Fully Funded Scholarships: International students planning to study abroad in 2027 can target major government and university-backed scholarships in the UK, Canada, Germany, Australia, Europe, Japan, South Korea and Türkiye. This guide highlights 10 major opportunities, their study levels, funding, eligibility considerations, 2027 application timelines and the best strategy for preparing early. “Updated August 29, 2026”.
The cost of studying abroad continues to make international education difficult for many students. Tuition can run into tens of thousands of dollars, while accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, flights and visa expenses can add substantially to the overall cost.
Therefore, all students who do not have the financial resources to cover these expenses, fully funded scholarships can provide a pathway to studying overseas without carrying the full financial burden themselves.
However, scholarship applicants need to be careful. Not every scholarship advertised online as “fully funded” covers exactly the same expenses. Some cover tuition and living costs, while others provide a fixed stipend, accommodation contribution or travel allowance. Some university scholarships cover full tuition but do not pay living expenses.
For students targeting the 2027/28 academic year, preparation should already be underway. Several major scholarship deadlines fall months before universities begin their 2027 academic sessions. Some 2027 opportunities are already open, while others have confirmed future opening dates.
2027 Fully Funded Scholarship Opportunities at a Glance
| Scholarship | Destination | Study level | 2027 status/timeline | Main funding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters | Europe | Master’s | Most applications Oct 2026–Jan 2027 | Scholarship may cover participation costs, travel, living and insurance |
| Chevening Scholarship | UK | Master’s | Applications close 6 Oct 2026 | Tuition, stipend, travel and other allowances |
| Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship | UK | Master’s | Opens 8 Sept 2026; closes 20 Oct 2026 | Tuition, living allowance and other approved costs |
| DAAD Scholarships | Germany | Master’s/PhD/Research | Deadlines vary by programme | Stipend and programme-specific benefits |
| Australia Awards | Australia | Mainly Master’s | 2027 Africa round closed 30 Apr 2026 | Tuition, travel, living and other benefits |
| MEXT Scholarship | Japan | Undergraduate/Master’s/PhD/Research | Embassy and university routes vary | Tuition, stipend and airfare |
| Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) | South Korea | Undergraduate/Graduate | Annual schedules vary by category | Tuition, stipend, airfare and other support |
| Stipendium Hungaricum | Hungary | Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD | Annual call generally opens late year | Tuition-free study, stipend, accommodation contribution and insurance |
| Türkiye Scholarships | Türkiye | Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD | Annual general period: Jan 10–Feb 20 | Tuition, stipend, accommodation, insurance and travel |
| Lester B. Pearson Scholarship | Canada | Undergraduate | 2027-entry process underway in 2026 | Tuition, books, incidental fees and residence for four years |
Important: Application dates can differ by nationality, scholarship track, programme and university. Applicants should always verify the current call before submitting an application.
1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships
Destination: Europe
Study level: Master’s
Programme: Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programme is one of Europe’s most attractive scholarship routes for international postgraduate students.
Unlike a conventional master’s degree completed at one university, Erasmus Mundus programmes are organised by international consortia of higher-education institutions.
Students may therefore study in more than one country during the programme.
The European Commission states that a new group of Erasmus Mundus master’s programmes is selected each year. In most cases, students apply between October and January for courses beginning the following academic year, although the exact deadline is determined by the individual master’s programme.
Typical scholarship benefits
Depending on the programme, an Erasmus Mundus scholarship can provide substantial financial support including:
- Participation costs;
- Tuition-related costs;
- Travel support;
- Visa-related assistance;
- Living allowance;
- Insurance.
Who should apply?
The programme is particularly suitable for students with:
- A strong bachelor’s degree;
- Academic excellence;
- Relevant extracurricular or professional experience;
- A clear interest in the chosen master’s field;
- Strong motivation for international study.
2027 application window
Expected in many programmes: October 2026–January 2027.
There is no single Erasmus Mundus deadline. Applicants must visit the website of the specific master’s programme.
