Fully Funded Scholarships 2027: 50+ Scholarships for International Students

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August 19, 2026
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Studying abroad can transform your academic and professional future—but the cost of international education can make it seem impossible for many students.

Tuition fees, accommodation, food, health insurance, flights, books and living expenses can quickly add up.

This is where fully funded scholarships can make a major difference.

A fully funded scholarship may cover some or most of the major costs associated with studying abroad, depending on the programme. Some awards provide tuition and a living allowance, while others may additionally cover airfare, accommodation, health insurance, research expenses or other costs.

In this comprehensive guide, Global Youth Opportunities brings together some of the most important fully funded and major scholarship programmes to research for the 2027 academic cycle, covering opportunities in the UK, Europe, North America, Asia, Australia and other destinations.

The goal isn’t simply to give you a list.

It’s to help you understand which scholarships may fit your academic level, how funding works, when to prepare, where to apply, and how to avoid common scholarship mistakes.

Important: Scholarship availability, deadlines, eligibility requirements and funding packages can change from one cycle to another. Always verify the latest information on the official scholarship website before submitting an application.

Quick Overview: Fully Funded Scholarships 2027

Scholarship	Destination	Typical Study Level	Funding
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters	Europe	Master’s	Often fully funded
Chevening	UK	Master’s	Fully funded
DAAD Scholarships	Germany	Master’s/PhD & other programmes	Varies by programme
Fulbright Foreign Student Program	USA	Master’s/PhD	Major funding; country-specific
MEXT	Japan	Undergraduate/Master’s/PhD	Fully funded depending on category
Commonwealth Scholarships	UK	Master’s/PhD	Major/full funding depending on award
Australia Awards	Australia	Master’s/other eligible programmes	Fully funded for eligible countries
Gates Cambridge	UK	Postgraduate	Fully funded
Clarendon Fund	UK	Graduate	Major/full funding depending on award
Rhodes Scholarship	UK	Postgraduate	Fully funded
Schwarzman Scholars	China	Master’s	Fully funded
Knight-Hennessy Scholars	USA	Graduate	Major/full funding package
KAUST Fellowships	Saudi Arabia	Graduate	Comprehensive funding
Chulabhorn Graduate Institute	Thailand	Master’s	Fully funded package
Swedish Institute Scholarships	Sweden	Master’s	Major/full funding for eligible applicants

Funding varies by programme and applicant category. Check the official programme page before applying.

What Is a Fully Funded Scholarship?

A fully funded scholarship generally means that a scholarship programme provides substantial financial support toward the major costs of studying.

However, there is no universal definition.

One scholarship may cover:

100% tuition
Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Airfare
Health insurance

Another may cover:

Tuition
Living allowance
Some travel expenses

Therefore, never assume that “fully funded” means every expense will automatically be paid.

Read the official funding terms carefully.

What Do Fully Funded Scholarships Usually Cover?

Depending on the programme, funding can include:

🎓 Tuition Fees

The scholarship may pay all or a substantial portion of university tuition.

💰 Monthly Stipend

Many scholarships provide a regular allowance for living expenses.

✈️ Airfare

Some government and international scholarships provide travel allowances or return airfare.

🏠 Accommodation

Accommodation may be directly provided, subsidized or covered through an allowance.

🏥 Health Insurance

Some scholarships include medical or health insurance.

📚 Research and Study Allowances

Research-focused programmes may provide additional support for:

Books
Equipment
Fieldwork
Thesis expenses
Academic materials

🛂 Visa or Relocation Costs

Some programmes may contribute toward visa, relocation or settlement expenses.

Always check the individual scholarship’s official benefits page.

50+ Fully Funded Scholarships to Research for 2027

Below is a strategic list of major scholarships and funding programmes that international students should consider.

Some are recurring programmes, while others have eligibility restrictions based on nationality, field, academic level or country.

1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships 2027

Destination: Europe
Level: Master’s
Eligibility: International students, subject to programme-specific requirements

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are among the most internationally recognized scholarship opportunities for postgraduate students.

Students study across multiple participating institutions and countries depending on the selected master’s programme.

Scholarship benefits can include substantial support for:

Participation costs
Travel
Visa-related costs
Living allowance

The exact funding and eligibility requirements depend on the individual Erasmus Mundus programme.

Why consider it?

