Fully funded scholarships can make study abroad possible for students who could never pay international tuition fees and living costs themselves. They are also highly competitive, and each programme has its own rules, deadlines and selection criteria. This guide gives an overview of well-known government and university scholarships, what they typically cover and how to plan your applications.
Information checked: 24 October 2026.
Important: We are not a scholarship provider. Eligibility, deadlines and benefits are set only by the official programmes, and they change each year. Always confirm details on the official website before applying.
What “Fully Funded” Usually Means
A fully funded scholarship typically covers most or all of the following:
- tuition fees;
- a monthly living allowance (stipend);
- travel to and from the host country;
- health insurance or visa-related costs;
- sometimes additional allowances for books, research or settling in.
Not every scholarship labelled “fully funded” covers everything. Some cover tuition only; others provide a stipend but not tuition. Always read the benefits section carefully.
Major Government and Foundation Scholarships
| Programme | Host country | Level | Notes (check official site) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevening Scholarships | UK | One-year master’s | For future leaders from eligible countries; requires work experience |
| Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships | UK | Master’s | For citizens of eligible Commonwealth countries; apply via national nominating agency |
| Fulbright Foreign Student Program | USA | Master’s and PhD | Apply through the Fulbright Commission or US Embassy in your country |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters | Europe | Master’s | Study in at least two European countries; apply directly to each programme |
| DAAD Scholarships | Germany | Master’s, PhD, research | Many programmes; a monthly stipend is common, and public universities usually charge low or no tuition |
| MEXT Scholarship | Japan | Undergraduate to research | Apply via Japanese embassy or university recommendation |
| Australia Awards Scholarships | Australia | Undergraduate and postgraduate | For participating countries in Asia, the Pacific and Africa; return-home requirement applies |
| Gates Cambridge | UK | Postgraduate | For non-UK citizens at the University of Cambridge |
| Rhodes Scholarship | UK | Postgraduate | At Oxford; eligibility depends on your constituency |
| Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships | Switzerland | Research and PhD/postdoc | For researchers from many countries |
We cover several of these programmes in detail in separate guides.
How Competitive Are They?
Very. Major programmes receive many thousands of applications for a limited number of awards. Success rates are often low. This does not mean you should not apply, but it does mean you should:
- apply to several programmes where you are eligible;
- also apply for university-specific scholarships and partial funding;
- treat each application seriously rather than sending generic essays.
What Selection Committees Typically Look For
While each programme has its own criteria, common themes include:
- Academic achievement: strong grades and a clear academic plan.
- Leadership and impact: evidence that you have taken initiative and influenced others.
- Clear goals: a convincing explanation of why this course, in this country, at this time.
- Commitment to your home country or community: many government scholarships want graduates to return and contribute.
- Fit with the programme’s mission: for example, development, diplomacy, research excellence or international understanding.
A Typical Timeline
Many major scholarships open 9 to 15 months before the course starts.
| Time before course start | Typical action |
|---|---|
| 15–18 months | Research programmes and check eligibility |
| 12–14 months | Prepare essays, request references, take language tests |
| 9–12 months | Submit scholarship and university applications |
| 6–9 months | Interviews and shortlisting |
| 3–6 months | Results, university offers and visa applications |
Deadlines vary widely, so build your own calendar using official dates.
Documents You Will Commonly Need
- academic transcripts and degree certificates;
- CV;
- personal statement or essays;
- reference letters;
- English language test results (if required);
- passport;
- university offer letters (sometimes required later in the process).
Start requesting transcripts and references early, as these depend on other people.
Other Funding Sources
Do not rely only on the largest programmes. Also look at:
- University scholarships: many universities offer merit scholarships for international students. Check the funding pages of each university.
- Government study portals: Study in Germany, Study in Japan, EduCanada and Study Australia list funding information.
- Your own government: some governments fund citizens to study abroad.
- Employers: some employers sponsor further study.
- Research funding: PhD students often receive funding through university research positions.
Avoiding Scholarship Scams
Legitimate scholarships do not ask you to pay to receive an award. Be cautious of websites that charge fees for “guaranteed” scholarships, promise visas or ask for bank details. Our guide to scholarship scams explains warning signs.
How to Build a Shortlist
There are hundreds of scholarships, so a focused shortlist saves time:
- Start with your nationality and degree level, since these decide most eligibility rules.
- Add your field of study and your preferred countries.
- Check each scholarship’s official page for deadlines and required documents.
- Rank them by fit, not only by prestige. A smaller, less famous award that matches your profile may be easier to win.
- Keep a simple spreadsheet with columns for deadline, documents, essay prompts and status.
Costs a “Full” Scholarship May Not Cover
Even fully funded awards can leave gaps. Before you accept, check whether these costs are covered or reimbursed:
- Visa fees and health surcharges, which can be significant in some countries;
- Travel to your interview, test centre or visa appointment in your home country;
- English language tests and document translations;
- Deposits for accommodation and the first month’s living costs before your stipend arrives;
- Costs for dependants, since most stipends are calculated for one person.
Ask the scholarship provider or university when the first payment is made. Many students need savings to cover their first few weeks.
Combining Smaller Awards
If you do not win a fully funded scholarship, you may still be able to cover most costs by combining several smaller sources, such as a university tuition fee discount, a departmental award, a foundation grant and paid teaching or research assistant work where your visa allows it. Check each award’s rules, as some do not allow you to hold other scholarships at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a university offer before applying for a scholarship?
It depends. Some programmes require an offer later in the process, some require it at application, and some place you in a university themselves.
Can I apply to several scholarships at once?
Usually yes, but check each programme’s rules; some do not allow you to hold two awards at the same time.
Do I need perfect grades?
Strong grades help, but committees also consider leadership, motivation and potential.
Are there age limits?
Some programmes, such as the Rhodes Scholarship, have age limits. Many others do not.
Do fully funded scholarships cover my family?
Most do not provide full support for dependants. Check the programme’s rules.
Do I have to return home after the scholarship?
Several government scholarships require you to return home for a period after your studies.
Summary and Next Step
Fully funded scholarships typically cover tuition, a stipend, travel and insurance, but benefits and rules vary. Choose programmes that match your profile, start early and apply widely. Next, read our detailed guide to the scholarship you are most interested in.