Finding opportunities to study abroad can feel overwhelming, especially when finances are the biggest obstacle.
Fully funded scholarships make it possible for talented students to access world-class education without worrying about tuition fees, living costs, or travel expenses.
This guide highlights the top fully funded scholarships for 2025–2026 available for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students across the world.
These programs cover tuition, accommodation, stipends, health insurance, and sometimes travel costs.
Below is a curated list of 10 highly competitive but rewarding scholarships open to international students.
The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships worldwide.
It covers tuition, living allowance, airfare, and health insurance for master’s and PhD students.
Funded by the UK government, Chevening offers full support for one-year master’s programs at top UK universities.
Germany remains a top study destination thanks to DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst).
A unique program where students study in 2–3 European countries and earn a joint degree.
The South Korean government funds this program for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students.
For students from Commonwealth countries, funded by the UK government.
Canada offers the Vanier CGS for doctoral students.
Funded by the Australian government, these support students from developing countries.
Established by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship is for outstanding international students at the University of Cambridge.
One of the oldest and most prestigious scholarships in the world.
Switzerland attracts top global researchers through its government excellence program.
Coverage: Monthly allowance, full tuition, health insurance, and housing allowance.
Open to: PhD, postdoctoral, and research scholars
Fields: All research areas including science, arts, and humanities.
China’s CSC scholarship makes it easier for international students to study in top universities.
Coverage: Full tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, and medical insurance.
Open to: Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD students.
Fields: Engineering, medicine, economics, international relations, and more.
Aimed at building future leaders in peace and conflict resolution, Rotary offers fully funded fellowships.
Coverage: Tuition, living expenses, travel, and internship support.
Open to: Master’s students and professionals in peace and development.
Fields: Peace studies, public policy, international development, and related fields
This program supports talented students from developing countries, combining grants and loans.
Coverage: Tuition and living expenses (50% grant, 50% loan).
Open to: Postgraduate students from developing nations.
Fields: Development, health sciences, education, and applied sciences.
One of the most prestigious U.S. scholarships, it fosters global leadership at Stanford.
Coverage: Full tuition, living stipend, accommodation, and leadership training.
Open to: Master’s, PhD, and professional degree students at Stanford.
Fields: Law, medicine, business, engineering, humanities, and sciences.
The OKP enhances skills and leadership for professionals from developing countries.
Coverage: Tuition, travel, insurance, and living costs.
Open to: Mid-career professionals pursuing short courses or master’s programs.
Fields: Agriculture, water management, governance, education, and health.
Türkiye offers one of the most generous packages for international students.
Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, health insurance, monthly stipend, and language course.
Open to: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students.
Fields: Engineering, social sciences, humanities, medicine, and more.
Canada’s flagship scholarship rewards top-tier doctoral students for academic excellence.
Coverage: $50,000 per year for three years.
Open to: PhD and combined master’s/PhD students.
Fields: Health sciences, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities.
This global leadership program is modelled on the Rhodes Scholarship.
Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, travel, study tour, and personal stipend.
Open to: Master’s students in Global Affairs.
Fields: Public policy, economics, business, and international studies.
Aimed at fostering development leadership, this scholarship is for students from developing countries.
Coverage: Tuition, monthly stipend, airfare, and health insurance.
Open to: Master’s students from World Bank member countries.
Fields: Development economics, public policy, health, environment, and infrastructure.
Securing a fully funded scholarship can open doors to world-class education, global networks, and life-changing experiences.
With opportunities ranging from undergraduate to PhD studies across different regions, there is something for nearly every student regardless of background.
The scholarships listed above not only remove financial barriers but also empower talented individuals to focus on their academics, research, and leadership development.
The journey to winning a scholarship requires patience, preparation, and persistence.
Start your research early, tailor your application to the program’s mission, and highlight both your academic merit and personal achievements.
With the right strategy, these opportunities can shape your future in remarkable ways.
Looking for job opportunities after graduation? Explore our Jobs & Career Resources to discover top job sites and current vacancies.
If you’re considering flexible income options while studying abroad, check out our guide on Freelancing & Remote Work Platforms.
1. Can I apply for multiple scholarships at the same time?
Yes, most allow multiple applications. Just be sure to check if a program requires exclusivity.
2. Do fully funded scholarships cover living expenses as well as tuition?
Yes. Most include tuition, a living stipend, accommodation, health insurance, and even travel costs.
3. Are these scholarships very competitive?
Yes — but thousands of students earn them every year.
A strong application and persistence greatly improve your chances.
4. Do I need perfect grades to qualify?
Not always. While academic excellence is important, many scholarships also value leadership, volunteer work, and professional experience.
We’ve created a detailed guide on How to Improve Your Digital & Academic Skills to help you strengthen your applications.
5. Can I work while studying on a scholarship?
Rules vary. Some scholarships allow part-time work, but others require full focus on studies or research.
Always check conditions before applying.
Explore More Scholarships on Extensive Savvy Knowledge Hub
Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship (Europe)
Gates Cambridge Scholarships (UK)
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships