17 Best Fully Funded Scholarships for Masters and International Students in Europe and UK 2025-2026

Are you dreaming of studying abroad but worried about the cost? Finding fully funded scholarships for international students can turn your educational dreams into reality, especially for those who want to study in the UK. 

These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and sometimes even provide monthly stipends, making your international education completely free.

You have many options for fully funded graduate programs across the globe. From prestigious scholarships in the USA to opportunities in the UK and across Europe, more than 800 fully funded masters scholarships are available for the 2025-2026 academic year.

These programs are designed to support exceptional students who demonstrate outstanding potential and commitment to their fields of study.

Additionally, various organizations and institutions offer scholarships for graduate school for academic excellence, ensuring that talented individuals have the financial means to pursue their aspirations.

With careful research and preparation, aspiring graduate students can find the right funding opportunities that align with their academic goals and ambitions.

These programs welcome talented students from all backgrounds and offer the chance to study at world-class universities without financial burden.

1) Chevening Scholarships – UK

Chevening Scholarships are prestigious awards offered by the UK Government for international students. They provide full funding for one-year master’s degrees at any UK university.

The scholarships are funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organizations. They target outstanding emerging leaders from around the world.

To qualify, you need strong academic credentials, professional experience, and leadership potential. You must also return to your home country for at least two years after completing your studies.

Benefits include full tuition fees, monthly living allowance, return flights to the UK, and additional grants for essentials. The total package is worth approximately £18,000-£30,000 depending on your program.

Chevening Scholarships are highly competitive with over 60,000 applications annually for around 1,500 awards. Alumni include prominent politicians, business leaders, and activists worldwide.

The application window for 2025-2026 Chevening Scholarships typically opens in August and closes in November. Required documents include academic transcripts, three references, and a compelling personal statement, particularly for scholarships for undergraduate programs.

Most successful candidates have at least a 2:1 honors degree (UK system) or equivalent. Applications can be submitted through the official Chevening website.

2) Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships are prestigious, fully-funded programs that allow students to study at multiple top European universities. These scholarships are available for 2025-2026 academic years.

Students earn degrees recognized by all partner institutions in the program. Most programs last two years and require studying in at least two different European countries.

The scholarship covers all participation costs and provides additional support for travel and visa expenses. Students also receive a €1400 monthly living allowance to help with day-to-day expenses.

What makes this scholarship special is the chance to experience different cultures while gaining world-class education. Spain receives the highest number of Erasmus scholars yearly (about 47,000), followed by Germany (33,000).

Application requirements typically include a bachelor’s degree, English proficiency test scores, and a strong academic record to qualify for fully-funded scholarships. Most successful applicants have GPAs of 3.5 or higher, which is often a requirement for scholarships for students.

The application deadline varies by program, but most close between January and March each year for scholarships available to international students. You can find the complete list of available programs on the official Erasmus+ website.

3) Fulbright Program – USA Government Scholarships

The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious scholarship opportunities for international students seeking master’s degrees in the United States.

Established by the U.S. government, this program focuses on cultural exchange and academic excellence. It operates in over 150 countries worldwide, supporting international development through various scholarship programs.

The scholarship is fully funded and covers tuition fees, monthly stipends of about $1,000, accommodation, health insurance, and airfare. These benefits make studying in the USA possible without financial stress.

To qualify, you need a bachelor’s degree, strong academic record, and English proficiency. Application requirements include transcripts, recommendation letters, and a study plan.

The Fulbright Program is highly competitive with deadlines varying by country, typically falling between February and October each year. Most successful candidates have GPAs of 3.5 or higher.

What makes this scholarship special is its alumni network of distinguished leaders, including Nobel Prize winners, heads of state, and renowned academics.

For the 2025-2026 application cycle, you can find country-specific details and apply through the official Fulbright Foreign Student Program website. Applications for most countries are currently open.

4) DAAD Scholarships – Germany

The DAAD Scholarship is a top choice for international students wanting to study in Germany. Run by the German Academic Exchange Service, it funds master’s and PhD programs at German universities.

