Studying abroad can be expensive. Tuition fees, accommodation, food, health insurance, travel, visa costs and other living expenses can make international education difficult to afford.

The good news is that thousands of scholarships are available for international students around the world.

Scholarships can help students reduce tuition fees, receive monthly living support, pay for travel or, in some cases, cover most of the cost of studying abroad.

For students planning to study in 2027, the most important thing is to start scholarship research early. Some scholarships for 2027–28 are already accepting applications or have already closed, while others will open later in 2026 or during 2027.

This guide explains the best scholarships for international students in 2027, including scholarships in the UK, USA, Europe, Germany, Australia, Canada and other destinations.

Important 2027 update: Scholarship deadlines vary by country, university and programme. Do not assume that every scholarship has a 2027 deadline already published. Always check the official scholarship provider before applying.

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What Is a Scholarship for International Students?

A scholarship is financial assistance provided to students to help pay for education.

Scholarships can be offered by:

• Governments
• Universities
• International organisations
• Charities
• Foundations
• Companies
• Research organisations
• Private donors

Depending on the scholarship, financial support may cover:

• Tuition fees
• Living expenses
• Accommodation
• Travel
• Health insurance
• Research costs
• Books and study materials
• Visa-related expenses

However, not every scholarship is fully funded.

Some scholarships cover the entire tuition fee, while others provide a fixed amount such as $5,000, £10,000 or €10,000 toward the total cost.

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Best Scholarships for International Students in 2027

International students should consider scholarships based on their destination, course and academic level.

Some of the major programmes to research include:

Scholarship	Destination	Typical Level
Chevening	UK	Master’s
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships	UK	Master’s
GREAT Scholarships	UK	Master’s
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters	Europe	Master’s
Fulbright Foreign Student Program	USA	Graduate
DAAD Scholarships	Germany	Master’s/PhD/Research
University Scholarships	Global	UG/PG/PhD
Government Scholarships	Various countries	Various
Research Scholarships	Global	Master’s/PhD
Corporate/Foundation Scholarships	Global	Various

Eligibility and funding vary significantly between programmes.

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1. Chevening Scholarships 2027–28

The Chevening Scholarship is one of the best-known UK government scholarship programmes for international students.

It supports exceptional future leaders who want to pursue eligible master’s study in the UK.

For the 2027–28 academic year, Chevening applications opened in August 2026 and closed in October 2026. The current official timeline shows:

• Applications opened: August 2026
• Applications closed: October 2026
• Applications assessed: October 2026–January 2027
• Shortlisting: February 2027
• Interviews: March–April 2027
• Results: From mid-June 2027
• University offer deadline: 8 July 2027
• Studies begin: September/October 2027

Therefore, students who missed the 2027–28 application deadline should start preparing for the next cycle rather than waiting for the next application window.

Who should consider Chevening?

Students who have:

• Strong academic backgrounds
• Leadership potential
• Relevant professional experience
• Clear career goals
• A strong reason for studying in the UK
• The potential to contribute to their home country or wider community

Chevening is highly competitive, so students should start preparing their application well in advance.

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2. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027/28

The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship is another major UK scholarship opportunity.

It is designed for candidates from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK.

For the 2027/28 academic year, applications are currently open and the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission states that the closing date is:

20 October 2026 at 16:00 BST.

The programme is for full-time taught master’s study beginning in September/October 2027.

The scholarship focuses on development-related themes and is intended to help talented students gain knowledge and skills that can contribute to sustainable development.

Important

Applicants should also check their country’s approved nominating agency requirements.

The CSC application itself is not the only consideration in every country.

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3. GREAT Scholarships for International Students

GREAT Scholarships are offered by the British Council together with participating UK universities.

For the 2026–27 academic year, GREAT Scholarships provide £10,000 toward tuition fees for eligible one-year taught postgraduate courses.

The programme currently covers students from 18 countries, including:

• India
• China
• Bangladesh
• Egypt
• Ghana
• Greece
• Indonesia
• Kenya
• Malaysia
• Mexico
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Spain
• Thailand
• Turkey
• Vietnam

The number of participating universities and eligible countries can change each year.

Is GREAT fully funded?

Generally, no.

The scholarship provides £10,000 toward tuition fees.

Students may still need to pay for:

• Remaining tuition
• Accommodation
• Food
• Travel
• Insurance
• Visa
• Personal expenses

This makes it particularly important to calculate the remaining cost after scholarship.

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4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships

Erasmus Mundus is one of the strongest scholarship options for international students interested in studying in Europe.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are delivered by groups of universities, often involving study in multiple countries.

Students from around the world can apply.

The European Commission states that some Erasmus Mundus programmes offer full scholarships to the best-ranked students worldwide.

