Studying abroad can be life-changing, but the cost of an international degree can be a major barrier. Tuition fees are only one part of the expense. International students also have to consider accommodation, food, health insurance, flights, visa costs, books, transportation and other everyday expenses.

The good news is that fully funded scholarships for international students in 2026 are available at bachelor’s, master’s and PhD levels.

Some scholarships cover tuition and provide a monthly stipend. Others go further by providing accommodation, airfare, health insurance and additional allowances.

However, there is an important distinction: not every scholarship described as “fully funded” covers every expense directly. In some cases, accommodation is provided. In others, the scholarship gives you a living allowance that you use to pay rent and other expenses.

This guide covers major scholarship opportunities worth researching in 2026, including scholarships in Europe, the UK, USA, Australia, Türkiye, Hungary, Japan and South Korea.

What Does “Fully Funded Scholarship” Actually Mean?

A fully funded scholarship generally means that the scholarship provides enough financial support to cover the major costs of studying abroad.

Depending on the program, the package may include:

Full tuition fees
Monthly living allowance
Accommodation or housing allowance
Return airfare
Health insurance
Visa-related costs
Research funding
Books and study materials
Relocation or establishment allowance
Language preparation

The exact benefits vary.

For example, the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship provides tuition-free education, a monthly stipend, accommodation support and medical insurance. However, its official website warns that the accommodation contribution may not cover the full rent in expensive cities.

So before applying, always look at the actual funding package rather than relying on the words “fully funded.”

20 Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students in 2026

1. Türkiye Scholarships

Country: Türkiye
Study levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD

Türkiye Scholarships is one of the most comprehensive government scholarship programs for international students.

The 2026 program accepts applications for associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs. The official 2026 announcement lists tuition support, accommodation, health insurance and university placement among its benefits.

Depending on the level and program, scholarship support can include:

Tuition fees
Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Health insurance
University placement
Flight support
Turkish language preparation

This makes Türkiye Scholarships particularly interesting for students looking for a scholarship that goes beyond tuition assistance.

The 2026 application period was January 10 to February 20, 2026.

Students planning for a later intake should monitor the official website for the next application cycle.

2. Stipendium Hungaricum

Country: Hungary
Study levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD

The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme is one of Europe’s major government-funded scholarship opportunities.

The program offers scholarships at bachelor’s, master’s, one-tier master’s and doctoral levels. The 2026/27 call confirms opportunities across these study levels.

Benefits include:

Tuition-free education
Monthly stipend
Accommodation contribution or dormitory place
Medical insurance

For bachelor’s and master’s students, the current program information lists a monthly stipend of HUF 43,700 and either a free dormitory place or a HUF 40,000 monthly accommodation contribution.

The accommodation contribution should not be interpreted as guaranteed full rent coverage, especially in Budapest.

The 2026/27 application deadline was January 15, 2026.

3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships

Region: Europe
Study level: Master’s

If you are specifically looking for a fully funded master’s scholarship in Europe, Erasmus Mundus should be on your research list.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are international master’s programs delivered by a consortium of universities.

Students may study in more than one country during the degree.

Scholarships can provide support for:

Participation costs
Travel
Visa expenses
Living allowance

The exact scholarship structure depends on the individual master’s program.

One major advantage is that you can potentially earn a master’s degree while studying in multiple European countries.

Because each program has its own eligibility requirements and deadline, students should search the official Erasmus Mundus catalog rather than relying on a single general deadline.

4. Chevening Scholarships

Country: United Kingdom
Study level: Master’s

Chevening is the UK government’s international scholarship program for one-year master’s degrees.

The scholarship is designed for international students who demonstrate leadership potential, networking ability and a clear vision for their future.

Chevening generally provides a comprehensive funding package including:

University tuition
Monthly living allowance
Return airfare
Visa-related support
Additional allowances

Chevening describes itself as a fully funded scholarship for a one-year master’s degree at a UK university.