Official application route
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship Full details
Official European Commission information
2. Chevening Scholarships 2027/28
Destination: United Kingdom
Study level: Master’s
Sponsor: UK Government
Chevening is one of the UK’s most recognised scholarships for international students.
It supports one-year master’s study in the United Kingdom and places considerable emphasis on leadership, influence, career development and the applicant’s potential to create positive change.
This makes Chevening particularly attractive to professionals and emerging leaders rather than applicants who are relying solely on academic grades.
What the scholarship can provide
Chevening funding generally includes:
- University tuition fees;
- Monthly living allowance;
- Travel to and from the UK;
- Arrival allowance;
- Departure allowance;
- Visa application cost;
- Other approved allowances.
2027/28 deadline
The current Chevening application cycle for study beginning in 2027 closes on:
6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
The official timeline indicates that applications are sifted from October 2026, interviews take place around March–April 2027 and results are expected in June 2027
Who should apply?
Strong candidates generally demonstrate:
- Leadership;
- Work experience;
- Career progression;
- Community or professional impact;
- Clear career goals;
- A strong reason for selecting their UK courses.
Important warning
Applicants should not wait until the final week.
Chevening states that applicants cannot access the online application system after the deadline.
Official application route
Chevening Scholarships full details – Pick your choice
3. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027/28
Destination: United Kingdom
Study level: Master’s
Sponsor: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship is particularly important for applicants from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries.
The programme is designed to support talented individuals whose proposed studies can contribute to sustainable development.
2027/28 application dates
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission has confirmed that applications for the 2027/28 academic year will:
Open: 8 September 2026
Close: 20 October 2026 at 16:00 BST
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission scholarships are for study beginning in September/October 2027.
Funding
Depending on the applicable award conditions, support can include:
- Approved tuition fees;
- Living allowance;
- Airfare;
- Study-related allowances;
- Other approved expenses.
Who should consider this scholarship?
It can be particularly relevant to students who:
- Are citizens of eligible Commonwealth countries;
- Have strong academic records;
- Need financial support for postgraduate study;
- Can demonstrate development potential;
- Intend to use their education to contribute to their home country or wider development goals.
Application route
Applications are submitted through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s designated system, and applicants should also check whether their country or nominating body has additional requirements.
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission – Master’s Scholarships
4. DAAD Scholarships in Germany
Destination: Germany
Study level: Mainly Master’s, PhD and research
Sponsor: German Academic Exchange Service
DAAD is not one single scholarship.
This is an important distinction for international students.
The German Academic Exchange Service operates a large number of scholarship programmes covering different academic levels, countries and fields.
The official DAAD information states that its scholarships are aimed primarily at graduates, doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers undertaking study and research in Germany.
Potential benefits
Depending on the programme, applicants may receive:
- Monthly scholarship payments;
- Travel allowance;
- Health insurance;
- Research allowance;
- Family-related support in some cases;
- Other programme-specific benefits.
2027 deadlines
There is no single DAAD deadline.
Each programme has its own application schedule.
For example, the DAAD Study Scholarships for Master’s Studies currently listed for funding beginning in 2027 state that funding normally begins in October 2027.
Other DAAD programmes may close much earlier or later.
Who should apply?
DAAD can be particularly attractive to:
- Graduates;
- Researchers;
- PhD applicants;
- Development professionals;
- Students interested in Germany’s research-intensive universities.
Best strategy
Do not search for “the DAAD scholarship” as though it were a single award.
Use the DAAD database to find the programme that corresponds to your nationality, academic level and field.
DAAD Scholarships Full details
Official Overview and DAAD Scholarship Database
5. Australia Awards Scholarships
Destination: Australia
Study level: Mainly postgraduate
Sponsor: Australian Government
Australia Awards Scholarships are designed to contribute to the development priorities of participating countries.
They are therefore different from scholarships that simply reward academic excellence.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate how their education will contribute to development after returning to their home country.
