Studying abroad can be expensive, especially when tuition fees, accommodation, travel, health insurance, and daily living costs are added together. Fortunately, international students can apply for a wide range of fully funded scholarships that can significantly reduce or even cover the cost of studying overseas.
For students planning to study abroad in 2027, several major scholarship programs are worth researching, including Erasmus Mundus, Chevening, DAAD, and other university and government-funded opportunities.
In this guide, we explain what fully funded scholarships are, who can apply, what they usually cover, and how to prepare a competitive application.
What Is a Fully Funded Scholarship?
A fully funded scholarship is a financial award designed to cover most or all major costs associated with an academic program.
Depending on the scholarship, funding may include:
- Full or partial tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance
- Accommodation support
- Travel expenses
- Health insurance
- Visa-related expenses
- Study materials
- Research or academic allowances
However, “fully funded” does not always mean that every personal expense is covered. Students should carefully read the official scholarship terms before applying.
Best Fully Funded Scholarships for 2027
1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM) program is one of the most attractive options for international students seeking a fully funded master’s degree in Europe.
Students from around the world can apply to participating programs. These master’s degrees are delivered by international university consortia and typically involve studying in multiple countries.
The official Erasmus+ website states that scholarship support can cover participation costs and contribute toward travel, visa, and living expenses. Current EU funding rules provide scholarships calculated at €1,400 per month, with scholarship duration covering the relevant full-time master’s period, subject to the program rules.
Erasmus Mundus master’s programs generally last 1 to 2 academic years.
Best for: Students seeking international master’s programs in Europe.
2. Chevening Scholarships – United Kingdom
Chevening is the UK government’s flagship international scholarship program.
It provides opportunities for outstanding applicants to pursue a one-year master’s degree in the United Kingdom. Chevening emphasizes leadership potential, professional experience, academic ability, and future impact.
For the 2027–28 intake, the official timeline shows applications opened on 4 August 2026 and close on 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC. Successful candidates are scheduled to begin their studies in September/October 2027.
Applicants should always check the eligibility requirements for their specific country.
For example, Chevening maintains a dedicated scholarship page for applicants from Pakistan.
Best for: Future leaders and professionals seeking a master’s degree in the UK.
3. DAAD Scholarships – Germany
Germany is another popular destination for international students, and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides numerous scholarship opportunities.
DAAD maintains an official scholarship database containing programs for international students, researchers, and graduates.
One DAAD program, Study Scholarships – Master Studies for All Academic Disciplines, supports postgraduate study in Germany for eligible applicants. The program can fund a complete master’s program or, in certain circumstances, a period of master’s study in Germany.
For the current program information, DAAD lists funding beginning in 2027, with the scholarship generally starting around October 2027.
Best for: Students interested in master’s study in Germany.
4. University-Specific Fully Funded Scholarships
Many universities offer their own scholarships for international students.
These may be based on:
- Academic excellence
- Leadership
- Financial need
- Research potential
- Community involvement
- Specific academic fields
- Country or region
University scholarships can sometimes be overlooked because students focus only on famous government programs.
When researching universities, always visit the official financial-aid or international-student scholarship page.
What Do Fully Funded Scholarships Usually Cover?
Coverage varies considerably between programs.
| Expense | Possible Coverage |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Full |
| Monthly stipend | Often |
| Accommodation | Sometimes |
| Airfare | Sometimes |
| Health insurance | Often |
| Visa costs | Sometimes |
| Books/materials | Sometimes |
| Research expenses | Program dependent |
| Family expenses | Usually limited or excluded |
Never assume that a scholarship covers everything. Read the official award conditions before making financial or travel commitments.
Who Can Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships?
Eligibility depends on the scholarship.
Common requirements include:
- A recognized bachelor’s degree for master’s programs
- Strong academic performance
- English-language proficiency where required
- Relevant academic or professional background
- Recommendation letters
- Statement of purpose or motivation letter
- Academic transcripts
- CV/resume
- Proof of achievements
- Meeting the program’s age or experience requirements, where applicable
Some scholarships are highly competitive and may require applicants to demonstrate leadership, professional experience, research potential, or community impact.
Can Students Apply Without IELTS?
Sometimes.
Not every scholarship or university requires IELTS specifically.
Some institutions may accept:
- TOEFL
- PTE
- Duolingo English Test
- Previous education in English
- A university-issued English-medium certificate
However, requirements differ by university and program.
Students should never assume that a scholarship is “without IELTS” simply because another university accepts an alternative English test.
Always verify the language requirements directly with the university.
