Scholarships and Fellowships Still Open from Now Until December 2026: As the second half of 2026 unfolds, many students are still searching for funding opportunities to support their academic goals. The good news is that a wide range of scholarships remain open, with application deadlines stretching from the present through December 2026.
These opportunities cover undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies across different countries and fields. Some are fully funded, while others offer partial support for tuition, living expenses, or research. Whether you are planning to study locally or abroad, several high-value scholarships are still accepting applications in the coming months.
This guide provides some Tier 1 scholarships among others that remain open until December 2026, giving you a clear overview of current options and helping you plan your applications before the deadlines close. Without wasting time, lets dive into it.
Scholarships & Fellowships to Apply for target from August–December 2026
| Scholarship / Programme | Level | Host | Deadline / period | Scholarship Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhodes Scholarship 2027 – West Africa | Master’s/PhD | Oxford, UK | 27 Aug 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| DAAD Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees / Cotutelle | PhD | Germany | 24 Sep 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| DAAD Doctoral Programmes in Germany | PhD | Germany | 24 Sep 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| DAAD Research Grants in Germany | PhD/Postdoc | Germany | 24 Sep 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| DAAD Architecture Postgraduate Scholarships | Master’s | Germany | 23 Sep 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| DAAD Music Postgraduate Scholarships | Master’s | Germany | 24 Sep 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Chevening Scholarships 2027/28 | Master’s | UK | 6 Oct 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Knight-Hennessy Scholars 2027 | Graduate | Stanford, USA | 6 Oct 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) | Master’s/PhD | Germany | Various Aug–Oct 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2027 | Undergraduate | Toronto, Canada | 16 Oct / 6 Nov 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| DAAD Performing Arts Scholarships | Postgraduate | Germany | 15 Oct 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027/28 | PhD/Postdoc/Research | Switzerland | Sept–Dec 2026, country dependent | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| DAAD Master’s Scholarships – regional calls | Master’s | Germany/various | Sept–Dec 2026 depending on region | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Other Scholarships and Fellowships to Look out for
1. Rhodes Scholarship 2027 – West Africa
Deadline: 27 August 2026.
The scholarship is for postgraduate study at the University of Oxford, with successful 2026 selections entering Oxford in October 2027.
The Rhodes Scholarship 2027 for West Africa is a prestigious, fully funded postgraduate scholarship that enables outstanding students from eligible West African countries to pursue full-time study at the University of Oxford in the UK. The scholarship is designed for academically strong candidates who demonstrate leadership, commitment to service, character, and the potential to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
For the 2027 entry, three scholarships are available for West Africa, covering countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger, Mali, Guinea, Benin, Burkina Faso, Togo, and others.
The scholarship covers Oxford University course fees and provides an annual living stipend. Selected scholars can generally study for two or more years, depending on their chosen Oxford programme and the applicable conditions of tenure.
For the 2027 scholarship, applications opened on 1 June 2026 and close at 23:59 GMT on 27 August 2026. Candidates must meet the West Africa constituency’s eligibility requirements, including its age and education criteria.
Successful candidates selected in 2026 will begin their studies at Oxford in October 2027. Applicants must first apply for the Rhodes Scholarship; those selected will subsequently apply to their chosen Oxford course with support from Rhodes House.
In short, the Rhodes Scholarship 2027 is a highly competitive opportunity for exceptional West African graduates who want to pursue postgraduate studies at Oxford while joining an international community of scholars and future leaders.
Read Full details:
- Rhodes Scholarship 2027 for West Africa
- Rhodes Trust East Africa Scholarship 2027
- Kenya Constituency Rhodes Trust Scholarship
- Zimbabwe Constituency Rhodes Scholarship
- Zambia Constituency Rhodes Scholarship
2. DAAD Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees / Cotutelle
Deadline: 24 September 2026 for the listed cycle.
The DAAD describes the programme as supporting doctoral candidates whose degrees are supervised by an academic at their home university and an adviser at a host institution in Germany. Summary
The DAAD Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees / Cotutelle programme supports international PhD candidates who want to carry out doctoral research jointly between their home university and a university or research institution in Germany. The programme has two pathways: the bi-national “sandwich” model, where the doctorate is awarded by the home university, and the Cotutelle model, where an individual agreement between the two universities allows the doctoral degree to be awarded jointly.