The current application cycle for awards listed on the official website is open until October 6, 2026, at 11:00 UTC. Availability depends on the applicant’s country or territory.

Chevening is highly competitive, and applicants should pay close attention to its work-experience and eligibility requirements.

5. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships

Country: United Kingdom
Study level: Master’s

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers scholarships to eligible citizens of Commonwealth countries.

These scholarships are intended primarily for students from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries who could not otherwise afford UK study.

Depending on the specific scholarship, funding can cover:

Tuition
Airfare
Living allowance
Visa-related costs
Other approved expenses

The exact eligibility requirements and participating countries should be checked for the current application cycle.

For students from eligible Commonwealth countries, this can be an important option for master’s study in the UK.

6. Australia Awards Scholarships

Country: Australia
Study levels: Undergraduate and postgraduate, depending on country

Australia Awards Scholarships are funded by the Australian Government.

The program provides opportunities for eligible students from developing countries to undertake full-time study at participating Australian institutions.

Benefits generally include:

Full tuition fees
Return economy airfare
Establishment allowance
Contribution to living expenses
Health insurance
Introductory academic program
Possible pre-course English training
Additional academic support
Certain eligible fieldwork support

Eligibility varies by country.

For example, the Australia Awards information for Pakistan for the 2026 intake specified master’s-level awards and listed tuition, return airfare, establishment allowance, living expenses and health coverage among the benefits.

Students should always use the country-specific Australia Awards page because eligible fields, degree levels and deadlines vary.

7. MEXT Scholarship

Country: Japan
Study levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD and other categories

The Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship is one of the major government-funded opportunities for international students.

Different MEXT categories are available depending on the applicant’s education level and intended study.

Depending on the category, benefits can include:

Tuition exemption
Monthly scholarship allowance
Round-trip airfare
Preparatory education
University placement

Applicants can generally apply through a Japanese embassy or through a university recommendation route, depending on the scholarship category.

Students interested in Japan should check the MEXT information provided by the Japanese embassy in their country as well as the official Study in Japan information.

8. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)

Country: South Korea
Study levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD

The Global Korea Scholarship, commonly called GKS, is funded by the Korean government.

It provides opportunities for international students to study at Korean universities.

Depending on the program, funding can include:

Tuition
Airfare
Monthly allowance
Korean language training
Medical insurance
Settlement support
Other academic allowances

GKS has separate application routes and requirements for undergraduate and graduate applicants.

Students should check the annual announcement because available universities, quotas, application routes and deadlines can change.

9. DAAD Scholarships

Country: Germany
Study levels: Primarily postgraduate and doctoral opportunities

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) manages a large number of scholarships for international students.

Not every DAAD scholarship is fully funded, and not every program is available to every nationality.

One particularly important option is the DAAD EPOS program, which supports selected development-related postgraduate courses.

For eligible EPOS scholarships, benefits can include:

Monthly scholarship payment
Health insurance
Travel allowance
Potential rent allowance
Potential family allowance

A major requirement for many EPOS programs is relevant professional experience.

Therefore, students should search the DAAD scholarship database and examine the exact requirements of each program rather than treating DAAD as one single scholarship.

10. Fulbright Foreign Student Program

Country: United States
Study levels: Master’s and doctoral/graduate study depending on country

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the best-known scholarship opportunities for international students who want to study in the United States.

Funding arrangements depend on the applicant’s country and the local Fulbright program.

Support can include:

Tuition
Living expenses
Airfare
Health insurance
Academic expenses

The application process is generally handled through the Fulbright office or U.S. Embassy responsible for the applicant’s country.

This is important because eligibility requirements, fields, deadlines and testing requirements can differ substantially between countries.

11. Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Country: United Kingdom
University: University of Cambridge
Study level: Postgraduate

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship provides full-cost scholarships to selected postgraduate students at the University of Cambridge.

Funding can include:

University composition fee
Annual maintenance allowance
Airfare
Visa costs
Immigration Health Surcharge
Additional discretionary funding in certain circumstances

It is open to applicants from outside the United Kingdom, subject to the eligibility requirements of the scholarship and the specific Cambridge course.

