A record number of students are seeking opportunities to study abroad in 2026, with over 6.5 million students applying for scholarships worldwide. Google Yet most of them apply without knowing which programs actually cover everything tuition, housing, flights, and living costs included.
This guide cuts straight to the eight best fully funded scholarships available right now, what they cover, and who can apply.
What Does “Fully Funded” Actually Mean?
Before the list — a fully funded scholarship typically covers all of the following:
✅ 100% tuition fees
✅ Monthly living stipend
✅ Accommodation
✅ Return airfare
✅ Health insurance
✅ Sometimes research and conference allowances
Anything less than this is a partial scholarship — important distinction when you are planning your finances.
Top 8 Fully Funded Scholarships 2026
| Scholarship | Country | Level | Open To |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fulbright | USA | Masters, PhD | 155 countries |
| Chevening | UK | Masters | 160+ countries |
| DAAD | Germany | Masters, PhD | All countries |
| Erasmus Mundus | Europe | Masters, PhD | All countries |
| Gates Cambridge | UK | Masters, PhD | All countries |
| MEXT | Japan | UG, Masters, PhD | All countries |
| Chinese Govt Scholarship | China | UG, Masters, PhD | All countries |
| Türkiye Bursları | Turkey | UG, Masters, PhD | All countries |
1. Fulbright Scholarship — USA
One of the most prestigious scholarships in the world, the Fulbright Program is funded by the US government and open to students from over 160 countries. It covers full tuition, monthly stipend, airfare, and health insurance. CryptoNews.com
Level: Masters and PhD
Deadline: Varies by country (Feb — Oct annually)
Apply at: fulbrightprogram.org
2. Chevening Scholarship — UK
Chevening offers full funding for one-year master’s programs in the UK. The program targets future global leaders from diverse backgrounds with over 50,000 Chevening alumni active worldwide. Google
Level: Masters (1 year)
Deadline: Applications for 2026/27 in progress
Apply at: chevening.org
3. DAAD Scholarship — Germany
DAAD scholarships are available to pursue masters or PhD at top German universities, covering monthly payments of 934 euros for graduates or 1,300 euros for doctoral candidates. CoinMarketCap Germany also charges zero tuition fees at public universities making this one of the most financially generous programs worldwide.
Level: Masters, PhD
Open to: All countries
Apply at: daad.de
4. Erasmus Mundus — Europe
The Erasmus Mundus program allows students to study in two or three European universities during their degree program Google — meaning you can experience multiple countries, cultures, and academic systems within a single fully funded scholarship.
Level: Masters, PhD
Open to: All countries worldwide
Apply at: erasmus-mundus.eu
5. Gates Cambridge — UK
One of the most competitive scholarships globally. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers full tuition, a maintenance allowance, and additional funding for academic development — awarded to outstanding students at the University of Cambridge regardless of nationality. Google
Level: Masters, PhD
Open to: All countries except UK
Apply at: gatescambridge.org
6. MEXT Scholarship — Japan
The MEXT Scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, monthly living allowance, and round-trip airfare for undergraduate, masters, PhD and training studies. CoinMarketCap Japan’s government funds this program directly making it one of the most reliable and well-established scholarship programs in Asia.
Level: Undergraduate, Masters, PhD
Open to: All countries
Apply at: Through Japanese Embassy in your country
7. Chinese Government Scholarship — China
The Chinese Government Scholarship covers accommodation, basic health insurance, and a monthly allowance of up to 3,500 yuan at more than 280 Chinese universities. CoinMarketCap With China rapidly climbing global university rankings this scholarship is increasingly competitive and increasingly valuable.
Level: Undergraduate, Masters, PhD
Open to: All countries
Apply at: campuschina.org
8. Türkiye Bursları — Turkey
The Türkiye Bursları Scholarship covers a monthly stipend of up to 1,600 TL, tuition fees, a return flight ticket, health insurance, and accommodation for undergraduate, masters, and PhD studies. CoinMarketCap
Level: Undergraduate, Masters, PhD
Open to: All countries
Deadline: Check turkiyeburslari.gov.tr
What Full Funding Looks Like — Real Numbers
| Scholarship | Monthly Stipend | Tuition | Flights | Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fulbright | $1,500 — $2,500 | ✅ Full | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Chevening | £1,169/month | ✅ Full | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| DAAD | €934 — €1,300 | ✅ Full | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Gates Cambridge | £18,000/year | ✅ Full | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| MEXT | ¥117,000/month | ✅ Full | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Chinese Govt | ¥3,500/month | ✅ Full | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
5 Tips to Strengthen Your Application
Start preparing 10 to 12 months in advance to gather documents and prepare. Write with purpose — link your goals to community benefit and development. Perfect your documents — ensure transcripts, references, and English proficiency are consistent and accurate. Track deadlines carefully as scholarship deadlines vary significantly. And focus on showcasing your leadership impact through measurable examples. Google
Level: Undergraduate, Masters, PhD
Open to: All countries
Deadline: Check turkiyeburslari.gov.tr
Conclusion
Every year thousands of brilliant students miss out on world-class education — not because they lack talent, but because they lack information. Google The eight scholarships on this list collectively fund thousands of students every year from every country in the world — covering everything from Harvard to Tokyo, Oxford to Beijing.
The only thing standing between you and a fully funded education is a well-prepared application submitted on time. Start today.
At WealthIQ Hub we cover every opportunity that helps you build a better financial and educational future. Explore our guides on how to get a scholarship, best universities worldwide, and passive income ideas to fund your goals in 2026.