Studying abroad can be expensive, but fully funded scholarships for international students in 2026 make it possible to earn a world-class degree without worrying about tuition fees or living costs. These scholarships are offered by governments, universities, and international organizations to support talented and motivated students from around the world.
With the right scholarship, you can study in top destinations like the UK, USA, Canada, Germany, Australia, Europe, and Asia completely free.
In this guide, you’ll find a detailed overview of the best fully funded scholarships for 2026, what they cover, who can apply, official application links, and proven tips to improve your chances of success.
What Are Fully Funded Scholarships?
Fully funded scholarships are financial awards that cover almost all expenses related to studying abroad, allowing students to focus fully on academics and personal development.
What Fully Funded Scholarships Cover
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✔ Full tuition fees
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✔ Monthly living allowance (stipend)
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✔ Accommodation or housing support
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✔ Health and medical insurance
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✔ International travel costs (airfare)
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✔ Research grants and study materials (for postgraduate students)
These scholarships are highly competitive and usually awarded to students with excellent academic records, leadership potential, or financial need.
Who Can Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships in 2026?
Fully funded scholarships are open to a wide range of applicants, including:
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Undergraduate students
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Master’s degree applicants
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PhD and research students
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Students from developing and developed countries
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Academically outstanding students
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Students with leadership, volunteering, or community impact experience
Many programs are specifically targeted at students from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, while others accept applicants from all nationalities.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students 2026
Below are some of the most popular and trusted fully funded scholarships you should consider applying for in 2026.
1. Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom)
The Chevening Scholarship is funded by the UK government and allows outstanding students to pursue a one-year master’s degree at any UK university.
What It Covers
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Full tuition fees
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Monthly living allowance
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Travel costs to and from the UK
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Visa application fees
Eligible Countries: Over 160 countries worldwide
🔗 Official Application Link:
https://www.chevening.org/apply/
2. Fulbright Scholarships (United States)
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program enables international students to study in the USA at the master’s or PhD level.
What It Covers
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Tuition fees
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Living expenses
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Health insurance
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Airfare
Fields: All academic disciplines
🔗 Official Application Link:
https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org/
3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships (Europe)
The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship allows students to study in two or more European countries under a joint master’s program.
What It Covers
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Full tuition fees
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Monthly stipend
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Travel and installation allowance
Study Destinations: Multiple EU countries
🔗 Official Application Link:
https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/opportunities/opportunities-for-individuals/students/erasmus-mundus-joint-masters
4. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The DAAD Scholarship is funded by the German government and supports international students pursuing postgraduate studies.
What It Covers
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Tuition-free education
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Monthly stipend
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Health insurance
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Travel allowance
Language of Study: English or German
🔗 Official Application Link:
https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships/
5. Commonwealth Scholarships (United Kingdom)
The Commonwealth Scholarship supports students from developing Commonwealth countries to study in the UK.
What It Covers
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Full tuition fees
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Monthly living allowance
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Travel costs
Levels: Master’s and PhD
🔗 Official Application Link:
https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/
6. Chinese Government Scholarships (CSC)
The Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) allows international students to study in top Chinese universities.
What It Covers
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Full tuition fees
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Free accommodation
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Monthly stipend
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Medical insurance
🔗 Official Application Link:
https://www.campuschina.org/
7. Australia Awards Scholarships
Funded by the Australian government, this program supports students from developing countries to study in Australia.
What It Covers
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Tuition fees
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Living expenses
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Return airfare
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Health insurance
🔗 Official Application Link:
https://www.dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/australia-awards
8. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
This program supports academically talented but financially disadvantaged students.
What It Covers
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Tuition fees
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Accommodation
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Living expenses
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Leadership and career development
Partner Universities: Africa, Europe, North America
🔗 Official Application Link:
https://mastercardfdn.org/all/scholars/
General Eligibility Requirements
Although each scholarship has unique criteria, most fully funded scholarships require:
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Strong academic performance
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Bachelor’s degree (for master’s applicants)
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Master’s degree (for PhD applicants)
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Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL – some programs waive this)
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Leadership experience or community service
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Valid international passport
Documents Required for Scholarship Applications
Prepare these documents early to avoid last-minute issues:
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Academic transcripts
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Degree certificates
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Curriculum Vitae (CV)
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Motivation or personal statement
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Letters of recommendation
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Proof of English proficiency
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Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships 2026
Follow these steps carefully:
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Identify scholarships that match your field and level
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Check eligibility requirements and deadlines
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Prepare documents ahead of time
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Apply only through official portals
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Submit applications before deadlines
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Prepare for interviews or assessments if shortlisted
Application Deadlines for 2026 Scholarships
Most fully funded scholarships for 2026 open between:
📅 August 2025 – January 2026
Deadlines vary by program, so always verify dates on official websites.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship
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Apply to multiple scholarships
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Write a compelling and honest motivation letter
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Highlight leadership, volunteering, and impact
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Choose referees who know you well
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Avoid plagiarism and incomplete applications
Beware of Scholarship Scams
✔ Legitimate scholarships are free to apply
✔ Use only official websites
❌ Never pay agents promising guaranteed admission
Conclusion
Fully funded scholarships for international students in 2026 provide a life-changing opportunity to study abroad for free. Whether your goal is to study in the UK, USA, Europe, Australia, or Asia, there are many options available.
Start early, stay organized, and keep checking hqscholary.com for the latest fully funded scholarships, deadlines, and application guides.