Pursuing a PhD in Education can unlock careers as a research leader, academic expert, policy strategist, or education innovator. But high tuition and living costs are often barriers for international students.
This guide highlights the top 10 fully funded doctoral scholarships that are open or have upcoming application cycles for 2026 entry or later — covering tuition, stipends, research funds, and more.
TOP 10 Fully Funded Doctoral Scholarships in Education
| Scholarship | Country/Region | Broad Benefits | Application Link |
| Commonwealth PhD Scholarships | UK | Full tuition + stipend + travel | https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/ |
| Clarendon Fund Scholarships | UK | Full tuition + living stipend | https://www.ox.ac.uk/clarendon visatocampus.com |
| Gates Cambridge Scholarships | UK | Full tuition + stipend + research funds | https://www.gatescambridge.org/apply/ Wikipedia |
| UKRI Doctoral Training Partnerships | UK | Tuition + stipend | https://www.ukri.org/ |
| Swedish Institute Scholarships | Sweden | Tuition + stipend | https://si.se/en/apply/scholarships/ globalsouthopportunities.com |
| Turkiye Scholarships (PhD) | Turkey | Tuition + stipend + travel + insurance | https://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr/ DAAD Scholarships 2026 |
| PhD Fellowships in Scandinavian Countries | Nordic | Salary‑style funding + benefits | See university portals (e.g., University of Copenhagen), LinkedIn |
| University‑Funded Research Scholarships | Various | Full funding + stipend | See individual university PhD portals (e.g., Leeds, Edinburgh), LinkedIn |
| International Development Scholarships | Global | Full funding + travel | See specific opportunities (varies) on LinkedIn |
| Government & Research Grants | Global | Full tuition + stipend | Varies by country & programme LinkedIn |
Doctoral Scholarships in Education
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Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (UK)
Why It’s Great
The Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are among the most prestigious fully funded awards for doctoral studies in the UK. These scholarships are designed to help candidates from the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and other eligible Commonwealth states undertake full‑time PhD research that contributes to development goals.
Benefits
- Full tuition fees covered
- Monthly living allowance (stipend)
- Travel costs to and from the UK
- Support for fieldwork and study‑related travel
- Opportunity to build international networks
Requirements
- Citizen or refugee from an eligible Commonwealth country
- First degree at least upper second class (2:1) or a relevant postgraduate qualification by start of programme
- Not already registered for a PhD at a UK institution
- Strong research proposal potentially aligned with development impact areas
- Eligible candidates often require a master’s degree
Deadline & Eligibility
- Deadlines for 2026‑27 academic year application cycle typically close by 14 October 2025. Applications are required well before the academic start in September/October 2026.
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Clarendon Fund Scholarships (University of Oxford — UK)
Overview
The Clarendon Fund awards over 140 full scholarships annually across all doctoral disciplines, including Education and related educational research fields. Candidates are automatically considered when they apply for an Oxford graduate programme — no separate scholarship form is needed. visatocampus.com
Benefits
- Full tuition and college fees covered
- Generous annual living stipend (~£19,000+ per year)
- Covers entire duration of the PhD (typically 3–4 years) visatocampus.com
Eligibility
- International applicants from any country are eligible
- Outstanding academic achievement and research potential required
- Must apply and receive admission to a doctoral programme at Oxford visatocampus.com
Deadline
- Oxford doctoral admissions often have deadlines between December 2025 and January 2026 for entry in the 2026‑27 academic year.
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Gates Cambridge Scholarships (University of Cambridge — UK)
What It Is
Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship provides full support to international students pursuing a PhD at the prestigious University of Cambridge — including education research, learning sciences, policy, leadership, and related fields.
Benefits
- Full tuition support
- Annual stipend/living allowance
- Travel costs and research funds
- Access to professional development and enrichment programmes
Eligibility
- Applicants from all nationalities except UK citizens
- Must hold or expect to complete a strong bachelor’s/master’s degree equivalent
- Must apply directly to Cambridge’s PhD programmes and then to the Gates Cambridge Trust
Deadline
- Typical application window for international students: late 2025 to early 2026 (check the official site for exact dates)
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UKRI Doctoral Training Partnerships (UK)
About the Scholarship
Offered via UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and its partner universities, doctoral training partnerships (DTPs) provide full funding packages for PhD students in the UK. Many participating universities offer funded education PhDs through these schemes.