Erasmus Mundus is particularly attractive for students who want:

International academic exposure
Multiple study destinations
Multicultural experience
Specialized master’s programmes
European networking opportunities

We already have a dedicated Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2027 article on Global Youth Opportunities, so this pillar page should link directly to it.

2. Chevening Scholarships 2027

Destination: United Kingdom
Level: Master’s
Provider: UK Government

Chevening is one of the UK’s flagship international scholarship programmes.

The programme supports exceptional professionals who want to pursue postgraduate study in the UK and develop leadership and professional networks.

The official Chevening programme describes the award as a UK Government international scholarship programme supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and partner organizations.

Typical benefits include:

University tuition
Monthly stipend
Return travel
Additional allowances and grants under programme rules

Best suited for:

Candidates who can demonstrate:

Leadership
Professional experience
Networking
Impact
Clear career goals

Read our detailed guide:
Chevening Scholarship 2027

3. DAAD Scholarships 2027

Destination: Germany
Level: Master’s, PhD and other programmes

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers numerous scholarship programmes for international students and researchers.

One important point:

DAAD is not one single scholarship.

There are many different DAAD funding programmes, each with its own:

Eligibility
Academic requirements
Deadline
Funding
Target group
Field of study

Therefore, applicants should search the official DAAD scholarship database rather than assuming every DAAD award has identical conditions.

Popular areas include:

Development studies
Engineering
Economics
Public policy
Social sciences
Natural sciences
Arts
Research

Read our detailed guide:
DAAD Scholarship 2027

4. Fulbright Foreign Student Program

Destination: United States
Level: Master’s and PhD, depending on country programme

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program supports graduate-level study and research for eligible international applicants.

However, an important SEO and accuracy point is that Fulbright eligibility and application procedures vary by country.

Applicants should therefore use the Fulbright programme associated with their country rather than relying on a generic application process.

Fulbright programmes can provide significant financial support, with exact benefits varying by country and programme.

Fulbright Scholarship. Read here

5. MEXT Scholarship 2027

Destination: Japan
Provider: Government of Japan
Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD and other categories

The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship is one of the major government-funded international scholarship programmes.

Potential categories include:

Undergraduate students
Research students
Master’s students
Doctoral students
Teacher training students
Japanese studies students

The application route may involve:

Japanese embassies/consulates
Universities

depending on the scholarship category.

6. Commonwealth Scholarships

Destination: United Kingdom
Level: Master’s/PhD depending on programme

Commonwealth Scholarships provide opportunities for students from eligible Commonwealth countries.

Different Commonwealth scholarship schemes have different objectives and eligibility criteria.

Funding can include major costs such as:

Tuition
Living allowance
Travel
Other approved allowances

Applicants should always check the specific scholarship rather than assuming all Commonwealth awards have identical funding.

7. Gates Cambridge Scholarship

University: University of Cambridge
Destination: UK
Level: Postgraduate

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the world’s most competitive postgraduate scholarship programmes.

It is designed for outstanding applicants who want to pursue postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge.

Its funding package is designed to cover the core costs of studying at Cambridge, with additional funding available in certain circumstances.

Particularly relevant for:

Academic excellence
Intellectual ability
Leadership
Commitment to improving the lives of others

8. Rhodes Scholarship

University: University of Oxford
Destination: UK
Level: Postgraduate

The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the world’s most prestigious graduate scholarship programmes.

It focuses strongly on academic excellence, leadership, character and commitment to service.

Eligibility is not identical worldwide; different constituencies have specific rules.

9. Clarendon Scholarships

University: University of Oxford
Destination: UK
Level: Graduate

The Clarendon Fund provides highly competitive graduate scholarships at Oxford.

The scholarship is particularly attractive because successful scholars join an international academic community at one of the world’s leading universities.

10. Schwarzman Scholars

University: Tsinghua University
Destination: China
Level: Master’s

Schwarzman Scholars is designed around leadership and global affairs.

The programme is particularly relevant to students interested in:

International relations
Public policy
Global affairs
Leadership
Economics
International development

It offers a fully funded master’s experience for selected scholars.

11. Knight-Hennessy Scholars

University: Stanford University
Destination: USA
Level: Graduate

Knight-Hennessy Scholars supports graduate students at Stanford and emphasizes:

Leadership
Independence of thought
Collaboration
Innovation
Global impact

Applicants generally need to apply separately to an eligible Stanford graduate programme and the Knight-Hennessy programme.

12. Australia Awards Scholarships

Destination: Australia
Level: Depends on participating-country programme

Australia Awards Scholarships are offered to eligible applicants from participating developing countries.

