Studying abroad is expensive. Tuition fees are high. Rent is high. Flight tickets are high.
Most students give up on their dream because of money. They think they cannot afford it.
But you do not need to be rich to study abroad. You just need to know where to look for money.
There are thousands of scholarships available for 2026. Some pay for your tuition. Some pay for your rent. The best ones pay for everything including your plane ticket.
I have analyzed the top programs for international students. I looked at government grants. I looked at university awards. I looked at private foundations.
Here is the ultimate list of top scholarships for international students in 2026.
Government-Funded Scholarships (The Big Three)
These are the most prestigious awards in the world. They are funded by national governments. They want to build relationships with future leaders. If you win one of these it will change your life.
1. The Fulbright Program (USA)
This is the gold standard of American scholarships. It brings international students to the United States. It is mainly for Master’s degrees and PhD research.
What it Covers:
- Full tuition fees at the university.
- A monthly living stipend for rent and food.
- Round-trip airfare from your home country.
- Health insurance.
Who is it for?
It is for graduates and young professionals. You usually need a Bachelor’s degree to apply.
Key Detail:
The application process is long. It takes about one year. If you want to start in 2026 you must apply early in 2025.
2. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
This is the UK government’s global scholarship program. It is for outstanding professionals from all over the world. It lets you study a one-year Master’s degree in the UK.
What it Covers:
- Full university tuition fees.
- A monthly living allowance.
- Travel costs to and from the UK.
- Visa fees.
Who is it for?
You need two years of work experience. This is a strict rule. You also need to show leadership potential.
Key Detail:
You must return to your home country for two years after your studies. They want you to use your education to help your country.
3. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
Germany is a top destination because public universities often have no tuition fees. The DAAD scholarship helps with living costs. It is the largest funding organization in the world for international exchange.
What it Covers:
- Monthly payment of 934 Euros for graduates or 1,200 Euros for doctoral candidates.
- Health and liability insurance.
- Travel allowance.
Who is it for?
It is for graduates, doctoral students, and post-docs. Many courses are taught in English so you do not always need to know German.
Key Detail:
DAAD offers many different programs. Some are for artists. Some are for scientists. Check the specific database on their website.
Top European & Regional Scholarships
Europe offers incredible education opportunities. The European Union and individual countries invest heavily in international students.
###4. Erasmus+ (European Union)
This is not just for one country. It is for all of Europe. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programs allow you to study in two or three different countries.
What it Covers:
- Full participation costs.
- Travel and installation costs.
- Monthly living allowance of 1,000 Euros or more.
Who is it for?
Students from all over the world can apply. You apply for specific Master’s programs listed in the Erasmus catalog.
5. Swedish Institute Scholarships (Sweden)
Sweden is famous for innovation and sustainability. The Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarship for Global Professionals is very competitive.
What it Covers:
- Full tuition fees.
- Monthly payment of about 12,000 SEK.
- Insurance.
- Travel grant.
Who is it for?
It targets students from specific developing countries. You need to show work experience and leadership skills.
6. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Switzerland)
Switzerland is home to some of the best research universities. This scholarship is for researchers and artists.
What it Covers:
- Monthly stipend.
- Tuition waiver.
- Health insurance.
- Housing allowance.
Who is it for?
It is mainly for PhD, Post-doc, and Research candidates. There are very few spots for Master’s students depending on your country.
7. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France)
The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs funds this program. It aims to attract top foreign students to French Master’s and PhD programs.
What it Covers:
- A monthly allowance (approx 1,181 Euros for Master's).
- International airfare.
- Train travel within France.
- Note: It does not usually cover tuition fees but universities often waive fees for Eiffel winners.
Who is it for?
It is for students in fields like Engineering, Law, Economics, and Political Science.
Asia & Pacific Scholarships
The East is rising. Countries like Australia, Japan, and Korea are actively recruiting international talent.
8. Australia Awards
This is a massive program funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It focuses on development.
What it Covers:
- Full tuition fees.
- Return air travel.
- Establishment allowance (money for books and rent).
- Living expenses (CLE).
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Who is it for?
It is for students from developing countries in the Indo-Pacific region, Africa, and the Middle East.
9. MEXT Scholarship (Japan)
This is the Japanese Government scholarship. It is unique because you can apply through the Japanese embassy in your country.
What it Covers:
- Full tuition fees.
- Monthly allowance (approx 143,000 - 145,000 Yen).
- Round-trip airfare.
Who is it for?
They have categories for Undergraduate, Research (Grad), and Specialized Training College students. You do not need to speak Japanese to apply but you will learn it there.
10. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
Formerly known as KGSP. South Korea wants to become a global education hub.
What it Covers:
- Airfare.
- Settlement allowance.
- Monthly allowance.
- Research allowance.
- 1-year Korean language training fee.
- Tuition fees.
Who is it for?
Students under 25 for undergrad and under 40 for grad. You must take a year of Korean language classes first.
Prestigious University-Specific Awards
Sometimes the university pays you directly. These are often funded by large endowments or famous donors.
11. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)
This is one of the most famous scholarships in the world. It is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
University: University of Cambridge.
What it Covers:
- Full cost of studying at Cambridge.
- Maintenance allowance (for a single student).
- Airfare.
- Visa costs.
Who is it for?
Citizens of any country outside the UK. You must show a commitment to improving the lives of others.
12. Knight-Hennessy Scholars (USA)
This is a relatively new but huge scholarship at Stanford. It aims to prepare a new generation of global leaders.
University: Stanford University.
What it Covers:
- Tuition and associated fees.
- Stipend for living and academic expenses.
- Travel stipend.
Who is it for?
You can apply if you are enrolling in any graduate degree at Stanford. This includes DMA, JD, MA, MBA, MD, MS, or PhD programs.
13. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (Canada)
Canada is very popular right now. This is the top award for undergraduates at the University of Toronto.
University: University of Toronto.
What it Covers:
- Tuition.
- Books.
- Incidental fees.
- Full residence support for four years.
Who is it for?
International secondary school students. Your school must nominate you. You cannot just apply yourself.
14. ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship (Switzerland)
ETH Zurich is one of the best technical universities in Europe.
University: ETH Zurich.
What it Covers:
- Study and living costs.
- Tuition waiver.
Who is it for?
Master’s students with very high grades in their Bachelor’s degree. You need to be in the top 10% of your class.
15. Clarendon Fund (UK)
This is Oxford University’s main scholarship scheme.
University: University of Oxford.
What it Covers:
- Course fees.
- Grant for living expenses.
Who is it for?
All graduate applicants at Oxford. You do not even need to submit a separate application. They consider you automatically when you apply for your course.
Specialized & Development Focused
These scholarships have a specific mission. They want to help specific groups of people or specific regions.
16. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
This program focuses on Africa. It wants to educate the next generation of African leaders.
What it Covers:
- Comprehensive financial support (fees, accommodation, books).
- Leadership development.
-Career guidance.
Who is it for?
Primarily for students from Sub-Saharan Africa. You apply through partner universities like University of Edinburgh, UC Berkeley, or McGill University.
17. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program
This is for outstanding students from select developing countries.
What it Covers:
- It is a 50% grant and 50% loan.
- It covers tuition and living expenses.
Who is it for?
Students from countries like Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Egypt, and Syria.
18. AAUW International Fellowships (USA)
This is specifically for women. The American Association of University Women funds it.
What it Covers:
- $20,000 to $50,000 depending on the degree level.
Who is it for?
Women who are not US citizens or permanent residents. It supports full-time study or research in the US.
19. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship
This is for development topics.
What it Covers:
- Tuition.
- Monthly stipend.
- Round-trip air travel.
- Health insurance.
Who is it for?
Men and women from developing countries who have relevant professional experience. You must return home to work in development.
20. Rotary Peace Fellowships
This is for students interested in peace and conflict resolution.
What it Covers:
- Tuition and fees.
- Room and board.
- Round-trip transportation.
- Internship expenses.
Who is it for?
Professionals with work experience in international relations or peace. You study at one of the Rotary Peace Centers around the world.
How to Apply: A Strategy for 2026
Knowing the list is easy. Getting the scholarship is hard. Here is your strategy.
Step 1: Start 12 Months Early
Scholarship deadlines are different from admission deadlines. They often close 6 months to 1 year before the course starts. If you want to start in September 2026 you should start preparing in mid-2025.
Step 2: Check Eligibility Carefully
Do not waste time. If the scholarship requires 2 years of work experience and you have 1 year do not apply. If it requires a 3.5 GPA and you have a 3.0 do not apply. They are strict.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
You need a standard set of documents for almost all of these.
- Transcripts: Get your grades translated into English.
- CV/Resume: Update it to show leadership and volunteering.
- Letters of Recommendation: Ask your professors now. Do not ask them one week before the deadline.
- English Test: Take your IELTS or TOEFL early.
Step 4: Write a Winning Essay
This is the most important part. Do not write a generic essay. Do not say "I want to study because I am smart."
Say "I want to study X so I can solve problem Y in my country."
Scholarships are investments. They want a return on investment. You are the investment. Tell them what the return will be.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Students make the same mistakes every year. Here are some common mistake that every students should avoid:
1. Ignoring the "Leadership" Question
Most big scholarships (Chevening, Fulbright) care about leadership. If you only talk about your grades you will fail. You must show examples of when you led a team or solved a problem.
2. Copying and Pasting
Do not use the same essay for every application. The Gates Cambridge is different from the Knight-Hennessy. Tailor your answer to their specific values.
3. Missing the Deadline
This sounds obvious but it happens. Note the time zone. If the deadline is 5 PM GMT and you are in a different time zone you might miss it.
4. Weak References
Do not pick a famous professor who does not know you. Pick a lecturer who knows your name and your work. A detailed letter from a normal teacher is better than a vague letter from a Dean.
Conclusion
You have the list. You have the strategy.
Applying for scholarships is a part-time job. It takes hours of research and writing. You will likely get rejected by some. That is normal.
Apply for as many as you are eligible for. Diversify your options. Apply for one government one. Apply for one university one. Apply for one regional one.
The money is there. It is waiting for the person who is organized enough to claim it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a scholarship with low grades?
It is difficult but possible. Focus on scholarships that value leadership or community service over academic scores. You can also look for "need-based" scholarships rather than "merit-based" ones.
What is the difference between a scholarship and a fellowship?
Usually, a scholarship is for students doing coursework (Bachelors or Masters). A fellowship is often for research (PhD) or professional development. Fellowships often include a work or research requirement.
Do I need an acceptance letter from a university to apply for a scholarship?
It depends. For university-specific awards (like Gates Cambridge) you usually apply for the course and scholarship at the same time. For government awards (like Chevening) you apply for the scholarship first and then apply to universities separately.
Are these scholarships really fully funded?
Yes. The ones listed in this article as "fully funded" cover tuition and living costs. However, you should always have some emergency savings. Scholarships often pay the stipend monthly so you might need money for the first few weeks.
Can I work while on a scholarship?
This depends on your visa and the scholarship rules. Most student visas allow 20 hours of work per week. However, some intense scholarships (like Fulbright) advise against working because the academic load is heavy.
Is there an age limit for scholarships?
Some have age limits (like GKS or MEXT). Others do not have a strict age limit but prefer "early career" professionals. Always check the specific guidance notes for each program.