By Nneoma Ogbureke, Study Abroad Consultant at Every Moment Travels And Tours · Last updated: 10 November 2026 · Details checked against official scholarship websites and embassy notices
If you’ve ever typed “full scholarships for study abroad” into Google at 11 p.m., you already know the problem. You get fifty lists, forty open tabs, and almost no idea which scholarship is real, current and actually open to you.
I get it. It’s the question I hear most from students who come to me for help: “Which countries will actually pay for my degree?”
So I did the digging. Below are the countries that offer full scholarships for international students, what each programme usually covers, and where the deadlines stand as of 4 November 2026. I checked the details against official government and embassy pages, and I’ll tell you plainly where something is still unconfirmed.
I have guided a number of students with their scholarships journey in Every Moment Travels And Tours. There is one particular mistake I observe with almost every student. That one mistake is that students are confused with the different countries that offer full scholarship for their programmes.
The short answer: Türkiye, Hungary, Germany, South Korea, China, Japan, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Australia all run government-backed scholarships that can cover tuition, a monthly allowance and more. Some also pay for flights, health insurance and housing. Each has its own deadline, and several open in the next three months.
What does “full scholarship” actually mean?
Two phrases get mixed up all the time.
A full-tuition scholarship pays your fees. You still cover rent, food and flights.
A fully funded scholarship usually adds a monthly stipend, and often airfare, health insurance or accommodation too.
Always read what’s in the box before you get excited. And remember that “full” never means “easy.” These awards are competitive. The good news is that real people win them every year, and most of them simply started early and followed the rules.
Which countries offer full scholarships for study abroad?
Here’s the quick snapshot. Details for each country follow below.
| Country | Scholarship | Level | Next window (as of 4 Nov 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Türkiye | Türkiye Bursları | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD | Reported 10 Jan – 20 Feb 2027 |
| Hungary | Stipendium Hungaricum | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD | 2027/28 call not yet published; last round closed 15 Jan |
| Germany | DAAD (EPOS, Helmut-Schmidt and others) | Mainly Master’s and PhD | Varies by programme |
| South Korea | Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD | Graduate call expected around Feb–Mar 2027 |
| China | Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD | Open now; deadlines vary, often Jan–Apr 2027 |
| Japan | MEXT Scholarship | Undergraduate, research and more | Usually opens around April |
| Sweden | SI Scholarship for Global Professionals | Master’s | Admissions to 15 Jan; SI portal 8–24 Feb 2027 |
| United Kingdom | Chevening | Master’s | 2027/28 round closed 6 Oct 2026; next usually opens in August |
| Australia | Australia Awards | Master’s and above | 2028 intake opens Feb 2027 |
1. Türkiye: Türkiye Bursları
This is Türkiye’s flagship government scholarship, run by the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB). It covers bachelor’s, master’s and PhD study.
What it typically covers: tuition, accommodation, a monthly stipend, health insurance, return airfare, and a Turkish-language year if your program is taught in Turkish.
Next window: Applications have historically opened in early January and closed around 20 February. For 2027, the widely reported window is 10 January to 20 February 2027. Please confirm the exact dates on the official portal before you plan around them.
My tip: The window is short, roughly six weeks, and you can submit only one application per cycle. Start gathering documents now so you’re not rushing in February. Also remember that applying is free, and nobody is authorized to apply on your behalf.
2. Hungary: Stipendium Hungaricum
Hungary’s government scholarship is managed by the Tempus Public Foundation and covers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral study. It typically includes tuition, a monthly stipend, accommodation support and health insurance. Budget a little extra for living costs, because stipends don’t always stretch as far as students hope.
Next window: The 2026/27 round closed on 15 January 2026. As of mid-October 2026, the 2027/28 call hadn’t been published yet. Last year the portal opened in mid-November, so keep checking the official Stipendium Hungaricum website.
My tip: The Hungarian embassy in Abuja states that Nigerian applicants don’t need embassy recommendations. Rules differ by country, though. In some countries you must apply through a ministry or sending partner first, so check the rules for your own passport.
3. Germany: DAAD scholarships
Germany doesn’t have one single scholarship. The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) runs a whole catalogue of programs, each with its own rules.
