Tuition alone can run into tens of thousands of dollars a year at the universities most students dream about — Harvard, Oxford, Imperial College London, the University of British Columbia. For most applicants, that figure alone closes the door before the application even opens. This is exactly why a list of the top fully funded scholarships for international students matters: each one removes that barrier entirely, covering tuition in full and often adding a monthly stipend, health insurance, and travel costs on top, so the only real requirement left is whether you meet the academic and eligibility criteria.
Must-Read: Step-by-Step Guide to Securing Scholarships Abroad for Beginners
Below is our list of the top fully funded scholarships for international students for the 2026 academic cycle, spanning seven countries across four continents: Germany, Canada, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States, China, and Azerbaijan. The list is deliberately mixed rather than narrow — you’ll find government-funded national scholarships like Germany’s DAAD/EPOS and Azerbaijan’s Heydar Aliyev programme, university-specific awards like Harvard’s Boustany MBA Scholarship and Imperial College’s Shawki Saad Scholarship, and research-focused opportunities like Singapore’s SINGA programme for PhD and EngD candidates in science and engineering.
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Below, each entry includes the host country and study level so you can quickly narrow down which scholarships fit your academic plans, whether that’s a master’s degree, a PhD, or an MBA. Because deadlines, award amounts, and eligibility rules shift from year to year — sometimes significantly — we verify and update this list regularly rather than letting it sit unchanged. If you land here and a particular scholarship’s window has already closed, treat that entry as a preview of what to expect next cycle rather than an active call to apply, and check the official scholarship page directly before making any final decisions about where to apply.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships Summary
| Scholarship | Host Country | Study Level |
|---|---|---|
| University of Freiburg DAAD/EPOS | Germany | Postgraduate & Master’s |
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) | Canada | Postgraduate, Master’s & PhD |
| UBC Public Scholars Initiative (PSI) | Canada | Postgraduate & PhD |
| Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) | Singapore | Postgraduate & PhD |
| Harvard Boustany MBA Scholarship | USA | Postgraduate & Masters |
| Imperial College Shawki Saad Scholarship | UK | Postgraduate & PhD |
| Schwarzman Scholarship Program | China | Postgraduate & Masters |
| KAS Scholarship Program | Germany | Master’s, Postgraduate & PhD |
| Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships | Asia / Australia / Africa | Master’s & Postgraduate |
| Azerbaijan Government Scholarship | Azerbaijan | Master’s & Postgraduate |
1. DAAD Scholarships Germany
First on the list is the University of Freiburg’s MEG (Environmental Governance) Programme, in partnership with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), which offers a limited number of fully funded DAAD/EPOS Scholarships for the 2026 academic session.
These scholarships support exceptional students with a strong academic background, at least two years of professional experience, and a clear commitment to development-related issues. The University of Freiburg DAAD/EPOS Scholarships 2026 are highly competitive and designed to strengthen leadership skills through advanced postgraduate study in Germany. Successful applicants will receive full financial support to pursue a Master’s degree in one of the top-ranked universities in Europe.
- Scholarship Name ⇒ University of Freiburg DAAD/EPOS
- Host Country ⇒ Germany
- Study Level ⇒ Postgraduate & Masters
- Click Here for Deadlines and Application Process
2. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program Canada
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program in Canada offers competitive, merit-based funding to support graduate students at the master’s and doctoral levels in Ontario, Canada. Each scholarship is awarded based on academic excellence and is funded jointly by the Ontario government and the recipient’s university.
If you’re planning to study full-time at a participating Ontario university, this opportunity could help reduce the cost of your education with up to $15,000 in funding per year.
- Scholarship Name ⇒ Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program
- Host Country ⇒ Canada
- Study Level ⇒ Postgraduate, Master’s & PhD
- Click Here for Deadlines and Application Process
3. UBC Public Scholars Initiative (PSI) Canada
Applications are now open for the University of British Columbia (UBC) Public Scholars Initiative (PSI) Award 2026/2027 cohort. This exciting opportunity supports doctoral students committed to connecting their research to broader public benefits and real-world impact. Selected scholars can receive up to $20,000 in funding to pursue innovative and collaborative scholarship.
The UBC Public Scholars Initiative (PSI) offers doctoral students a unique platform to connect their academic work with public needs. It provides financial support to students who wish to engage in scholarly work that has a meaningful impact beyond the university. The initiative welcomes applicants from all faculties at UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan, including a special Health Equity Stream for projects addressing health issues and equity.
- Scholarship Name ⇒ UBC Public Scholars Initiative (PSI)
- Host Country ⇒ British Columbia
- Study Level ⇒ Postgraduate & PhD
- Click Here for Deadlines and Application Process
4. Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)
The Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) is a fully funded scholarship designed for international students who are passionate about research and wish to pursue a PhD or EngD in Science and Engineering. Offered through a collaboration among Singapore’s top universities and research institutions—including A*STAR, NTU, NUS, SUTD, SMU, and SIT—SINGA supports students with outstanding academic records and strong research potential. Scholars benefit from world-class facilities, mentorship from leading researchers, and a vibrant multicultural research community in one of Asia’s most innovative nations.