How to Apply for a Fully Funded Scholarship
Step 1: Choose Your Study Destination
Decide where you want to study based on:
- Program quality
- Tuition
- Scholarship availability
- Visa requirements
- Living costs
- Career opportunities
- Post-study options
Step 2: Find Eligible Scholarships
Use official scholarship databases and university websites.
For Germany, for example, the DAAD scholarship database allows applicants to filter opportunities by country, academic level, subject, and scholarship purpose.
Step 3: Check Eligibility
Before preparing a long application, confirm:
- Degree requirements
- GPA requirements
- Work experience
- Language requirements
- Nationality requirements
- Application deadline
- Required documents
Step 4: Prepare Your Documents
Common documents include:
- Passport
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificate
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Recommendation letters
- English-language test result
- Research proposal, if required
- Portfolio, if applicable
Step 5: Write a Strong Motivation Letter
Your motivation letter can make a significant difference.
Instead of simply explaining that you need financial assistance, explain:
Who you are → what you have achieved → why this program → why this university → what you plan to do afterward.
Your future goals should connect naturally with your academic and professional background.
Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline
Do not wait until the final day.
Some scholarship portals can become busy near deadlines, and missing a required document can make an otherwise strong application unsuccessful.
How to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship
Build a Strong Academic Profile
Good grades can strengthen your application, particularly for merit-based scholarships.
Develop Relevant Experience
Internships, professional work, research, volunteering, projects, competitions, and leadership activities can strengthen your profile.
Apply to Multiple Opportunities
Do not depend on one scholarship.
Create a list of realistic, competitive, and ambitious options.
Customize Every Application
Avoid sending exactly the same motivation letter to every university.
Explain why that particular program fits your goals.
Start Early
For 2027 admission, preparation should begin months before deadlines.
You may need time to obtain:
- Passport
- Transcripts
- Recommendation letters
- Language test results
- University admission
- Financial documents
- Research proposals
Erasmus Mundus 2027: What Students Should Know
Erasmus Mundus is particularly interesting for students planning ahead.
The European Commission says students apply directly to the institution running the selected master’s program. In most cases, applications are submitted between October and January for programs beginning in the following academic year.
The European Commission also announced in July 2026 that 37 new Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters were selected in the latest funding round, with the new programs expected to open for student applications in autumn 2026.
This makes the second half of 2026 an important period for students preparing applications for future European master’s programs.
DAAD 2027 Scholarship Preparation
Students interested in Germany should start researching DAAD opportunities well before the deadline.
The DAAD database currently lists numerous scholarship opportunities, and the exact eligibility conditions can vary by program and applicant country.
For one major master’s scholarship category, DAAD currently lists an application deadline of 30 October 2026, with selection in spring 2027 and funding beginning in October 2027.
Because deadlines can vary by country and program, applicants should always verify the current listing before applying.
Common Scholarship Application Mistakes
Avoid these mistakes:
❌ Applying Without Checking Eligibility
A scholarship may look attractive but may not accept applicants from your country or academic field.
❌ Using a Generic Motivation Letter
Scholarship committees want to understand your specific goals.
❌ Ignoring Instructions
If the scholarship asks for a specific document format or word limit, follow it carefully.
❌ Waiting Until the Deadline
Last-minute applications can lead to missing documents or technical problems.
❌ Relying on Unofficial Information
Scholarship rules change.
Always confirm important information through the official scholarship provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest fully funded scholarship to get?
There is no genuinely “easy” fully funded scholarship. Competition varies by program, country, academic field, and applicant pool.
Can international students get fully funded master’s scholarships?
Yes. Several government, university, and international programs provide funding opportunities for international master’s students.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
In many cases, yes. However, applicants should carefully review each program’s rules regarding simultaneous applications and funding.
Do fully funded scholarships cover living expenses?
Many major scholarships provide a living allowance, but the amount and coverage vary.
Is IELTS always required?
No. Language requirements depend on the university and scholarship program.
When should I start applying for 2027 scholarships?
Ideally, begin researching and preparing several months before the relevant deadline. For major programs with late-2026 deadlines, students should start preparation well in advance.
Final Thoughts
A fully funded scholarship can make studying abroad much more affordable and can open opportunities at leading universities around the world.
For students targeting 2027, Erasmus Mundus, Chevening, DAAD, and university-specific scholarships are excellent places to begin researching.
The most important strategy is simple: start early, verify every requirement, prepare strong documents, and apply strategically.
Scholarship deadlines and eligibility rules can change, so always confirm the latest information on the official scholarship provider’s website before submitting an application.
Official Scholarship Resources
- Erasmus Mundus: European Commission / Erasmus+
- Chevening: UK Government
- DAAD: German Academic Exchange Service