Studying abroad can open doors to better educational opportunities, international experience, and career development. However, tuition fees, accommodation, transportation, and living expenses can make international education expensive for many students.
Fully funded scholarships offer an opportunity for eligible students to study abroad while receiving financial support for approved educational expenses. Depending on the scholarship, funding may cover tuition fees, accommodation, monthly stipends, travel expenses, and health insurance.
In this guide, we explore the top 10 fully funded scholarships to study abroad in 2027, including eligibility requirements, scholarship benefits, and how international students can apply.
What Is a Fully Funded Scholarship?
A fully funded scholarship is a financial award that covers most or all approved expenses associated with a student’s education. Unlike partial scholarships, which cover only part of tuition or living expenses, fully funded scholarships generally provide broader financial support.
Depending on the program, a fully funded scholarship may include:
- Full or approved tuition fees.
- Monthly living allowance.
- Accommodation or housing support.
- Round-trip airfare.
- Health insurance.
- Visa-related allowances.
- Research or study-related funding.
Not every scholarship covers every expense. Students should carefully review the official funding package before applying.
Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships to Study Abroad in 2027
1. Chevening Scholarships – United Kingdom
Study Destination: United Kingdom
Study Level: One-year master’s degree
Official Website: Chevening Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships are UK government-funded opportunities for international students who want to pursue a master’s degree in the United Kingdom.
The program focuses on developing future leaders and professionals who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to making a positive impact.
What Does Chevening Cover?
- University tuition fees.
- Monthly living allowance.
- Return economy-class airfare.
- Visa application cost.
- Other approved allowances and grants.
Eligibility Requirements
- Be a citizen of an eligible country.
- Hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies you for a UK master’s program.
- Meet the required work experience criteria.
- Apply to eligible UK university courses.
- Demonstrate leadership and networking potential.
- Meet the program’s post-study return requirement.
How to Apply
- Visit the official Chevening website.
- Review the eligibility requirements.
- Research eligible master’s courses.
- Prepare your academic and professional documents.
- Complete the online application before the deadline.
Who Should Apply? Graduates and professionals interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the UK.
2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships – Europe
Study Destination: Multiple European countries
Study Level: Master’s degree
Official Website: Erasmus+ Official Website
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships support international students pursuing master’s programs delivered by partnerships of universities across Europe.
Depending on the program, students may study in more than one European country and gain international academic experience.
Potential Scholarship Benefits
- Tuition and participation-related costs.
- Travel and installation support.
- Monthly scholarship allowance.
- Other benefits according to the program’s rules.
Eligibility Requirements
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.
- Meet the academic requirements of the selected program.
- Demonstrate relevant academic or professional preparation.
- Satisfy language requirements where applicable.
- Submit the required application documents.
How to Apply
- Visit the official Erasmus+ website.
- Search for Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programs.
- Review participating universities and course requirements.
- Prepare your academic documents.
- Apply through the official program’s application process.
3. Fulbright Foreign Student Program – United States
Study Destination: United States
Study Level: Graduate study, depending on the country program
Official Website: Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program provides opportunities for eligible international students to pursue graduate-level education and research in the United States.
Potential Scholarship Benefits
- Tuition assistance.
- Living stipends.
- Airfare.
- Health-related coverage.
- Other approved educational allowances.
Eligibility Requirements
- Meet the academic qualifications.
- Satisfy country-specific requirements.
- Demonstrate relevant study or research interests.
- Meet English-language requirements where applicable.
- Submit the required documents.
How to Apply
- Visit the official Fulbright website.
- Identify the program available in your country.
- Review the eligibility criteria.
- Prepare your academic records and recommendations.
- Follow the official application instructions.
4. Türkiye Scholarships – Türkiye
Study Destination: Türkiye
Study Level: Undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs
Official Website: Türkiye Scholarships
Türkiye Scholarships is a government-funded scholarship program that supports international students across different academic levels.
What Does Türkiye Scholarships Cover?
- University placement.
- Tuition fees.
- Accommodation.
- Health insurance.
- Flight ticket.
- Monthly stipend.
- Turkish language preparation, where applicable.
Eligibility Requirements
- Meet the applicable age requirements.
- Satisfy academic achievement standards.
- Hold the required academic qualifications.
- Meet health and other eligibility conditions.
- Select eligible programs.
How to Apply
- Visit the official Türkiye Scholarships website.
- Review available scholarship programs.
- Check your eligibility.
- Prepare your academic and identity documents.
