scholarships to study abroad in 2026 (for international students)

Do you dream of starting your academic journey overseas? Your opportunity is here. Scholarships to study abroad for the 2026/2027 academic year are now available for international students across the world. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the best fully funded scholarships to study abroad, covering top global universities, complete financial benefits, eligibility criteria, and a clear step-by-step application process to help you succeed.

Studying overseas is a life changing experience that allows students to gain international exposure, access world class education systems, and build a strong global network. However, the high cost of tuition fees, accommodation, travel, and daily living expenses often prevents talented students from pursuing their dreams. This is where scholarships to study abroad play a vital role. Fully funded programs remove financial barriers, enabling students to focus entirely on academic excellence and personal growth.

Fully funded scholarships to study abroad are specifically designed to support outstanding international students. These scholarships typically cover full tuition fees, monthly living stipends, accommodation costs, health insurance, and international travel expenses. In addition to financial support, many programs offer leadership training, academic mentorship, professional development workshops, and access to influential alumni networks preparing students for successful global careers.

More than 1,000 scholarships to study abroad in 2026 are offered by some of the world’s top universities and international organizations. On average, recipients receive a monthly stipend of $1,000, along with full tuition coverage, housing allowances, medical insurance, and airfare. These prestigious scholarships to study abroad are awarded to students who demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership potential, and a commitment to creating positive change in their communities.

You can now apply for scholarships to study abroad in 2026 and study at world renowned institutions such as Harvard University, Yale University, Oxford University, Cambridge University, Monash University, and many more. Opportunities are available for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs across the USA, UK, Europe, Australia, and Asia. With proper preparation, a strong academic profile, and a compelling personal statement, your dream of studying abroad can become a reality.

Table of Contents

1. Swiss Government Scholarships

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is a prestigious scholarships to study abroad designed for international students who wish to pursue PhD or postdoctoral research at leading Swiss universities and research institutions. Funded by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), this scholarships to study abroad promotes international academic exchange and research collaboration between Switzerland and more than 180 countries worldwide. For the 2026/2027 academic year, recipients of this scholarships to study abroad receive a monthly allowance of approximately CHF 1,920 to cover living expenses, comprehensive health insurance for non EU/EFTA students, and a one time relocation grant of CHF 300. The selection process is highly competitive and evaluates the applicant’s academic excellence, the originality and feasibility of the proposed research project, and the potential for long-term collaboration between home and host institutions. To be eligible for this scholarship to study abroad, applicants must secure a formal letter of academic supervision from a Swiss professor before applying.

Institution: Accredited Swiss Universities / Research Institutions
Study in: Switzerland
Level of Study: PhD / Postdoctoral / Research Fellowships

Click here: for deadlines and the step-by-step application process.

2. Czech Government Scholarship

The Czech Government Scholarship provides a scholarships to study abroad for students from developing countries to pursue higher education at public universities in the Czech Republic. This long-standing program has supported over 20,000 international students since the 1950s, offering a pathway to study in either the Czech or English language. For students choosing to study in English, the scholarship covers specific Master’s and Doctoral programs, while those opting for Czech language programs typically receive a year-long preparatory course. The financial package includes full tuition fee coverage and a monthly stipend of approximately CZK 17,000 for PhD students or CZK 16,000 for Master’s students, which is intended to cover accommodation and living costs. To be eligible for the 2026 cycle, candidates must be citizens of selected countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Ukraine, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Cambodia, among others. Selection is based on academic merit, the relevance of the chosen field to the development needs of the applicant’s home country, and a successful entrance examination or interview conducted by the Czech embassy or host university.

Institution: Public Higher Education Institutions in the Czech Republic
Study in: Czech Republic
Level of Study: Master’s / PhD

Click here for deadlines and the step-by-step application process.

3. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Canada

The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is the University of Toronto’s most prestigious and competitive award for international students. Each year, approximately 37 exceptional students from around the world are selected as Pearson Scholars, based on their demonstration of outstanding academic achievement, creativity, and leadership potential within their high school communities. This is a fully funded four-year scholarship that covers full tuition fees, books, incidental fees, and full residence support during the undergraduate degree. To be eligible, applicants must be international students in their final year of secondary school (or graduated no earlier than June 2025) and be nominated by their current high school. The scholarship is tenable only at the University of Toronto, which is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the world. Beyond the financial support, Pearson Scholars join a dynamic community of high-achieving peers and receive dedicated advising and mentorship to support their academic and professional development throughout their four years in Canada.

