

Students applying for master's, PhD, and research programs in engineering, science, economics, public policy, humanities, and other fields.

12. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Scholarship

Countries: Multiple European countries

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Scholarship allows students to study at two or more universities across Europe while earning a joint or multiple degree. It is one of the most competitive scholarships funded by the European Union.

What it covers

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly living allowance
• Travel expenses
• Health insurance

Best for

Students interested in international master's programs across Europe.

13. MEXT Scholarship

Country: Japan

The MEXT Scholarship is funded by the Japanese government and supports international students pursuing undergraduate, master's, doctoral, and research programs. It is widely regarded as one of the best fully funded scholarships available to international students.

What it covers

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly stipend
• Round trip airfare
• Japanese language preparation where required

Best for

Students interested in studying at Japanese universities.

14. Global Korea Scholarship

Country: South Korea

Formerly known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program, the Global Korea Scholarship supports talented international students pursuing higher education in South Korea.

What it covers

• Tuition fees
• Monthly living allowance
• Airfare
• Medical insurance
• Language training
• Settlement allowance

Best for

Students seeking undergraduate, master's, or doctoral degrees in South Korea.

15. Australia Awards Scholarship

Country: Australia

Australia Awards Scholarships are funded by the Australian Government to help students from developing countries gain qualifications that contribute to the development of their home countries.

What it covers

• Full tuition fees
• Living allowance
• Return airfare
• Health insurance
• Establishment allowance

Best for

Students pursuing master's degrees and selected research programs.

16. Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP)

Country: Australia

The Research Training Program provides funding for outstanding research students enrolled in Australian universities.

What it covers

• Tuition fees
• Living stipend
• Research support

Best for

Research master's and PhD students.

17. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship

Country: Canada

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship recognizes doctoral students with exceptional academic achievement, research ability, and leadership skills.

What it covers

• Generous annual funding
• Research support
• Living expenses

Best for

Students pursuing doctoral research in Canada.

18. Ontario Trillium Scholarship

Country: Canada

The Ontario Trillium Scholarship is awarded to outstanding international PhD students studying at participating universities in Ontario.

What it covers

• Tuition support
• Annual living stipend

Best for

International PhD students with excellent academic records.

19. Ontario Graduate Scholarship

Country: Canada

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship is a merit based award that is often combined with research assistantships and university funding to cover most study expenses.

What it covers

• Graduate funding
• Additional institutional support

Best for

Master's and doctoral students studying in Ontario.

20. New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarship

Country: New Zealand

The New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarship supports postgraduate students whose studies contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.

What it covers

• Tuition fees
• Monthly living allowance
• Airfare
• Other approved expenses

Best for

Students pursuing master's or PhD programs.

21. New Zealand Excellence Awards

Country: New Zealand

The New Zealand Excellence Awards are designed to attract talented international students to leading universities across the country.

What it covers

• Tuition assistance
• Living allowance

Best for

High achieving postgraduate students.

22. Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship

Country: Ireland

Ireland offers scholarships to exceptional international students who wish to study at Irish higher education institutions.

What it covers

• Tuition waiver
• Annual stipend

Best for

Master's and PhD students.

23. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship

Country: Switzerland

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship supports international researchers and postgraduate students studying at Swiss universities.

What it covers

• Monthly stipend
• Tuition assistance
• Health insurance
• Additional research support

Best for

Master's, PhD, and postdoctoral research.

24. Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship

Country: Hungary

Funded by the Hungarian Government, this scholarship attracts thousands of international students each year.

What it covers

• Tuition fees
• Monthly stipend
• Accommodation support
• Health insurance

Best for

Bachelor's, master's, and PhD students.

25. Italian Government Scholarship

Country: Italy

The Italian Government offers scholarships to international students pursuing postgraduate education and research at participating universities.

What it covers

• Tuition waiver
• Monthly allowance
• Selected academic support

Best for

Master's, PhD, and research students.

Best Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships

Many students believe fully funded scholarships are only available for master's and PhD programs, but several excellent opportunities also exist for undergraduate studies.

Some of the best undergraduate scholarships include:

• MEXT Scholarship
• Global Korea Scholarship
• Stipendium Hungaricum
• Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
• Türkiye Scholarships

These programs may cover tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, airfare, and health insurance.

How to Choose the Right Scholarship

Applying for every scholarship you find is rarely the best strategy. Instead, focus on opportunities that closely match your academic background and career goals.

When comparing scholarships, consider:

• Your level of study
• Preferred country
• Course requirements
• Language requirements
• Required work experience
• Scholarship benefits
• Application deadlines

Shortlisting three to six scholarships that fit your profile usually gives better results than submitting dozens of generic applications.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship

Competition for fully funded scholarships is intense, but a strong application can significantly improve your chances.

Here are a few practical tips:

• Maintain excellent academic results.
• Participate in leadership and volunteer activities.
• Build relevant research or professional experience.
• Write a clear and compelling statement of purpose.
• Request recommendation letters from people who know your work well.
• Prepare for English language tests early if required.
• Submit complete applications before the deadline.

FAQs

Which countries offer fully funded scholarships for international students?

Countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, Japan, Canada, Australia, South Korea, Ireland, and Hungary all offer excellent fully funded scholarships for international students.

Can an international students study abroad for free?

Yes. If you receive a fully funded scholarship, your tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation, airfare, and health insurance may be covered for the duration of your studies.

Which scholarship is easiest to get?

Scholarships such as DAAD, MEXT, Stipendium Hungaricum, and some Erasmus Mundus programs are often considered more accessible than highly competitive awards like Rhodes or Gates Cambridge. However, eligibility and competition vary each year.

Do I need IELTS to apply?

It depends on the scholarship and university. Some scholarships require IELTS or TOEFL scores, while others accept alternative proof of English proficiency or waive the requirement under certain conditions.

When should I start applying for 2026 scholarships?

Many scholarship applications open between August and December for the following academic year, while some programs have different schedules. Always check the official scholarship website for the latest eligibility criteria and deadlines.

What documents are usually required?

Most scholarship applications require academic transcripts, degree certificates, a statement of purpose, recommendation letters, a CV or resume, proof of English proficiency where applicable, and sometimes a research proposal or portfolio depending on the program.