Because only a limited number of scholarships are awarded, applicants should treat it as a highly competitive opportunity and prepare well in advance.

12. Rhodes Scholarship

Country: United Kingdom
University: University of Oxford
Study level: Postgraduate

The Rhodes Scholarship is a major fully funded opportunity for postgraduate study at Oxford.

For the 2026–27 academic year, the Rhodes Trust lists an annual stipend of £21,060, while the scholarship also covers Oxford course fees, student visa and associated health surcharge costs and two economy-class flights.

The stipend is intended to cover accommodation and other living costs.

The scholarship is divided into constituencies, meaning eligibility and available places depend on nationality or other qualifying criteria.

13. Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Country: United States
University: Stanford University
Study levels: Graduate programs

Stanford’s Knight-Hennessy Scholars program supports graduate students across Stanford’s schools.

The funding package can cover:

Tuition and associated fees
Living and educational expenses
Room and board through the living support
Books and supplies
Local transportation
Annual travel allowance
Relocation support

Applicants must separately apply to an eligible Stanford graduate program.

The scholarship is particularly notable because applicants can come from any country, subject to the program’s eligibility requirements.

14. Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship

Country: Ireland
Study level: Master’s and PhD

The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship provides funding for high-performing international students.

The 2026 scheme provides:

€10,000 stipend for one year
Full fee waiver from the host institution for the scholarship year

This is an important example of why students should examine the exact meaning of “fully funded.”

The scholarship provides substantial funding, but the official package is not the same as scholarships that separately cover flights and accommodation.

Students should therefore budget for expenses that are not explicitly covered.

15. Chinese Government Scholarships

Country: China
Study levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD

China offers several scholarship routes for international students through government and university programs.

Depending on the specific scholarship, benefits can include:

Tuition exemption
Accommodation
Monthly stipend
Medical insurance
Airfare or travel support

One important route is the Chinese Government Scholarship administered through the China Scholarship Council.

Available programs and benefits vary by scholarship category and university.

Applicants should identify the specific scholarship before applying rather than assuming every Chinese government scholarship provides the same benefits.

16. Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarships

Country: Brunei
Study levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD

The Government of Brunei Darussalam offers scholarships to international students for study at eligible institutions in Brunei.

The program can be relevant for students looking for government-funded undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities.

Benefits and eligibility requirements should be checked against the current annual scholarship announcement because the available programs and conditions can change.

Students should also check the participating institutions and accepted fields before preparing an application.

17. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

Country: Switzerland
Study levels: Primarily research-focused postgraduate opportunities

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships provide opportunities for international researchers and postgraduate students.

However, this scholarship needs to be approached carefully.

It is not simply a general “free master’s in Switzerland” scholarship.

Many Swiss Government Excellence opportunities are research-focused, and eligibility varies by nationality and academic background.

Depending on the award, support may include:

Monthly scholarship allowance
Health insurance contribution
Travel support
Other allowances

Students should check the current country-specific scholarship call before assuming that a particular master’s degree is eligible.

18. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Study destinations: Multiple countries
Study levels: Bachelor’s and graduate opportunities depending on partner

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program operates through partner universities and organizations around the world.

It is not a single scholarship application for every student.

Participating institutions may offer scholarships that cover:

Tuition
Accommodation
Books and academic materials
Living support
Mentorship
Leadership development
Travel support where applicable

The exact package depends on the partner institution and program.

This means applicants should identify participating universities and then follow their individual application procedures.

19. Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships

Country: New Zealand
Study levels: Depending on eligible country and program

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships provide opportunities for eligible students from selected countries.

The scholarship package can include:

Full tuition fees
Living allowance
Establishment allowance
Medical insurance
Travel
Travel insurance
Research and thesis support for eligible postgraduate students

The establishment allowance is particularly useful because it helps students with initial expenses when they arrive.

