Scholarships for International students

Scholarships for International Students: The 2026–2027 Guide

by
Last verified: 28 September 2026 · Chevening, Commonwealth, Swiss Excellence and MEXT rechecked 30 September 2026
Written by Christian Chinonso, founder of LearnViaHub
Last updated: 30 September 2026

Every deadline and amount below comes directly from the provider’s official documentation, linked in each row. Where a provider has not published next-cycle dates, we mark the row “expected” or “unpublished” rather than guessing.

⚠️ Three things to know before reading:

1. Two UK deadlines are days away. Chevening closes 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC. Commonwealth Master’s closes 20 October 2026 at 16:00 BST, but nominating bodies may set earlier internal deadlines.

2. Most schemes are nationality-restricted. The primary reason applicants waste effort is applying to a scheme that excludes their home country. Check the Eligible nationalities column before preparing your application.

3. “Fully funded” means different things. Some awards cover tuition only, while others cover a stipend only. For instance, Swiss Excellence pays CHF 2,450/month but does not cover tuition fees. Always read the coverage column carefully.

Deadlines closing soon: 2026–2027 cycle and 2027 intake

Open now — verified 30 September 2026
Scholarship Deadline Key requirement Source
Chevening (UK, master’s) 6 October 2026, 11:00 UTC At least 2,800 hours of work experience after your undergraduate degree (roughly two years full-time). No university offer is needed to apply, but an unconditional offer is due by 8 July 2027. chevening.org
Commonwealth Master’s (UK) 20 October 2026, 16:00 BST Must apply through an approved nominating body, which may enforce earlier internal deadlines. cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk

Next up: Türkiye Scholarships run from 10 January to 20 February 2027. JJ/WBGSP application windows open on 26 February and 21 May 2027.

Scholarship finder

Filter by level, status, coverage, and nationality rules using the tool below. Because specific country eligibility lists are extensive, always verify your country’s status on the official portal before applying.

Nationality lists are too detailed to filter exactly. For rows marked "Country list applies", check your country on the official page before applying. Always confirm deadlines with the provider.

All flagship awards at a glance

Review the complete data set in the summary table below. Status is accurate as of 28 September 2026, with Chevening, Commonwealth, Swiss Excellence, and MEXT re-verified on 30 September 2026.

