Are you looking for scholarships closing in December 2026? Several universities and international funding programmes have deadlines in December for students planning to begin their studies or research in 2027.
These opportunities include PhD fellowships, Master’s scholarships, postgraduate research funding and international research fellowships. Some cover tuition fees and living expenses, while others provide partial financial assistance.
This guide highlights 10 opportunities with official programme information available, including deadlines, funding details, eligibility requirements and direct application links.
Important: A December deadline does not automatically mean a scholarship is fully funded. Some awards cover tuition fees only, while others provide a stipend or research allowance. Always check the official application requirements before applying.
Scholarships Closing in December 2026 at a Glance
| Scholarship | Country | Study level | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme | Hong Kong | PhD | 1 December 2026 |
| TU Delft Justus & Louise van Effen Scholarship | Netherlands | Master’s | 1 December 2026 |
| Max Planck Schools | Germany | PhD | 1 December 2026 |
| Rockefeller University PhD Programme | USA | PhD | 1 December 2026 |
| MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology PhD | UK | PhD | 8 December 2026 |
| Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholarship | UK | PhD | Course-dependent |
| ENS-PSL International Selection | France | Bachelor’s final year/Master’s entry | 15 December 2026 |
| EPFL Master Excellence Fellowship | Switzerland | Master’s | 15 December 2026 |
| MOPGA Visiting Fellowship | France | Postdoctoral research | 15 December 2026 |
| P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship | USA/Canada | Graduate study | 15 December 2026 for eligibility forms |
Deadlines can vary by programme, application stage and applicant category. The P.E.O. date, in particular, is the deadline for eligibility forms, not necessarily the deadline for the complete scholarship application.
1. Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28
Country: Hong Kong
Study level: PhD
Application deadline: 1 December 2026, 12:00 noon Hong Kong time
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) supports outstanding international students who want to pursue doctoral research at participating universities in Hong Kong.
The programme is designed to attract talented researchers from around the world. Applicants are assessed on academic performance, research potential, communication skills and leadership abilities.
Scholarship benefits
The official scheme information lists the following funding for the 2026/27 academic year:
- Annual stipend of HK$344,400.
- Conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,400 per year.
- Fellowship support for up to three years under the scheme.
- Up to 400 fellowships planned for the 2027/28 academic year.
Universities may provide additional support for eligible students who need more time to complete their PhD.
Who can apply?
Applicants from any nationality may be considered if they are seeking admission as new full-time PhD students at participating Hong Kong universities and meet the academic and research requirements.
How to apply
Applicants must first submit an initial application through the official HKPFS electronic system. They must then complete the relevant university application or applications, following the requirements of their chosen institutions.
The initial application deadline is 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong time. University applications also have deadlines, so applicants should complete both stages promptly.
Official application: https://cerg1.ugc.edu.hk/hkpfs/InitApplication.jsp
Official scholarship information: https://www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/hkphd/
2. TU Delft Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarship
Country: Netherlands
Study level: Master’s
Application deadline: 1 December 2026, 23:59 Central European Time
The Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarship is offered to outstanding international applicants seeking admission to eligible two-year Master’s programmes at Delft University of Technology, commonly known as TU Delft.
It is a competitive scholarship intended for academically excellent students who want to pursue postgraduate education in engineering, technology and related disciplines.
Scholarship benefits
The scholarship provides:
- Full tuition fees for the eligible Master’s programme, subject to the scholarship terms.
- A contribution towards living expenses.
- Potential support for the second year, subject to satisfactory academic progress and the programme’s conditions.
TU Delft lists two Justus & Louise van Effen scholarships per faculty. The award is highly competitive, and applicants should not assume that admission automatically guarantees funding.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants should:
- Be international applicants seeking admission to an eligible two-year regular TU Delft MSc programme.
- Have excellent academic results in a relevant previous degree.
- Submit a complete Master’s application before the scholarship deadline.
- Provide the required scholarship application form, reference letter and English-language test result, unless exempt from the relevant language requirement.
How to apply
Complete the Master’s admission application and upload the required scholarship documents before the deadline. An incomplete application may not be considered for funding.
Official scholarship and application information: https://www.tudelft.nl/en/education/study-programme-orientation/practical-matters/scholarships
3. Max Planck Schools Graduate Programmes
Country: Germany
Study level: PhD and integrated graduate research pathways
Application deadline: 1 December 2026
Max Planck Schools bring together researchers from leading German universities and research institutions to provide interdisciplinary graduate training.
These programmes are particularly relevant to students interested in advanced scientific research. Depending on the programme, applicants with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree may be eligible to apply.
Funding benefits
The official Max Planck Schools application website advertises funding for up to five years. The graduate programmes also offer study pathways without tuition fees.
The exact funding arrangements and admission conditions should be checked against the requirements of the individual school.
Research areas include:
- Biomedical artificial intelligence.
- Cognition.
- Matter to Life.
- Photonics.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants need an appropriate academic background and must satisfy the requirements of their chosen Max Planck School. The selection process is competitive and may include multiple assessment stages.
