Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students: Study Abroad and Receive Monthly Stipends in 2026–2027
Studying abroad can be expensive, especially when tuition, accommodation, flights, health insurance, food and everyday expenses are added together. However, Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students: Study Abroad and Receive Monthly Stipends can remove much of this financial burden by combining tuition funding with living support.
A fully funded scholarship is an award that covers most or all of the major costs associated with an approved programme. Depending on the scholarship, this can include full tuition, accommodation or housing support, airfare, health insurance, visa-related expenses, and a monthly or regular living allowance.
The important point is that not every scholarship advertised as “fully funded” provides exactly the same benefits. Some pay a fixed monthly stipend, while others provide living expenses through fortnightly or annual payments. Some also cover flights and insurance, while others focus mainly on tuition and living costs.
This guide explains some of the strongest government- and institution-backed opportunities currently available, what they pay, who can apply, how to apply, and how to avoid common scholarship mistakes.
What Are Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students?
Fully funded scholarships for international students are competitive financial awards designed to enable students from other countries to pursue an approved degree or study programme without personally paying the majority of the programme’s core costs.
A genuinely comprehensive scholarship may cover:
- 100% of tuition fees
- Monthly living stipend
- Accommodation or accommodation allowance
- Return international airfare
- Health or medical insurance
- Visa-related expenses
- Research or study allowances
- Books and educational materials
- Travel between participating universities
- Family or disability allowances in certain circumstances
However, “fully funded” does not necessarily mean every personal expense is covered. You may still need money for items such as extra travel, entertainment, personal electronics, deposits, clothing or expenses for accompanying family members.
For example, Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships can contribute toward participation costs, travel, visa expenses and living costs, while the EU currently lists the scholarship at €1,400 per month for up to 24 months. (Erasmus+)
Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students With Monthly Stipends
The following programmes are among the most useful options to investigate if your priority is studying abroad while receiving regular financial support.
| Scholarship | Study destination | Main level | Living support | Major benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters | Europe and partner countries | Master’s | €1,400/month, up to 24 months | Tuition/participation costs, travel, visa and living allowance |
| DAAD EPOS | Germany | Mainly Master’s/selected PhD | €992/month for graduates; €1,400/month for doctoral candidates | Stipend, insurance, travel allowance and possible extras |
| Chevening | UK | Master’s | Monthly stipend; rate varies by location | Tuition, airfare, allowances, visa-related support |
| Commonwealth Master’s | UK | Master’s | £1,712/month; £2,000 London rate at current 2027/28 levels | Tuition, airfare, living allowance and study travel grant |
| Australia Awards | Australia | Undergraduate/postgraduate, depending on country | Living expenses paid regularly | Tuition, airfare, health cover, establishment allowance and living expenses |
| MEXT | Japan | Undergraduate, Master’s/PhD and other categories | ¥117,000–¥145,000+, depending on programme | Tuition exemption, airfare and monthly allowance |
| Stipendium Hungaricum | Hungary | Bachelor’s, Master’s, doctoral and others | Monthly stipend | Tuition-free education, stipend, accommodation contribution and insurance |
Important: Benefits, eligibility, deadlines and stipend rates can change by intake. Always confirm the current programme rules before submitting an application.
1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM) is one of the strongest options for international students who want a European master’s degree combined with substantial financial support.
Unlike a traditional master’s programme at one university, an Erasmus Mundus programme is normally delivered by a consortium of universities. Students may study in two or more countries during the programme.
The European Commission states that Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are open to students worldwide and that selected programmes offer full scholarships. Students apply directly to the institution running their chosen programme, rather than submitting one generic scholarship application to the EU. (Erasmus+)
What does Erasmus Mundus cover?
Depending on the programme and scholarship arrangement, funding can contribute to:
- Participation/education costs
- Travel
- Visa expenses
- Living costs
- Insurance and other programme-related expenses
The current EU scholarship amount is €1,400 per month, for a maximum of 24 months. (Erasmus+)
Who can apply?
Applicants generally need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification, or be in the final year of their bachelor’s degree and graduate before the master’s begins. Individual programmes have their own academic and language requirements. (Erasmus+)
How to apply
- Search the official Erasmus Mundus catalogue.
- Choose programmes matching your academic background.
- Read each programme’s eligibility requirements.
- Prepare your CV, academic records, references and motivation materials.
- Apply directly through the programme’s application system.
- Select the scholarship option where applicable.
Application: Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters – official student application information
The European Commission says most programmes typically accept applications between October and January for the following academic year. (Erasmus+)
2. DAAD EPOS Scholarships in Germany
For professionals from developing and emerging countries, the DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) programme deserves serious attention.