Benefits can include:

Full tuition
Return airfare
Establishment allowance
Living expenses
Health coverage
Other support

Eligibility is country-specific, so applicants should check whether their country participates in the relevant intake.

13. Swedish Institute Scholarships

Destination: Sweden
Level: Master’s

The Swedish Institute offers scholarships for eligible international students pursuing master’s programmes in Sweden.

The exact eligible countries and scholarship conditions should be checked for the relevant intake.

14. KAUST Graduate Fellowships

Destination: Saudi Arabia
Level: Master’s/PhD

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology offers graduate funding for eligible students in areas such as:

Science
Engineering
Computer science
Environmental studies
Energy
Technology

KAUST funding can include tuition support, housing, medical coverage and living support, subject to the applicable programme terms.

15. Chulabhorn Graduate Institute Scholarship

Destination: Thailand
Level: Master’s

The Chulabhorn Graduate Institute Post-Graduate Scholarship Program 2027 is an example of a current 2027-cycle opportunity.

The programme information published by Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission states that it covers areas including applied biological sciences, environmental health, environmental toxicology and chemical sciences. It lists benefits including tuition and academic expenses, airfare, visa fees, accommodation, stipend, books and health insurance.

The currently published deadline is 31 August 2026 for the relevant 2027 programme.

This is a good example of why applicants should verify individual deadlines rather than relying on generic “2027 scholarship deadlines.”

16. University-Specific Fully Funded Scholarships

Some of the best funding opportunities are not government scholarships.

Universities around the world offer:

Full tuition scholarships
Graduate assistantships
Research scholarships
Presidential scholarships
Chancellor’s scholarships
Faculty scholarships
PhD studentships

For PhD applicants especially, funding may be attached to a:

Research project → supervisor → funded position

rather than a traditional scholarship application.

Fully Funded Scholarships by Study Level

Undergraduate Scholarships 2027

Undergraduate funding is often more competitive because fewer programmes offer complete funding for international bachelor’s students.

Search for:

Government scholarships
University scholarships
International exchange programmes
Country-specific undergraduate awards

Don’t assume that every scholarship advertised as “fully funded” accepts bachelor’s applicants.

Master’s Scholarships 2027

Master’s students generally have a much wider range of international funding opportunities.

Some major programmes to research include:

Erasmus Mundus
Chevening
DAAD
Commonwealth
Fulbright
MEXT
Australia Awards
Swedish Institute
University-specific scholarships

PhD Scholarships 2027

For doctoral applicants, the funding landscape is different.

Many PhD opportunities are advertised as:

Fully funded PhD
Funded PhD position
Doctoral studentship
Research assistantship
Research scholarship
Graduate research scholarship

A PhD applicant should therefore search not only for “PhD scholarships”, but also:

“funded PhD positions 2027”

and

“fully funded PhD opportunities 2027.”

This can uncover opportunities that don’t use the word “scholarship” in their title.

Fully Funded Scholarships Without IELTS 2027

One of the most searched scholarship phrases is:

“fully funded scholarships without IELTS.”

But this phrase can be misleading.

A scholarship may not require IELTS specifically if the university accepts another form of English-language evidence.

For example, a university might accept:

TOEFL
PTE
Another approved test
Previous education in English
Medium-of-instruction evidence

However, this is university- and programme-specific.

Therefore, never assume:

“No IELTS” = “No English-language requirement.”

Always check the admission requirements of the university and scholarship.

Fully Funded Scholarships Without Application Fees

Another popular search is:

“fully funded scholarships with no application fee.”

Some scholarship programmes do not charge a separate scholarship application fee.

But applicants must distinguish between:

Scholarship application fee

and

University application fee

A scholarship itself may be free to apply for while the university admission process may have a separate fee.

Some universities waive application fees for particular applicants, while others don’t.

Always check the official admissions page.

Government Scholarships vs University Scholarships

Understanding this difference can make your scholarship search much easier.

Government Scholarships

Examples include:

Chevening
MEXT
Australia Awards
Commonwealth programmes

These often have:

Large funding packages
National eligibility rules
Centralized application systems
Strong competition

University Scholarships

These are offered directly by:

Universities
Faculties
Departments
Research groups

They can be particularly valuable for:

Master’s students
PhD applicants
Researchers

How to Find Fully Funded Scholarships 2027

Don’t rely on one website.

