Studying abroad on a fully funded scholarship is no longer a dream — thousands of international students secure life-changing opportunities every year. However, the biggest mistake applicants make is waiting until scholarships open before preparing. The smartest students prepare months before applications begin.

If you want to study in the USA, UK, Europe, Canada, Australia, or Asia without paying tuition, this guide reveals the Top 10 Upcoming Fully Funded Scholarships 2026–2027 that are NOT yet open — giving you the advantage of preparing early and winning.

These scholarships cover tuition, accommodation, monthly stipends, travel costs, health insurance, and sometimes family support, making them the most competitive and prestigious in the world.

Quick Summary Table — Top Upcoming Scholarships 2026

Top 10 Upcoming Fully Funded Scholarships 2026–2027

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Scholarship 2026 (USA)

The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world, funded by the US government to support talented international students pursuing graduate studies.

Benefits

• Full tuition fees

• Monthly living stipend

• Airfare tickets

• Health insurance

• Visa support

Eligibility

• Bachelor’s degree required

• Strong academic record

• Leadership potential

• English proficiency

Expected Opening

April – July 2026

Why Prepare Early?

Fulbright requires essays, academic references, and sometimes GRE — preparation takes months.

2. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program 2027 (Stanford University)

This is one of the most competitive fully funded scholarships in the world, combining graduate study with leadership training at Stanford University.

Benefits

• Full tuition coverage

• Monthly stipend

• Travel grant

• Leadership development program

Eligibility

• Apply to a Stanford graduate program

• Leadership qualities

• Strong academic performance

Expected Opening

July 2026

3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship 2027 (Europe)

The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship allows students to study in multiple European countries while earning a joint master’s degree.

Benefits

• Full tuition

• €1400 monthly stipend

• Travel allowance

• Visa & insurance covered

Eligibility

• Bachelor’s degree

• Strong academic record

• English proficiency

Expected Opening

October 2026

4. DAAD Fully Funded Scholarship 2027 (Germany)

DAAD is Germany’s largest scholarship provider for international students and highly popular among Africans.

Benefits

• Full tuition

• Monthly stipend (€934–€1300)

• Travel allowance

• Health insurance

• Accommodation support

Eligibility

• Bachelor’s degree (for Masters)

• Work experience (for some courses)

• English or German proficiency

Expected Opening

August – October 2026

5. MEXT Scholarship 2027 (Japan)

Funded by the Japanese Government, MEXT supports students from around the world for undergraduate and graduate study.

Benefits

• Full tuition

• Monthly stipend

• Travel expenses

• Preparatory Japanese language training

Eligibility

• Academic excellence

• Good health condition

• Embassy screening process

Expected Opening

April – June 2026

6. Australia Awards Scholarships 2027

Funded by the Australian Government, this scholarship targets students from developing countries.

Benefits

• Full tuition

• Living allowance

• Travel costs

• Establishment allowance

• Health insurance

Eligibility

• Meet academic requirements

• Work experience (for some courses)

• Commitment to return home after study

Expected Opening

February 2026

7. Manaaki New Zealand Government Scholarship 2027

One of the best scholarships for international students to study in New Zealand.

Benefits

• Full tuition

• Living stipend

• Travel tickets

• Health insurance

• Settlement allowance

Expected Opening

February 2026

8. Commonwealth Fully Funded Scholarship 2027 (UK)

Funded by the UK Government for students from Commonwealth countries including Nigeria.

Benefits

• Full tuition

• Monthly stipend

• Travel expenses

• Research & thesis grants

Expected Opening

September 2026

9. Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 (UK)

Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for outstanding international students.

Benefits

• Full tuition

• Living stipend

• Travel allowance

• Family support (optional)

Expected Opening

September 2026

10. Rhodes Scholarship 2027 (UK)

One of the oldest and most prestigious scholarships in the world, hosted at Oxford University.

Benefits

• Full tuition

• Living stipend

• Travel expenses

• Leadership training

Expected Opening

June 2026

How to Prepare Before These Scholarships Open

Winning these scholarships requires preparation. Start now:

1. Prepare Academic Documents

• Transcripts

• Certificates

• Passport

2. Write a Strong Personal Statement

Focus on:

• Leadership

• Academic excellence

• Career goals

• Impact on your country

3. Prepare for English Tests

• IELTS / TOEFL

• Some scholarships waive IELTS if English was your medium

4. Get Strong Recommendation Letters

Choose lecturers, professors, or employers who know you well.

5. Build Leadership & Volunteer Experience

Most top scholarships prioritize leadership and community impact.

Common Mistakes That Make Applicants Lose Scholarships

• Applying late

• Weak personal statement

• Poor recommendation letters

• No leadership experience

• Not meeting eligibility criteria

• Submitting incomplete documents

Avoid these mistakes to increase your chances.

FAQs

Which scholarship is easiest to get in 2026?

Erasmus Mundus and DAAD are considered easier compared to Rhodes or Gates Cambridge, but strong preparation is still required.

Can I apply without IELTS?

Yes, some scholarships waive IELTS if your previous education was in English.

Are these scholarships fully funded?

Yes, all listed scholarships cover tuition, stipend, travel, and health insurance.

When should I start preparing?

Start 6–12 months before opening for the best chance.

Can Nigerians apply?

Yes. All scholarships listed accept Nigerian students and other international applicants.

CHECK THESE OUT:

Wellington Doctoral Scholarship in New Zealand 2026 (Fully Funded)

US Fulbright Scholarship for Pakistani Students 2026, Fully Funded

IUJ Scholarship (International University of Japan) 2026

Arrell Scholarships 2026 at University of Guelph, Canada | Fully Funded

Cardiff University Scholarships in UK 2026 | Fully Funded