DAAD EPOS supports selected postgraduate programmes in Germany and generally targets graduates with at least two years of professional experience. (DAAD)
DAAD EPOS stipend
Current official DAAD information lists:
- €992 per month for graduates
- €1,400 per month for doctoral candidates from February 2026
- Health, accident and personal liability insurance
- Travel allowance where applicable
- Possible rent subsidies
- Possible family allowances
The scholarship duration depends on the specific programme and can range from 12 to 42 months. (DAAD)
This makes DAAD particularly attractive for applicants who already have professional experience and want to study fields connected with development.
How to apply for DAAD EPOS
The important thing to understand is that there is not one single EPOS course. You first identify an eligible EPOS postgraduate programme and then follow that programme’s application instructions and deadline.
DAAD directs applicants to its scholarship database, where the relevant programme’s application procedure and deadline are provided. (www.daad.de)
Application: DAAD Scholarship Database
3. Chevening Scholarships in the United Kingdom
Chevening Scholarships are funded by the UK Government and are designed for emerging leaders who want to complete a one-year master’s degree in the UK.
Chevening describes its scholarships as fully funded. Benefits include tuition fees, economy travel, arrival and departure allowances, visa-related support and a monthly living allowance. (Chevening)
Who is Chevening for?
Applicants must generally:
- Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country
- Have at least 2,800 hours of work experience, equivalent to two years
- Hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies them for a UK master’s
- Apply to three eligible UK master’s courses
- Commit to returning to their country of award for at least two years after the scholarship
The official eligibility rules should always be checked because the requirements can change between application cycles. (Chevening)
Monthly stipend
Chevening provides a monthly personal living allowance. The amount depends on whether the scholar studies inside or outside London and is subject to annual review. (Chevening)
Important 2026 update
For the 2027–28 Chevening Scholarship cycle, applications opened in August 2026. The general timeline says applications close in October 2026, with country-specific deadlines applying. (Chevening)
For Nigeria specifically, the official Chevening page currently states that the 2027–28 application cycle is closed. (Chevening)
That does not mean Nigerian applicants should stop preparing. The next cycle can be monitored through the official Chevening portal.
Application: Chevening official application portal
4. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
Another excellent option for international students is the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship, funded through the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
The programme is aimed at talented citizens of eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries who would otherwise struggle to finance a UK master’s degree. (Commonwealth Scholarships UK)
What does it cover?
For the 2027/28 Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, the official programme page lists:
- Full approved tuition fees
- Return airfare
- £1,712 monthly stipend
- £2,000 monthly stipend for London-based universities
- Study travel grant
- Additional allowances in qualifying circumstances
(Commonwealth Scholarships UK)
The programme is therefore particularly attractive to applicants looking for fully funded scholarships for international students with monthly stipends.
Who can apply?
Applicants generally need:
- Citizenship or refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country
- Permanent residence in an eligible Commonwealth country
- A first degree at least equivalent to UK upper-second-class standard, or the specified alternative qualification
- Evidence that they could not otherwise afford UK study
Employment experience is not mandatory for Commonwealth Scholarships according to the CSC’s current FAQ. (Commonwealth Scholarships UK)
2027/28 deadline
The current Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship page states that applications for study beginning in September/October 2027 close at 16:00 BST on 20 October 2026. Applications are submitted through CSC Central. (Commonwealth Scholarships UK)
Application: Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship official application information
5. Australia Awards Scholarships
The Australia Awards Scholarships are Australian Government scholarships for citizens of participating developing countries.
For eligible African applicants, including Nigeria, the programme can provide a particularly comprehensive funding package. Nigeria is explicitly listed among the participating African countries. (DFAT)
What does Australia Awards cover?
Benefits generally include:
- Full tuition fees
- Return economy airfare
- Establishment allowance
- Contribution to living expenses
- Overseas Student Health Cover
- Introductory Academic Programme
- Possible supplementary academic support
- Eligible fieldwork support
(DFAT)
For 2026, the official policy handbook lists the Contribution to Living Expenses at A$99.26 per day, equivalent to approximately A$36,230 per year in a non-leap year. (DFAT)
Important requirement for African applicants
Country-specific requirements apply. For the 2026 intake for study beginning in 2027, the Africa information specifies conditions including age, employment and relevant professional experience for eligible applicants. (DFAT)
How to apply
Applicants should:
- Check that their country is eligible.
- Read the country-specific profile.
- Check priority fields.
- Check the application deadline.
- Prepare academic and professional documents.
- Apply using the required national application route.
For countries using online applications, Australia Awards uses the OASIS system. (DFAT)
Application: Australia Awards official application information
Important: The 2027 Australia Awards Africa round closed on 30 April 2026, so Nigerian applicants should prepare for the next applicable intake rather than trying to submit a late application. (DFAT)
6. MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship
The MEXT Scholarship is funded by the Government of Japan and supports several categories of international students.