Use a combination of:

1. Official Scholarship Websites

This should always be your primary source.

2. University Websites

Search the funding pages of your target universities.

3. Government Education Portals

Many countries publish official scholarship programmes through ministries and government agencies.

4. Research Groups

For PhD applicants, look at:

Professors
Research labs
Departments
Research projects

5. Scholarship Databases

Use third-party platforms for discovery, but verify the opportunity on the official website before applying.

How to Choose the Right Scholarship

Don’t choose a scholarship simply because it says:

FULLY FUNDED.

Instead, ask:

Does it accept my nationality?

Does it accept my degree level?

Does it cover my field?

Do I meet the academic requirements?

Do I have the required work experience?

Does the university offer my programme?

What exactly does the scholarship pay for?

What is the deadline?

Is there a separate university application?

Is an English test required?

This checklist can save you hours.

How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships

Step 1: Start Early

Ideally, begin preparing 6–12 months before your intended intake.

Don’t wait until the application opens.

Step 2: Build a Scholarship Spreadsheet

Create columns for:

Scholarship	Country	Degree	Deadline	IELTS	Documents	Recommendation	Status

This simple system can prevent missed deadlines.

Step 3: Prepare Your Core Documents

Depending on the scholarship, you may need:

Passport
Academic transcripts
Degree certificates
CV
Motivation letter
Personal statement
Study plan
Research proposal
Recommendation letters
English-language certificate
Portfolio
Proof of work experience

Step 4: Write a Strong Motivation Letter

Don’t write:

“I have always dreamed of studying abroad.”

Instead, explain:

Where you came from → what problem interests you → what you have done → why this programme → what you will do with the opportunity.

Your application should tell a coherent story.

Step 5: Demonstrate Impact

Scholarship committees don’t only want to know what you studied.

They want evidence of what you have done with your skills.

Examples can include:

Research
Leadership
Volunteering
Community projects
Entrepreneurship
Publications
Professional achievements
Policy work
Social initiatives

Step 6: Customize Every Application

One of the worst strategies is:

Copy → Paste → Submit.

Your motivation letter should be adapted to:

University
Programme
Scholarship
Research area
Career goals

The Scholarship Application Formula

A strong application often connects five things:

Your Background

↓

Your Experience

↓

The Problem You Want to Address

↓

Why This Scholarship/Programme

↓

Your Future Impact

When these elements are connected, your application becomes much more convincing.

Common Scholarship Mistakes

1. Applying Only to Famous Scholarships

Chevening, Erasmus Mundus, Fulbright and other major programmes are highly competitive.

Don’t build your entire strategy around 2–3 scholarships.

2. Ignoring University Scholarships

Some excellent funding opportunities exist directly at universities.

3. Applying at the Last Minute

A strong application needs time.

4. Using the Same Personal Statement Everywhere

Admissions committees can recognize generic writing.

5. Ignoring Small Requirements

A missing document or incorrect format can undermine an otherwise strong application.

6. Assuming “Fully Funded” Means Everything Is Covered

Always read the funding package.

7. Trusting Social Media Posts Without Verification

A scholarship post can become outdated quickly.

Use social media for discovery, not final verification.

Scholarship Application Timeline for 2027

A smart applicant should think about the scholarship cycle before deadlines appear.

August–September 2026

Research:

Chevening
Early university scholarships
Government programmes
2027 master’s opportunities

For example, the official Saïd Foundation says its 2027/28 scholarship applications open 1 September 2026 and close 30 October 2026.

October–November 2026

Prepare applications for:

UK scholarships
Government scholarships
University funding
Some European programmes

December 2026–January 2027

Many European university and Erasmus-related opportunities may have deadlines around this period, although dates vary by programme.

January–March 2027

Continue searching for:

University scholarships
PhD positions
Research funding
Government programmes

Throughout 2027

Don’t stop searching after January.

Scholarship deadlines occur throughout the year.

For example, current university scholarship information already includes funding opportunities tied to 2027 intakes, demonstrating that application timelines can begin many months before study starts.

How to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship

There is no guaranteed formula.

But you can improve your competitiveness by building a coherent profile.

Academic Strength

Maintain strong academic performance.

Relevant Experience

Gain experience related to your intended field.

Leadership

Don’t collect titles just for your CV.

Show what you actually achieved.

Community Engagement

Demonstrate meaningful involvement.

Research

Particularly important for graduate and doctoral programmes.