- Complete the online application during the official application period.
5. Commonwealth Scholarships – United Kingdom
Study Destination: United Kingdom
Study Level: Selected master’s and doctoral programs
Official Website: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission
Commonwealth Scholarships support eligible students from Commonwealth countries who want to pursue postgraduate education in the United Kingdom.
Potential Benefits
- Full tuition fees.
- Monthly living allowance.
- Approved travel expenses.
- Other allowances depending on the scholarship scheme.
Eligibility Requirements
- Be a citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Hold an appropriate undergraduate qualification.
- Meet the academic requirements.
- Follow the correct nomination or university application process.
How to Apply
- Visit the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website.
- Explore available scholarship schemes.
- Identify the relevant application route.
- Review eligible universities and courses.
- Submit your application according to the official instructions.
6. DAAD Scholarships – Germany
Study Destination: Germany
Study Level: Master’s, doctoral, and research programs
Official Website: DAAD Official Website
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides scholarship opportunities for international students, graduates, and researchers.
Potential Scholarship Benefits
- Monthly scholarship payments.
- Travel allowances.
- Insurance support.
- Study or research allowances.
- Other approved financial assistance.
Eligibility Requirements
- Meet the academic qualifications.
- Have relevant study or research experience where required.
- Satisfy language proficiency requirements.
- Meet program-specific conditions.
How to Apply
- Visit the official DAAD scholarship database.
- Search for programs available to international students.
- Review the scholarship requirements.
- Prepare your application documents.
- Follow the official application instructions.
7. MEXT Scholarship – Japan
Study Destination: Japan
Study Level: Undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and other categories
Official Website: Study in Japan
The MEXT Scholarship is a Japanese government scholarship program for eligible international students.
Potential Scholarship Benefits
- Monthly allowance.
- Tuition fee coverage.
- Travel support under the program’s conditions.
- Other educational support.
Eligibility Requirements
- Meet nationality requirements.
- Satisfy academic qualifications.
- Meet applicable age restrictions.
- Fulfill health and language requirements where applicable.
How to Apply
- Visit the official Study in Japan website.
- Review MEXT scholarship categories.
- Check the embassy or university recommendation route.
- Prepare the required academic documents.
- Apply through the appropriate official process.
8. Australia Awards Scholarships – Australia
Study Destination: Australia
Study Level: Primarily eligible postgraduate study
Official Website: Australia Awards
Australia Awards Scholarships provide eligible students from participating countries with opportunities to undertake study in Australia.
Potential Benefits
- Full tuition fees.
- Return air travel.
- Living expenses.
- Health coverage.
- Other approved support.
Eligibility Requirements
- Be from an eligible participating country.
- Meet academic qualifications.
- Meet work experience requirements where applicable.
- Satisfy English-language requirements.
- Meet development-related eligibility criteria.
How to Apply
- Visit the official Australia Awards website.
- Select your country of citizenship.
- Review the scholarship information.
- Check available fields of study.
- Follow the official application instructions.
9. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships – Switzerland
Study Destination: Switzerland
Study Level: Research and selected postgraduate categories
Official Website: Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships support international researchers and selected postgraduate applicants through various scholarship categories.
Potential Scholarship Benefits
- Monthly scholarship payments.
- Selected allowances.
- Research or academic support.
- Other benefits under the award conditions.
Eligibility Requirements
- Meet academic qualifications.
- Prepare a research proposal or study plan where required.
- Meet institution or supervision requirements.
- Satisfy country-specific eligibility criteria.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
How to Apply
- Visit the official Swiss government scholarship portal.
- Find scholarship information for your country.
- Review the relevant study or research category.
- Prepare the required documents.
- Follow the official application procedure.
10. Chinese Government Scholarship – China
Study Destination: China
Study Level: Undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and other categories
Official Website: Campus China
The Chinese Government Scholarship provides opportunities for international students who want to study at participating institutions in China.
Potential Benefits
- Tuition fees.
- Accommodation or accommodation subsidy.
- Monthly stipend.
- Medical insurance.
- Other approved benefits.
Eligibility Requirements
- Hold appropriate academic qualifications.
- Meet age requirements.
- Satisfy nationality eligibility.
- Meet language requirements.
- Fulfill university-specific admission conditions.
How to Apply
- Visit the official Campus China portal.
- Search for the relevant scholarship category.
- Review eligible universities and programs.
- Prepare your documents.
- Follow the official application route.