Scholarship support can contribute toward:

• Participation costs
• Travel
• Visa
• Living allowance

Students apply directly to the institution or consortium running the specific master’s programme.

When should you apply?

In most cases, applications are submitted between October and January for programmes beginning in the following academic year.

Therefore, students planning a 2027 start should research individual Erasmus Mundus programmes carefully because deadlines vary by programme.

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5. Fulbright Scholarships for International Students

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a major scholarship opportunity for non-US citizens who want to study or conduct research in the United States.

The programme operates in more than 160 countries and supports approximately 4,000 foreign students each year.

It can support:

• Graduate students
• Young professionals
• Artists
• Research students

Applications are administered through Fulbright Commissions, Foundations or US Embassies in applicants’ home countries.

Important funding point

Fulbright funding varies by country and individual award.

The official Fulbright programme notes that grants can involve combinations of:

• Grant funding
• University support
• Personal funds

Therefore, students should not automatically assume that every Fulbright award covers 100% of all expenses.

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6. DAAD Scholarships in Germany

Germany is a popular destination for international students because of its strong universities, research environment and range of funding opportunities.

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides a large scholarship database covering funding programmes for international students and researchers.

There are opportunities for:

• Master’s students
• PhD students
• Researchers
• Graduates
• Specific subject areas
• Specific countries
• Development-related programmes

DAAD itself states that different scholarship providers have their own selection procedures and requirements.

Example: DAAD Master’s Scholarship

The current DAAD “Study Scholarships – Master Studies for All Academic Disciplines” information includes programmes beginning in 2027.

One current listing shows a 1 December 2026 application deadline for a programme with selection in March 2027 and funding beginning in October 2027.

The scholarship information currently lists a monthly scholarship payment of €992, along with insurance benefits and other possible allowances for eligible recipients.

However, DAAD has many different programmes, so students should not assume that the €992 amount or deadline applies to every DAAD scholarship.

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7. University Scholarships for International Students

University scholarships are among the most important funding sources for international students.

Universities may provide:

• Merit scholarships
• Need-based scholarships
• International student scholarships
• Tuition discounts
• Department scholarships
• Research funding
• Graduate assistantships
• Teaching assistantships
• Research assistantships

These can be particularly important in countries where government scholarships are limited.

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Scholarships for International Students in the UK

Students planning to study in the UK should research:

Government and major scholarships

• Chevening
• Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
• GREAT Scholarships
• Other Commonwealth programmes

University scholarships

UK universities may offer:

• International excellence scholarships
• Merit awards
• Country-specific scholarships
• Faculty scholarships
• Research funding

Some scholarships cover only part of tuition, while others provide broader financial support.

The UK government’s Study UK platform confirms that international funding ranges from part-funding to scholarships covering programme fees, living expenses and return flights, depending on the scholarship.

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Scholarships for International Students in the USA

The United States has thousands of universities, and scholarship structures vary significantly.

International students can investigate:

• University merit scholarships
• Need-based institutional aid
• Departmental scholarships
• Graduate assistantships
• Research assistantships
• Teaching assistantships
• Fulbright
• Private foundations

For graduate students, assistantships can be especially important because they may combine financial support with academic or research work.

Always check whether the university allows international students to compete for the specific award.

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Scholarships for International Students in Canada

Canada offers funding through universities, government programmes and other organisations.

International students should investigate:

• Entrance scholarships
• International student awards
• Graduate scholarships
• Research funding
• Department-level awards
• University assistantships

Scholarship availability differs significantly between undergraduate and graduate programmes.

PhD and research-based master’s students should pay particular attention to supervisor and department funding.

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Scholarships for International Students in Australia

International students can explore:

• University scholarships
• Government-supported programmes
• Research scholarships
• Faculty scholarships
• International student awards

Research students may have access to funding that is different from scholarships available to taught-course students.

Always check whether the award covers:

• Tuition
• Living expenses
• Overseas health cover
• Research expenses
• Travel

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Scholarships for International Students in Europe

Europe is particularly attractive for students looking for scholarship opportunities.

Important programmes include:

• Erasmus Mundus
• DAAD
• University scholarships
• National government scholarships
• Research scholarships
• Foundation scholarships

One major advantage of Erasmus Mundus is that students can study across multiple countries within a single master’s programme.

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Fully Funded Scholarships vs Partial Scholarships

This distinction is extremely important.

Fully Funded Scholarship

A fully funded scholarship may cover most or all major education expenses, such as:

• Tuition
• Living allowance
• Accommodation
• Travel
• Insurance

But “fully funded” should still be checked against the specific scholarship’s terms.

Partial Scholarship

A partial scholarship covers only part of the cost.