Successful applicants can receive €1,400 per month during their research stay in Germany, along with contributions toward health, accident and personal liability insurance. Depending on their circumstances, additional support such as travel allowances, rent subsidies and family allowances may also be available.
The programme is aimed at qualified doctoral candidates with a strong research proposal. Applicants generally must have obtained their latest university degree within the previous six years, while those who have already started their doctorate normally must not have been enrolled for more than three years at the application deadline. Applicants must also not have lived in Germany for more than 15 months at the deadline.
For the 2027 funding cycle, DAAD scholarship lists 16 November 2026 as the application deadline, but DAAD Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees / Cotutelle ends by 24th September 2026 with funding scheduled to begin in October 2027. However, applicants should check the DAAD database and country-specific information because deadlines can differ by applicant location.
In simple terms: this is an opportunity for PhD researchers to combine doctoral research at their home institution with a structured research period in Germany, while receiving DAAD financial support.
Read Full details:
3. DAAD Doctoral Programmes in Germany
Deadline: 24 September 2026 for the relevant listing.
The programme supports graduates and doctoral candidates pursuing doctoral studies in Germany, with eligible disciplines spanning areas such as social sciences, natural sciences, medicine, agriculture, engineering, arts and others. The DAAD EPOS programme offers fully funded scholarships for professionals from developing and newly industrialised countries to study selected Master’s (and some PhD) programmes at German universities.
Key Points
- Target group: Graduates with at least two years of relevant professional experience after their Bachelor’s degree.
- Goal: Train specialists and future leaders who will return home and contribute to sustainable development.
- Eligible programmes: Only specific development-related courses listed by DAAD (in fields such as economics, engineering, environmental sciences, public health, urban planning, agriculture, and social sciences).
- Duration: Usually 12–24 months for Master’s programmes.
- Benefits: Monthly stipend (€992 for Master’s), health insurance, travel allowance, and possible extra support.
- Application: Submit directly to the chosen university (not to DAAD). Deadlines vary by programme.
EPOS is highly competitive and prioritises candidates with strong academic results, clear development motivation, and the potential to create positive change in their home countries.
Read Full details:
4. DAAD Research Grants in Germany
Deadline: 24 September 2026 for the listed cycle.
This is another scholarship that targets researchers rather than only students. DAAD says the research grant can support doctoral research projects and early postdoctoral research in Germany. It is a Fully Funded Research Opportunity for PhD and Postdoctoral Researchers. The DAAD Research Grants in Germany programme supports short- to medium-term research stays in Germany for doctoral candidates and early-career postdoctoral researchers.
The grant allows researchers to carry out a specific research project at a German university or non-university research institute in cooperation with a scientific supervisor in Germany. Doctoral students enrolled at a university or research institution outside Germany, or Postdoctoral researchers (up to 4 years after completing their doctorate). However, You cannot apply if you are doing your entire doctorate at a German university. The duration of Funding is 2 to 12 months for Doctoral candidates and 2 to 6 months for Postdocs. The funding period cannot be split, and the research must take place in Germany. Funding must begin in the relevant intake year (e.g., 2027).
The Scholarship Benefits includes a Monthly stipend of €1,400, Contributions to health, accident, and personal liability insurance, Travel allowance and Research allowance of €460 (for stays longer than six months).
The Requirements includes; A well-defined research project agreed with a supervisor in Germany, Invitation or confirmation from a German host institution an a Strong academic record and a clear research plan. In short, this programme is ideal for PhD students and recent postdocs who want to conduct focused research in Germany for several months while remaining enrolled or based at their home institution.
Read full details:
5. DAAD Architecture Scholarships
Deadline: 23 September 2026.
The official DAAD database lists postgraduate study scholarships in architecture with funding beginning in September 2027. The DAAD Study Scholarships – Postgraduate Studies in the Field of Architecture programme supports international graduates who wish to continue their education in architecture and related fields at a German university.
The scholarship enables students to pursue a postgraduate degree or a complementary course in architecture in Germany. It also promotes professional exchange and networking among architects and related specialists. Applicants must hold a first university degree (usually a Bachelor’s) in one of the following fields by the time the scholarship begins:Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Landscape Planning, Urban Design / Urban Development and Monument Conservation / Building in Existing Contexts.
What Can Be Funded? A full Master’s or postgraduate degree programme leading to a formal qualification, or A complementary/continuing course that does not lead to a final degree. Additionally, studies must take place at a state or state-recognised German university.
For the duration of Funding; Master’s programmes will last for 10 to 24 months (depending on the length of the chosen programme). While for the Complementary courses: usually one academic year. Funding normally begins on 1 October of the year following the application (earlier if a German language course is taken beforehand).
The Scholarship Benefits includes; Monthly stipend of €992, Travel allowance, One-off study allowance, Health, accident, and personal liability insurance. There are also some possible additional benefits (rent subsidy, family allowance, Green Mobility Top-Up) under certain conditions.
The Requirements includes; Strong academic record,Degree not older than six years at the time of application (in most cases). Applicants should not have been living in Germany for more than 15 months at the application deadline. And lastly, a clear study project or motivation for studying architecture in Germany
In short: This DAAD scholarship is designed for architecture graduates who want to deepen their expertise in Germany through a Master’s programme or a specialised continuing course, with full financial support for living costs and related expenses.
Read full details:
- DAAD Architecture Scholarships 2027 in Germany: Eligibility and How to Apply
- DAAD Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines
- DAAD Third Country Programme Central America
- Host a German Research Intern with DAAD RISE Worldwide
6. Chevening Scholarships 2027/28
This is a very important scholarship you shouldn’t miss to apply for. The official Chevening application page currently shows applications closing on 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC. The Chevening Scholarships are the UK Government’s flagship awards for outstanding emerging leaders from around the world. Funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations, the programme supports a one-year master’s degree at any eligible UK university.
Chevening aims to develop global leaders who can drive positive change in their home countries. Scholars join a powerful international network and gain the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to influence their professional fields and communities.
To be eligible to apply, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory
- Return to their home country for at least two years after the scholarship
- Hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies them for a UK master’s programme
- Have completed their undergraduate degree at least two years before the application deadline
- Have at least two years of work experience (equivalent to 2,800 hours) gained after graduation
- Apply to three eligible UK master’s courses and secure an unconditional offer from at least one by the stated deadline
Successful applicants will be funded with, Full tuition fees, Monthly living stipend, Return airfare to the UK, Arrival and departure allowances, Visa costs as well as Travel grants to attend Chevening events.
The Duration is for one-year taught master’s degree (starting September/October 2027).
The Application Timeline (2027/28 Cycle) has the following information; Applications open on 4 August 2026 while Applications close: 6 October 2026 (11:00 UTC). The Interview will begin around March–April 2027 and the final intake results comes out from mid-June 2027. Bear in mind that the Unconditional university offer deadline is 8 July 2027.
The Selection Criteria is simple. Chevening looks for candidates who demonstrate: Leadership and influencing ability, Networking skills, a clear career plan and a strong motivation to create positive change in their home country
In short: Chevening is a fully funded, highly competitive UK master’s scholarship for experienced professionals with leadership potential who are committed to returning home and contributing to their country’s development.
Read full details:
- Chevening Scholarships 2027/28: Applications Open for Fully Funded UK Master’s Study
- Chevening Scholarship 2027/28 for Nigerians: Eligibility, Benefits and How to Apply
- Application Open for 2027–2028 Chevening Scholarship in South Africa
- Chevening Scholarship Kenya Constituency
7. Knight-Hennessy Scholars 2027
Deadline: 6 October 2026 according to the current 2026 scholarship listings.
This is a Stanford University graduate scholarship and would be great if you apply for it before the deadline. The Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) programme at Stanford University is one of the world’s most prestigious fully funded graduate scholarships. It supports outstanding students from all countries and disciplines to pursue any full-time graduate degree at Stanford while developing as visionary leaders.
Knight-Hennessy Scholars builds a multidisciplinary and multicultural community of graduate students. The programme prepares scholars to become independent thinkers, purposeful leaders, and collaborative citizens who can address complex global challenges.
There are no restrictions based on age, nationality, field of study, or career goals. Applicants must meet two baseline requirements for the 2027 cohort: Firstly, apply to, be accepted by, and enroll in a full-time Stanford graduate degree programme (e.g., MA, MS, MBA, MD, JD, PhD, etc.). Secondly, applicants must have earned a U.S. bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in January 2020 or later. Please note that military veterans have an extended window (degree earned in January 2018 or later). Current undergraduates are eligible if they will complete their first degree by September 2027.