Flagship government scholarships — status as of 28–30 September 2026
Scholarship Coverage Eligible nationalities Level Deadline and status Source
Chevening (UK) Full tuition, living stipend, flights Citizens of Chevening-eligible countries and territories Master’s (one year). Requires at least 2,800 hours of professional work experience. 🟢 Open. Closes 6 Oct 2026, 11:00 UTC. Unconditional offer required by 8 Jul 2027. chevening.org
Commonwealth Master’s (UK) Full tuition, stipend, allowances Citizens of eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries, via a nominating body Master’s 🟢 Open. Closes 20 Oct 2026, 16:00 BST. Nominators may enforce earlier internal deadlines. cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
Swiss Government Excellence CHF 2,450/month. Tuition and semester fees are not covered. Includes health insurance and return flights for non-EU/EFTA holders. Annual places reduced to 200–250. 180+ countries; deadlines and award types vary by country Research fellowship, PhD, art. Postdoctoral routes conclude starting 2027/28. Must be born after 31 Dec 1991. Swiss supervisor support required. 🟢 Open. Portal opened 20 Aug 2026. Subject to country-specific deadlines. sbfi.admin.ch
Türkiye Scholarships Full tuition, accommodation, stipend, travel International applicants (specific country exclusions apply) Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD 🟡 Opens 10 Jan 2027, closes 20 Feb 2027. turkiyeburslari.gov.tr
JJ/WBGSP (World Bank) Full tuition, travel, stipend, insurance (programme duration or two years, whichever is shorter) Nationals of eligible developing countries on the 2027 list. Requires 3+ years of paid development work experience. Master’s (participating programmes only) 🟡 Window 1: 26 Feb 2027. Window 2: 21 May 2027 (noon, Washington time). Unconditional admission required beforehand. worldbank.org
Swedish Institute (SISGP) Full tuition + SEK 12,000/month + travel grant Citizens of 34 specified countries Master’s; requires demonstrated work or leadership experience 🟡 Expected Jan–Feb 2027, based on previous cycles. Official 2027/28 dates are currently unpublished. si.se
Erasmus Mundus (EU) Tuition waived + EUR 1,400/month (maximum EUR 33,600 over 24 months). Travel and installation costs are drawn from this total. All nationalities (certain programmes implement national caps) Master’s ⚠ Set individually by each programme, typically between October and January. erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu
DAAD (Germany) Master’s: EUR 992/month. Doctoral: EUR 1,300/month (EPOS doctoral: EUR 1,400/month from Feb 2026). Insurance and travel allowances where applicable. Varies by specific programme; many focus on developing-country nationals Master’s, PhD ⚠ Varies by programme. Check the official DAAD database. daad.de
Fulbright Foreign Student (USA) Varies by country; typically covers tuition, stipend, travel, and insurance. Approximately 4,000 international students receive Fulbright awards annually. Citizens of 160+ participating countries Master’s, PhD ⚠ Set by each country’s commission. Most 2027–28 cycles have closed; the next cycle opens in early 2027. foreign.fulbrightonline.org
MEXT (Japan) Full tuition, monthly allowance, airfare. For the 2027 cycle: ¥144,000/month (master’s), ¥145,000/month (doctoral), plus a ¥2,000–3,000 regional supplement in designated areas. Varies by embassy route Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD. For the 2027 intake, applicants must generally be born on or after 2 April 1992 (research) or 2 April 2002 (undergraduate). ⚪ Closed. Embassy deadlines typically run April–May; next round expected around April 2027. studyinjapan.go.jp
Australia Awards Full tuition, travel, stipend, OSHC health cover Citizens of a specified list of participating countries Master’s (primarily) ⚪ The 2027 intake round closed 30 April 2026. The next round is expected in February 2027. Applications are submitted via OASIS. oasis.dfat.gov.au · dfat.gov.au
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) Full tuition, accommodation, stipend Non-Chinese citizens All levels. Bachelor’s applicants require a CSCA score. ⚠ The 2026/27 embassy route closed 14 Feb 2026; university routes extended later. 2027/28 dates are currently unpublished. studyinchina.csc.edu.cn

Status key: 🟢 Open now · 🟡 Opens soon or window announced · ⚪ Closed this cycle · ⚠ Verify on the official page.

Methodology: We review each provider’s official page to record deadlines, coverage limits, and eligibility criteria accurately. Rows marked expected or unpublished rely on previous cycle data until the provider releases new schedules. Always confirm details directly on the official provider portal.

Note on Fulbright: The Fulbright program continues to operate, though its recent cycle faced administrative discussions regarding board oversight and congressional funding reviews. Funding remains active, but applicants should verify guidelines with their local commission.

Source context: For detailed legislative and structural updates regarding the Fulbright program, consult the House Clerk record and the Fulbright Association summary.

What to apply for first

Prioritize your applications based on upcoming deadlines and true profile fit rather than institutional prestige.

This month

  • Chevening: Ideal if your country is eligible and you meet the professional work experience requirement.
  • Commonwealth Master’s: For citizens of eligible Commonwealth nations. Contact your local nominating body promptly.
  • Erasmus Mundus: Open to all nationalities; deadlines stretch from October through January, so shortlisting should begin early.

Winter 2027

  • Türkiye Scholarships: Covers undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels.
  • SISGP (Sweden): Master’s funding tailored for professionals from 34 eligible countries.
  • JJ/WBGSP: Requires 3+ years of paid development experience and prior university admission.

By applicant profile

These curated recommendations help streamline your search. Always cross-check nationality criteria first.

Ranked priorities by applicant profile
Profile Ranked priorities Why
Early-career high achiever (STEM) 1) DAAD study scholarships or MEXT
2) Erasmus Mundus
3) Partial merit awards from US/Canadian universities		 DAAD and MEXT reward academic excellence and research intent. Erasmus Mundus requires applications well ahead of time, with independent portals for each track.
Mid-career professional (leadership/policy) 1) Chevening or Fulbright
2) Australia Awards, JJ/WBGSP, or DAAD EPOS
3) Executive master’s scholarships		 Chevening requires significant work experience for a one-year master’s. Development-focused awards emphasize home-country impact.
Academic researcher (PhD) 1) Supervisor-led funding
2) National research council grants
3) Swiss Excellence, DAAD, MEXT, Türkiye		 Securing a supportive academic supervisor is the vital first step for doctoral funding. Government grants serve as robust secondary options.