Funding can include
- Full tuition;
- Return air travel;
- Living expenses;
- Establishment allowance;
- Overseas Student Health Cover;
- Introductory academic programme;
- Other eligible benefits.
2027 intake status
For applicants from Africa, the Australia Awards information for study commencing in 2027 listed:
Opening: 1 February 2026
Closing: 30 April 2026
The 2027 Africa application round has therefore already closed as of August 2026. (DFAT)
This is an important example of why students should begin their scholarship search early.
A student who starts looking for 2027 scholarships in late 2026 may already have missed some major opportunities.
Who should prepare for the next round?
Applicants from eligible countries who:
- Have relevant professional experience;
- Have a strong academic background;
- Work in areas connected to development priorities;
- Have clear leadership potential;
- Can explain how their education will benefit their country.
Australia Awards Scholarships Full details
6. MEXT Scholarship 2027
Destination: Japan
Study levels: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD and research categories
Sponsor: Japanese Government
The Japanese Government’s MEXT Scholarship is one of the major fully funded government scholarship routes for international students. The programme covers different categories, so applicants must identify the correct scholarship type.
Main application routes
Students can generally apply through:
Embassy Recommendation
or
University Recommendation
The official Study in Japan portal provides separate application information for categories including research students and undergraduate applicants.
Potential benefits
Depending on the scholarship category, MEXT support can include:
- Monthly allowance;
- Tuition and admission fees;
- Airfare;
- Preparatory education where applicable.
2027 application timing
Embassy-recommendation applications are generally conducted by Japanese diplomatic missions before the academic year begins, meaning students targeting 2027 should monitor their Japanese embassy or consulate from early in the preceding year.
The exact schedule differs by country.
Who should apply?
MEXT is worth considering for:
- Undergraduate students;
- Master’s applicants;
- PhD candidates;
- Research students;
- Applicants interested in Japanese universities and research.
Important point
Do not rely on a single country’s MEXT deadline.
Your application schedule may depend on the Japanese embassy responsible for your country.
Study in Japan – MEXT Scholarship Information
7. Global Korea Scholarship 2027
Destination: South Korea
Study levels: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD and research categories
Sponsor: Korean Government
The Global Korea Scholarship, commonly known as GKS, provides international students with opportunities to pursue higher education in South Korea.
The programme is administered through the Korean government’s international education system.
Application routes
Depending on the programme, applicants can use:
- Embassy Track;
- University Track.
The official Study in Korea platform confirms these two major application routes for GKS degree programmes.
Potential benefits
GKS support can include:
- Tuition;
- Monthly allowance;
- Airfare;
- Medical insurance;
- Settlement support;
- Korean-language training where applicable.
Academic requirement
For graduate applicants, the official scholarship information currently states an academic requirement based on an average of at least 80% from the most recent academic programme, subject to the applicable guidelines.
2027 application timing
GKS schedules differ by category.
Students should monitor the official Study in Korea scholarship notices rather than relying on old social-media deadlines.
The Korean government publishes scholarship announcements and application guidelines through its official platform.
Best candidates
GKS can be suitable for students with:
- Strong academic records;
- International study ambitions;
- Interest in Korean universities;
- Relevant extracurricular achievements;
- Strong motivation for studying in South Korea.
Study in Korea – Global Korea Scholarship Full details
8. Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship
Destination: Hungary
Study levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, one-tier Master’s, PhD and selected non-degree programmes
Sponsor: Hungarian Government
Stipendium Hungaricum is one of Europe’s major government scholarship programmes for international students. It is particularly useful because it covers several academic levels.
Scholarship benefits
The programme can provide:
- Tuition-free education;
- Monthly stipend;
- Accommodation contribution;
- Medical insurance.
The official programme’s previous call illustrates this funding structure.
2027 application timing
The exact 2027/28 call should be checked when published.
The programme historically opens applications toward the end of the year for study beginning the following academic year.
