For many international students, the dream of studying abroad ends when tuition fees and living costs appear. Between university fees, accommodation, flights, and daily expenses, higher education can quickly become unaffordable.
This is why fully funded scholarships are life-changing.
A fully funded scholarship covers 100% of your study costs, including tuition, accommodation or housing allowance, monthly stipend, health insurance, and travel expenses. In this guide, we highlight some of the most credible and prestigious fully funded scholarships available for international students applying for the 2026 intake.
All programs listed below are funded by government or internationally recognized foundation.
What Does a Fully Funded Scholarship Cover?
Most fully funded scholarships include:
Full tuition fees
Free accommodation or housing allowance
Monthly living stipend
Health insurance
Round-trip airfare
Books and study materials
Some programs also provide family support, research grants, and conference funding
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most respected international scholarships in the world. Funded by the U.S. government, it supports graduate study and research at American universities.
ELIGIBILITY
Citizens of participating countries
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
Strong academic record and leadership potential
Requirements vary by country
SCHOLARSHIP BENEFIT
Full tuition and university fees
Monthly living stipend (covers accommodation)
Round-trip airfare
Health insurance
Books and academic supplies
Application Deadline
Deadlines vary by country. Most close between February and October 2025 for the 2026–2027 academic year.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy in your country
https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org
2. Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom)
The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government’s flagship scholarship for future leaders pursuing a one-year master’s degree
ELIGIBILITY
International students (non-UK citizens)
Bachelor’s degree
At least two years of work experience
Strong leadership and networking skills
Commitment to return home after studies
SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS
Full tuition fees
Monthly living allowance (£1,200–£1,600)
Economy return airfare
Visa and travel grants
Allowance for books and essential costs
Application Deadline
Applications usually open in August and close in November 2025.
How to Apply
Apply online with leadership essays, references, and chosen UK courses.
3. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The DAAD Scholarship supports international students pursuing master’s and PhD programs in Germany.
ELIGIBILITY
Bachelor’s or master’s degree
Work experience for some programs
English or German language proficiency
SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS
No tuition fees at public universities
Monthly stipend (€934 for master’s, €1,300 for PhD)
Health insurance
Travel allowance
Rent or accommodation subsidy
Application Deadline
Most 2026 intake deadlines fall between October 2025 and March 2026.
How to Apply
Apply through the DAAD scholarship database.
4. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)
Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship supports outstanding students at the University of Cambridge
ELIGIBILITY
Non-UK citizens
Admission to a full-time master’s or PhD at Cambridge
Exceptional academic and leadership qualities
SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS
Full tuition fees
Maintenance allowance (about £21,000 per year)
Return airfare
Visa costs
Additional academic funding
Application Deadline
U.S. applicants: October 2025
Other international applicants: December 2025
How to Apply
Apply via the University of Cambridge postgraduate portal.
https://www.gatescambridge.org
5. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships (Europe)
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree allows students to study in two or more European countries.
ELIGIBILITY
Bachelor’s degree or final-year student
Open to all nationalities
SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS
Full tuition and participation fees
Monthly stipend (€1,000–€1,400)
Travel and visa costs
Application Deadline
Most programs accept applications between October 2025 and January 2026.
How to Apply
Apply directly through the program’s consortium website.
https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu
6. MEXT Scholarship (Japan)
The MEXT Scholarship is funded by the Japanese government and supports undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
ELIGIBILITY
Strong academic background
Age limits apply for undergraduate programs
Language requirements vary
SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS
Full tuition exemption
Monthly allowance (¥143,000–¥148,000)
Round-trip airfare
Application Deadline
Embassy applications usually close between June and July.
How to Apply
Apply through the Japanese Embassy in your country
https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp
