Master's scholarships for international students

Master’s Scholarships for International Students: Complete Guide

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Last Updated: August 2026 — covers 2026 and 2027 application cycles

Quick Answer

Yes, international students can get master’s scholarships for both the 2026 and 2027 academic years, but the landscape is inconsistent. Some governments fully fund master’s students (e.g., Chevening, MEXT), while others concentrate funding at the PhD level. University-specific awards and private scholarships exist, but they rarely cover full costs. Most successful applicants combine several smaller funding sources rather than relying on one prestigious award. The key difference from PhD funding: master’s funding is almost never built into admission — you must apply separately.

Master’s Scholarships at a Glance

Detail Information
Main funding sources Governments, universities, private foundations
Fully funded flagships Chevening, Fulbright, MEXT, DAAD, Australia Awards, Erasmus Mundus
Partial funding University awards, GREAT Scholarships, private grants
Work experience Required for some flagships (e.g., Chevening 2+ years); not required for many university awards
Return-home obligation Applies to many government-funded programmes
English requirement University-set; IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Medium of Instruction may be accepted

Why Master’s-Level Funding Is Different

Master’s degrees occupy an awkward funding gap. At the undergraduate level, full scholarships are rare but so is the expectation of full funding. At the PhD level, full funding is the norm at major research universities. Master’s programmes sit in the middle: many students need funding, but institutional support is patchy.

This means three things for your scholarship search:

  • You need a broader search. There is no single global database. Search government portals, university websites, and private foundations simultaneously.
  • Partial scholarships are the norm. Most awards cover part of tuition or living costs — stacking several is common.
  • Timing is everything. Deadlines often fall 6–12 months before the programme starts, and many require a confirmed university offer.

Types of Master’s Scholarships for International Students

Scholarship Type Who Funds It Master’s-Specific Characteristics
Government-Funded National governments (Chevening, MEXT, DAAD, Fulbright, Australia Awards) Often fully funded; highly competitive; may include post-study return requirement and work experience minimums.
University-Funded Individual universities Most common for coursework master’s; merit-based; amounts vary; research master’s may be funded similarly to PhDs.
Private / Organization-Funded Foundations, corporations, NGOs Targeted by nationality, gender, or field; smaller amounts; useful as top-up funding.

Master’s Scholarships by Country

Country Key Master’s Programmes Full Guide
🇺🇸 USA Fulbright, university assistantships, private fellowships USA Scholarships Guide
🇬🇧 UK Chevening, Commonwealth Master’s, GREAT Scholarships UK Scholarships Guide
🇦🇺 Australia Australia Awards, RTP, university-specific awards Australia Scholarships Guide
🇩🇪 Germany DAAD Postgraduate Scholarship, political foundation stipends Germany Scholarships Guide
🇯🇵 Japan MEXT Research Student Scholarship, university awards MEXT Scholarship Guide

Top Global Master’s Scholarship Programmes

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees

An EU-funded programme that lets you study at two or more European universities within a single master’s degree. Scholarships cover tuition, living costs, travel, and insurance. Highly competitive, but offers a unique multinational experience. See our Erasmus Mundus Guide.

ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarship

Awarded by ETH Zurich to top-performing international master’s students. Typically provides a substantial per-semester allowance toward living and study costs, plus a full tuition fee waiver. Verify current amounts at ethz.ch.

Türkiye Bursları (Turkey Scholarships)

Turkey’s government-funded scholarship for international students at all levels. Master’s recipients receive a monthly stipend, full tuition, return flight, health insurance, and accommodation support. Verify current stipend amounts at turkiyeburslari.gov.tr.

Fulbright, Chevening, DAAD, MEXT

Government-funded flagships that fully fund master’s study for eligible international students. Each is covered in depth in its country guide. In brief: Fulbright (USA), Chevening (UK), DAAD (Germany), MEXT (Japan). Chevening applicants can start with our Chevening application guide.

How to Apply for Master’s Scholarships — Step by Step

  1. Shortlist your target countries and programmes. Most master’s scholarships are country-specific, so narrowing destination first simplifies the search.
  2. Check flagship government programme eligibility early. Fulbright, Chevening, DAAD, MEXT, and Australia Awards have strict nationality, work experience, and field requirements.
  3. Prepare documents in advance. Transcripts, CV, personal statement, 2–3 recommendation letters, language test scores, and sometimes a research proposal or portfolio.
  4. Apply for university admission and scholarships in parallel. Many scholarships require a conditional or unconditional offer.
  5. Tailor every application. Explain why that programme, that university, and that scholarship connect to your goals.
  6. Build a funding stack. Apply for smaller private and university-specific awards alongside flagship programmes.

Common Mistakes That Cost Master’s Scholarship Applicants

  • Applying only to big-name scholarships. University-specific awards often have better odds.
  • Not checking post-study return requirements. Many government programmes require returning home for 2+ years.
  • Missing recommendation letter timelines. Request letters 4–6 weeks before deadlines.
  • Submitting generic personal statements. Be specific about programme and career connection.
  • Ignoring departmental assistantships. They can be less competitive than national programmes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a master’s scholarship without IELTS?
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Possibly. Many universities accept TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, or Medium of Instruction certificates as alternatives to IELTS. Requirements vary by university and scholarship. Always check the specific programme’s policy.
Can I get a full scholarship for a master’s degree?
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Yes, but only through highly competitive government programmes (Chevening, Fulbright, MEXT, Australia Awards) or some university-wide excellence scholarships. Most master’s students fund part of their degree themselves.
Do I need work experience for a master’s scholarship?
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For flagship government awards like Chevening and Fulbright, yes — typically 2+ years. Many university and private scholarships do not require it. Check each scholarship’s criteria.
How early should I start applying for master’s scholarships?
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Begin researching 12–18 months before your intended start. Many deadlines fall in autumn for programmes beginning the following September/October.
Are there scholarships that cover master’s degrees in multiple countries?
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Yes. Erasmus Mundus is the largest, funding study at multiple European universities. Some bilateral agreements also allow study in two partner countries.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships at once?
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Absolutely, and it’s strongly recommended. Diversifying across government, university, and private sources gives you the best chance. Just manage the different deadlines and requirements carefully.

Official Resources

Disclaimer: This guide covers general master’s scholarship opportunities for international students for the 2026 and 2027 academic years. Scholarship amounts, deadlines, and programme availability change frequently and vary by institution. Always confirm current details on official scholarship and university websites before applying.


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