What each award actually pays

Monthly stipends in local currencies: DAAD master’s EUR 992, Erasmus Mundus EUR 1,400, SISGP SEK 12,000, and Swiss Excellence CHF 2,450.

Stipend versus tuition — clarifying financial coverage
Scholarship Stipend Tuition Notes
Erasmus Mundus EUR 1,400/month Waived Maximum EUR 33,600 total across 24 months, inclusive of travel and installation.
DAAD Master’s: EUR 992/month. Doctoral: EUR 1,300/month. Varies by programme Includes insurance and travel allowances where applicable.
Swiss Excellence CHF 2,450/month Not covered Semester fees are also excluded. Functions as a living grant rather than a full salary.
SISGP SEK 12,000/month Covered Includes an independent travel grant.

While Swiss Excellence offers a substantial monthly stipend, it requires separate funding for tuition. Conversely, partial awards covering only tuition can leave living expenses uncovered. Always evaluate total cost structures.

Difficulty vs. reward

Competition levels reflect editorial assessments based on eligibility stringency and selection standards, as precise acceptance rates are rarely published by providers.

Competition analysis and candidate alignment
Scholarship Competition Best for
Chevening Very high Mid-career professionals targeting policy or public sector leadership; features an extensive global alumni network.
Fulbright Very high (varies by country) Graduate study in the United States, supporting academic and public sector trajectories.
DAAD High STEM and research candidates; EPOS specifically targets developing-nation applicants with professional experience.
Erasmus Mundus High Students seeking structured multi-country master’s programmes across Europe.
MEXT High Undergraduate and graduate applicants willing to navigate embassy-backed application tracks.
Swiss Excellence High Doctoral researchers and artists with a confirmed Swiss host supervisor.

Building an effective shortlist: Include one or two ambitious reach awards (Chevening, Fulbright), a well-aligned target scholarship matching your exact profile, and a reliable safety option (such as partial funding, lower-cost study destinations, or graduate assistantships).

Undergraduate reality check

Major government awards like Chevening, Commonwealth, Fulbright, and DAAD primarily target master’s and PhD candidates. Undergraduate students should explore alternative pathways:

Route Coverage Where to look
Türkiye Scholarships Full tuition, accommodation, stipend, and travel The leading government scheme available at the bachelor’s level
MEXT (Japan) Full tuition, monthly allowance, airfare Undergraduate embassy track; next round anticipated around April 2027. Consult our MEXT guide.
CSC (China) Full tuition, accommodation, stipend Undergraduate track; requires a passing CSCA score.
US university need-based aid Substantial or full financial support based on family need Individual university financial aid pages
University merit awards Partial to full tuition fee waivers Often evaluated automatically upon admission

Foundation-year funding: three real examples

Flagship scholarships generally exclude foundation years, meaning funding typically stems directly from individual institutions. The following 2026 examples illustrate how eligibility parameters differ across universities.

Foundation-year routes checked on 30 September 2026
Route Coverage Key rules Status
University of Brescia STAR (Italy)
Foundation year + bachelor’s, 2026/27		 Tuition waiver, €6,132.10 stipend, free shared accommodation, canteen access, transit pass, and up to €500 health insurance reimbursement. Renewable for the degree. Limited to 2 scholarships. Requires citizenship and residence in a designated developing country, birth in 2000 or later, 12 years of prior schooling, and A1 Italian language proficiency. ⚪ 2026/27 call closed 15 March 2026.
UNSW College Regional Merit (Australia) Tuition fee remission only (no cash distribution): A$7,500 for Foundation Studies or Diploma; A$5,000 for Transition or Pre-Masters programmes. Passport from a listed ASEAN, Asian, or African nation, plus an accepted offer. Commerce streams excluded. Requires a 500-word statement. ⚪ Final 2026 round closed 20 July 2026.
Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma (Italy)
Fee-paying option		 English-taught Foundation Year costing €7,500. Illustrates typical self-funded foundation costs. Non-EU citizens with fewer than 12 years of schooling and B2 English proficiency. 20 available spots filled sequentially. ⚪ Applications closed 24 June 2026.