Two of the best known for students from developing and emerging countries are EPOS (development-related master’s courses) and the Helmut-Schmidt Programme (public policy and good governance). They are fully funded and usually include a monthly stipend, health insurance and a travel allowance. Many require some professional experience.
Next window: It depends on the program. The Helmut-Schmidt round for 2027/28 closed on 31 July 2026, so the next one should open around mid-2027. EPOS deadlines are set course by course, often in the autumn, so search the DAAD database now rather than later.
My tip: Read the course page and the DAAD page together. The university sets some requirements, and DAAD sets others. Missing either one can sink an otherwise strong application.
4. South Korea: Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
The Korean government funds GKS, and the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) runs it. It covers undergraduate and graduate degrees and typically includes tuition, a monthly allowance, airfare, a settlement allowance and a year of Korean-language training.
Next window: The 2027 undergraduate embassy track closed on 30 September 2026, with results expected on 7 January 2027. University-track deadlines vary by university, so check whether any are still open. The graduate (master’s and PhD) call usually opens around February to March, and it hadn’t been published when I last checked.
My tip: Age limits are strict. Undergraduate applicants must be under 25, and graduate applicants under 40. Places are limited too: the undergraduate embassy track selects only 156 scholars from 74 countries, so a polished study plan matters.
5. China: Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
The China Scholarship Council runs this one. It covers bachelor’s, master’s and PhD study at designated Chinese universities and typically includes tuition, accommodation, a monthly living stipend and medical insurance.
Next window: It’s open right now. A Chinese embassy notice dated 27 October 2026 says applications for 2027/28 are open. Deadlines depend on your route (embassy, university or partner organization) and on the university itself, commonly between January and April 2027. Apply through the official CSC site.
My tip: The embassy’s 2027/28 paperwork lists a CSCA score report. Check early whether your study level needs it, and when the next test sitting is, so a missing score doesn’t hold you back.
6. Japan: MEXT (Japanese Government) Scholarship
MEXT covers tuition, return airfare and a monthly stipend, and it supports several levels, including research students, undergraduates and specialized training college students.
There are two routes: embassy recommendation and university recommendation.
Next window: The 2027 embassy round ran in April and May 2026, depending on the country. The next one normally opens around April 2027, so now is a good time to prepare your documents and your research plan.
My tip: Never send documents straight to MEXT in Japan. Apply through the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country of nationality, and ask them for your exact schedule.
7. Sweden: SI Scholarship for Global Professionals
The Swedish Institute offers this fully funded scholarship for master’s study. It’s aimed at professionals with work experience and leadership potential from eligible countries. It typically includes tuition, a living allowance and a travel grant.
Next window: It’s a two-step process. First, apply for your master’s program through University Admissions between 16 October 2026 and 15 January 2027. Then apply for the scholarship itself on the SI portal between 8 and 24 February 2027. Results are expected around April 2027.
My tip: The master’s application comes first, and its deadline is earlier. Don’t wait until February.
8. United Kingdom: Chevening Scholarships
Chevening is the UK government’s scholarship for one-year master’s degrees. It typically covers tuition, a return flight, a monthly living allowance and some arrival costs. It looks for work experience, leadership and a clear career plan.
Next window: The 2027/28 round closed on 6 October 2026. If you missed it, don’t panic. Applications usually open in early August (this year it was 4 August), so aim for August 2027.
My tip: Use the next nine months to build real evidence for your essays. Leadership and networking stories land better when they’re recent and specific.
9. Australia: Australia Awards Scholarships
The Australian government funds these awards for citizens of eligible developing countries, including Nigeria and many other African countries. They typically cover tuition, return airfare, a living stipend and overseas student health cover.
Next window: The 2027 intake has closed. The official Australia Awards Africa site says the 2028 intake opens in February 2027. In past rounds, the deadline fell on 30 April.
My tip: These awards favor development-related fields. Write your application around how you’ll use your skills back home.
Other countries worth a look
A few more programmes deserve a spot on your research list: Ireland’s Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships, the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (mainly for research-level study), the US Fulbright programme, and university-level full awards such as Gates Cambridge and the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships in the UK. I haven’t listed their cycle dates here, so check each official site.
