Studying abroad can open doors to better academic opportunities, international experience and professional networks. The biggest challenge for many international students, however, is the cost.
Tuition fees, accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, flights and other expenses can make an overseas degree seem financially impossible.
That is where fully funded scholarships can make a major difference.
A fully funded scholarship can cover some or most of the major costs associated with studying abroad. Depending on the programme, funding may include tuition fees, living expenses, travel, health insurance, accommodation or other allowances.
However, there is an important point that students should understand before applying: “fully funded” does not mean that every scholarship covers exactly the same expenses.
Some programmes cover tuition and provide a living allowance. Others may additionally cover airfare, visa-related costs, insurance or relocation expenses. The exact benefits depend on the scholarship and, in some cases, the applicant’s country.
This guide explains some of the major fully funded or comprehensively funded scholarship opportunities available to international students, including opportunities relevant to applicants from Africa and Nigeria.
It also explains how to find legitimate scholarships, determine whether you qualify, prepare a competitive application and avoid common scholarship scams.
Important 2026 update: Scholarship availability changes throughout the year. Some programmes for study beginning in 2026 have already closed, while applications for 2027 entry are opening or will open during 2026. Always verify the current deadline and eligibility requirements on the official scholarship website before applying.
What Is a Fully Funded Scholarship?
A fully funded scholarship is an award designed to cover the major costs associated with an academic programme.
Depending on the scholarship, this can include:
- Full or substantial tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance
- Accommodation or housing support
- Airfare or travel allowance
- Health insurance
- Study or research allowances
- Visa-related expenses
- Arrival or settlement allowances
There is no universal definition that requires every fully funded scholarship to cover every one of these expenses.
For this reason, applicants should read the official funding terms rather than relying on a scholarship website’s headline.
For example, Chevening explicitly describes its scholarships as fully funded and lists tuition fees, a monthly stipend, travel costs, arrival and departure allowances, and one visa application among the benefits. (Chevening)
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master scholarships, meanwhile, provide funding for travel, visa, installation and subsistence costs and can cover the entire duration of the master’s programme for scholarship holders. (Erasmus+)
The details are different from programme to programme.
Are Fully Funded Scholarships Really Free?
In most cases, you do not repay a genuine scholarship like a conventional student loan.
However, “free education” is an oversimplification.
You may still have expenses that are not covered by the scholarship, such as:
- Personal spending
- Some application fees
- Certain medical costs
- Additional travel
- Excess baggage
- Accommodation deposits
- Family expenses
- Expenses outside the scholarship’s approved budget
Some scholarships also have obligations attached to the award.
For example, Australia Awards recipients are required to return to their home country for at least two years after completing the scholarship under the programme’s conditions. (DFAT)
Always read the scholarship’s terms before accepting an offer.
Best Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students in 2026
The following programmes are among the major international scholarship opportunities worth researching.
They cover different countries, degree levels and applicant profiles.
The application status is particularly important in 2026 because some programmes have already closed for the current intake while others are currently accepting applications for 2027 study.
1. Chevening Scholarships – United Kingdom
Study destination: United Kingdom
Typical level: One-year master’s degree
Funding: Fully funded
Eligible applicants: Citizens of participating countries and territories who meet the programme’s eligibility requirements
2027-28 application window: August 4, 2026 to October 6, 2026
Chevening is one of the best-known UK government scholarship programmes for international students.
It provides opportunities for emerging leaders from around the world to pursue one-year master’s degrees in the United Kingdom.
Chevening describes its awards as fully funded. Benefits include university tuition fees, a monthly stipend, travel costs to and from the UK, an arrival allowance, a homeward departure allowance and the cost of one visa application. (Chevening)
Chevening 2026 application status
This is particularly important for readers visiting your article now.
For the 2027-28 academic year, Chevening applications opened on August 4, 2026 and are scheduled to close on October 6, 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
Shortlisting is expected from February 2027, interviews are scheduled for March-April 2027, and successful scholars are expected to begin studying in September/October 2027. (Chevening)
Therefore, as of August 5, 2026, Chevening is one of the most immediately relevant opportunities for students planning to study abroad in 2027.
Who should consider Chevening?
Chevening is particularly suited to applicants who can demonstrate:
- Leadership potential
- Professional experience
- Academic ability
- Clear career goals
- A commitment to creating positive change
Applicants should read the current eligibility rules before beginning an application.
Official resource
2. Fulbright Foreign Student Program – United States
Study destination: United States
Typical level: Graduate study and research
Eligible applicants: International students, young professionals and artists, depending on country-specific eligibility
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program provides opportunities for graduate students, young professionals and artists from outside the United States to study or conduct research in the United States.
The programme operates in more than 160 countries, but the application process and eligibility requirements vary by country. Applications are generally administered through U.S. embassies or binational Fulbright commissions/foundations. (Foreign Fulbright Program)
This country-specific structure is important.