These include:
- Undergraduate students
- Research students
- Master’s and doctoral students
- Teacher training students
- Japanese studies students
- College of Technology students
- Specialized training college students
- Young Leaders Programme participants
How much does MEXT pay?
Official Study in Japan information currently lists monthly allowances including approximately:
- ¥117,000 for undergraduate students
- ¥143,000–¥145,000 for research/graduate categories, depending on level
- ¥242,000 for Young Leaders Programme students
Tuition is exempted, and round-trip airfare is generally provided under the applicable scholarship arrangements, although university-recommendation conditions can differ. (日本留学情報サイト Study in Japan)
How do you apply?
There are two principal routes:
Embassy recommendation: Apply through the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country.
University recommendation: Apply through a Japanese university that has an applicable recommendation quota.
The official Japanese government study portal specifically warns applicants not to send embassy-recommendation applications directly to MEXT in Japan. The first screening is conducted through the Japanese diplomatic mission. (日本留学情報サイト Study in Japan)
Application: MEXT Scholarship – official Study in Japan information
For the 2027 cycle, official application schedules vary according to nationality and scholarship category, so applicants should check the Japanese embassy in their country. (日本留学情報サイト Study in Japan)
7. Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship in Hungary
The Stipendium Hungaricum is another major government-supported scholarship for international students seeking to study in Hungary.
The programme supports bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and other study categories, depending on the applicant’s country and available programmes.
Benefits include:
- Tuition-free education
- Monthly stipend
- Accommodation contribution or dormitory placement
- Medical insurance
For bachelor’s, master’s and related non-doctoral categories, the programme has listed a monthly living contribution of HUF 43,700, while doctoral support is substantially higher. (Stipendium Hungaricum)
One important point is that the stipend should not automatically be interpreted as enough to cover every living expense in Hungary. The programme itself describes the accommodation contribution and stipend as contributions toward living costs.
Application: Stipendium Hungaricum official application page
How to Choose the Best Fully Funded Scholarship
Not every scholarship is suitable for every student. Before applying, compare the programme against your education level, professional background, preferred destination and career goals.
If you want a European master’s
Start with Erasmus Mundus.
It is especially attractive if you are comfortable studying in multiple countries and want an international academic experience.
If you have professional experience
Consider DAAD EPOS, Chevening or Australia Awards, depending on your country and field.
These programmes place significant emphasis on professional development, leadership or development impact.
If you want the UK
Look at Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships.
However, their eligibility requirements and application systems are different, so you should not treat them as interchangeable.
If you want Japan
MEXT is one of the strongest government-funded routes because it combines tuition exemption, living support and travel benefits.
If you want a bachelor’s degree
Do not focus only on master’s scholarships. MEXT and Stipendium Hungaricum can be relevant depending on your nationality, academic background and available programme categories.
How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students
Applying successfully involves much more than filling out an online form.
Step 1: Identify scholarships you actually qualify for
Check:
- Nationality
- Age requirements
- Academic qualification
- Work experience
- Field of study
- English or other language requirements
- Required professional experience
- University admission requirements
Do not spend weeks preparing an application for a scholarship whose basic eligibility criteria you do not meet.
Step 2: Select the right programme
A common mistake is choosing a scholarship first and then searching for any available course.
A better strategy is to identify your target career and academic programme first, then find scholarships that fund it.
Step 3: Prepare your documents
Common requirements include:
- International passport
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificate
- CV
- Recommendation letters
- Motivation letter or personal statement
- Research proposal for some postgraduate programmes
- Proof of employment
- Proof of English proficiency where required
Step 4: Write a strong scholarship statement
Your personal statement should explain:
Where you are now → what problem you want to solve → why the programme is necessary → why you are qualified → how the degree will create measurable impact.
Avoid generic statements such as “I have always dreamed of studying abroad.”
Instead, demonstrate evidence of your academic achievements, leadership, professional experience and future plans.
Step 5: Apply through the official portal
This is extremely important.
Do not pay an agent simply because someone promises a guaranteed scholarship.
Government scholarship programmes publish their official application procedures. If someone claims that they can “guarantee” a scholarship in exchange for money, treat that as a major warning sign.
How to Apply — Quick Guide and Application Links
If you want to start immediately, use this simple process:
1. Choose a scholarship that matches your degree level and nationality.
2. Read the official eligibility rules and current call.
3. Prepare your transcript, CV, passport, references and statement.
4. Apply only through the official scholarship or university portal.
5. Save your application confirmation and monitor your email for interviews or additional documents.
Official application links
- Erasmus Mundus: Apply through Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programmes
- DAAD: DAAD Scholarship Database
- Chevening: Official Chevening application portal
- Commonwealth Master’s: Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship application information
- Australia Awards: Australia Awards application information
- MEXT: Official MEXT/Study in Japan scholarship information
- Stipendium Hungaricum: Official Stipendium Hungaricum application page
Common Mistakes That Can Ruin a Scholarship Application
Even academically strong applicants can lose opportunities because of avoidable mistakes.
