Fully Funded Masters Scholarships for International Students

Find the best fully funded Master’s scholarships for international students in 2025–2026. Learn about eligibility, top programs, and how to apply for full funding to study abroad.
Fully Funded Masters Scholarships
Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships for International Students (2025–2026)
If you have completed your bachelor’s degree and are planning to pursue a master’s program abroad, this is the perfect place to start.
This comprehensive guide explains everything about fully funded master’s scholarships for international students, including how to apply, eligibility requirements, and a list of the most popular and high-value scholarships available worldwide.
What is a Fully Funded Master’s Scholarship?
A fully funded master’s scholarship is financial support that covers all or most of the costs of pursuing a master’s degree at a university. This usually includes:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- A monthly living stipend for accommodation, meals, and daily expenses
- Travel allowance or round-trip airfare
- Health insurance and visa support
- Relocation or family support (in some cases)
These scholarships allow talented students from around the world to study abroad without worrying about the financial burden of tuition or living expenses.
Why Study Abroad with a Fully Funded Master’s Scholarship?
Studying abroad on a fully funded scholarship is a life-changing opportunity. Here are a few reasons why:
- Access to world-class universities and research facilities
- Gain international exposure and experience diverse cultures
- Build a strong global professional and academic network
- Improve your employability and career prospects
- Avoid student loans or financial stress
- Opportunity to continue to PhD or research programs later
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility depends on each scholarship program, but generally applicants must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or be in their final year of undergraduate study
- Have an excellent academic record
- Demonstrate leadership potential or community involvement
- Be a citizen of a country outside the host nation
- Meet English language requirements (IELTS or TOEFL, if required)
Tip: Always check specific eligibility details on the official scholarship page before applying.
FAQs About Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships
1. What are the best fully funded Master’s scholarships for international students?
Some of the most popular scholarships include:
- DAAD Scholarships (Germany) 
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships (Europe) 
- Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom) 
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program (United States) 
- MEXT Scholarships (Japan) 
- Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia) 
- Knight-Hennessy Scholars (USA) 
These programs are highly competitive but provide full funding, including tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.
2. Which countries offer fully funded Master’s scholarships?
- Germany – DAAD Scholarships 
- United Kingdom – Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships 
- United States – Fulbright, Knight-Hennessy, and Mastercard Foundation 
- Canada – Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships 
- Australia – Australia Awards Scholarships 
- Europe (EU) – Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s 
- Japan – MEXT Scholarships 
These countries are well-known for supporting international students through government or institutional scholarships.
3. What does “fully funded” mean?
A fully funded scholarship typically includes:
- 100% of tuition fees 
- Monthly living allowance 
- Travel or relocation support 
- Health insurance 
- Visa assistance and sometimes family support 
Always review the scholarship details carefully to confirm what is included.
4. How competitive are these scholarships?
Fully funded scholarships for international students are highly competitive. To improve your chances:
- Start preparing early 
- Maintain a strong academic record 
- Get involved in leadership or community activities 
- Write a compelling motivation letter or personal statement 
- Secure strong recommendation letters 
- Apply to multiple programs that match your field of interest 
High-Paying Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships (2025–2026)
| Scholarship Name | Country | Coverage Details | Duration | Application Deadline | 
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships | EU (Multiple Countries) | Full tuition, monthly stipend, travel, insurance | 1–2 years | Varies by program | 
| Chevening Scholarships | United Kingdom | Tuition, living allowance, airfare | 1 year | November 2025 | 
| Fulbright Foreign Student Program | United States | Tuition, living stipend, airfare, health insurance | 1–2 years | October 2025 | 
| DAAD Scholarships (Germany) | Germany | Tuition, monthly stipend, travel allowance | 1–2 years | Varies by program | 
| MEXT Scholarships | Japan | Tuition, monthly allowance, airfare | 2 years | April 2026 | 
| Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships | United Kingdom | Tuition, airfare, stipend | 1 year | October 2025 | 
| World Bank Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) | USA, Japan, Canada | Tuition, travel, monthly stipend | 2 years | April 2026 | 
| Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program | United States (Stanford University) | Full tuition, stipend, travel | 2–3 years | October 2025 | 
| McGill University Scholarships | Canada | Tuition, living stipend, health insurance | 1–2 years | October 2025 | 
| Sciences Po MasterCard Foundation Scholarship | France | Tuition, living expenses, travel | 1–2 years | January 2026 | 
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Master’s Scholarship
| Step | What to Do | 
|---|---|
| 1. Identify Your Field of Study | Decide what subject or program you want to pursue and which countries excel in that field. | 
| 2. Search for Scholarships | Use trusted scholarship databases or search engines with queries like “fully funded master’s scholarships for international students 2025.” | 
| 3. Shortlist Universities | Choose programs that align with your academic and career goals. | 
| 4. Prepare Application Documents | Update your CV, collect transcripts, write a motivation letter, and get recommendation letters. | 
| 5. Apply Before the Deadline | Many scholarships open a year in advance, so plan ahead. | 
| 6. Prepare for Interviews | Some programs may interview shortlisted candidates. | 
| 7. Plan for Visa and Travel | Once selected, arrange your visa, accommodation, and relocation. | 
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting the same generic application to multiple scholarships
- Ignoring eligibility requirements and missing deadlines
- Writing a weak motivation letter that lacks clarity or direction
- Failing to proofread application documents
- Not demonstrating leadership, community involvement, or career goals
Being well-prepared and submitting a tailored application can make all the difference.
Top Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships for International Students
| Scholarship / Country | Coverage | Duration | Highlights | 
|---|---|---|---|
| DAAD Scholarships (Germany) | Tuition + living stipend + travel allowance | 1–2 years | Open to students from developing countries | 
| Chevening Scholarships (UK) | Full tuition + monthly stipend + airfare | 1 year | Focus on leadership and networking | 
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EU) | Tuition + stipend + travel + insurance | 1–2 years | Study in multiple European countries | 
| Fulbright Program (USA) | Tuition + living stipend + travel + insurance | 1–2 years | Prestigious scholarship for global students | 
| MEXT Scholarship (Japan) | Tuition + monthly allowance + airfare | 2 years | Government-funded scholarship | 
| Australia Awards (Australia) | Tuition + stipend + travel + health coverage | 1–2 years | Open to students from eligible partner countries | 
| Knight-Hennessy Scholars (USA) | Full tuition + living stipend + travel | 2 years | Covers all graduate programs at Stanford | 
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Canada) | CAD $50,000 per year | 3 years | Research-focused, also open to Master’s-to-PhD pathways | 
Key Highlights
- Erasmus Mundus: Offers a consortium of European universities, allowing students to study in multiple countries and gain diverse cultural experiences. 
- Chevening: A prestigious UK government scholarship focusing on developing global leaders, with a strong alumni network. 
- Fulbright: Provides opportunities for academic exchange and cultural understanding between the U.S. and other nations. 
- DAAD: Supports international students in Germany, promoting global academic cooperation. 
- MEXT: A Japanese government initiative encouraging international students to study in Japan. 
- Commonwealth: Targets students from low and middle-income countries, fostering sustainable development. 
- World Bank JJ/WBGSP: Aims to build capacity in developing countries through advanced education. 
- Knight-Hennessy: Supports graduate students at Stanford University, emphasizing leadership and innovation. 
- McGill: Offers competitive scholarships for international students pursuing graduate studies in Canada. 
- Sciences Po MasterCard Foundation: Focuses on students from Sub-Saharan Africa, promoting leadership and development. 
For more detailed information on each scholarship, including eligibility criteria and application procedures, it’s recommended to visit the official scholarship websites or contact the respective scholarship offices. If you need assistance with specific scholarship applications or further information on any of these programs, feel free to ask!
Getting a fully funded Master’s scholarship is one of the best ways to pursue higher education abroad without financial stress. It allows you to focus on learning, gain international experience, and build a successful career.
Start researching early, prepare strong application documents, and apply to multiple scholarships that align with your field and goals. Your dream of studying abroad with full funding can become a reality with the right plan and persistence.