Students should therefore begin monitoring the official application portal from late 2026.
Important eligibility consideration
Not every programme is necessarily available to applicants from every country.
Applicants must check:
- Sending-partner status;
- Eligible study fields;
- Available universities;
- Degree level;
- Country-specific requirements.
Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Full details
9. Türkiye Scholarships 2027
Destination: Türkiye
Study levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD
Sponsor: Government of Türkiye
Türkiye Scholarships is one of the broadest government scholarship programmes available to international students.
It combines scholarship funding with university and programme placement.
Potential benefits
Depending on the category, the scholarship can provide:
- Tuition fees;
- Monthly stipend;
- Accommodation;
- Health insurance;
- Flight ticket;
- University placement;
- Turkish language training.
The official programme also states that students who do not already have the required Turkish proficiency may be required to undertake a one-year Turkish language programme, including students placed in programmes taught in another language.
Application period
Türkiye Scholarships’ official annual calendar lists the general application period as:
10 January – 20 February
The programme also publishes separate periods for research and success scholarships.
Therefore, students targeting the 2027 intake should prepare their applications before January 2027 and confirm the final dates when the 2027 call is released.
Who should apply?
The scholarship is suitable for students across many academic disciplines, although specific programme restrictions apply.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong academic performance;
- Appropriate academic background;
- Clear study objectives;
- Eligibility for the selected programme.
Türkiye Scholarships Full details
10. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2027
Destination: Canada
University: University of Toronto
Study level: Undergraduate
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is different from most of the government scholarships on this list because it is a university-specific undergraduate scholarship.
It is designed for exceptional international secondary-school students entering undergraduate study at the University of Toronto.
The university says the scholarship covers tuition, books, incidental fees and residence for four years. Approximately 37 students are selected each year.
What makes Pearson different?
The programme looks beyond grades.
The University of Toronto highlights:
- Exceptional academic achievement;
- Creativity;
- Leadership;
- Impact within the school and community;
- Global potential.
2027 entry deadline
For students seeking admission for the 2027 academic year, the current Pearson scholarship application deadline is:
6 November 2026
Students must first be nominated by their school and then receive the private scholarship application link.
Who should apply?
This is primarily for students who are:
- Completing secondary school;
- International students;
- Entering their first undergraduate degree;
- Academically exceptional;
- Active in leadership or community activities.
Important
This is not a master’s scholarship.
International graduates looking for postgraduate funding at the University of Toronto must explore other funding options.
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship – University of Toronto
An Important 2027 Scholarship Many African Students Should Also Watch
Rhodes Scholarship 2027 at Oxford
Although the Rhodes Scholarship is not included in the 10-item list above because its 2027 West Africa deadline has already passed, it deserves attention from African students planning future applications.
The Rhodes Scholarship provides postgraduate study at the University of Oxford.
For the 2027 entry, applications for the West Africa constituency opened on 1 June 2026 and closed at 23:59 GMT on 27 August 2026.
The West Africa constituency includes three scholarships.
Students who missed the 2027 deadline should begin preparing for the next cycle rather than waiting until applications reopen.
- Zambia Rhodes Scholarship
- Zimbabwe Rhodes Scholarship
- Kenya Rhodes Trust Scholarship
- East Africa Rhodes Scholarship
- Nigeria Rhodes Scholarship UK
- Rhodes Scholarships – Official Website
Which 2027 Scholarship Is Best for You?
There is no single best scholarship for every international student.
Your strongest option depends on your study level.
| Your situation | Scholarships worth prioritising |
|---|---|
| Secondary-school student | Pearson, MEXT, GKS, Türkiye Scholarships, Stipendium Hungaricum |
| Bachelor’s graduate | Erasmus Mundus, Chevening, Commonwealth, DAAD, Australia Awards |
| PhD applicant | DAAD, MEXT, GKS, Commonwealth PhD, university research funding |
| Development professional | Chevening, Commonwealth, Australia Awards, DAAD |
| Research-focused applicant | DAAD, MEXT, Erasmus Mundus, GKS |
| African applicant | Commonwealth, DAAD, Australia Awards, Erasmus Mundus, Chevening, MEXT, GKS |
This is only a starting point. Nationality-specific requirements can change which scholarships are actually available.
