You can have the grades, the admission offer and the ambition to study abroad, yet one number can bring everything to a stop: the cost. Tuition fees, rent, travel, health insurance and everyday expenses quickly add up, leaving many talented students searching for another route. The World Bank highlights education as a key driver of opportunity and development, while universities and organisations worldwide continue to offer funding to attract talented students. For those willing to search carefully, scholarships for International Students can turn an expensive study-abroad plan into a more achievable goal.
The real challenge often starts after the search. You may find hundreds of scholarship listings but struggle to tell which ones cover full tuition, living expenses, travel or other costs. Eligibility rules can exclude applicants based on nationality, academic level or field of study, while missing a deadline or submitting the wrong document can end an application before it begins.
This guide helps you cut through that confusion. We’ll highlight fully funded scholarships for international students, explain what each opportunity covers, outline key eligibility requirements, and share application guidance. With the right information from our guide, you can spend less time guessing and more time preparing applications that match your goals.
10 Fully Funded Scholarships Currently Available for International Students
Finding a scholarship that covers tuition alone can still leave you worrying about accommodation, flights and daily expenses. The opportunities below stand out because they offer substantial or full funding, although the exact benefits and eligibility requirements differ. Always check the official scholarship page before applying, as deadlines and conditions can change.
1. Chevening Scholarships
Study location: United Kingdom
Study level: Master’s
Funding: Fully funded
Application deadline: 6 October 2026
The UK Government’s Chevening Scholarship supports students from eligible countries who want to pursue a one-year master’s degree in the UK. The award provides funding for tuition and other major study-related costs, making it a strong option for students who want to study in the UK without carrying the full financial burden.
Applications for the 2027–2028 intake remain open until 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC. Nigerian applicants can apply through the Nigeria-specific Chevening page.
2. Knight-Hennessy Scholars
Study location: United States
University: Stanford University
Study level: Graduate
Funding: Up to three years of financial support
Application deadline: 6 October 2026
Stanford University’s Knight-Hennessy Scholars programme welcomes applicants from around the world who plan to pursue eligible full-time graduate programmes at Stanford. Scholars receive financial support for up to three years and participate in leadership and professional-development activities.
The 2027 cohort application remains open until 6 October 2026 at 1 p.m. Pacific Time. Applicants must also apply separately to an eligible Stanford graduate programme.
3. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Study location: United Kingdom
University: University of Cambridge
Study level: Postgraduate
Funding: Full-cost scholarship
Application period: 2027 entry applications opened in September 2026
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship supports outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK who want to pursue eligible postgraduate study at Cambridge. The scholarship covers the University Composition Fee and provides a maintenance allowance, with additional support potentially covering travel, visa costs and the UK Immigration Health Surcharge.
For non-US applicants, the funding deadline depends on the chosen course, with Cambridge listing funding deadlines such as 8 December 2026 for many programmes. Applicants must apply for the course and funding through the Cambridge application system.
4. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Study location: Switzerland
Study level: Research/doctoral/postdoctoral and selected arts programmes
Funding: Varies by scholarship type
Application deadline: Dates vary by country; some 2027–28 applications run through November 2026
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships support international researchers and selected artists through postgraduate research and study opportunities in Switzerland. The programme covers applicants from more than 180 countries, although the available scholarship type and deadline depend on nationality.
For the 2027–2028 academic year, Switzerland opened applications in August 2026, with some country-specific deadlines extending into October or November. Applicants should check the Swiss representation responsible for their country before applying.
5. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
Study location: South Korea
Study level: Undergraduate and graduate
Funding: Tuition, airfare and other allowances
Application period: 2027 undergraduate cycle announced in September 2026
The South Korean government’s Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) provides international students with opportunities to pursue degree programmes at Korean universities. Benefits can include tuition, Korean-language training, academic allowances and round-trip airfare, depending on the programme.
The official Study in Korea portal published the 2027 GKS Undergraduate application guidelines on 9 September 2026. Application deadlines and submission procedures depend on the relevant embassy or university track, so applicants should follow the instructions attached to the official announcement.
6. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
Study location: Multiple European countries
Study level: Master’s
Funding: Full scholarships available for selected students
Application period: Most programmes open between October and January
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters bring students together across universities in different countries. Selected scholarship recipients can receive support towards participation costs, travel, visa expenses and living costs.
The European Commission states that students from around the world can apply, while individual master’s programmes set their own deadlines. Most applications take place between October and January for programmes beginning the following academic year.
The 2026 Erasmus Mundus selection also added new master’s programmes expected to open applications in autumn 2026 for September 2027 entry.
7. Oxford Clarendon Scholarships
Study location: United Kingdom
University: University of Oxford
Study level: Master’s and DPhil
Funding: Full course fees plus a living grant
Application deadline: December or January, depending on the course
The Clarendon Scholarship supports eligible graduate applicants at the University of Oxford. You do not need to complete a separate scholarship form. Instead, you must submit your graduate application by the relevant December or January funding deadline for your chosen course.
Clarendon covers course fees in full for Home and Overseas fee-status students and provides a grant towards living costs.
8. UBC International Scholars Program
Study location: Canada
University: University of British Columbia
Study level: Undergraduate
Funding: Significant financial support; award value depends on the programme
2027 application: Opens in early October 2026
The UBC International Scholars Program supports international students with strong academic performance, leadership experience, community involvement and significant financial need. Applicants must first apply to UBC and complete the scholarship process, including school nomination requirements.
For September 2027 entry, UBC states that applications will open in early October 2026, with the international scholarship deadline on 15 November 2026.
9. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
Study location: Canada
University: University of Toronto
Study level: Undergraduate
Funding: Tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship targets international students beginning undergraduate study at the University of Toronto. Applicants need a nomination from their secondary school and must apply to the university within the scholarship timeline.
For the 2027 intake, schools can nominate students until 9 October 2026, while students must submit their University of Toronto admission application by 16 October 2026 to qualify for scholarship consideration.
10. Swiss Government Research Scholarships
Study location: Switzerland
Study level: Doctoral and postdoctoral research
Funding: Scholarship support for eligible researchers
Application period: 2027–2028 cycle currently open in participating countries
Students looking beyond taught degrees can consider the Swiss Government’s research-focused awards. These scholarships primarily support talented early-career researchers who have completed the required previous degree and want to undertake research at eligible Swiss institutions.
The 2027–2028 programme opened applications in August 2026, but eligibility, scholarship type and closing date depend on the applicant’s country. Check the relevant Swiss country page before preparing your application.
Check the Deadline Before You Apply
Scholarship deadlines can change, and some programmes use different dates for different countries, universities or study levels. Always visit the official scholarship page, confirm your eligibility, and check whether you need a separate university admission application.
A fully funded scholarship can remove much of the financial pressure from studying abroad, but a strong application still requires careful preparation. Start gathering your transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statement, CV and other required documents well before the deadline.