Benefits
- Tuition fees covered
- Annual tax‑free stipend
- Professional training, workshops, and research community support
Eligibility
- Strong academic record (usually a first class or equivalent)
- Relevant master’s research experience is helpful
- English language proficiency
- Competitive, based on departmental selection
Deadline
- Deadlines vary by university but often fall between late 2025 and early 2026 for 2026 entry.
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Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarships
Overview
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships that can fund doctoral studies in Sweden at universities that admit PhD candidates — including in education and social sciences. SI scholarships support international students with generous benefits.
Benefits
- Waiver of tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance
- Possible travel support and insurance benefits
Eligibility
- International students from eligible countries
- Research proficiency and plan for doctoral study
- Must be admitted or eligible for admission at a Swedish university PhD programme
Deadline
- Opens late 2025 with many application deadlines through early 2026.
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Turkiye Scholarships (PhD)
Why It’s Worth Considering
The Turkish Government’s Türkiye Scholarships programme supports international doctoral students in Turkey — including those studying education. It offers a very competitive and fully funded path for international PhDs.
Benefits
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly stipend
- Travel stipend and health insurance
Eligibility
- Competitive academic profile
- Must meet university admission requirements for a PhD programme in Turkey
Deadline
- The 2026‑27 cycle opens January 10 – February 20, 2026 (approx.) with detailed dates published on the official portal
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Scandinavian & Nordic PhD Fellowships (Salary‑Based)
Overview
Several universities across Nordic countries (e.g., University of Copenhagen, Lund University) offer fully funded PhD research fellowships on an employment contract. This means you receive a salary with benefits while completing your PhD research — including education studies.
Benefits
- Salaried monthly income + social benefits
- Full tuition and research funding
- Eligible for family benefits in some countries
Eligibility
- Master’s degree holders with a strong research background
- Research proposal and sometimes supervisor support are required
Deadline
- Listings and deadlines vary by university; many accept applications year‑round or in early 2026.
8–10. Other Fully Funded PhD Opportunities Worldwide (Education Focus)
While not always branded as a single scholarship programme, many universities and global research grants support fully funded PhD positions in education and related areas. Examples include:
University Research Scholarships in the UK & Europe
- Fully funded PhD studentships at institutions such as King’s College London, Leeds University, Edinburgh University, and others listed for 2026 intake. LinkedIn
- Benefits typically include tuition waivers, living stipends, and research support.
Government‑Sponsored Grants
- Some governments and regional research councils offer scholarships or grants for PhD study in education and social research.
International Development & NGO‑Sponsored Awards
- Scholarships aligned with educational policy, inclusion, and leadership often supported by foundations or global education initiatives.
Requirements Common Across PhD Scholarships
To be competitive for fully funded doctoral scholarships in education, here’s what most programmes expect:
- Strong Academic Record: Usually at least a high 2:1 (or international equivalent) for both bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
- Research Proposal: A clear, high‑quality proposal that aligns with the host university’s research strengths.
- References: Academic references from professors or supervisors who know your work.
- English Proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent unless waived by the institution.
- Admission Offer: Some scholarships require you to first gain admission to a PhD programme before funding is considered.
How to Prepare Your Applications (Pro Tips)
- Start Early: Many scholarships close by mid‑2026 or earlier for 2026 entry — so prepare documents well in advance.
- Contact Potential Supervisors: Especially for programme-based PhDs — having a supervisor support your application strengthens it.
- Tailor Your Research Proposal: Align with the host university’s research groups and faculty interests
- Prepare Required Tests: Get your English test results and academic transcripts ready.
- Submit Before Deadlines: Late applications are usually not considered.
FAQs
Can I apply from anywhere in the world?
Yes — most of these programmes accept international students including those from Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Do these scholarships cover living expenses?
Yes — nearly all include living stipends, with some offering research funds and travel allowances.
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