2027 Scholarship Deadlines Students Should Put on Their Calendar
Several important deadlines are already known.
September 2026
8 September 2026: Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027/28 open.
October 2026
6 October 2026: Chevening 2027/28 applications close.
20 October 2026: Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships close at 16:00 BST.
November 2026
6 November 2026: Lester B. Pearson scholarship application deadline.
October 2026–January 2027
Many Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programmes accept applications during this period, although each programme establishes its own deadline.
January–February 2027
Türkiye Scholarships’ normal annual application period is 10 January–20 February, although applicants should verify the specific 2027 call.
Throughout the year
DAAD, MEXT and GKS deadlines are different according to programme, country, embassy route and university.
Scholarships That Are Already Closed for Some 2027 Applicants
A major mistake students make is assuming that every 2027 scholarship will open in late 2026.
That is not true.
The Australia Awards Africa 2027 intake, for example, opened on 1 February 2026 and closed on 30 April 2026.
Similarly, the Rhodes West Africa 2027 application closed on 27 August 2026.
This means students planning for 2028 should already be watching scholarship calendars in 2026 and 2027.
Fully Funded Does Not Mean Every Expense Is Guaranteed
The phrase “fully funded” is frequently misunderstood.
A scholarship may cover:
- Full tuition;
- Monthly stipend;
- Accommodation;
- Travel;
- Health insurance.
But the precise package varies.
For example, Stipendium Hungaricum lists tuition-free education, a monthly stipend, accommodation contribution and medical insurance.
That does not necessarily mean every student’s actual accommodation and living costs will be covered in full.
Similarly, government scholarships may have allowances that are designed to contribute toward expenses rather than reimburse every cost.
Applicants should therefore calculate their expected:
Tuition + accommodation + food + insurance + transportation + visa + flights + personal expenses
and compare that with the actual scholarship package.
Do You Need a First Class or 4.0 GPA?
Not necessarily. Different scholarships use different academic requirements. Some have explicit GPA or percentage thresholds.
Others assess academic excellence alongside:
- Leadership;
- Work experience;
- Research;
- Community service;
- Career objectives;
- Personal statements;
- Development impact.
For example, Chevening is explicitly designed around emerging leadership and influence, while Pearson considers academic achievement together with creativity and leadership.
The right strategy is therefore not simply: “Get a perfect GPA and apply.”
It is: Strong academics + relevant experience + leadership + excellent application + scholarship fit.
Best Strategy for Winning a 2027 Scholarship
Start before the application opens
Do not begin preparing your application when the deadline is only two weeks away.
Start by researching the scholarship’s previous requirements and preparing your documents.
Build a scholarship calendar
Record:
- Opening date;
- Closing date;
- Study level;
- GPA requirement;
- Age limit;
- Work experience;
- Required documents;
- Recommendation requirements;
- Official application website.
Prepare a master CV
Keep an updated CV containing:
- Education;
- Employment;
- Leadership;
- Volunteering;
- Research;
- Awards;
- Publications;
- Certifications;
- Community activities.
Develop a strong personal story
Your application should explain:
Where you are now → what problem you want to solve → why this degree is necessary → why this university → how the scholarship will help → what you intend to do afterward.
Customise every application
Do not send the same essay to Chevening, DAAD, Erasmus Mundus and Commonwealth.
Each scholarship has different objectives.
Pros and Cons of Fully Funded Scholarships
Advantages
Lower financial pressure
The biggest advantage is the reduction in tuition and living expenses.
Access to international universities
Scholarships can make universities that would otherwise be financially inaccessible realistic options.
International networks
Government and major university scholarships often create strong alumni communities.
