Top 10 Scholarships in the World for International Students to Study Abroad in 2026-27

Ready to turn your dream of studying abroad into a reality? For high-achieving international students, securing a scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year is the key to unlocking world-class education without the burden of excessive cost. These prestigious awards, often funded by governments, universities, and major foundations, offer much more than just financial aid. They provide access to diverse programs ranging from one-year Master’s degrees in leadership to fully-funded PhD research—with comprehensive coverage that can include full tuition fees, monthly living stipends, travel allowances, and health insurance. The benefits extend beyond money, offering networking opportunities with global leaders and a significant boost to your professional profile.

In this essential guide, we provide a definitive look at the Top 10 Scholarships in the World for international students, detailing their specific offerings, eligibility requirements, and application strategies to help you secure your spot in 2026-27.

Benefits of Studying Abroad for International Students

Studying abroad provides international students with a wide range of benefits that go far beyond academic learning. It significantly enhances personal development, career prospects, and cultural understanding.

• Gain Global Perspective: Deepen your understanding of different cultures, world issues, and international relations.
• Develop Independence and Confidence: Learn to navigate a new country, manage finances, and solve problems on your own.
• Enhance Employability: International experience demonstrates adaptability, a global mindset, and cross-cultural skills to future employers.
• Master a New Language: Achieve fluency or significant improvement by using the language in daily, real-world situations.
• Expand Your Global Network: Form lifelong friendships and professional contacts with people from all over the world.
• Experience Diverse Education: Be exposed to new teaching styles, academic structures, and specialized courses not offered at home.
• Discover Personal Resilience: Overcome challenges in an unfamiliar setting, which builds strength and flexibility.
• Travel and Explore: Use your new location as a base to explore neighboring cities, countries, and historical sites.
• Boost Communication Skills: Improve both verbal and non-verbal communication by interacting with people from various backgrounds.
• Increase Cultural Awareness: Gain empathy and an open-minded approach by immersing yourself in a different culture.

List of Top 10 Scholarships in the World for International Students to Study Abroad 

Many prestigious and fully funded scholarships are available for international students looking to study abroad. These scholarships are highly competitive and generally awarded based on academic merit, leadership potential, and other specific criteria.

Here are 10 of the world’s most prominent scholarships for international students:

Rank	Scholarship Name	Host Country/Region	Coverage (What it Pays For)	Primary Eligibility Criteria
1	Chevening Scholarship	UK	Fully Funded: Full tuition fees, monthly living stipend, travel costs, and visa application fees.	Citizen of a Chevening-eligible country; at least two years of work experience; demonstrate leadership potential.
2	Fulbright Foreign Student Program	USA	Fully Funded: Tuition, airfare, living stipend, and health insurance.	Open to international students for graduate (Master’s/Ph.D.) study or research; strong academic record.
3	Rhodes Scholarship	UK (Oxford University)	Fully Funded: All university fees, personal stipend, and two economy class flights.	Exceptional academic record; demonstrated leadership, character, and commitment to service.
4	Gates Cambridge Scholarship	UK (Cambridge University)	Fully Funded: Full cost of tuition, maintenance allowance, and travel.	Outstanding academic ability; leadership potential; commitment to improving others’ lives; for postgraduate study.
5	DAAD Scholarship	Germany	Full or partial tuition waiver, monthly stipend, and health insurance.	Varies by program, often targets developing countries; academic excellence; for graduate and Ph.D. students.
6	Commonwealth Scholarship	UK	Fully Funded: Tuition, airfare, living allowance, and thesis grant (for Master’s/Ph.D. only).	Citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country; strong academic merit; potential to contribute to home country development.
7	MEXT Scholarship	Japan	Fully Funded: Full tuition, monthly stipend, and round-trip airfare.	Open to undergraduate, graduate, and research students; strong academic performance; offered by the Japanese government.
8	Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program	USA (Stanford University)	Fully Funded: Full tuition, living stipend, travel, and academic expenses for up to three years of graduate study.	Open to all graduate degree applicants at Stanford; requires independence of thought and purposeful leadership.
9	Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship	Switzerland	Monthly payment, tuition fees, health insurance, and airfare allowance.	Highly talented young researchers (post-Master’s or Ph.D.); must have a supporting academic supervisor in Switzerland.
10	Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s	European Union	Fully Funded: Full tuition, travel, and installation costs, plus a monthly stipend.	Excellent academic record; admitted to an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Program (studying in at least two European countries).