Scholars receive up to three years of funding, which includes: Full tuition and associated fees, Stipend for living and academic expenses, Annual travel stipend (one economy-class trip to/from Stanford) and One-time relocation stipend for new scholars.
The Duration is up to three years of graduate study at Stanford (depending on the degree programme). Applicants must submit two separate applications: one to Knight-Hennessy Scholars and one (or more) to their chosen Stanford graduate programme(s).
The selection criteria is very easy. The programme looks for evidence of: Independence of Thought, Purposeful Leadership and Civic Mindset. In short, Knight-Hennessy Scholars 2027 is a highly competitive, fully funded opportunity for exceptional individuals from any country to pursue graduate study at Stanford while joining a diverse leadership community dedicated to positive global impact.
Full Details:
8. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2027
The current scholarship of the school calendar lists the deadline as 16 October and 6 November 2026, depending on the stage of the application process. This is an undergraduate scholarship for secondary school graduates. The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto is one of Canada’s most prestigious fully funded undergraduate scholarships for international students. It recognises outstanding students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, creativity, and leadership.
The scholarship aims to attract top international talent to the University of Toronto and support students who show strong potential as future leaders in their communities and beyond.
Applicants must: Be an international student (non-Canadian requiring a study permit). They must also be in their final year of secondary school in 2026/2027, or have graduated no earlier than June 2026. All appllicants must begin undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto in September 2027. Lastly, applicants must be nominated by their secondary school.
Note: Students already enrolled in post-secondary studies, or those starting studies in January 2027, are not eligible.
The scholarship is fully funded for four years and covers: Full tuition fees, Books, Incidental fees and Full residence support. Approximately 37 scholarships are awarded each year.
A Duration of four years of undergraduate study at the University of Toronto (renewable annually based on satisfactory academic performance).
The Deadlines (2027 Entry)
- School nomination deadline: 9 October 2026
- University of Toronto admission application deadline: 16 October 2026
- Pearson Scholarship application deadline: around early/mid-November 2026 (typically 6–9 November)
The Application Process are; Fight, get nominated by your secondary school (each school can nominate only one student). Secondly, apply for undergraduate admission to the University of Toronto. Lastly, complete the Pearson Scholarship application using the private link provided after nomination.
In short, the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is a highly competitive, fully funded four-year undergraduate award at the University of Toronto for exceptional international secondary school students who show academic excellence and leadership potential.
Full Details:
- Lester B. Pearson Scholarship 2027 at University of Toronto: Eligibility and How to Apply
9. DAAD Performing Arts Scholarships
The DAAD database currently lists a 15 October 2026 deadline for the postgraduate performing arts scholarship.
The DAAD Study Scholarships – Postgraduate Studies in the Field of the Performing Arts programme supports international graduates who wish to continue their artistic education in Germany. The scholarship enables talented performing artists to pursue advanced studies or specialised artistic projects at German universities or arts institutions. It also promotes professional exchange and networking within the international performing arts community.
Applicants must hold a first university degree in the performing arts by the time the scholarship begins. Eligible fields include: Drama, Musicals, Performance Studies, Dance, Choreography and Theatre Directing / Theatre Dramaturgy.
What Can Be Funded includes A full Master’s or postgraduate degree leading to a formal qualification, or a complementary/continuing course or independent artistic project that does not lead to a final degree. Studies must take place at a state or state-recognised German university or arts institution.
The duration of funding is typically 10 to 24 months for Master’s programmes. While the Complementary courses or projects usually one academic year (10–12 months).
Successful applicants with benefit a Monthly stipend of €992, Travel allowance, One-off study allowance Health, accident, and personal liability insurance. Possible additional benefits includes (rent subsidy, family allowance) under certain conditions
The are four main requirements. First, applicants must have a strong artistic qualification demonstrated through academic achievements and work samples. Secondly, their Degree generally should not be older than six years at the time of application. Thirdly, applicants should not have been resident in Germany for more than 15 months at the application deadline. Lastly, submission of artistic work samples (videos, project documentation, etc.) according to the specific requirements for each discipline.