Career opportunities
Scholarship programmes can provide access to professional networks, conferences, research and leadership opportunities.
International experience
Students gain exposure to different academic and cultural environments.
Potential Disadvantages and Challenges
Extremely competitive
Major scholarships attract applicants from around the world.
Extensive application requirements
Some programmes require essays, references, transcripts, interviews and additional documentation.
Scholarship conditions
Some awards impose conditions concerning academic progress, residence or return to the home country.
Limited programme choices
A scholarship may not fund every university or academic discipline.
Funding may not cover every personal expense
Even a fully funded award can have limits.
Visa Requirements After Winning a Scholarship
Winning the scholarship does not automatically mean you can travel immediately.
You still need the appropriate student visa. The process differs by destination. There’s a full detail of how to apply for visa here. Before you plan your travel, there are 26 Questions to Ask your Travel Agent before applying for Visa to Schengen countries, Canada, USA, Australia, Netherlands.
United Kingdom
Students normally need to meet the requirements for the UK’s student visa route and obtain the relevant documents from their university and scholarship provider.
Germany
Students generally need to obtain the appropriate German national student visa where required and provide evidence of admission and financial support.
A scholarship award can be important evidence of funding, but applicants must still satisfy the visa requirements.
Australia
Students need the appropriate Australian student visa and must meet the government’s visa requirements.
Japan
MEXT scholars follow the visa and admission procedures applicable to their scholarship category.
South Korea
GKS scholars must complete the appropriate admission and visa procedures after selection.
Canada
Pearson Scholars still need to satisfy Canada’s study-permit requirements after receiving the scholarship.
Important: Scholarship funding and visa approval are separate decisions. A scholarship does not automatically guarantee a visa.
Documents 2027 Applicants Should Start Preparing Now
International students should consider preparing the following documents well in advance:
- International passport;
- Academic transcripts;
- Degree certificate;
- Secondary-school certificate where applicable;
- CV;
- Personal statement;
- Motivation letter;
- Recommendation letters;
- Research proposal;
- English-language test result where required;
- Academic certificates;
- Professional certificates;
- Employment evidence;
- Leadership evidence;
- Volunteer/community-service evidence;
- Portfolio where applicable.
Not every scholarship requires every document.
How Many Scholarships Should You Apply For?
Students should avoid relying on one scholarship. There’s a publication on “How Many Scholarships Should an Average International Student Apply For?” Follow the Smart Application Strategy by EducationUSA.
A practical portfolio might include:
3 highly competitive scholarships
These are your ambitious choices.
4–6 strong-fit scholarships
These should closely match your qualifications.
3–5 university or alternative funding opportunities
These can provide additional routes to financial support.
This can give an applicant roughly 10–15 serious opportunities without sacrificing application quality.
The objective should not be to submit the largest number of applications.
It should be to submit the largest number of applications that you can genuinely prepare well.
Common Mistakes That Can Ruin a Scholarship Application
Using false information
Never exaggerate grades, employment history, leadership positions or achievements.
Ignoring eligibility conditions
If a scholarship is restricted to certain countries or academic levels, meeting other requirements will not make you eligible.
Submitting generic essays
Scholarship committees can usually tell when an essay has been copied or recycled.
Missing nomination procedures
Some awards require nomination by a school or institution.
Pearson, for example, requires international applicants to be nominated by their secondary school.
Waiting until the deadline
Technical problems, recommendation letters and document verification can take time.
Paying someone who promises a guaranteed scholarship
No legitimate scholarship consultant can guarantee that a student will win a competitive government scholarship.
A 2027 Preparation Roadmap
August–September 2026
- Identify scholarships;
- Check eligibility;
- Prepare CV;
- Contact recommenders;
- Begin essays;
- Check passport validity.
September–October 2026
Focus heavily on:
- Commonwealth;
- Chevening;
- Early Erasmus Mundus preparation.
November–December 2026
Prepare for:
- Erasmus Mundus;
- DAAD programmes;
- Stipendium Hungaricum;
- University scholarships.