For example:

Total tuition: $40,000
Scholarship: $10,000
Remaining tuition: $30,000

The student still needs funding for the remaining tuition and living expenses.

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How Much Money Can International Students Get?

Scholarship amounts vary widely.

Some scholarships may provide:

• $2,000
• $5,000
• $10,000
• $20,000+
• Full tuition
• Monthly living allowances
• Travel grants

There is no universal scholarship amount.

For example, the current GREAT Scholarship provides £10,000 toward tuition for eligible one-year postgraduate courses.

A current DAAD master’s scholarship example lists €992 per month plus other benefits.

Erasmus Mundus scholarships can contribute toward participation costs, travel, visa and living expenses.

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Scholarships by Degree Level

Undergraduate Scholarships

International undergraduate students should search for:

• University merit scholarships
• International student awards
• Country-specific scholarships
• Government programmes
• Private scholarships

Master’s Scholarships

There are many international scholarship opportunities at master’s level.

Important examples include:

• Chevening
• Commonwealth
• GREAT
• Erasmus Mundus
• DAAD
• Fulbright
• University scholarships

PhD Scholarships

PhD applicants should focus on:

• Research funding
• University scholarships
• Assistantships
• Government scholarships
• Supervisor-funded projects
• Research councils
• DAAD
• Fulbright

For PhD applicants, contacting potential supervisors can be an important part of the funding strategy.

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Scholarships for International Students Without IELTS

Not every scholarship directly requires IELTS.

However, the university may require English-language proof.

Depending on the institution and country, accepted alternatives can include:

• TOEFL
• PTE
• Cambridge English
• Other approved tests
• Previous education in English, where accepted

Do not assume that “IELTS not required” means “English proficiency not required.”

Always check the university’s admission rules.

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Scholarships for International Students Without Work Experience

Some scholarships are open to students without professional work experience.

Others specifically require work experience.

For example, scholarship programmes aimed at experienced professionals may have leadership or professional requirements.

Students should therefore check:

• Age requirement
• Work experience
• Academic qualification
• Course eligibility
• Nationality
• Leadership experience

before applying.

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Scholarship Application Process for 2027

A strong scholarship application requires planning. For guidance and university resources, explore options on Wisdomland.

Step 1: Select your country

Choose where you want to study:

• UK
• USA
• Canada
• Australia
• Germany
• France
• Ireland
• Netherlands
• Other European countries

Step 2: Select your course

Decide whether you want:

• Bachelor’s
• Master’s
• MBA
• PhD
• Research programme

Step 3: Find scholarships

Search:

• Government scholarships
• University scholarships
• Private scholarships
• Subject-specific funding

Step 4: Check eligibility

Review:

• Nationality
• Academic performance
• Age
• Work experience
• Course
• University
• English-language requirements

Step 5: Prepare documents

Common documents include:

• Passport
• Academic transcripts
• Degree certificates
• CV
• Personal statement
• Statement of purpose
• Recommendation letters
• Research proposal
• English test score
• University application
• Financial documents where required

Step 6: Submit the application

Apply before the official deadline.

Step 7: Track your application

Save:

• Application number
• Confirmation email
• Login details
• Scholarship documents
• Deadline
• Interview information

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Scholarship Application Timeline for 2027

Because scholarship deadlines vary, students should use a flexible planning calendar.

October–December 2026

Focus on:

• Finding scholarships
• University research
• IELTS/TOEFL
• CV preparation
• Personal statements
• Recommendation letters

This is especially important because several 2027 scholarship cycles are already active around this period.

For example, Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships for 2027/28 close on 20 October 2026.

DAAD also has current 2027-start scholarship listings with deadlines in late 2026.

January–March 2027

Focus on:

• Erasmus Mundus applications where applicable
• University scholarship applications
• Admission decisions
• Additional funding opportunities

Erasmus Mundus notes that most programme applications are submitted between October and January.

April–June 2027

Focus on:

• Scholarship results
• University offers
• Funding calculations
• Education loan planning
• Visa preparation

July–September 2027

Focus on:

• Final admission
• Visa
• Accommodation
• Travel
• Financial planning

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Can International Students Get a Scholarship and Education Loan?

Yes, depending on the scholarship and lender rules.

For example:

Total study cost: $50,000
Scholarship: $10,000
Remaining requirement: $40,000

The student may then explore an education loan or other funding for the remaining eligible cost.

This is especially relevant for students studying in high-cost destinations such as the USA, UK, Canada and Australia.

A scholarship does not necessarily eliminate the need for other funding.