Clear Goals

Explain where you want to go and why.

Strong References

Choose people who can provide specific evidence of your abilities.

Authentic Writing

Your application should sound like you, not like a collection of impressive phrases.

Are Fully Funded Scholarships Really Free?

Not always.

A scholarship can cover major educational costs while leaving some personal expenses to the student.

For example, a scholarship might cover:

Tuition
Accommodation
Stipend
Insurance

but not necessarily every personal expense.

Therefore:

“Fully funded” should be understood according to the official scholarship’s stated benefits.

Never make financial decisions based solely on a third-party article’s use of the phrase “fully funded.”

How to Avoid Scholarship Scams

This is particularly important because scholarship scams frequently target students searching for international opportunities.

Be cautious if someone:

Guarantees selection
Requests money to “secure” a scholarship
Asks for payment through personal accounts
Uses an unofficial email address
Sends suspicious application links
Claims to have “inside access”
Offers a scholarship without an identifiable institution

Golden rule:

Verify the opportunity on the official university, government or scholarship provider website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best fully funded scholarships for 2027?

Major programmes worth researching include Erasmus Mundus, Chevening, DAAD scholarships, Fulbright, MEXT, Commonwealth Scholarships, Australia Awards, Gates Cambridge, Rhodes, Schwarzman Scholars and other government or university-funded programmes.

The best option depends on your nationality, academic level, field and career goals.

Which countries offer fully funded scholarships?

Fully funded or highly funded opportunities can be found in countries including:

UK
Germany
Japan
USA
Australia
Sweden
France
Canada
China
Saudi Arabia
Thailand
Netherlands
Hungary
South Korea

Availability varies by programme and year.

Can I get a fully funded scholarship with a low GPA?

Possibly.

Some scholarships place strong emphasis on academic performance, while others consider:

Leadership
Professional experience
Research
Community impact
Personal circumstances
Future potential

However, a lower GPA can make highly competitive academic scholarships more difficult.

Can I study abroad for free in 2027?

In some cases, yes—but “free” should be understood carefully.

A fully funded scholarship can cover many major expenses, but students should check whether personal expenses, deposits, visa costs or other costs remain.

Which scholarship is easiest to get?

There is no universally “easy” fully funded scholarship.

The best opportunity is often the one where your profile closely matches the eligibility criteria and selection priorities.

Which fully funded scholarships are available for master’s students?

Major programmes include:

Erasmus Mundus
Chevening
DAAD
Fulbright
MEXT
Commonwealth
Australia Awards
Swedish Institute
Gates Cambridge
Rhodes
University-specific scholarships

Eligibility varies.

Which fully funded scholarships are available for PhD students?

PhD applicants should search both:

Traditional scholarships
Fully funded research positions

University research groups can be particularly important for doctoral funding.

Are there fully funded undergraduate scholarships?

Yes, but the number of fully funded international undergraduate scholarships is generally more limited than postgraduate opportunities.

Government programmes and university-specific awards are worth exploring.

Do fully funded scholarships require IELTS?

Not always.

Some programmes or universities accept alternative proof of English proficiency, while others require standardized tests.

Always check the specific programme.

Can international students apply?

Many major scholarship programmes are specifically designed for international students, but eligibility is often limited by nationality or participating-country lists.

Final Advice for Scholarship Applicants in 2027

The biggest mistake you can make is treating scholarships like a lottery.

Don’t simply collect scholarship names.

Build a scholarship strategy.

Start with your:

Academic level → Field → Target countries → Career goals → Eligibility → Funding needs

Then identify opportunities that actually match.

A student who applies strategically to 10 well-matched scholarships can have a much better approach than someone who submits 50 generic applications.

And remember:

The scholarship is not the beginning of your story. Your experiences, goals, achievements and potential are the story.

The scholarship committee needs to understand why you + this programme + this field + this future goal make sense together.

Final Scholarship Checklist

Before pressing Submit, ask yourself:

☐ Am I eligible?
☐ Is my degree level correct?
☐ Is my field eligible?
☐ Is my nationality eligible?
☐ Have I checked the official deadline?
☐ Have I checked the funding details?
☐ Is my CV tailored?
☐ Is my personal statement specific?
☐ Are my references strong?
☐ Have I checked every required document?
☐ Have I applied to the correct university/programme?
☐ Am I applying through the official website?
☐ Have I verified that there is no scam involved?

If the answer to all of these is yes, you’re ready to submit.