However, eligibility is country-specific, so applicants must check whether their country is included in the current scholarship round.

20. University-Specific Full Scholarships

Not all fully funded opportunities come from national governments.

Some universities offer their own full scholarships for international students.

Examples can include university-funded awards covering:

Tuition
Living expenses
Accommodation
Research costs
Travel

These scholarships can be particularly useful for students who do not qualify for government programs.

When searching university websites, don’t search only for the phrase “fully funded scholarship.”

Also search for:

International student scholarship
Full tuition scholarship
Graduate scholarship
Presidential scholarship
Chancellor’s scholarship
Research scholarship
Merit scholarship
International excellence scholarship
Graduate assistantship
Teaching assistantship
Research assistantship

For PhD applicants in particular, funded research positions and assistantships can sometimes be more important than traditional scholarship programs.

Bachelor’s vs Master’s vs PhD Scholarships

Not every scholarship is available at every study level.

Here’s how your search should change depending on your goal.

Bachelor’s Scholarships

Bachelor’s students should look particularly closely at programs such as:

Türkiye Scholarships
Stipendium Hungaricum
MEXT
GKS
Chinese Government Scholarships
Australia Awards where undergraduate study is available to the applicant’s country
Selected university scholarships

Bachelor’s scholarships can be extremely competitive because they may receive applications from students immediately after high school.

Academic grades, extracurricular activities, leadership and achievements can all matter.

Master’s Scholarships

Master’s applicants have a much wider range of international scholarship opportunities.

Potential options include:

Erasmus Mundus
Chevening
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
Australia Awards
DAAD
Türkiye Scholarships
Stipendium Hungaricum
MEXT
GKS
Fulbright
Gates Cambridge
Rhodes
Knight-Hennessy
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships

Always check whether the scholarship supports taught master’s degrees, research master’s degrees or both.

PhD Scholarships

PhD funding works somewhat differently.

Many PhD students are funded through:

Government scholarships
University scholarships
Research grants
Research assistantships
Teaching assistantships
Professor-funded projects
Doctoral fellowships

Potential international opportunities include:

Stipendium Hungaricum
MEXT
GKS
Fulbright
Selected DAAD programs
University-funded PhD positions
Research-based scholarships

For PhD applicants, having a strong research proposal and identifying a suitable supervisor can be particularly important.

What Documents Do You Usually Need?

Fully funded scholarship applications commonly require some combination of:

Academic documents

Degree certificate
Academic transcripts
Grading scale
Previous qualification

Identification

Passport
National identification document
Birth certificate in some cases

Application documents

CV
Statement of purpose
Motivation letter
Personal statement
Study plan
Research proposal for research programs

Supporting documents

Recommendation letters
Employment certificates
Proof of achievements
Certificates
Publications where applicable

English-language documents

Depending on the university and scholarship:

IELTS
TOEFL
PTE
Cambridge English
English-medium instruction certificate

Requirements vary, so applicants should not assume that one English test or exemption is accepted everywhere.

How to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship

Fully funded scholarships can attract thousands of applicants.

Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection.

You can strengthen your application by focusing on several areas.

1. Choose the Right Scholarship

Don’t apply simply because a scholarship is fully funded.

Ask:

Does my degree match?

Is my country eligible?

Do I meet the academic requirements?

Does my experience match the scholarship’s objectives?

Can I meet the deadline?

2. Build a Strong CV

Your CV should show more than your university degree.

Depending on your field, include:

Internships
Work experience
Research
Leadership
Volunteering
Projects
Certifications
Awards
Publications
Entrepreneurship

Quality is more important than filling your CV with unrelated activities.

3. Write a Customized SOP

Don’t send the same statement to every university.

Your SOP should explain:

Why you chose the field
Why you want the specific program
What you have achieved
What you want to learn
What your career goals are
How the scholarship fits into your plans
What you intend to contribute after graduation

4. Apply to Multiple Scholarships

Don’t rely entirely on one scholarship.