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Scholarship vs Education Loan

Feature	Scholarship	Education Loan
Repayment	Usually no	Yes
Interest	Usually no	Yes
Competition	Often high	Depends on lender
Academic criteria	Often	Varies
Income assessment	Sometimes	Often
Funding amount	Varies	Can be substantial
Best benefit	Reduces total cost	Covers remaining funding gap

Students should calculate the net cost after scholarship before deciding how much they need to borrow.

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How to Increase Your Scholarship Chances

1. Apply early

Many scholarships close months before the academic programme begins.

2. Apply for multiple scholarships

Do not depend on one programme.

3. Build a strong academic profile

Good grades can strengthen merit-based applications.

4. Show leadership

Scholarships such as Chevening place significant emphasis on leadership and future impact.

5. Write a targeted personal statement

Explain:

• Why this course?
• Why this university?
• Why this country?
• What are your career goals?
• What impact will you create?

6. Use measurable achievements

Instead of saying:

“I have strong leadership skills.”

Give evidence of what you actually achieved.

7. Prepare recommendations early

Ask professors or employers well before the deadline.

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Common Scholarship Mistakes

Applying after the deadline

Most scholarship providers do not accept late applications.

Assuming every scholarship is fully funded

Always calculate what remains after the award.

Using the same personal statement everywhere

Tailor the statement to each scholarship.

Ignoring country restrictions

Some scholarships are available only to citizens of specified countries.

Applying without university admission

Some scholarships require an admission offer, while others have separate processes.

Using outdated information

Scholarship amounts and deadlines can change every year.

Ignoring small scholarships

A $2,000 or £3,000 award can still make a meaningful difference.

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Scholarship Checklist for International Students

Before submitting your application:

• Check nationality eligibility
• Check academic requirements
• Check age requirement
• Check work-experience requirement
• Check eligible courses
• Check eligible universities
• Check English requirements
• Prepare passport
• Prepare transcripts
• Prepare degree certificates
• Update CV
• Prepare personal statement
• Arrange recommendations
• Prepare research proposal if required
• Check application deadline
• Submit application
• Save confirmation
• Track application status

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best scholarships for international students in 2027?

Major programmes to research include Chevening, Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, GREAT Scholarships, Erasmus Mundus, Fulbright and DAAD, along with university-specific scholarships.

Which country offers the most scholarships for international students?

There is no single country that offers the most scholarships to every international student. Scholarship availability depends on nationality, degree level, subject, university and funding programme.

Can international students get fully funded scholarships?

Yes. Some programmes offer substantial or full funding. However, students must check exactly what the scholarship covers.

Is Chevening available for international students?

Yes. Chevening is a UK government scholarship programme for eligible international applicants. The 2027–28 application cycle has already closed as of October 2026.

Is Erasmus Mundus fully funded?

Some Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters offer full scholarships to the best-ranked students worldwide. Funding can cover participation costs and contribute to travel, visa and living expenses.

Can international students apply for Fulbright?

Yes. Non-US citizens can apply through the Fulbright Commission/Foundation or US Embassy in their home country, subject to country-specific eligibility.

Is DAAD available to international students?

Yes. DAAD provides numerous scholarship opportunities for international students and researchers, but eligibility varies by programme and country.

Can I get a scholarship without IELTS?

Sometimes. Scholarship and university requirements are separate. A scholarship may not require IELTS directly, but the university can still require proof of English proficiency.

Can I apply for multiple scholarships?

Yes, provided you meet the eligibility requirements and the individual programmes do not prohibit receiving another award.

Can I get an education loan after receiving a scholarship?

Potentially, yes. A scholarship can reduce your total funding requirement, and an education loan can potentially cover eligible remaining costs.

When should I start applying for 2027 scholarships?

Start as early as possible. For 2027 study, scholarship applications can begin during 2026, and some important deadlines occur before the academic year starts.

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Final Thoughts

Scholarships can make studying abroad significantly more affordable for international students.

For 2027, students should not wait until they receive a university admission offer before researching scholarships. Many scholarship applications have separate timelines and may close months before classes begin.

Students should research major programmes such as:

• Chevening
• Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
• GREAT Scholarships
• Erasmus Mundus
• Fulbright
• DAAD
• University scholarships
• Government scholarships
• Research scholarships

The most important strategy is to create a scholarship calendar containing:

Scholarship name → country → course → eligibility → funding amount → opening date → deadline → documents → application status.

Do not rely on old blog posts for deadlines. Scholarship providers update their requirements every year.

For example, the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship for 2027/28 currently has a confirmed October 2026 deadline, while Chevening’s 2027/28 application cycle has already closed. Erasmus Mundus generally uses an October–January application period, and individual programmes have their own deadlines.

Finally, remember that a scholarship is only one part of your study-abroad financial plan. If the scholarship does not cover the entire cost, compare university funding, assistantships, savings, family contributions and education loans before making your final decision.