This scholarship opens doors to over 400,000 international students expected in Germany by 2025, similar to the best scholarships for international students in the UK. About 20-40% of these students might get full or partial funding through German scholarships.

DAAD scholarships for 2025-2026 cover monthly payments of €934 for master’s students and €1,300 for doctoral candidates. You don’t need to pay back this money.

Benefits include a monthly stipend, travel allowance, and health insurance. Many students pick this scholarship because of Germany’s free tuition policy at public universities.

To apply, you need good grades (usually B average or better), language skills, and a strong study plan. Application dates vary by program but typically open 6-12 months before the study start date for students who want to apply for government scholarships or great scholarships.

Check the official DAAD website for the most current information and application links for 2025 opportunities.

5) Knight Hennessy Scholars – Stanford University

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program at Stanford University supports graduate students from around the world. It aims to build a community of future leaders who can address complex global challenges.

Stanford University is located in California, USA. The program was created by Nike co-founder Phil Knight and former Stanford President John Hennessy.

You can receive funding for up to three years for any Stanford graduate degree. This covers your tuition, living stipend, travel allowance, and academic expenses.

What makes this scholarship special is its focus on multidisciplinary education. You’ll join a diverse community of scholars from different fields and backgrounds.

The program accepts up to 100 high-achieving students each year. You need to show exceptional leadership potential and independent thinking.

To apply, you must first get admitted to a Stanford graduate program. The application includes essays, recommendation letters, and a video submission.

The program is highly competitive, especially for students who want to secure merit-based scholarships. Strong academics are expected, though no minimum GPA is specified for students who wish to apply for government scholarships.

Applications for the 2026-2027 cohort will open in summer 2025. Check the official website for the most current information regarding available scholarships in the UK.

6) Swedish Institute Scholarships

The Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals offers fully funded opportunities for master’s students to study in Sweden.

These scholarships are sponsored by the Swedish Institute, a government agency that promotes Sweden globally.

You can apply for over 700 master’s programs at top Swedish universities. The scholarship is very competitive and looks for future leaders who want to make positive change.

The benefits are amazing. You get full tuition coverage, a monthly allowance of SEK 12,000 (about $1,150) for living costs, and a one-time travel grant of SEK 15,000 ($1,440).

The scholarship is open to students from many countries across Africa, Asia, and other regions, including those applying for UK scholarships for international students. Applicants need a bachelor’s degree and work experience.

For the 2025-2026 academic year, applications typically open in December and close in January. You’ll need your university admission, a CV, motivation letter, and professional references.

7) Rhodes Scholarship is a prestigious award for international students studying in the UK.s – University of Oxford

The Rhodes Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity for postgraduate study at the University of Oxford in the UK. It’s one of the oldest and most prestigious international scholarship programs in the world.

This award looks for students who show academic excellence, leadership abilities, and commitment to public service. Winners need to be exceptional in multiple areas, not just grades.

The scholarship covers all University and College fees, plus a living stipend of £15,144 per year. It also pays for the university application fee and travel costs to and from Oxford.

Started in 1902 through Cecil Rhodes’ will, this scholarship aims to develop future world leaders. Many famous people have been Rhodes Scholars, including former US President Bill Clinton.

Application requirements include academic transcripts, personal statement, CV, and references for students studying in the UK. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.8.

The application deadline varies by country, typically between July and October for the 2025-2026 academic year. Global applications are accepted from students of any nationality who want to apply for UK scholarships.

You can apply through the For more details, visit the Rhodes Trust website, which lists various scholarships for students. where you’ll find specific eligibility requirements for your country.

8) Commonwealth Scholarships – UK Universities

The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are prestigious awards for international students from Commonwealth countries. These scholarships are fully funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

You can study at any UK university that hosts Commonwealth Scholars. The program targets talented students who couldn’t otherwise afford UK education.

Benefits include full tuition fees, living allowance (£1,236 per month), round-trip airfare, arrival allowance, and thesis grant. The total value can exceed £30,000 for a typical one-year master’s program.

