Top 20 Scholarships for International Students in 2026.

Studying abroad can be expensive, but scholarships make it accessible for students worldwide. Scholarships help cover tuition, living expenses, travel costs, and sometimes additional perks like research funding or stipends. In this guide, we highlight the top 20 scholarships for international students in 2026, including eligibility criteria, benefits, and application tips. Whether you are a high school graduate, undergraduate, postgraduate, or an international student seeking study abroad opportunities, this guide is for you.

1. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

Level: Postgraduate, PhD, Research
Coverage: Tuition, living expenses, travel costs
Website: DAAD Scholarships
Description: The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers fully funded scholarships for international students who wish to study or conduct research in Germany.

2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Programs (Europe)

Level: Master’s
Coverage: Tuition, travel, living expenses
Website: Erasmus+
Description: Scholarships for selected joint master’s programs across European universities.

3. Fulbright Program (USA)

Level: Graduate, PhD, Research
Coverage: Tuition, living expenses, travel costs
Website: Fulbright
Description: Provides funding for international students to pursue graduate studies or research in the United States.

4. Chevening Scholarships (UK)

Level: Master’s
Coverage: Tuition, living stipend, travel costs
Website: Chevening
Description: Funded by the UK government, Chevening scholarships are awarded to outstanding emerging leaders worldwide.

5. Gates Scholarship (USA)

Level: Undergraduate
Coverage: Tuition, room and board, books, and other expenses
Website: The Gates Scholarship
Description: Merit-based scholarships for minority high school students in the USA.

6. Rhodes Scholarship (UK)

Level: Postgraduate
Coverage: Tuition, living stipend, travel costs
Website: Rhodes Scholarship
Description: Provides funding for exceptional students to study at the University of Oxford.

7. Australian Awards Scholarships (Australia)

Level: Undergraduate, Postgraduate
Coverage: Tuition, living costs, airfare, establishment allowance
Website: Australian Awards
Description: For students from eligible countries, aimed at contributing to development in their home countries.

8. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)

Level: Postgraduate
Coverage: Tuition, airfare, living costs
Website: Commonwealth Scholarships
Description: For students from Commonwealth countries pursuing higher studies in the UK.

9. New Zealand Development Scholarships (NZ)

Level: Undergraduate, Postgraduate
Coverage: Tuition, living costs, travel expenses
Website: New Zealand Scholarships
Description: Aimed at students from developing countries to study in New Zealand.

10. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships (Japan)

Level: Undergraduate, Graduate, Research
Coverage: Tuition, monthly stipend, travel costs
Website: MEXT Scholarships
Description: Fully funded scholarships for international students to study at Japanese universities.

11. Swedish Institute Scholarships (Sweden)

Level: Master’s
Coverage: Tuition, living expenses, travel grant, insurance
Website: SI Scholarships
Description: For international students from select countries to study in Sweden.

12. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Switzerland)

Level: Postgraduate, PhD, Research
Coverage: Tuition, living costs, insurance
Website: Swiss Government Scholarships
Description: Fully funded scholarships for foreign researchers and postgraduate students.

13. Korean Government Scholarship Program (South Korea)

Level: Undergraduate, Graduate, Research
Coverage: Tuition, living stipend, airfare, language courses
Website: KGSP
Description: For international students to pursue degrees at Korean universities.

14. Singapore International Graduate Award (Singapore)

Level: PhD
Coverage: Tuition, monthly stipend, travel allowance
Website: SINGA
Description: For outstanding students pursuing a PhD in Singapore.

15. Holland Scholarship (Netherlands)

Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Coverage: €5,000 for the first year of study
Website: Holland Scholarship
Description: For students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA).

16. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France)

Level: Master’s, PhD
Coverage: Monthly allowance, tuition, travel costs
Website: Eiffel Scholarship
Description: Designed to attract top international students to French higher education institutions.

17. Taiwan Scholarship Program (Taiwan)

Level: Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD
Coverage: Tuition, living allowance
Website: Taiwan Scholarships
Description: Offers funding for international students pursuing degrees in Taiwan.

18. Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (Hong Kong)

Level: PhD
Coverage: Monthly stipend, conference travel allowance, research allowance
Website: HK PhD Fellowship
Description: Designed to attract outstanding international students to Hong Kong for doctoral studies.

19. Chinese Government Scholarship (China)

Level: Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD
Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, living stipend, medical insurance
Website: CSC Scholarships
Description: Fully funded scholarships for international students at Chinese universities.

20. Inlaks Scholarships (India)

Level: Postgraduate, research
Coverage: Tuition, living costs, travel
Website: Inlaks Scholarships
Description: For Indian students to study abroad in selected universities.

Scholarship Application Tips

Check Eligibility: Always read the criteria carefully before applying.
Prepare Documents Early: Transcripts, recommendation letters, and essays should be ready in advance.
Personal Statements: Write compelling essays explaining why you deserve the scholarship.
Avoid Plagiarism: Original content is essential.
Apply Early: Track deadlines and submit applications ahead of time.
Follow Up: Keep in touch with scholarship providers if necessary.

Conclusion

Scholarships provide invaluable opportunities for international students to pursue their academic goals without financial stress. By understanding the eligibility criteria, preparing strong applications, and applying to multiple scholarships, you can maximize your chances of receiving funding.

Start your scholarship journey early, and remember that perseverance and proper research are the keys to success.