Institution: University of Toronto
Study in: Canada
Level of Study: Undergraduate

Click here for deadlines and the step-by-step application process.

4. Jardine Scholarship

The Jardine Scholarship is a premier scholarships to study abroad award established by The Jardine Foundation to enable talented students from eligible Asian countries to attend the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge. This scholarship is designed to support future leaders who demonstrate academic excellence and a strong commitment to their communities. The award is comprehensive, generally covering full tuition fees, college fees, board and lodging, and a generous allowance for books and living expenses. It also includes round-trip airfare at the beginning and end of the course. Scholarships are tenable for undergraduate and postgraduate studies at specific colleges within Oxford and Cambridge, such as Exeter and Magdalen at Oxford, and Trinity and Magdalene at Cambridge. Applicants for the 2026 cycle must be ordinarily resident in countries where Jardine Matheson has significant business interests, including China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand. The selection process is rigorous, involving interviews that assess the candidate’s character, leadership potential, and academic suitability for the demanding environment of “Oxbridge”.

Institution: University of Oxford / University of Cambridge
Study in: UK
Level of Study: Undergraduate / Master’s / PhD

Click here for deadlines and the step-by-step application process.

5. Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s College Scholarship Program is one of the most generous undergraduate awards in the United States, designed for high-achieving high school seniors with significant financial need. This scholarship can provide as much as $55,000 per year to cover tuition, living expenses, books, and required fees at any four-year accredited undergraduate institution in the USA. To be eligible for the 2026 cycle, applicants must graduate from a U.S. high school in spring 2026 and demonstrate a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.75. While it is primarily for students attending high school in the U.S., it is inclusive of international and undocumented students who meet the residency and academic criteria. The Foundation looks for “Cooke Scholars” who exhibit not only academic excellence but also persistence, leadership, and a strong desire to give back to society. In addition to the financial award, scholars receive personalized advising on college selection, financial aid navigation, and transitioning to campus life, as well as access to a thriving network of fellow scholars and alumni.

Institution: Any accredited 4-year U.S. College or University
Study in: USA
Level of Study: Undergraduate

Click here for deadlines and the step-by-step application process.

6. Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is a highly prestigious, achievement-based scholarship awarded to 150 graduating high school seniors in the United States each year. Each scholar receives a $20,000 award to support their undergraduate studies at any accredited U.S. post-secondary institution. The program recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, a strong commitment to community service, and the potential to make a lasting impact on society. To be eligible for the 2026 academic year, applicants must be current high school seniors (including home-schooled students) attending school in the U.S. or select DoD schools and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. The selection process is intense, starting with an initial online application followed by semi-finalist and finalist stages that include detailed essays and interviews. Once selected, Coca-Cola Scholars become part of a powerful alumni network that provides ongoing support, networking opportunities, and professional development long after they have graduated from college.

Institution: Any accredited U.S. College or University
Study in: USA
Level of Study: Undergraduate

Click here for deadlines and the step-by-step application process.

7. Rhodes Scholarship

The Rhodes Scholarship is perhaps the most famous scholarships to study abroad for international postgraduate award, enabling talented young people from around the world to pursue full-time graduate studies at the University of Oxford. It is a fully funded scholarship that covers all University of Oxford course fees and provides an annual living stipend, which for the 2025-2026 cycle is £20,400 per annum (£1,700 per month). Additionally, the Rhodes Trust covers the cost of one economy class flight to Oxford at the start of the scholarship and one flight back home upon completion, as well as the student visa fee and the International Health Surcharge. For 2026, the scholarship is open to students from over 60 countries across more than 20 constituencies, including a “Global” category for applicants from countries not covered by existing constituencies. Candidates are selected based on their “outstanding intellect, character, leadership, and commitment to service”. Rhodes Scholars are not only expected to excel academically but also to engage in the Character, Service, and Leadership Programme (CSLP) at Rhodes House, which fosters a community of lifelong leaders dedicated to solving global challenges.