A practical strategy is to create three groups:

Highly competitive:
Scholarships where selection is extremely difficult.

Realistic:
Programs where your qualifications closely match the requirements.

Alternative funding:
Lower-tuition universities, university scholarships and assistantships.

This gives you more than one path toward studying abroad.

Common Scholarship Mistakes to Avoid

Applying without checking eligibility

A beautiful application doesn’t matter if you don’t meet the basic requirements.

Using one generic SOP

Scholarship committees want to understand why their specific program fits your goals.

Ignoring deadlines

Some major scholarships close many months before the academic year begins.

Assuming “fully funded” means zero personal costs

You may still have expenses such as passport fees, document legalization, application fees, initial spending money or expenses above the scholarship allowance.

Using unofficial scholarship websites

Scholarship scams are common.

Always verify the scholarship through the official government, university or scholarship organization website.

Waiting until the final week

Recommendation letters, transcripts and language certificates can take time.

Start early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which fully funded scholarship is available for bachelor’s students in 2026?

Several major programs offer undergraduate opportunities, including Türkiye Scholarships, Stipendium Hungaricum, MEXT, GKS and selected government or university scholarships.

Eligibility differs by nationality and program.

Türkiye Scholarships’ 2026 call explicitly included associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs.

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

Master’s students have many options, including:

Erasmus Mundus
Chevening
Commonwealth Scholarships
DAAD
Australia Awards
Türkiye Scholarships
Stipendium Hungaricum
MEXT
GKS
Fulbright
Gates Cambridge
Rhodes

Not every program is open to every nationality or academic field.

Which scholarships cover accommodation?

Some provide accommodation directly, while others provide a housing or living allowance.

Türkiye Scholarships explicitly includes accommodation, while Stipendium Hungaricum provides either a dormitory place or an accommodation contribution.

Do fully funded scholarships cover flights?

Many major government scholarships provide airfare or travel support.

Examples include Australia Awards, MEXT, GKS and several major European and UK scholarship programs.

However, always check the exact terms for your scholarship category.

Can international students apply without IELTS?

Sometimes.

Some universities accept alternative English tests or an English-medium degree, while others require IELTS or another approved test.

There is no universal IELTS rule for all fully funded scholarships.

Can students with an average CGPA get scholarships?

Potentially.

Some scholarships are heavily academic, while others consider a broader profile that can include professional experience, leadership, research, community involvement and career goals.

However, highly competitive scholarships may have strong academic expectations.

Are fully funded scholarships available for PhD students?

Yes.

PhD students can find government scholarships, university fellowships, research grants and funded doctoral positions.

For PhD applications, research fit and supervisor availability can be particularly important.

Final Thoughts

A fully funded scholarship in 2026 can make studying abroad financially possible without paying the full cost of an international degree yourself.

The opportunities are not limited to one country or one study level.

Bachelor’s students can explore programs such as Türkiye Scholarships, Stipendium Hungaricum, MEXT and GKS. Master’s students can consider Erasmus Mundus, Chevening, Commonwealth, DAAD, Australia Awards, Fulbright and other government and university programs. PhD students can look beyond traditional scholarships and also investigate research fellowships, assistantships and university-funded doctoral positions.

The most important thing is to understand exactly what each scholarship pays for.

Tuition covered does not necessarily mean accommodation is free.

Living allowance provided does not necessarily mean every living expense is covered.

Travel support may mean one return flight rather than unlimited travel.

Before applying, check the official scholarship rules for:

Eligibility
Nationality
Degree level
Eligible fields
GPA requirements
English-language requirements
Work experience
Required documents
Funding benefits
Application deadline

For 2026, several major programs already have published application information. For example, Stipendium Hungaricum published its 2026/27 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral calls, while Türkiye Scholarships published its 2026 application period and study levels.

If you are planning for a future intake, don’t wait for applications to open before preparing.

Get your transcripts, passport, CV, recommendation letters, English-language proof and personal statement ready in advance.