The scholarships focus on students who will contribute to These scholarships aim to address the development needs of students from diverse backgrounds. in their home countries. You must have at least an upper second-class honors degree (2:1) or equivalent to qualify for many UK scholarships.

Applications typically require academic transcripts, references, a development impact statement, and proof of citizenship. The application process is competitive, with around 700 students selected annually.

The application deadline for 2025-26 varies by country but generally falls between October-December 2024. For the most recent information and to apply, visit the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website.

9) Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program is one of the many scholarships awarded to students studying abroad. – France

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program is a prestigious opportunity created by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. It helps French universities attract top international students for Master’s and PhD programs.

This fully funded scholarship is open to students from all countries except France, making it an attractive option for international students who want to study abroad.

You need excellent academic records to qualify. Strong English or French language skills are also required.

Benefits include a monthly stipend of €1,181 for Master’s students and €1,700 for PhD students, making these scholarships highly attractive for students who wish to study in the UK. The scholarship also covers airfare, health insurance, and cultural activities.

Master’s scholarships last 12-36 months while PhD scholarships cover up to 12 months. Priority fields include engineering, sciences, economics, law, and political science.

The application deadline typically falls in January each year. You cannot apply directly – a French institution must nominate you for this scholarship.

For the 2025-2026 academic year, check the For more information, visit the official Campus France website regarding scholarships for students. for the most current details and application procedures.

10) Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships are top awards for doctoral students in Canada. These scholarships are named after Major-General Georges P. Vanier, the first francophone Governor General of Canada.

Each award is worth $50,000 per year for three years. This makes them some of the most valuable doctoral scholarships in Canada.

The program accepts applications from both Canadian and international students. You can study in any field at eligible Canadian universities.

To apply, you need strong academics, research potential, and leadership skills. The application deadline for the 2025-2026 academic year is October 30, 2024.

The Canadian government offers 166 fully funded scholarships through this program. Competition is very tough, so start your application early.

Required materials include research proposal, leadership statements, and reference letters. Your university must nominate you for this scholarship.

For the most up-to-date information and to apply, visit the official Vanier CGS website. The program helps Canadian schools attract the best doctoral students from around the world.

Understanding Fully Funded International Scholarships

Fully funded scholarships offer complete Financial coverage is often a key aspect of scholarships in the UK for international students. for your education, removing money barriers that often prevent talented students from pursuing advanced degrees. These programs vary in eligibility requirements and benefits but share the goal of supporting academic excellence.

Definition and Criteria: Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships

A fully funded scholarship covers all major expenses related to your academic program. This typically includes:

• Tuition fees (100% coverage)
• Monthly stipend or living allowance
• Health insurance
• Travel costs (usually one round-trip flight)
• Research grants (for some programs)
• Books and supplies allowance

The USA offers over 26,000 scholarships for international students, with many covering all expenses. Selection criteria often focus on academic excellence, with most programs requiring a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Other common requirements include strong recommendation letters, research experience, and leadership skills. Some scholarships also target specific countries or fields of study.

Difference Between Full and Partial Funding

Full funding and partial funding represent different levels of financial support for your education:

Full Funding:

• This program covers 100% of tuition costs, making it one of the best scholarships for international students.
• Provides living expenses stipend
• Includes health insurance as part of the benefits for students who want to study in the UK.
• Often covers travel and research costs
• No financial contribution required from you

Partial Funding:

• Covers only a portion of tuition (25-75%) for students who wish to study in the UK.
• May not include living expenses
• Health insurance often not included
• You must cover remaining costs yourself

The competition for fully funded scholarships is intense, with many qualified applicants competing for limited spots. This is why you should apply to multiple programs to increase your chances of success.

Many students make the mistake of applying only to the most famous scholarships, overlooking excellent opportunities at less well-known institutions.

View our BFFS Scholar Quest Country-Specific Fully Funded Scholarships:

1. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in Germany for International Students 2025-2026 here.

2. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in Norway for International Students 2025-2026 here.

3. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in Sweden for International Students 2025-2026 here.

4. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in France for International Students 2025-2026 here.

5. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in Italy for International Students 2025-2026 here.

6. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in the Netherlands for International Students 2025-2026 here.

7. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in Spain for International Students 2025-2026 here.

8. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in Austria for International Students 2025-2026 here.

9. 19 Fully Funded Scholarships in Denmark for International Students 2025-2026 here.

10. 19 Fully Funded Scholarships in Luxembourg for International Students 2025-2026 here.

11. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in China for International Students 2025-2026 here.

12. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in Japan for International Students 2025-2026 here.

13. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in Singapore for International Students 2025-2026 here.

14. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in Australia for International Students 2025-2026 here.

15. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in UK for International Students 2025-2026 here.

16. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in Switzerland for International Students 2025-2026 here.

17. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in Finland for International Students 2025-2026 here.

18. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in Taiwan for International Students 2025-2026 here.

19. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in South Korea for International Students 2025-2026 here.

20. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in Hong Kong for International Students 2025-2026 here.

21. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in Poland for International Students 2025-2026 here

22. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in Ireland for International Students 2025-2026 here

23. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in Hungary for International Students 2025-2026 here

24. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in Brazil for International Students 2025-2026 here

25. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in Dubai for International Students 2025-2026 here

26. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in New Zealand for International Students 2025-2026 here

27. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in Qatar for International Students 2025-2026 here

28. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in Malaysia for International Students 2025-2026 here

29. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in India for International Students 2025-2026 here

30. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in Russia for International Students 2025-2026 here

31. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in Mexico for International Students 2025-2026 here

32. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in Indonesia for International Students 2025-2026 here

33. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in Thailand for International Students 2025-2026 here

34. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in Chile for International Students 2025-2026 here

35. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in Colombia for International Students 2025-2026 here

36. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in South Africa for International Students 2025-2026 here

37. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in Saudi Arabia for International Students 2025-2026 here

38. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in Argentina for International Students 2025-2026 here

39. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in Colombia for International Students 2025-2026 here

40. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in United Araba Emirates for International Students 2025-2026 here

41. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in Belgium for International Students 2025-2026 here

42. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in Turkey for International Students 2025-2026 here

43. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in Vietnam for International Students 2025-2026 here

44. 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in Pakistan for International Students 2025-2026 

Navigating Postgraduate Scholarship by Region

Finding fully funded scholarships in specific regions can help narrow your search and match your academic goals with the right opportunity. Each region offers unique advantages for international students seeking financial support.

Focus on Europe Opportunities for University Scholarship

Europe hosts many excellent fully funded master’s programs for international students.

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees offer comprehensive packages covering tuition, living expenses, and travel costs across multiple European universities.

Sweden’s scholarships stand out with the Swedish Institute Study Scholarships providing full tuition and living expenses for master’s students from selected countries, similar to the Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarships.

In Germany, the DAAD Scholarships offer monthly stipends of €850-€1,200 along with travel allowances and health insurance.

These scholarships have application deadlines typically falling Applications must be submitted before March 2025 to secure a chance at the scholarships for undergraduate studies..

The Netherlands Fellowship Programme (NFP) and the Orange Tulip Scholarship are perfect for students wanting to study in Dutch universities. They cover tuition fees, living expenses, and insurance.

Finland and Norway offer tuition-free education at public universities, with additional scholarships to cover living costs.

Spotlight on the UK Scholarships for International Students: Study in the UK

The UK provides several prestigious fully funded opportunities for international students. The Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s flagship program with a deadline of January 2, 2025 for some applicants.

These awards cover:

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly living allowances
• Return airfare to the UK
• Additional grants for essential expenses are often available for students in UK scholarships.

The Commonwealth Scholarships support students from Commonwealth countries with full funding for master’s degrees at UK institutions.

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship funds graduate studies at the University of Cambridge, covering full tuition and a generous stipend.

This highly competitive award looks for academic excellence and leadership potential among students who wish to pursue scholarships in the UK.

