Fully Funded MS PhD Scholarships 2026-2027 to Study Abroad for Free
Fully Funded MS PhD Scholarships 2026-2027
Planning to start your Master’s or PhD abroad for the 2026-2027 academic year? Now is the best time to begin your scholarship search. Top countries like Canada, China, Australia, and European nations are offering fully funded scholarships for international students. These scholarships cover full tuition fees, travel expenses, and monthly living stipends-making it easier than ever to study abroad without financial stress.
On this page, we’ve put together a list of 20 top international scholarships for Master’s and PhD programs that are expected to open soon. These prestigious scholarships not only cover full tuition and travel costs but also offer monthly stipends to support your living expenses while you pursue graduate studies or research abroad.
Fully funded Masters and PhD scholarships are among the most sought-after opportunities for students worldwide. As we move into the 2026 scholarship cycle, thousands of fully funded programs will open across top universities in the USA, UK, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Asia. These awards typically cover tuition fees, monthly stipends, travel costs, health insurance, and research funding, making them ideal for talented students who want to pursue advanced degrees without financial barriers.
This comprehensive guide covers the top fully funded scholarships for 2026, eligibility criteria, application tips, and how to prepare ahead of deadlines.
What Are Fully Funded Scholarships?
A fully funded scholarship is a financial award that covers the complete cost of studying abroad. This usually includes:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation or living stipend
- Books and study materials
- Health insurance
- Research and conference grants
- Airfare or travel allowance
Some programs even offer family support, internship placements, and post-graduation work opportunities.
Why Apply for Fully Funded Masters and PhD Scholarships in 2026?
- Tuition-Free Graduate Education
- You earn a world-class degree from a top institution without paying anything out of pocket.
- Monthly Stipend for Living Expenses
- Most scholarships provide monthly allowances to support your stay throughout the program.
- Career Advancement
- Graduates from fully funded programs often secure high-paying jobs, academic positions, or international research roles.
- Global Networking
- You’ll join a network of scholars, professors, researchers, and industry experts from around the world.
- Visa and Travel Support
Programs often assist with visa processing and fully fund round-trip flights.
Eligibility Requirements for Fully Funded Scholarships 2026
While each program differs, most require:
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Strong academic record
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Bachelor’s degree for Masters; Master’s for PhD
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Research proposal (for PhD)
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English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
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Leadership or community involvement
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Letters of recommendation
Some programs do not require IELTS.
How to Prepare for 2026 Scholarship Applications
1. Start Preparing Documents Early
Key documents include:
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CV or Résumé
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Statement of Purpose (SOP)
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Research proposal
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Recommendation letters
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Academic transcripts
2. Research Programs and Deadlines
Most 2026 scholarships open between August 2025 and February 2026.
3. Improve Your English Test Scores
Aim for:
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IELTS: 6.5 – 7.5
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TOEFL: 90 – 110
4. Build a Strong Academic Profile
Publish papers, attend conferences, or volunteer in relevant organizations.
5. Write a Compelling Motivation Letter
Highlight your goals, achievements, leadership, and research interests.
2026/2027 Fully Funded MS & PhD Scholarships which will soon be open
| Scholarship Name | Degree Type | Monthly Stipend | Other Benefits | 2026/2027 Application Cycle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) | Master’s & PhD | CNY 3,000–3,500 | Full tuition, dorm, medical insurance | Opens Nov 2025; Deadlines vary |
| Australia Awards Scholarships | Master’s & PhD | AUD 2,000–2,500 | Full tuition, airfare, health, settlement | Feb–Apr 2026 |
| Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships | Master’s & PhD | NZD 1,500–2,000 | Full tuition, living allowance, travel | Feb 2026 |
| DAAD EPOS Scholarships (Germany) | Master’s & PhD | €861–€1,200 | Tuition, travel, insurance | Aug–Dec 2025 |
| Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships | PhD & Postdoc | CHF 1,920 | Tuition, airfare, insurance | Aug–Dec 2025 |
| Ireland Government Postgraduate Scholarship | Master’s & PhD | €18,500 annually | Research allowance, tuition | Sept 2025 |
| Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) | PhD | HKD 28,000 | Conference travel grant, tuition | Sept–Dec 2025 |
| Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) | PhD | SGD 2,200–2,700 | Tuition, airfare, settlement grant | Apply by June 2025 |
| Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) | Master’s & PhD | KRW 1,000,000 | Tuition, airfare, resettlement | Feb 2026 |
| Türkiye Scholarships | Master’s & PhD | TRY 1,400–1,800 | Tuition, health, housing, airfare | Jan–Feb 2026 |
| Gates Cambridge Scholarship | Master’s & PhD | £17,500 annually | Tuition, airfare, family allowance | Sept–Dec 2025 |
| Clarendon (Oxford, UK) | Master’s & PhD | £17,668 annually | Tuition, research support | Automatic with Oxford apps |
| Rhodes Scholarship (Oxford, UK) | Master’s & PhD | £17,310 annually | Tuition, travel, settling allowance | June–Aug 2025 |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters | Master’s | €1,000 | Tuition, travel, health insurance | Oct 2025–Jan 2026 |
| Fulbright Foreign Student Program | Master’s & PhD | Varies | Tuition, airfare, health | Feb–May 2026 (varies by country) |
| Monash Research Scholarships (Australia) | Master’s & PhD | AUD 30,000 annually | Tuition, relocation | Sept 2025–Mar 2026 |
| Mandela Rhodes (South Africa) | Master’s | ZAR 100,000 annually | Tuition, meals, accommodation | Mar–Apr 2026 |
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship | PhD | CAD 50,000 annually | Research allowance | Jul–Nov 2025 |
| Joint Japan/World Bank Program | Master’s | USD 1,000–1,500 | Tuition, airfare, health | Mar–May 2026 |
| OWSD PhD Fellowship | PhD | USD 1,200–1,500 | Tuition, travel, research funds | Apr–Jun 2026 |
Other options
- University-specific scholarships: Many universities, like Imperial College London, ETH Zurich, and the University of Warwick, offer their own fully funded scholarships for master’s and PhD students.
- Country-specific scholarships: Some countries have government-funded programs, such as the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Switzerland or the Swedish Institute Scholarships for Sweden.
- Subject-specific scholarships: Look for scholarships specific to your field of study, such as the AAUW International Fellowships for women or scholarships offered by specific foundations.
- Identify your target programs and universities.
- Research the specific scholarship requirements, including academic qualifications, leadership experience, and deadlines, which can vary greatly.
- Start your applications early to ensure you have enough time to gather all necessary documents, such as transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal statements.
- Contact the universities directly to inquire about additional funding opportunities they may offer.