Top 15 Scholarships to Study Abroad for Free in 2026 – Fully Funded Programs
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Studying abroad can cost anywhere between ₹15–60 lakhs per year. However, the Top 15 Scholarships to Study Abroad for Free in 2026 make it possible for international students to earn undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD degrees without paying tuition fees.
These scholarships cover:
Full tuition fees
Living expenses
Airfare
Health insurance
Research grants (for PhD)
If you are planning to study in the USA, UK, Germany, Canada, Australia, or Europe in 2026, this list includes the most prestigious fully funded scholarships available.
Fully Funded Opportunities – Top 15 Scholarships to Study Abroad for Free in 2026
1. Fulbright Program (USA)
Level: Master’s & PhDCovers tuition, stipend, airfare and insurance.
Official Website: https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org
2. Chevening Scholarship (United Kingdom)
Level: One-year Master’sFully funded including tuition and living costs.
Official Website: https://www.chevening.org
3. Commonwealth Scholarship (UK)
Level: Master’s & PhDFull tuition, airfare, stipend.
Official Website: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
4. DAAD Scholarship (Germany)
Level: Master’s & PhDMonthly stipend + tuition-free education.
Official Website: https://www.daad.de/en/
5. Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)
Level: UG & PGFull tuition, travel, living allowance.
Official Website: https://www.australiaawards.gov.au
6. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Canada)
Level: PhDCAD 50,000 per year for 3 years.
Official Website: https://vanier.gc.ca
7. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (Europe)
Level: Master’sCovers tuition, travel, and monthly stipend.
Official Website: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu
8. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Switzerland)
Level: PhD & ResearchFull funding + living expenses.
Official Website: https://www.sbfi.admin.ch
9. MEXT Scholarship (Japan)
Level: UG, PG & PhDFull tuition + stipend + airfare.
Official Website: https://www.mext.go.jp
10. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)
Level: PG & PhDFully funded at University of Cambridge.
Official Website: https://www.gatescambridge.org
11. Rhodes Scholarship (UK)
Level: PGFull funding at Oxford University.
Official Website: https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk
12. Knight-Hennessy Scholars (USA)
Level: GraduateFull tuition + stipend at Stanford University.
Official Website: https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu
13. KAIST International Student Scholarship (South Korea)
Level: UG & PGFull tuition + monthly allowance.
Official Website: https://admission.kaist.ac.kr
14. Chinese Government Scholarship (China)
Level: UG, PG & PhDTuition + accommodation + stipend.
Official Website: https://www.campuschina.org
15. ADB Japan Scholarship Program (Asia-Pacific)
Level: Master’sFull tuition + monthly allowance + airfare.
Official Website: https://www.adb.org/work-with-us/careers/japan-scholarship-program
Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships to Study Abroad for Free in 2026
Most scholarships require:
Strong academic record
English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
Statement of Purpose
Letters of Recommendation
Leadership or research experience
Some programs require work experience (Chevening, Commonwealth).
Application Timeline for 2026 Intake
Most Top 15 Scholarships to Study Abroad for Free in 2026 open between August 2025 and April 2026.
General pattern:
August – November 2025: UK scholarships
October – January: Europe & Canada
February – May 2026: USA & Australia
Always verify deadlines on official websites.
Why Apply for Scholarships to Study Abroad for Free in 2026
Zero tuition cost
Global exposure
Access to top-ranked universities
International career growth
Research opportunities
Fully funded scholarships remove financial barriers and open global opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the Top 15 Scholarships to Study Abroad for Free in 2026?
They are fully funded international scholarship programs that cover tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.
Are these scholarships fully funded?
Yes. All listed programs provide complete or near-complete financial coverage.
Can undergraduate students apply?
Yes. Scholarships like MEXT, KAIST, and Australia Awards offer undergraduate funding.
Which country offers the most fully funded scholarships?
The USA, UK, Germany, and Australia offer the highest number of fully funded programs.
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