January–February 2027
Watch for:
- Türkiye Scholarships;
- GKS-related calls depending on category;
- Additional university awards;
- Other government scholarship calls.
Throughout 2027
Monitor:
- MEXT;
- DAAD;
- University scholarships;
- Research funding;
- Country-specific scholarship opportunities.
The Best Scholarship Is the One That Fits Your Profile
A scholarship should not be selected simply because it provides the largest amount of money.
Students should ask:
- Does it accept my nationality?
- Does it fund my degree level?
- Will my low GPA affect me?
- Does it support my field?
- Do I meet the academic requirement?
- Do I meet the age requirement?
- Does it require work experience?
- Can I meet the application deadline?
- Does the funding package cover my actual needs?
- Does the programme fit my long-term career plan?
If the answer to these questions is yes, the scholarship deserves serious consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best fully funded scholarship for international students in 2027?
There is no universal best scholarship. Erasmus Mundus, Chevening, Commonwealth, DAAD, Australia Awards, MEXT and GKS are among the major government or internationally backed opportunities, but the best choice depends on the student’s nationality, study level and field.
Which fully funded scholarships are currently open for 2027?
As of August 28, 2026, Chevening’s 2027/28 cycle is open, while its deadline is October 6, 2026. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships open September 8, 2026. Some Erasmus Mundus programmes are expected to open between October 2026 and January 2027.
Can undergraduate students get fully funded scholarships?
Yes. The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship, MEXT, GKS, Türkiye Scholarships and Stipendium Hungaricum are examples of programmes that can include undergraduate opportunities, subject to the applicable eligibility rules.
Can master’s students get fully funded scholarships?
Yes. Master’s applicants have access to major programmes including Chevening, Commonwealth, Erasmus Mundus, DAAD, Australia Awards, MEXT and GKS.
Which scholarship is best for African students?
There is no single answer. Commonwealth and Australia Awards are particularly relevant to eligible African applicants, while DAAD, Erasmus Mundus, Chevening, MEXT and GKS also offer opportunities depending on nationality and programme eligibility.
Are all these scholarships open to Nigerians?
Not necessarily.
Nationality eligibility differs by programme. Applicants from Nigeria should check the current country-specific requirements before applying.
Do fully funded scholarships cover visa fees?
Some scholarship programmes provide visa-related allowances or reimbursements, but this is not universal. Students should check the specific award conditions rather than assuming visa expenses will be covered.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
Yes, in most cases students can apply for multiple scholarships, provided they meet the individual rules. Applying to several well-matched opportunities is generally a better strategy than depending on one application.
Final Advice for Students Targeting the 2027 Intake
The 2027 scholarship season should not be treated as something that begins in January 2027. For many major awards, the scholarship application comes before the academic year by many months.
Chevening’s 2027/28 application closes in October 2026, Commonwealth Master’s applications run from September to October 2026, and the Pearson scholarship deadline is in November 2026. Meanwhile, some programmes such as Australia Awards have already completed their application round for students commencing in 2027.
This means students who want to study abroad in 2027 should start immediately, not wait until they receive university admission. The strongest approach is to build a portfolio of scholarships across different countries and funding models.
Focus on opportunities where your:
Academic background + nationality + field of study + experience + leadership + career objectives
match the scholarship’s requirements.
And most importantly, verify every deadline and eligibility requirement from the official scholarship website before submitting an application.
A scholarship can change its deadline, eligibility rules or funding package from one year to another. The information published for a previous cycle should never automatically be treated as the requirement for 2027. For international students who prepare early, the 2027 intake offers multiple potential routes to funded study across Europe, North America, Asia, Australia and the UK.
A Travel Consultant dedicated to helping students, job seekers, and professionals discover life-changing opportunities around the world. He holds a Diploma in Human Resource Management, Project Management & Ticketing, Degree in Microbiology, and Master’s in Public Health.