Studying abroad can be expensive, but fully funded scholarships can remove most or all major education costs. These awards may cover tuition fees, monthly living support, accommodation, health insurance, airfare, visa costs, research expenses, or relocation support. This guide presents major scholarships that foreign students can investigate for the 2027 intake.
The best scholarship depends on your study level, nationality, academic background, professional experience, and destination. Some awards support only master’s degrees. Others focus on doctoral research, undergraduate study, public policy, development, science, or leadership. Applicants must read the official 2027 call because eligibility rules and deadlines change every year.
This article uses official scholarship-provider information wherever possible. It also includes trusted internal resources for the UK, United States, Germany, Italy, Hungary, Japan, China, Saudi Arabia, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. For general planning, read our guide on the benefits of studying abroad.
What Does “Fully Funded” Mean?
A fully funded scholarship normally pays the main costs connected with an approved programme. These costs can include tuition, a living allowance, accommodation, airfare, health insurance, and visa support. Coverage is never identical across all scholarships. Some awards pay full tuition but provide limited living support. Others pay a fixed stipend and expect students to cover deposits or personal expenses.
Read the funding section of every official call before applying. Check whether the award covers dependants, flights, application fees, language tests, accommodation deposits, books, and local transport. Do not rely on a social media post when the official scholarship website provides different information.
Best Fully Funded Scholarships for Foreign Students in 2027
1. Chevening Scholarships – United Kingdom
Chevening Scholarships fund one-year master’s degrees in the United Kingdom for outstanding emerging leaders from around the world. The official Chevening website describes the scholarship as fully funded and explains that scholars live and study in the UK for one year.
The award is designed for applicants who can demonstrate leadership, influence, professional experience, and a clear plan for creating positive change. Applicants should select eligible UK master’s courses and submit a single online scholarship application through the official portal.
For a detailed preparation guide, read our Chevening Scholarship guide. For the 2027 intake, use the official Chevening Scholarships website and Chevening application page to confirm the opening date, eligible countries, course rules, and closing date.
2. Commonwealth Master’s and PhD Scholarships – United Kingdom
Commonwealth Scholarships support students from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers different schemes for master’s study, doctoral study, split-site study, and professional development. Funding and eligibility depend on the specific scheme and nominating route.
Applicants may need to apply through a national nominating agency, a university, or another approved channel. A strong application normally includes academic records, references, a development impact plan, and evidence that the proposed study supports wider social or economic development.
Read our Commonwealth Scholarship guide before preparing your documents. Apply through the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website, where the 2027 schemes, eligibility requirements, and deadlines should be confirmed.
3. Gates Cambridge Scholarship – United Kingdom
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship offers around 80 full-cost scholarships each year to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK for postgraduate degrees at the University of Cambridge.
The core award includes the University Composition Fee, a maintenance allowance, an economy single airfare at the beginning and end of the course, inbound visa costs, and the Immigration Health Surcharge. The official page also lists discretionary support for academic development, dependants, fieldwork, maternity or paternity, and hardship.
Applicants should demonstrate outstanding intellectual ability, a strong reason for choosing the course, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving the lives of others. Explore our Gates Cambridge Scholarship guide and apply through the official Gates Cambridge programme page and application instructions.
4. Fulbright Foreign Student Program – United States
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program enables graduate students, young professionals, and artists from abroad to study and conduct research in the United States. The programme operates in more than 160 countries, and the official website states that approximately 4,000 foreign students receive Fulbright scholarships each year.
Fulbright application procedures vary by country. Binational Fulbright Commissions, Foundations, or U.S. Embassies administer the application and selection process. Some candidates use an IIE placement route, while others apply directly to U.S. universities through a self-placement route.
Read our Fulbright Scholarship guide and use the official Fulbright Foreign Student application page. For 2027, applicants must follow the country-specific deadline rather than a general international deadline.
5. Yale University Scholarships – United States
Yale University provides need-based financial aid for admitted international students. The value and eligibility of Yale funding depend on the student’s financial circumstances, academic programme, and admission decision. Applicants should not describe every Yale award as automatically fully funded because funding is assessed under university financial-aid policies.
Students must first complete the Yale admission process and submit the required financial-aid documents. Funding can cover significant educational costs for eligible students, but the final package is determined by Yale.
Read our guide to Yale University scholarships and review the official Yale financial aid page for international students.