In short, this DAAD scholarship is designed for highly talented performing artists who want to deepen their skills in drama, dance, directing, choreography, or related fields through postgraduate study or specialised artistic projects in Germany.
Full Details:
- DAAD Performing Arts Scholarships 2027 in Germany: Applications and Eligibility
10. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027/28
Application Timeline
- Applications open: 20 August 2026
- Deadlines: Country-specific (usually between September and December 2026)
- Scholarship start: September 2027
These are particularly useful for your people waiting to apply by December because application deadlines is different by country and generally fall within September–December 2026. Current scholarship listings identify the 2027 intake as having country-specific deadlines in that period.
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are prestigious awards offered by the Swiss Confederation to promote international exchange and research cooperation. They are mainly intended for talented early-career researchers and artists from abroad. The programme supports outstanding foreign students and researchers to pursue advanced studies or research at Swiss higher education institutions, strengthening academic ties between Switzerland and over 180 countries.
This SWISS Scholarship has three Types for (2027/28). Starting from the 2027/28 academic year, the available types are:
- Research Fellowships – For postgraduate researchers (any discipline) to conduct research in Switzerland (usually 6–12 months)
- PhD Scholarships – For full doctoral studies in Switzerland (renewable, up to 3–4 years)
- Art Scholarships – For a first Master’s degree in an artistic field (available only to applicants from selected countries)
Note: Postdoctoral scholarships have been discontinued from the 2027/28 cycle. The eligible applicants must be a Citizens of one of the approximately 183 eligible countries. They must Holders of a Master’s degree (or equivalent) for research and PhD scholarships. Also, the maximum age generally 35 years (born after 31 December 1991 in most cases). Additionally, applicants must have a confirmed academic supervisor at a Swiss university or research institute (for research and PhD scholarships).
All successful applicants of this Scholarship will benefits a Monthly stipend of CHF 2,450 and One-time housing allowance of CHF 600. They will also have Health and accident insurance (for non-EU/EFTA scholarship holders). Their Return flight allowance (for non-EU/EFTA grantees, paid at the end of the scholarship) is sure.
Tuition or semester fees are generally not covered and must be paid by the scholarship holder if required by the institution. Applications are submitted through the official Go-ESKAS portal and via the Swiss diplomatic representation in the applicant’s country of origin.
In short, the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027/28 offer fully funded opportunities for talented researchers and artists to study or conduct research in Switzerland, with a strong focus on doctoral-level work and research fellowships.
Full Details:
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027/28: Fully Funded Scholarships in Switzerland
List of the most important Scholarships to Apply for
If your objective is traffic + Google News-style timely content, I would prioritize these:
🔴 Scholarships with deadlines of August – September – Almost Closing
- Rhodes Scholarship 2027 West Africa – 27 August
- DAAD Cotutelle Doctoral Scholarships – 24 September
- DAAD Research Grants – 24 September
- DAAD Doctoral Programmes – 24 September
- DAAD Architecture Scholarships – 23 September
- Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) Fellowship – August 25
🟠 Scholarships with deadlines of September–October
- Chevening Scholarships 2027/28 – 6 October
- Knight-Hennessy Scholars 2027 – 6 October
- DAAD Performing Arts Scholarships – 15 October
- Lester B. Pearson Scholarship 2027 – October/November
- DAAD EPOS scholarships – programme-specific deadlines
🟢 Scholarships with deadlines of November–December
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027/28
- DAAD programmes with November deadlines
- DAAD programmes with December deadlines
- University-specific scholarships for 2027 entry
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programmes opening for 2027 intake
What You Need to Know: Always Verify Scholarship Legitimacy, Fellowships, Grants, and Financial Aid Funding to Avoid Scam. Be careful and Take a look at How to Avoid Scams: Legitimate Government Grants, Fellowships, Scholarships will not ask you for any Upfront Payments.
Conclusion
With several scholarships still accepting applications through December 2026, students still have valuable opportunities to secure funding for their studies. The key is to act early, carefully review eligibility requirements, and prepare strong application materials before the deadlines pass.
Whether you are targeting fully funded international programs or local awards, the remaining months of 2026 offer a realistic window to strengthen your academic and financial future. Stay organized, track closing dates, and submit your applications on time to maximize your chances of success.