Also Read: Top 5 Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students

Details of Top 10 Scholarships in the World for International Students to Study Abroad

Here are the details for several major international scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year:

Chevening Scholarship

The Chevening Scholarship is a prestigious one-year, fully-funded master’s degree scholarship for emerging leaders from around the world to study in the UK. The scholarship covers a wide range of costs, including university tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, and travel to and from the UK. To be eligible, applicants must have an undergraduate degree, at least two years of work experience gained after graduation, and apply to three different eligible UK university courses. The application process includes new essay questions with a reduced word limit, focusing on leadership potential and commitment to positive change in a global context.

Benefits	Full tuition fees (with an MBA cap), monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, visa and travel grants.
Eligibility	Citizen of a Chevening-eligible country; hold an undergraduate degree; ≥ 2 years of work experience; apply to 3 eligible UK master’s courses.
Application Process	Online application (essays on leadership, networking, and career plans); submission of references/offers after interview.
Deadlines	Opens: Aug 5, 2025; Closes: Oct 7, 2025 (12:00 UTC); University unconditional offer deadline: July 9, 2026.
Official Link	www.chevening.org/apply

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program offers graduate students, young professionals, and artists from abroad the opportunity to study and conduct research in the United States. Funded by the U.S. Department of State, the scholarship prioritizes master’s programs and provides funding for up to two years. Key eligibility requirements include holding a university degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree, demonstrating sufficient English proficiency, and having a clear commitment to contributing to their home country’s development after the program. Applicants are also required to take standardized tests like the TOEFL and GRE/GMAT, where applicable.

Benefits	Full funding for tuition, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance for a master’s or PhD in the U.S.
Eligibility	Citizen of a participating country; hold an undergraduate degree; sufficient English proficiency (TOEFL); generally must return to home country for two years after the program.
Application Process	Apply through the local Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy in the home country; requires academic transcripts, study/research objectives, and personal statement.
Deadlines	Varies widely by country (typically Feb – May 2025 for the 2026-2027 academic year).
Official Link	https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org/

Rhodes Scholarship

The Rhodes Scholarship is a fully-funded program for master’s and PhD studies at the University of Oxford. It covers all University and College fees, a living stipend, and airfare to and from the student’s home country. The scholarship is awarded for a minimum of two years, with the possibility of extension for a third year for doctoral candidates. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership potential, and commitment to serving others. Eligibility is country-specific and varies by age and citizenship.

Benefits	Full funding for all University/College fees, an annual stipend for living expenses, and two economy airfares to/from Oxford, for graduate study (Master’s/PhD) at the University of Oxford.
Eligibility	Exceptional academic achievement (e.g., GPA ≥3.7), outstanding character, commitment to service, and leadership potential. Age and citizenship restrictions apply by constituency.
Application Process	Online application (personal statement, academic transcript, detailed CV, 5-8 reference letters); often requires an endorsement from the home university; final in-person interview.
Deadlines	Varies by constituency (e.g., Early October 2025 for the U.S. deadline).
Official Link	www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/scholarships/the-rhodes-scholarship/

Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a full-cost scholarship for outstanding non-UK citizens to pursue a postgraduate degree in any subject at the University of Cambridge. The scholarship covers the full cost of studying, including the University Composition Fee and a maintenance stipend, and also provides additional discretionary funding for things like academic development, travel, and visa costs. Selection is highly competitive and based on four key criteria: outstanding intellectual ability, reasons for course choice, a commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential.

Benefits	Full cost of studying at the University of Cambridge, including tuition, maintenance allowance, travel, and potential dependent child allowance.
Eligibility	Citizen of any country outside the UK; applying for a full-time postgraduate degree (PhD, MLitt, or one-year master’s) at Cambridge.
Application Process	Apply for both admission to the University and the scholarship through the University’s Graduate Application Portal.
Deadlines	US Citizens: Oct 15, 2025; All Others: Dec 2, 2025 or Jan 7, 2026 (depends on course deadline).
Official Link	www.gatescambridge.org/apply/

DAAD Scholarship (Master’s for Development)

The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) Scholarship offers graduates from development countries the chance to pursue a postgraduate or master’s degree in Germany. The scholarship provides a monthly stipend, payments for health, accident, and personal liability insurance, and may offer additional benefits like rent and family allowances. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree, have at least two years of relevant professional experience, and demonstrate a development-related motivation for their studies. Applications are submitted directly to the university programs, which then nominate candidates to the DAAD.