6. Stanford University Scholarships – United States
Stanford University offers financial aid and scholarship opportunities for international students through university-specific policies, departments, and external programmes. Funding depends on the applicant’s programme, financial need, academic profile, and admission status.
Students should review the financial-aid requirements before submitting an application. Some graduate students receive funding through assistantships, fellowships, research grants, or department awards rather than one universal scholarship.
Read our Stanford University scholarships guide and check the official Stanford financial aid information or the relevant graduate department page.
7. DAAD Scholarships – Germany
The German Academic Exchange Service, known as DAAD, offers scholarships for international graduates, doctoral students, and postdoctoral researchers. DAAD awards support study and research visits at German universities and other approved institutions.
DAAD has no single universal scholarship for every foreign student. The official database lists programmes with different academic levels, subjects, countries, language requirements, stipends, and deadlines. Applicants should search by nationality, study level, subject, and destination.
Read our DAAD Scholarship guide and search the official DAAD scholarship database. For 2027, compare the call’s exact monthly allowance, travel support, insurance, and duration before applying.
8. Italian Government Scholarships and University Awards – Italy
Italy offers government, regional, and university scholarships for foreign students. The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation publishes government scholarships for eligible foreign citizens and Italian citizens living abroad. Universities and regional bodies may also offer tuition waivers, accommodation, meals, and living support.
Eligibility and benefits vary by country and programme. Applicants should check whether the award covers a full degree, a research period, language study, or a specific bilateral agreement.
Read our guide to fully funded scholarship opportunities in Italy and the resource on fully funded bachelor’s scholarships in Italy. Apply through the official Study in Italy scholarship portal and confirm the 2027 call.
9. Stipendium Hungaricum – Hungary
Stipendium Hungaricum is Hungary’s major international scholarship programme. It supports eligible foreign students at bachelor’s, master’s, one-tier master’s, and doctoral levels at participating Hungarian institutions.
The programme can include tuition-free education, a monthly stipend, accommodation support or a housing contribution, and medical insurance under the call rules. Applicants usually submit an online application and may also need nomination from their sending partner or national authority.
Read our Stipendium Hungaricum guide and use the official Stipendium Hungaricum application page. The 2027 deadline must be checked in the latest official call.
10. MEXT Scholarship – Japan
The Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship supports foreign students who study at higher education institutions in Japan. MEXT states that candidates can be selected through a Japanese Embassy or Consulate General, a university, or an authority recommendation.
The programme includes different routes for undergraduate students, research students, teacher training students, Japanese studies students, and other categories. Benefits, degree level, language preparation, and selection stages depend on the specific category.
Read our MEXT Scholarship guide, the Japanese Government Scholarship guide, and the article on fully funded postgraduate scholarships in Japan. Use the official Study in Japan scholarship information and the relevant Japanese Embassy or university page for the 2027 application.
11. Chinese Government Scholarship – China
The Chinese Government Scholarship, commonly called the CSC Scholarship, supports international students who want to study in China. Scholarships may be available for undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, general scholar, and senior scholar categories, depending on the annual call.
Applicants may apply through a Chinese Embassy, a designated authority, or a Chinese university. The award can include tuition, accommodation, a living allowance, and medical insurance under the applicable programme rules.
Read our China CSC Scholarships guide and our guide to fully funded master’s scholarships in China. Apply through the official Chinese Government Scholarship information portal and verify the 2027 category, agency number, university list, and deadline.
12. Saudi Arabian University Scholarships
Saudi universities offer scholarships for international students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The benefits depend on the university and programme. Some awards may provide tuition exemption, accommodation, health services, a monthly stipend, or travel support.
Applicants must check whether the scholarship is fully funded, partially funded, or a tuition-only award. Admission and scholarship applications may use separate portals.
Read our guide to master’s scholarships in Saudi Arabia for international students and search the official Study in Saudi platform.
13. Australia Awards Scholarships – Australia
Australia Awards Scholarships are long-term awards administered by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The programme supports study in Australia for citizens of eligible developing countries.
The award commonly includes tuition, return air travel, an establishment allowance, living expenses, health coverage, and other support under the official handbook. Conditions vary by country, and many applicants must return to their home country after completing the scholarship.
Read our Australia Awards eligibility guide and the guide to fully funded postgraduate scholarships in Australia. Apply through the official Australia Awards Scholarships website and check the 2027 country profile.