How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships to Study Abroad
Finding a scholarship is only the beginning. A successful application requires preparation, accurate documentation, and attention to deadlines.
1. Choose Your Preferred Study Destination
Start by identifying the country where you want to study. Consider the available academic programs, language of instruction, cost of living, visa requirements, and scholarship eligibility.
2. Confirm Your Academic Eligibility
Scholarships have different academic requirements. Some require a bachelor’s degree, while others accept secondary school qualifications.
Review the required academic qualifications, minimum grades, age restrictions, work experience, and course-specific conditions.
3. Prepare Your Scholarship Documents
Commonly requested documents include:
- International passport or valid identification.
- Academic certificates and transcripts.
- Curriculum vitae (CV).
- Statement of purpose or motivation letter.
- Recommendation letters.
- Research proposal, where applicable.
- English-language test results, if required.
- Proof of work experience, where applicable.
4. Write a Strong Motivation Letter
A motivation letter helps the scholarship committee understand your academic interests, goals, and reasons for applying.
Explain why you want to study the chosen course, how your background relates to your goals, and what you hope to contribute to your community or field.
5. Apply Through Official Websites
Always submit applications through the official scholarship portal, participating university, embassy, or authorized application route.
Check the official instructions before sharing personal information or paying any fees.
Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerian Students
Nigerian students may find opportunities through international scholarship programs that accept applicants from eligible countries.
Scholarships to research include:
- Chevening Scholarships.
- Commonwealth Scholarships.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters.
- Türkiye Scholarships.
- DAAD Scholarships.
- MEXT Scholarships.
Eligibility varies by scholarship scheme, academic level, and application cycle.
What Should Nigerian Applicants Prepare?
- Academic certificates and transcripts.
- Valid identification.
- CV and motivation letter.
- Recommendation letters where required.
- Proof of language proficiency where applicable.
Applicants should confirm whether Nigeria is an eligible country and whether their preferred course is supported by the scholarship.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Scholarships
1. Applying Without Checking Eligibility
Review the scholarship requirements before submitting an application. Check your academic qualifications, age, nationality, and other criteria.
2. Missing Application Deadlines
Scholarship deadlines can vary significantly. Create a calendar to track opening dates, closing dates, document submission deadlines, and university admission requirements.
3. Submitting Incomplete Documents
Use the official application checklist to ensure you provide every required document.
4. Relying on Unverified Scholarship Information
Scholarship information shared on social media may be outdated or misleading. Confirm current details through the official scholarship website.
5. Paying Scholarship Scammers
Be cautious of individuals who promise guaranteed scholarship selection in exchange for payment. Verify the program through an official source before sharing personal information or sending money.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a fully funded scholarship?
A fully funded scholarship is an award that provides financial support for most or all approved educational expenses, depending on the program’s conditions.
2. Can I study abroad for free with a fully funded scholarship?
A fully funded scholarship may cover major educational and living expenses. However, coverage varies, and students may still need personal funds for expenses outside the award.
3. Can Nigerian students apply for fully funded scholarships?
Yes. Nigerian students can apply to international scholarship programs that list Nigeria as an eligible country, provided they meet the relevant requirements.
4. Do fully funded scholarships cover accommodation?
Some scholarships include accommodation or a housing allowance, while others provide a living stipend. Check the official scholarship benefits.
5. Can I apply for scholarships without IELTS?
Some scholarships or universities may accept alternative English-language evidence or exemptions, while others require a language test. Review the requirements of your chosen program.
6. When should I start applying for scholarships to study abroad in 2027?
Start researching as early as possible. Scholarship deadlines vary, and some programs require university admission documents or other preparation.
7. Do I need a bachelor’s degree to apply for a fully funded scholarship?
Not always. Some scholarship programs accept undergraduate applicants, while others are designed for master’s or doctoral study.
8. Are fully funded scholarships available for master’s degrees?
Yes. Several programs offer master’s-level opportunities, including Chevening and Erasmus Mundus, subject to their specific eligibility requirements.
Conclusion
Fully funded scholarships can help eligible international students pursue educational opportunities abroad while reducing the financial burden of tuition and living expenses.
The 10 scholarship programs discussed in this guide cover different destinations and academic levels. Your eligibility depends on the individual program, your qualifications, and its current application conditions.
The next step is to choose a scholarship that matches your academic background and visit its official website for updated application information.
Start preparing your documents early, research your preferred courses, and pay close attention to scholarship deadlines.
Your international education journey can begin with the right information and a well-prepared application.