Benefits	Monthly payment, travel allowance, health insurance, and potential rent/family allowance for a master’s in Germany, typically for development-related subjects (EPOS).
Eligibility	Bachelor’s degree; ≥ 2 years of professional experience post-graduation; proof of language skills (German/English); must be from a developing/emerging country.
Application Process	Apply directly to the specific German university course listed for the DAAD EPOS program, which then nominates candidates.
Deadlines	Varies widely by program/course (typically Aug-Oct 2025 for study starting Oct 2026).
Official Link	https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/

Commonwealth Scholarship

The Commonwealth Scholarship, funded by the UK government, provides full scholarships for talented individuals from Commonwealth countries to undertake master’s and PhD programs in the UK. It is aimed at those who would not otherwise be able to afford to study in the UK and focuses on six development themes. The scholarship is comprehensive, covering approved airfare, full tuition fees, a living stipend, and other allowances for clothing, travel, and, in some cases, a child allowance. Applications are assessed on academic merit, the quality of the study plan, and the potential impact on the candidate’s home country’s development.

Benefits	Full tuition fees, approved airfare, living allowance (stipend), and other grants for master’s or PhD study in the UK.
Eligibility	Citizen or permanent resident of an eligible Commonwealth country; minimum Upper Second Class (2:1) bachelor’s degree; unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.
Application Process	Must apply through a National Nominating Agency (NNA) in the home country AND the CSC’s online application system.
Deadlines	Opens: Sept 2, 2025; Closes: Oct 14, 2025 (16:00 UTC+1). NNA deadlines may be earlier.
Official Link	www.cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/

MEXT Scholarship

The MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) Scholarship is a Japanese government scholarship available to international students in various categories, including research, undergraduate, and master’s degrees. The scholarship provides a monthly stipend and covers school fees. Applicants can apply through two main routes: embassy recommendation, where a Japanese embassy or consulate in their home country conducts the initial screening, or university recommendation, where a Japanese university with an exchange agreement recommends candidates to MEXT.

Benefits	Full tuition waiver, monthly stipend (approx. $800-$1,000 USD), and round-trip airfare to/from Japan for various degree levels (Research/Master’s/Undergraduate).
Eligibility	Citizen of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan; age limit (varies by program); Bachelor’s degree (for Research/Master’s); must meet academic requirements.
Application Process	Two routes: 1) Embassy Recommendation (application to the Japanese Embassy/Consulate); 2) University Recommendation (application via a Japanese university).
Deadlines	Embassy: Varies by country (typically April – May 2025 for the 2026 academic year). University: Varies widely.
Official Link	www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/planning/scholarship/

Knight-Hennessy Scholarship

The Knight-Hennessy Scholarship at Stanford University is a fully-funded program for international and U.S. students pursuing a graduate degree. The scholarship covers full tuition and associated fees, a travel stipend, and a stipend for living and academic expenses. The program funds up to the first three years of graduate education. Admission is not based on a formula but on a holistic review of the applicant’s intellectual ability, leadership, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world. All applicants must also complete the application process for their chosen Stanford graduate program.

Benefits	Full tuition/fees, stipend for living/academic expenses, travel stipend, and programmatic funding for ≤ 3 years of graduate study at Stanford University.
Eligibility	All nationalities; must be applying for a first graduate degree (Master’s, PhD, professional) at Stanford; must have earned a bachelor’s degree in 2020 or later.
Application Process	Two separate, concurrent applications: 1) KHS application; 2) Application to the specific Stanford graduate program (e.g., PhD, MBA, JD).
Deadlines	KHS Application: Early October 2026 (to be confirmed, based on 2027 cohort opening); Stanford Program: Varies (must align with KHS).
Official Link	https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/admission

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is designed for highly motivated and competitive young researchers from various countries to conduct research or pursue a PhD at a Swiss university. The scholarship provides a monthly stipend to cover basic living expenses, health insurance, a one-time grant for a rental deposit, and a return flight allowance for non-EU/EFTA students. Applicants must have a master’s degree, a detailed research plan, and a letter of support from an academic supervisor in Switzerland. The scholarship is intended for full-time research and is not renewable beyond its set term.

Benefits	Monthly stipend, full tuition fee exemption (for some categories), health insurance, a one-time flight allowance, and housing allowance.
Eligibility	Master’s degree (for Research/PhD scholarships); all nationalities except Swiss citizens; applicants must be born after Dec 31, 1991 (age limit applies); must have a confirmed supervisor at a Swiss university.
Application Process	Apply through the relevant Swiss Embassy/Consulate in the home country. Requires a detailed research proposal and letter of support from a Swiss academic host.
Deadlines	Varies by country (typically Sept – Dec 2025 for the 2026-2027 academic year).