14. Monash University Scholarships – Australia
Monash University offers scholarships for international students through university-wide and faculty-specific schemes. Research scholarships may cover tuition and provide a living stipend for eligible graduate researchers. The benefits, duration, and selection criteria depend on the specific award.
Applicants should first identify an eligible course or research project and then review the scholarship’s separate requirements. A supervisor, research proposal, publications, or academic references may be required for research awards.
Read our Monash University Scholarship guide and search the official Monash scholarships page.
15. Manaaki New Zealand Government Scholarships – New Zealand
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships provide full tertiary scholarships for eligible international students from selected countries. The programme supports undergraduate and postgraduate academic study in New Zealand under country-specific eligibility rules.
Funding may include tuition fees, living allowance, establishment allowance, medical and travel insurance, travel costs, and reintegration support. Applicants must meet both the general requirements and the conditions for their country or region.
Read our guide to fully funded New Zealand scholarships and apply through the official Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships website.
16. Canada Graduate Research Scholarships – Doctoral
The former Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships page states that it is no longer accepting applications and directs applicants to the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship–Doctoral programme. Therefore, students planning for 2027 should not assume that the Vanier programme is open.
International students should review current Canadian doctoral funding through eligible institutions, research councils, and university graduate programmes. Funding may include a stipend and research support, but eligibility can differ for Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and international applicants.
Read our Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships article for background and check the official Canada Graduate Research Scholarship–Doctoral information. Also review University of Waterloo scholarships for institution-specific opportunities.
17. Zonta Women in STEM Scholarship
The Zonta Women in STEM Scholarship supports women from eligible countries who are pursuing postgraduate study in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. The award is competitive and may be used for tuition and other approved education costs.
Applicants should check the annual award value, eligible countries, study-level requirements, and application route before applying. This award is not necessarily a complete cost-of-attendance package, so applicants should confirm the current funding terms.
Read our Zonta Women in STEM Scholarship guide and apply through the official Zonta International scholarships page.
Scholarships by Study Level for 2027
Students searching for doctoral funding can compare our guides to fully funded PhD scholarships in the UK, fully funded PhD scholarships in the United States, and fully funded PhD scholarships in Canada.
Master’s applicants can review fully funded master’s scholarships in China and fully funded master’s scholarships in Germany. Bachelor’s applicants can explore fully funded bachelor’s scholarships in Italy. Postgraduate applicants can also compare fully funded postgraduate scholarships in Japan and fully funded postgraduate scholarships in Australia.
Application Documents for Fully Funded Scholarships
Most applications require official transcripts, degree certificates, a passport, a CV, language evidence, recommendation letters, and a personal statement. Research applicants may also need a proposal, supervisor contact, publication list, writing sample, or evidence of research experience.
Applicants should prepare documents at least 4 weeks before the deadline. Use consistent names and dates on every file. Translate documents when the official call requires English or another specified language. Save clean PDF copies and follow the portal’s file-size rules.
How to Apply for Scholarships in 2027
1.Select scholarships that match your nationality, study level, subject, and career plan.
2.Read the official 2027 call and confirm that the programme accepts foreign students.
3.Check whether you need university admission before the scholarship application.
4.Prepare the transcript, degree evidence, CV, language certificate, references, statement, and research proposal if required.
5.Ask recommenders for letters at least 4 weeks before the closing date.
6.Complete the official online form and use the exact course title shown by the university.
7.Upload readable documents and review every section before submission.
8.Save the confirmation email, application number, and final copy of the form.
9.Monitor the official email account for interviews, nomination, admission, or missing-document requests.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not submit the same personal statement to every scholarship. Each award has a different mission, such as leadership, development, research, public service, women in STEM, or international cooperation. Connect your experience to the specific scholarship purpose.
Do not trust claims that every award is “100% free.” Some scholarships cover tuition but not flights. Others provide a stipend but require students to pay an application fee, deposit, language test, or document-legalisation cost. Read the official rules before making financial plans.
Do not wait until the final day. Websites can become busy, references can arrive late, and document uploads can fail. Begin preparing your 2027 applications early.
Final Advice for Foreign Students
The best fully funded scholarship is the one that matches your eligibility, academic level, destination, and long-term plan. Apply to more than one suitable award, but customize every application. Keep a calendar for opening dates, document deadlines, university admission, interviews, and visa steps.
For the 2027 scholarship cycle, always confirm the latest official announcement before submitting an application. Scholarship providers control the final deadline, funding amount, eligible countries, and selection rules.