Rhodes Scholarships at Oxford University provide approximately £15,000 annually plus tuition for exceptional students with demonstrated leadership abilities and commitment to service, making them a top choice for UK scholarships.

Top Picks Scholarship for International Students

The USA offers over 26,000 scholarships for international students with amounts ranging from $2,000 to fully funded packages covering all expenses at prestigious institutions like Yale and Harvard.

Fulbright Foreign Student Program provides comprehensive funding including:

• Tuition fees
• Living stipends
• Health insurance
• Travel costs

The Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program funds students from developing countries to study development-related fields with complete financial support.

Australia Awards Scholarships are available to students from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East studying at Australian universities with full tuition, travel allowances, and living expenses.

In Canada, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships offer $50,000 annually for three years to doctoral students showing leadership skills and research potential.

Singapore’s ASEAN Scholarships provide full funding for students from ASEAN countries at top Singaporean universities like NUS and NTU.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scholarships can change a student’s life by making education affordable. Many programs offer full funding for master’s degrees in different countries.

Search for more Best Fully Funded Scholarships worldwide here. 

What are some top scholarships for pursuing a fully funded master’s degree for international students and Scholarships for Developing Countries?

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most respected scholarship options worldwide.

Chevening Scholarships provide full funding for one-year master’s programs in the UK. They cover tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.

The DAAD Scholarships in Germany support international students with monthly stipends, health insurance, and travel allowances.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters offers programs across multiple European universities with full funding packages.

Which European countries offer the best opportunities for fully funded scholarships at an undergraduate and graduate school level?

Germany leads with the DAAD program, offering thousands of scholarships yearly to international students. The funding covers tuition and living expenses.

Sweden provides scholarships through the Swedish Institute, targeting talented students from developing countries.

The Netherlands features the Orange Knowledge Programme, which funds short courses and master’s programs available for international students.

Finland’s universities often waive tuition fees and provide living stipends through programs like the Finland Scholarship.

France offers Eiffel Excellence Scholarships with monthly allowances of about €1,200 for master’s students, which are among the great scholarships available to international students.

How can international students obtain fully funded opportunities for postgraduate master’s programs scholarships in the UK through the UK government?

Apply for Chevening Scholarships Early applications are encouraged, as scholarships are awarded and they’re highly competitive. Applications typically open in August and close in November.

Commonwealth Scholarships target students from Commonwealth countries, covering full tuition and living expenses.

University-specific scholarships like those at Oxford and Cambridge offer full funding for outstanding students. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is particularly notable.

Prepare strong letters of recommendation and a compelling personal statement that shows your future plans and how you’ll use your education in the context of scholarships in the UK, particularly for international students from developing countries.

Are there fully funded scholarships that don’t require IELTS for international students to apply for a scholarship?

Yes, there are numerous scholarships available for students 2024, 2025, and 2026. Universities in Germany often accept other proof of English proficiency instead of IELTS.

Some programs at Netherlands universities waive IELTS if you’ve completed previous education in English.

Norwegian universities frequently don’t require IELTS if you can prove English proficiency through previous education.

The Fulbright Program sometimes accepts TOEFL instead of IELTS, giving you flexibility.

What criteria must be met to secure a fully funded scholarship for international students at an undergraduate scholarships program?

Strong academic performance is essential. This usually requires a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

Leadership experience through community service, clubs, or work demonstrates your potential.

Clear career goals and how the program fits into your plans make your application stand out.

Financial need is often considered, so documenting your need accurately helps your chances.

Is it feasible to receive a full scholarship for a master’s program in the United States as an international student?

Yes, it’s definitely possible. The Fulbright Program provides comprehensive funding for international students to study in the US.

Yale, Stanford, and Harvard offer impressive scholarship packages to international students based on merit and need.

The Knight Hennessy Scholars program at Stanford covers full tuition and living expenses for exceptional students.

Many US universities offer teaching or research assistantships. These positions cover tuition and provide stipends, letting you gain experience while studying.

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