Institution: University of Oxford
Study in: UK
Level of Study: Postgraduate (Master’s / PhD)

Click here for deadlines and the step-by-step application process.

8. Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a fully funded postgraduate scholarships to study abroad award for international students from countries outside the United Kingdom to study at the University of Cambridge. Established in 2000 through a $210 million donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the program awards approximately 80 full-cost scholarships each year. For 2026, the scholarship covers the University Composition Fee, a maintenance allowance of up to £21,000 per year (for PhD students), travel costs, and visa fees. It also provides discretionary components such as academic development funding, family allowances, and maternity/paternity support. Candidates are evaluated on four main criteria: outstanding intellectual ability, leadership potential, a commitment to improving the lives of others, and a good fit between the applicant’s qualifications and the chosen postgraduate program at Cambridge. The scholarship is open to all fields of study available at the University, with the exception of certain professional degrees like the MBA or MFin. Gates Cambridge Scholars are expected to be visionary leaders who will contribute significantly to their respective fields and to society at large.

Institution: University of Cambridge
Study in: UK
Level of Study: Master’s / PhD

Click here for deadlines and the step-by-step application process.

9. Schwarzman Scholarship

The Schwarzman Scholarship is a fully funded scholarships to study abroad, one-year Master’s program in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing, designed to prepare the next generation of global leaders to navigate the complexities of China’s role in the 21st century. The scholarship is exceptionally comprehensive, covering full tuition, room and board, travel to and from Beijing, an in-country study tour, and all required books and supplies. Additionally, each scholar receives a $4,000 stipend for personal expenses. To be eligible for the 2026-2027 academic year, applicants must have earned an undergraduate degree by August 2026, be between 18 and 28 years old, and demonstrate high English proficiency. The curriculum is taught in English and focuses on leadership, public policy, and international studies, with many opportunities for cross-cultural engagement and mentorship from global leaders. Schwarzman Scholars live and study together at Schwarzman College, a state-of-the-art residential facility, fostering a deep and lasting international network.

Institution: Tsinghua University
Study in: China
Level of Study: Master’s in Global Affairs

Click here for deadlines and the step-by-step application process.

10. Knight-Hennessy Scholarship

The Knight-Hennessy Scholarship at Stanford University is a multidisciplinary and multicultural graduate scholarship program designed to develop a community of future global leaders. Each year, the program selects up to 100 scholars from all countries and disciplines who receive funding for up to three years of graduate study at Stanford. This fully funded award covers full tuition and associated fees, a stipend for living and academic expenses (including room and board, books, and local transportation), and an annual travel grant for one economy-class round trip to and from Stanford. For the 2026 intake, applicants must have earned their first bachelor’s degree in January 2019 or later. The program is open to students applying to any of Stanford’s 200+ graduate degrees, including DMA, JD, MA, MBA, MD, and PhD programs. Beyond the financial support, Knight-Hennessy Scholars participate in the King Global Leadership Program, which includes workshops, lectures by global leaders, and community-building activities aimed at fostering collaborative leadership and innovation.

Institution: Stanford University
Study in: USA
Level of Study: All Graduate Degrees (Master’s / PhD / JD / MD / etc.)

Click here for deadlines and the step-by-step application process.

11. McCall MacBain Scholarship

The McCall MacBain Scholarship is Canada’s first comprehensive leadership-based scholarship for master’s and professional undergraduate studies at McGill University. Each year, the program offers 20 full scholarships and up to 100 finalist and regional awards to students who demonstrate exceptional character, leadership, and community engagement. For the 2026 cohort, the full scholarship covers tuition and fees for an eligible program, a monthly living stipend of $2,300 CAD during academic terms, and a one-time relocation grant. The scholarship is tenable for over 150 different master’s programs and select professional undergraduate programs, such as Law or Medicine. To be eligible, applicants must have earned their first bachelor’s degree within the last five years or be on track to complete it by August 2027. McCall MacBain Scholars also benefit from a robust leadership development program that includes strategic planning workshops, public speaking training, and one-on-one mentorship from business, policy, and academic executives.