1. Applying after the deadline
Scholarship portals generally do not make exceptions for applicants who forgot the deadline.
2. Using the wrong documents
Make sure names, dates, grades and other information are consistent across your documents.
3. Submitting a generic personal statement
A scholarship committee should be able to see why you, that particular programme and your future plans fit together.
4. Ignoring country-specific requirements
Australia Awards is an excellent example. Eligibility, priority fields and application procedures can vary by country. (DFAT)
5. Assuming every “fully funded” scholarship pays a large monthly salary
A scholarship stipend is designed primarily to support study and living expenses. It is not a salary.
For example, DAAD explicitly notes that scholarship payments may not always cover all living costs, particularly in expensive university cities. (www.daad.de)
6. Paying unofficial agents
Use official government, university and scholarship websites whenever possible.
How to Increase Your Chances of Winning
Competition can be intense, so simply being eligible is not enough.
Focus on five areas:
Academic strength: Show strong grades and relevant coursework.
Clear career direction: Explain what you intend to do after graduation.
Leadership: Provide evidence rather than simply calling yourself a leader.
Development impact: For programmes such as Commonwealth and Australia Awards, explain how your education can contribute to your community, country or professional sector.
Programme fit: Demonstrate that the specific degree is necessary for your goals.
A strong application connects these elements rather than presenting them as unrelated achievements.
Are Fully Funded Scholarships Really Free?
Usually, yes, in the sense that the scholarship does not require you to repay the award like a student loan.
However, free education does not mean zero personal expenses.
You may still need money for:
- Passport application
- Medical examinations
- Document certification
- Initial transport
- Personal expenses
- Accommodation deposits in some situations
- Laptop or other equipment
- Expenses not included in the award
- Family-related costs
Therefore, even after winning a fully funded scholarship, it is wise to have some emergency funds available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best fully funded scholarship for international students?
There is no single best scholarship for everyone. Erasmus Mundus, DAAD, Chevening, Commonwealth, Australia Awards, MEXT and Stipendium Hungaricum are strong options, but eligibility varies according to nationality, academic level, professional experience and field of study.
Which scholarships pay monthly stipends?
Several major programmes provide regular living support. Examples include Erasmus Mundus (€1,400/month), DAAD (€992/month for graduates and €1,400/month for doctoral candidates), Commonwealth Master’s (£1,712/month or £2,000 in London at current 2027/28 rates), MEXT (approximately ¥117,000–¥145,000+ depending on category), and Australia Awards through its living-expenses contribution. (Erasmus+)
Can international students apply for these scholarships without an agent?
Yes. Many major government scholarships have official application portals or require applicants to apply directly to universities or diplomatic missions.
Erasmus Mundus, for example, instructs students to apply directly to the institution running their selected programme. (Erasmus+)
Can Nigerian students apply for fully funded scholarships abroad?
Yes. Nigerian students are eligible for a range of international scholarship programmes, although each programme has its own eligibility rules. Nigeria is currently listed among the participating African countries for Australia Awards, while Nigeria also has a dedicated Chevening scholarship programme and is an eligible Commonwealth country. (DFAT)
Do fully funded scholarships cover airfare?
Some do. Australia Awards, Commonwealth Master’s and MEXT, for example, include travel benefits under their applicable scholarship arrangements. Erasmus Mundus scholarships also provide travel-related support, although the exact structure depends on the programme. (DFAT)
Do I need IELTS for every scholarship?
No. There is no universal IELTS requirement across all international scholarships. However, the university or programme may require proof of English proficiency, even when the scholarship itself does not set a separate language requirement.
For example, Chevening does not impose its own English-language requirement, but applicants still have to satisfy the requirements of their chosen UK universities. (Chevening)
Final Thoughts: Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students Can Make Studying Abroad Possible
Fully funded scholarships for international students can turn an expensive international degree into a realistic opportunity by covering tuition and providing money for living expenses.
The strongest opportunities are not limited to one country. Erasmus Mundus can take students across Europe; DAAD supports postgraduate study in Germany; Chevening and Commonwealth fund master’s study in the UK; Australia Awards supports eligible students in Australia; MEXT funds study in Japan; and Stipendium Hungaricum supports international students in Hungary.
The key is to stop searching for a scholarship based only on how much money it pays. Instead, look at eligibility, degree level, course availability, career fit, funding coverage and application deadlines.
If you are serious about studying abroad, start by selecting two or three programmes that match your academic profile. Then read their official requirements carefully, prepare your documents early and submit your application through the official portal.
Do not wait until the deadline to begin. The strongest scholarship applications are usually built weeks or months before the application portal closes.