How to apply
Applications for programmes starting in autumn of a given year are generally submitted between 1 September and 1 December of the preceding year.
For a 2027 start, submit your application by 1 December 2026.
Official application portal: https://www.maxplanckschools.org/en/application
4. Rockefeller University PhD Programme in Bioscience
Country: United States
Study level: PhD
Application deadline: 1 December 2026
Rockefeller University offers doctoral training for students interested in biomedical sciences, chemistry, biophysics and related research fields.
The university provides substantial financial support to graduate students, making this programme worth considering for international applicants pursuing research-intensive careers.
Funding benefits
For the 2026–2027 academic year, the university lists:
- Annual student stipend of $55,620.
- No tuition fees.
- Comprehensive health, dental and vision plans.
- Subsidised student housing.
- Additional research-related financial support under the programme’s terms.
These are published programme benefits for the stated academic year; applicants should check the university’s latest information for any subsequent changes.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants must have an appropriate Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, or an equivalent qualification, and demonstrate strong academic preparation and research potential.
The application requires a statement of purpose, academic transcripts, three or four recommendation letters, a CV or résumé, and a $50 application fee.
GRE and TOEFL scores are not required according to the current admissions information.
How to apply
Submit the online application by 1 December 2026 for entry in September 2027.
Official admissions page: https://www.rockefeller.edu/education-and-training/graduate-program-in-bioscience/admissions/
Official funding information: https://www.rockefeller.edu/education-and-training/graduate-program-in-bioscience/student-housing-stipends/
5. MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology PhD Programme
Country: United Kingdom
Study level: PhD
Application deadline: 8 December 2026
Expected start: October 2027
The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), based in Cambridge, offers a doctoral programme for students interested in molecular and cellular biology and related scientific research.
The programme welcomes qualified students of different nationalities and backgrounds.
Scholarship benefits
The programme advertises up to 17 fully funded MRC studentships.
According to the published 2027 programme information, studentships cover university fees and provide a tax-free maintenance allowance of £23,945 per year.
The number of awards and final funding conditions remain subject to the programme’s terms.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants need an appropriate academic background and must satisfy the doctoral programme’s admission criteria.
Applications are submitted through the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal. Applicants should arrange references early because the laboratory recommends submitting applications at least two weeks before the deadline to allow time for references to arrive.
How to apply
Choose the PhD in Biological Science associated with the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology and follow the application instructions.
Application deadline: 8 December 2026.
Official application page: https://mrclmb.ac.uk/careers-and-people/phd-students/how-to-apply/
6. Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholarship
Country: United Kingdom
Study level: PhD
University: University of Cambridge
Deadline: Depends on the chosen course
The Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholars Programme supports outstanding postgraduate researchers undertaking doctoral study at the University of Cambridge.
It is an opportunity for academically strong applicants who want to pursue research in a broad range of disciplines.
Scholarship benefits
The published award information includes:
- University Composition Fee.
- Maintenance funding.
- A research allowance of £6,000.
The maintenance figure and other financial conditions can change between academic years. Applicants should consult the current scholarship terms rather than rely on an older award amount.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants must satisfy the academic and doctoral admission requirements for their chosen Cambridge course.
There is no single deadline that applies to every applicant. For scholarships beginning in 2027–2028, the official programme states that course deadlines fall in either early December 2026 or early January 2027.
How to apply
Apply for an eligible Cambridge PhD course by the relevant course funding deadline and follow the scholarship’s application instructions.
Do not assume that every Cambridge PhD programme has an 8 December deadline.
Official application and eligibility information: https://www.hardingscholars.fund.cam.ac.uk/apply/application-and-eligibility-information
7. ENS-PSL International Selection 2027
Country: France
Study level: Entry into the third year of a Bachelor’s degree or first year of a Master’s degree, depending on the track
Application deadline: 15 December 2026, 14:00 Paris time
École normale supérieure – PSL runs an international selection process for outstanding students from around the world.
The 2027 selection includes Arts and Humanities and Sciences tracks. Successful candidates join a highly selective academic environment and receive financial support under the programme’s terms.
Scholarship benefits
The published programme information describes:
- A monthly grant of €1,000 for three years.
- A room on an ENS-PSL campus, subject to the programme’s conditions.
- The opportunity to study in a leading French higher education and research institution.
Applicants should review the programme’s specific admission conditions and track requirements before applying.
Eligibility requirements
The selection is intended for international students entering the eligible stage of undergraduate or Master’s study. Applicants must submit all required documents and satisfy the criteria for their chosen track.
How to apply
Applications for both the Arts and Humanities and Sciences tracks opened on 16 October 2026 and close on 15 December 2026 at 14:00 Paris time.
Applications must be submitted through the designated OnePSL30 platform. Incomplete applications are not considered.
Official application information: https://www.ens.psl.eu/en/une-formation-d-exception/admissions/international/international-selection
8. EPFL Master Excellence Fellowship 2027
Country: Switzerland
Study level: Master’s
Application deadline: 15 December 2026
The EPFL Master Excellence Fellowship is intended for academically outstanding applicants seeking admission to Master’s programmes at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL).