- Scholarship Name ⇒ Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)
- Host Country ⇒ Singapore
- Study Level ⇒ Postgraduate & PhD
- Click Here for Deadlines and Application Process
5. Harvard University Boustany MBA Scholarship USA
The Harvard University Boustany MBA Scholarship is a prestigious opportunity for outstanding students to pursue an MBA at Harvard Business School. Offered by the Boustany Foundation, this scholarship is awarded once every two years and provides financial aid, internship opportunities, and access to world-class education at Harvard.
- Scholarship Name ⇒ Harvard University Boustany MBA
- Host Country ⇒ United States of America (USA)
- Study Level ⇒ Postgraduate & Masters
- Click Here for Deadlines and Application Process
6. Imperial College London Shawki Saad Scholarship
The Shawki Saad Scholarship supports outstanding Sudanese students pursuing full-time PhD studies in the Faculty of Engineering at Imperial College London. This golden opportunity aims to promote high-level academic research while building capacity among Sudanese researchers in engineering and related disciplines.
- Scholarship Name ⇒ Imperial College London Shawki Saad
- Host Country ⇒ United Kingdom
- Study Level ⇒ Postgraduate & PhD
- Click Here for Deadlines and Application Process
7. Schwarzman Scholarship Program China
The Schwarzman Scholarship Program offers an incredible, fully funded opportunity for future leaders to pursue a one-year Master’s degree in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University, one of China’s most prestigious institutions. This program is designed to build a global network of young professionals equipped to deepen understanding between China and the rest of the world.
- Scholarship Name ⇒ Schwarzman Scholarship Program
- Host Country ⇒ China
- Study Level ⇒ Postgraduate & Masters
- Click Here for Deadlines and Application Process
8. KAS Scholarship Program for International Students Germany
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarship Program offers fully funded opportunities for international students aiming to pursue master’s, doctoral or research studies in Germany. This prestigious scholarship seeks to promote intercultural dialogue, international networks, and the internationalization of universities by supporting committed and academically excellent individuals.
- Scholarship Name ⇒ KAS Scholarship Program for International Students
- Host Country ⇒ Germany
- Study Level ⇒ Master’s, Postgraduate & PhD
- Click Here for Deadlines and Application Process
9. Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships
The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship offers fully funded opportunities for exceptional students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries to pursue a two-year Master’s degree in another Commonwealth country. This life-changing scholarship is ideal for students passionate about driving change in their communities and eager to explore new cultures, networks, and academic experiences.
- Scholarship Name ⇒ Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth
- Host Country ⇒ Asia | Australia | Africa
- Study Level ⇒ Master’s & Postgraduate
- Click Here for Deadlines and Application Process
10. Azerbaijan Government Scholarships
An exceptional opportunity to study in Azerbaijan with a fully funded Azerbaijan Government Scholarship across all academic levels. Open to students from OIC, NAM, SIDS, and culturally connected nations.
The Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Program is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship initiated by the Government of Azerbaijan. Launched in memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, this annual scholarship offers international students the chance to pursue higher education in Azerbaijan’s top universities. The program covers a wide range of academic levels, including preparatory, undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and medical education programs.
- Scholarship Name ⇒ Azerbaijan Government Scholarship
- Host Country ⇒ Azerbaijan
- Study Level ⇒ Master’s & Postgraduate
- Click Here for Deadlines and Application Process
Frequently Asked Questions
Are fully funded scholarships really free?
Yes, in the sense that tuition and often a stipend, accommodation, or travel costs are covered by the scholarship provider rather than the student. However, “fully funded” varies by programme — some cover every major cost, while others cover tuition only and leave living expenses to the student. Always check the specific benefits listed for each scholarship rather than assuming “fully funded” means identical coverage across every entry on this list.
Can Nigerian students apply for the scholarships on this list?
It depends on the individual scholarship’s eligibility rules, not on this list as a whole. Some entries here are open globally, while others are restricted to specific countries or regions, such as Commonwealth nations or a single nationality. Check the eligibility section of each scholarship’s official page before applying.
What is the difference between fully funded and partially funded scholarships?
A fully funded scholarship typically covers tuition plus some combination of stipend, accommodation, health insurance, or travel. A partially funded scholarship covers only part of these costs, often tuition alone or a reduced fee. Read the benefits section carefully, since some scholarships use the term “fully funded” loosely even when one or two major costs are excluded.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship from this list at the same time?
In most cases, yes. There is generally no rule preventing you from applying to multiple scholarships simultaneously, since each operates independently with its own selection process. However, some specific programmes may have restrictions, so confirm this directly with the scholarship provider if you plan to apply to more than one in the same academic cycle.
Why does this list keep changing?
New fully funded scholarships open throughout the year, and existing ones close once their deadlines pass. This list is updated as new opportunities become available and as previous entries reach their application deadlines, which means the scholarships shown here today may differ from what was listed when the page was first published. Check the “Last Updated” date at the top of this post, and always verify a scholarship’s current status on its official page before applying.
Disclaimer: This compilation is based on publicly available information and is meant for guidance only. Scholarship terms, deadlines, and eligibility may change without notice — always confirm details on the official scholarship website before applying. ScholarWaka is not affiliated with any provider listed and is not responsible for outdated or inaccurate information.
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