How to choose the right country for full scholarships for study abroad
Don’t pick a country because a list ranked it first. Ask yourself four simple questions:
- What level am I applying for? Some programmes are bachelor’s-only, others master’s-only.
- Do I have the work experience? Chevening, SI and many DAAD programmes expect it.
- Can I handle the language? Some programmes include a language year. Others expect you to be ready on day one.
- How much time do I have? A scholarship closing in February needs work now, not in January.
If you’re unsure, shortlist two or three and build your documents once. Most programmes ask for similar things: transcripts, a motivation letter, a study plan and references. Need help with the writing? Read my guide on how to write a winning application.
Your next 90 days (November 2026 to February 2027)
- November: Choose two or three scholarships. Request transcripts and check that your passport is valid.
- December: Draft your motivation letter and study plan. Ask your referees early, and book any language test you need.
- January: Stipendium Hungaricum is expected to close around mid-month, Sweden’s master’s admissions deadline is 15 January, and Türkiye Bursları is reported to open on 10 January.
- February: Türkiye closes around 20 February, the SI scholarship portal runs 8–24 February, and the GKS graduate call may appear.
Scholarship scams to avoid
Sadly, where there’s hope, there are scammers. Please keep these rules in mind:
- Real government scholarships don’t charge application fees.
- Nobody can “guarantee” you an award. Run from anyone who claims he does.
- Apply only through the official portal, and check the website address carefully.
- Never pay a stranger to “secure” your place.
I help students plan and prepare, but I can’t promise any outcome. Only the scholarship providers make the final decisions.
Frequently asked questions
Which country gives the easiest full scholarships for study abroad?
None of them is truly easy. Programmes that run across many partner countries, such as Stipendium Hungaricum, Türkiye Bursları and the CSC, tend to offer more places than single-university awards. They’re still competitive, so choose based on fit rather than hype.
Can I get a full scholarship for study abroad without IELTS?
Sometimes. Some programmes, such as Türkiye Bursları, have been reported not to require IELTS or TOEFL, but others do ask for proof of English. Always check the current rules on the official site.
Can I apply to more than one scholarship?
Usually yes, but read each programme’s rules. Türkiye Bursları, for example, allows only one application per cycle.
Do I need work experience?
For many master’s scholarships, such as Chevening, SI and several DAAD programmes, yes. Bachelor’s programmes such as GKS undergraduate usually don’t require it.
How early should I start application for full scholarships for study abroad?
Six to twelve months before the deadline is ideal. Some processes are long. For Türkiye Bursları, the journey from application to the first day of your degree takes close to two years.
Final thoughts
Full scholarships for study abroad are real, and ordinary students win them every year. The ones who succeed usually do three things: they start early, they read the rules twice, and they tell a clear, honest story about why they want to study.
Pick one country from this list, open its official website, and write down the next deadline today. That one small step beats a month of scrolling.
If you’d like a second pair of eyes on your documents or a plan for your timeline, that’s what I do at At Every Moment Travels And Tours.
Disclosure: I’m an independent study abroad consultant. I’m not affiliated with any scholarship provider or government mentioned in this article, and I may offer paid advisory services. Deadlines and benefits change, so always confirm the details on the official website before you apply.
Sources and how this article is kept up to date
I checked this guide against the official pages below on 11 November 2026. Where official dates for the next round weren’t published yet, I’ve said so and described the usual pattern instead.
- Türkiye Bursları: turkiyeburslari.gov.tr
- Stipendium Hungaricum: stipendiumhungaricum.hu and the Hungarian Embassy in Abuja (abuja.mfa.gov.hu)
- DAAD: daad.de
- Global Korea Scholarship: studyinkorea.go.kr
- Chinese Government Scholarship: campuschina.org
- MEXT (Japan): studyinjapan.go.jp
- Swedish Institute: si.se
- Chevening: chevening.org
- Australia Awards Africa: australiaawardsafrica.org
“I review this guide every quarter and update it when deadlines change.”
About the author: Nneoma Ogbureke is a study abroad consultant at At Every Moment Travels And Tours Ltd with over 7 years of experience, helping students gain admission in international universities in UK, United States Of America, Australia, Germany, Ireland, Canada, and other countries across the globe.