Key takeaway: Prerequisites vary widely. Brescia requires 12 years of schooling, whereas UCBM welcomes students with fewer than 12 years. Review official university calls directly for upcoming 2027 cycles. Sources: Brescia STAR call, UNSW College terms, UCBM Foundation Year call.

How to find funded PhD positions

Doctoral funding is typically secured through department vacancies or direct faculty collaboration rather than broad centralized applications.

Checklist before emailing a supervisor

  • ☐ Read 2–3 recent publications by the prospective supervisor and reference specific insights.
  • ☐ Attach a concise CV and a focused one-page research proposal.
  • ☐ Inquire about funded openings or institutional scholarship support. (Swiss Excellence specifically mandates a supervisor support letter).
  • ☐ Initiate contact several months prior to application deadlines.
Funding figures and requirements for doctoral study
Route Coverage Key requirement Source
Swiss Excellence PhD CHF 2,450/month. Tuition excluded. Initial 12-month tenure, renewable up to 36 months. Swiss supervisor support letter required. Born after 31 Dec 1991. sbfi.admin.ch
DAAD doctoral EUR 1,300/month (EPOS doctoral: EUR 1,400/month). Insurance and travel allowances included where offered. Varies by programme. EPOS requires ~2 years of professional experience. daad.de
MEXT doctoral Full tuition, ¥145,000/month for 2027 (plus regional supplements), airfare. Embassy track; deadlines typically April–May. Born on or after 2 April 1992 for 2027 intake. studyinjapan.go.jp
Türkiye Scholarships (PhD) Full tuition, accommodation, stipend, travel General exclusions apply. Window runs 10 Jan to 20 Feb 2027. turkiyeburslari.gov.tr
University-advertised posts Varies. Dutch university PhD candidates are typically salaried employees under collective agreements. Apply directly to active departmental vacancies. uu.nl

Verify whether “fully funded” covers tuition alongside stipends, and confirm exact duration limits. Explore our PhD scholarships guide for further details.

How we verified this

We review each official provider portal directly to verify deadlines, financial coverage, and eligibility rules. When next-cycle schedules are absent, entries are designated as “expected” or “unpublished.”

Spotted an update? Email [email protected] with the relevant link, and our team will update the record promptly. Full audit completed: 28 September 2026. Re-verified entries: 30 September 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply to several scholarships at once?
Yes. However, major government schemes like Chevening, Commonwealth, and Fulbright prohibit holding concurrent major government grants. Always disclose active applications.
Do I need a university offer before applying?
It depends. JJ/WBGSP requires unconditional admission upfront, whereas Chevening allows you to apply first and secure an unconditional offer later by 8 July 2027.
Are there scholarships for undergraduates?
Yes, though fewer in number. Türkiye, MEXT, CSC, and university-funded aid represent the principal undergraduate avenues.
What does fully funded mean?
Definitions differ. Some packages cover full tuition and stipends, while others cover stipends exclusively (e.g., Swiss Excellence excludes tuition). Always inspect the coverage breakdown.
Do foundation-year scholarships cover tuition and living costs?
It depends on the institution. Brescia’s STAR scholarship waives tuition and provides living allowances plus accommodation, whereas UNSW College’s Regional Merit award provides partial tuition remission with no cash stipend.
Who is eligible for foundation-year scholarships?
Criteria are set entirely by host universities. Brescia specified developing-country citizenship, birth year limits, and 12 years of schooling, whereas UNSW College required regional passport validity.
How competitive is foundation-year funding, and how do I apply?
Availability is often scarce (e.g., Brescia offering 2 awards), and many foundation years are fee-paying. Applications proceed directly through university portals.

Go deeper

Sources

Christian Chinonso founded LearnViaHub. We verify each fact in this guide against official provider documentation on the date shown; details marked “expected” or “unpublished” await subsequent provider confirmation. Questions or corrections: [email protected].

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Deadlines and requirements are subject to change; always confirm requirements with the official provider before applying. LearnViaHub is not affiliated with any scholarship programme mentioned.

Leave a Comment