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (EMJM) Scholarship supports high-quality, integrated master’s programs across Europe. The scholarship is fully-funded and covers participation costs, a monthly living allowance, and health insurance. It requires students to complete compulsory physical mobility, studying in at least two different countries within the program consortium. The scholarship is for the full duration of the master’s program (up to 24 months) and is available to students from all over the world who have already obtained a first higher education degree.

Benefits	Fully-funded: covers participation costs (tuition), travel and installation costs, and a monthly living allowance for the entire 1-2 year duration.
Eligibility	All nationalities; minimum bachelor’s degree (or equivalent); must not have received an EMJM scholarship previously.
Application Process	Select an eligible EMJM program from the catalogue and apply directly to the consortium via their specific online application system.
Deadlines	Varies by program (typically Oct 2025 – Jan 2026 for a scholarship application).
Official Link	https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/opportunities/opportunities-for-individuals/students/erasmus-mundus-joint-masters

Also Read: Top 20 Scholarships for International Students

Application Process for Scholarships

The application process for major international scholarships like Chevening, Fulbright, Rhodes, and Gates Cambridge follows a detailed, multi-stage structure. While each has unique requirements, they share several common steps for graduate-level applicants.

• Research and Identify Scholarships:
  • Search for scholarships that match your academic profile, field of study, financial need, and extracurricular activities.
  • Focus on “best-fit” scholarships you have a strong chance of winning.
• Check Eligibility and Requirements:
  • Thoroughly read all eligibility criteria (e.g., GPA, major, nationality, income).
  • Note all required documents and specific formatting/submission guidelines.
• Organize and Set Deadlines:
  • Create a master list of all scholarships you plan to apply for with their deadlines.
  • Organize all required documents and materials in a single, secure folder.
  • Start collecting materials (like transcripts and recommendation letters) well in advance.
• Prepare Required Documents:
  • Gather all standard and specific documents (see Section II).
  • Request transcripts and letters of recommendation early, giving writers plenty of notice.
• Write the Application Essay/Statement:
  • Tailor your essay to the specific prompt and the mission/values of the awarding organization.
  • Focus on storytelling, demonstrating your impact, and clearly articulating your future goals (see Section III).
• Complete the Application Form:
  • Fill out all sections of the application completely and accurately.
  • Ensure all personal and contact details are correct.
• Review, Proofread, and Edit:
  • Proofread every part of the application (especially the essay) multiple times for grammar, spelling, and clarity.
  • Ask a trusted friend, teacher, or mentor to proofread it as well.
• Submit Before the Deadline:
  • Submit the application several days before the deadline to avoid technical issues or delays.
  • Confirm that all required components have been included.

Common Required Documents

• Completed Application Form
• Academic Transcripts/Records
• Proof of Identity/Citizenship
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) / Personal Essay
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume
• Financial Documents (for need-based scholarships)
• Standardized Test Scores (if required): e.g., SAT, ACT, GRE, or English proficiency tests like TOEFL/IELTS.

Tips for Getting a Scholarship to Study Abroad for International Students

Getting a scholarship as an international student to study abroad is highly competitive, but very achievable with a strategic approach. Your efforts should focus on thorough research, building a strong academic and extracurricular profile, and crafting compelling applications.

Here are essential tips categorized for clarity:

• Begin your scholarship search and application process well in advance—sometimes a year before the deadline.
• Look beyond university scholarships; explore government, non-profit, and subject-specific external organizations.
• Thoroughly check all requirements (e.g., GPA, subject, country, financial need) and only apply if you qualify.
• Customize your essay and documents for each scholarship, aligning your goals with the provider’s mission.
• Maintain a strong academic record (high GPA/test scores) as many scholarships are merit-based.
• Use your essay/personal statement to tell an authentic, specific, and compelling story that makes you stand out.
• Request compelling Letters of Recommendation (LORs) from mentors who know you well and can speak to your merits.
• Showcase leadership, community service, and extracurricular achievements that reflect the scholarship’s values.
• Ensure all documents are professionally presented and free of grammatical errors or typos.
• Increase your odds by applying to numerous scholarships, even smaller ones, to potentially combine funding.

Also Read: List of Scholarships for Polytechnic/Diploma Students in 2025

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