A student should not assume that the requirements advertised for one country automatically apply to Nigeria or another country.
For Nigerian applicants, the Fulbright programme information should be checked through the relevant U.S. Embassy/Fulbright channels.
What does Fulbright cover?
The exact award package can vary according to the relevant programme and country.
Therefore, applicants should consult their country’s official Fulbright programme page rather than relying on third-party scholarship lists.
Who should consider Fulbright?
The programme can be relevant to:
- Graduate students
- Researchers
- Young professionals
- Artists
The selection process is highly competitive.
Official resource
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters – Europe
Study destination: Multiple European countries
Level: Master’s
Funding: EU-funded scholarships for selected students
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are international master’s programmes delivered by consortia of higher education institutions.
One of the distinctive features is that students can study in more than one country as part of the programme.
The European Commission describes Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters as integrated master’s programmes delivered by international consortia of higher education institutions. The programme offers EU-funded scholarships to the best students applying. (Erasmus+)
What does the scholarship cover?
For the current programme rules, an Erasmus Mundus scholarship can contribute to:
- Travel
- Visa
- Installation
- Subsistence
The scholarship is calculated at €1,400 per month for the relevant duration, with the scholarship covering the entire master’s programme duration, subject to the programme rules. (Erasmus+)
Erasmus Mundus scholarship holders also cannot be charged tuition fees or mandatory participation costs by selected EMJM projects. (Erasmus+)
Important eligibility point
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are master’s programmes.
Applicants normally need a first higher-education degree or a recognized equivalent level of learning according to the relevant national rules. (Erasmus+)
How to apply
Unlike some government scholarships, applicants generally apply to the specific Erasmus Mundus master’s programme rather than submitting one universal scholarship application.
Each master’s consortium publishes its own admission requirements and application information.
Official resource
4. DAAD Scholarships – Germany
Study destination: Germany
Typical levels: Master’s, doctoral research and postdoctoral opportunities, depending on the programme
The German Academic Exchange Service, commonly known as DAAD, provides a large range of scholarship opportunities for international students and researchers.
DAAD is not one single scholarship.
It is better understood as a large scholarship and funding system containing different programmes with different eligibility requirements.
DAAD states that its scholarships are aimed primarily at graduates, doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers, although the available programmes vary. (www.daad.de)
What can DAAD funding include?
Depending on the specific scholarship, benefits can include:
- Monthly scholarship payments
- Travel allowance
- Health insurance
- Accident insurance
- Personal liability insurance
- Research allowance
- Family benefits
- Language-course funding
DAAD states that, for example, its current typical monthly rates include €992 for students and €1,300 for doctoral/PhD students, although the actual benefit depends on the specific programme. (www.daad.de)
Important warning
Do not search for “the DAAD scholarship” as though there is only one.
Use the official DAAD scholarship database and filter by:
- Country
- Academic level
- Subject
- Programme
- Application deadline
The database contains different scholarship programmes for international students and researchers. (www.daad.de)
Official resource
5. MEXT Scholarship – Japan
Study destination: Japan
Level: Undergraduate, graduate and other categories depending on the specific MEXT programme
MEXT stands for the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.
The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship supports foreign students studying at higher education institutions in Japan.
MEXT explains that scholarship students can be selected through recommendations from Japanese embassies/consulates, universities or other authorities, depending on the programme. (MEXT)
MEXT categories
Depending on the annual programme, opportunities can include:
- Undergraduate students
- Research students
- Teacher training students
- Japanese studies students
- College of technology students
- Specialized training college students
- Young Leaders’ Program participants
MEXT’s 2026 embassy-recommendation materials include undergraduate and other categories. (MEXT)
Important timing issue
MEXT application schedules depend on the category and route.
Therefore, an article published in August should not simply tell readers that “MEXT 2026 is open.”
Applicants should check the Japanese embassy or consulate responsible for their country and the relevant MEXT announcement.
Official resource
Japan Ministry of Education – MEXT Scholarships
6. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) – South Korea
Study destination: South Korea
Typical levels: Undergraduate and graduate programmes, depending on the annual call
The Global Korea Scholarship is a South Korean government scholarship programme for international students.
The official Study in Korea platform publishes GKS announcements and selection information.
For the 2026 graduate programme, the official platform announced the final results on July 1, 2026. (Study in Korea)
This means applicants reading this article in August 2026 should not assume that the 2026 graduate application cycle remains open.
Instead, they should monitor the official GKS announcements for future application cycles.
Why consider GKS?
The programme can provide international students with an opportunity to study in South Korea through a government-supported scholarship route.
Eligibility, participating universities, quotas and application procedures depend on the annual programme announcement.
Official resource
Study in Korea – Global Korea Scholarship