The fellowship offers financial support to a limited number of students selected on the basis of academic excellence, qualifications and motivation.
Scholarship benefits
The published fellowship information lists:
- CHF 10,000 per semester.
- Funding for a maximum of four semesters.
- Reservation of a student room in a student residence for external candidates, subject to the programme’s conditions.
The fellowship does not automatically cover every expense. Applicants should budget for any remaining tuition, housing and living costs.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants must apply for an eligible EPFL Master’s programme and satisfy the institution’s admission requirements.
Candidates who already hold a Master’s degree or are currently enrolled in a Master’s programme at EPFL are not eligible under the published conditions.
How to apply
Complete the EPFL Master’s application and indicate that you want your profile to be considered for an excellence fellowship.
Important: The application must be paid for and validated by 15 December 2026. Submitting an application without completing these steps by the deadline will not qualify it for the fellowship.
Official application page: https://www.epfl.ch/education/master/master-excellence-fellowships/how-to-apply/
9. MOPGA 2027 Visiting Fellowship Programme
Country: France
Study level: Postdoctoral research
Application deadline: 15 December 2026
The Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA) Visiting Fellowship Programme supports early-career international researchers undertaking research in France.
The 2027 call focuses on climate change and environmental research. It provides an opportunity for eligible researchers to collaborate with French host institutions and contribute to research addressing global environmental challenges.
Fellowship benefits
Successful applicants receive:
- A monthly allowance of €2,500 for 12 months.
- A €500 settling-in allowance during the first month.
- A 12-month research stay at a French host institution.
International travel expenses are not covered by the programme, although a host laboratory may be able to provide additional support.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold a PhD awarded less than five years before the application deadline.
- Have defended their doctoral thesis between December 2021 and December 2026, inclusive.
- Hold a nationality other than French.
- Be undertaking international mobility to France.
- Not be residing and professionally active in France at the time of application.
- Not have previously received a MOPGA fellowship.
How to apply
Applications opened on 15 September 2026 and close on 15 December 2026.
Applicants should read the official call and research-theme guidance before submitting a proposal.
Official fellowship information: https://www.campusfrance.org/en/mopga-2027
Direct application portal: https://campusfrance.smapply.io/prog/mopga_2027/
10. P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship
Study destination: United States or Canada
Study level: Graduate study
Eligibility form deadline: 15 December 2026
The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship supports eligible women from outside the United States and Canada who are pursuing advanced degrees at accredited institutions in either country.
The award is intended to assist international students who demonstrate financial need and plan to return to their home countries to use their education to make a positive impact.
Scholarship benefits
The maximum award is $12,500. Individual awards may be lower depending on assessed financial need.
The scholarship is not intended to cover all academic or personal expenses. Applicants must demonstrate that they have additional resources to meet their expected costs.
Eligibility requirements
Eligible applicants generally must:
- Be women from outside the United States and Canada.
- Seek an advanced degree at an accredited institution in the United States or Canada.
- Meet the programme’s residence and coursework requirements.
- Intend to return to their home country to use their education.
- Demonstrate sufficient additional financial resources.
Special rules apply to certain applicants, including students attending Cottey College.
How to apply
The 2027–2028 application calendar states that eligibility forms are accepted from 15 September to 15 December 2026.
This is not the final deadline for every part of the scholarship application. According to the published calendar, completed application materials are due on 1 February 2027 for applicants already enrolled in their graduate programme and on 15 March 2027 for applicants who are not yet enrolled, with additional rules for Cottey College students.
Official eligibility and application information: https://www.peointernational.org/educational-support/international-peace-scholarship-fund/eligibility-and-application-process/
Official 2027–2028 application calendar: https://www.peointernational.org/resource/ips-application-calendar/
How to Apply for Scholarships Closing in December 2026
If you plan to apply for any of these opportunities, begin preparing your application as soon as possible.
1. Confirm your eligibility
Check the eligible nationalities, degree requirements, academic results, research experience and any age or residence restrictions.
2. Prepare your academic documents
Most university scholarships require some combination of:
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- A CV or résumé.
- A personal statement or statement of purpose.
- Recommendation letters.
- English-language test results, where applicable.
- A research proposal for research-based programmes.
The exact list varies by institution.
3. Request recommendation letters early
Contact your academic referees before the deadline approaches. Some programmes require references to be submitted through an online portal, and late references can affect your application.
4. Check the time zone
Deadlines may be stated in Hong Kong time, Central European Time, Paris time or another local time zone.
Convert the deadline to your local time and submit early enough to account for payment processing, document uploads and technical problems.
5. Check whether the scholarship is fully funded
Read the funding terms carefully. A tuition-fee award may not include accommodation, food, travel, visa expenses or health insurance.
Calculate the remaining cost before accepting an offer.
6. Apply through the official website
Use the direct institutional links in this guide. Avoid paying unofficial agents who promise guaranteed admission or scholarship awards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which scholarships close on 1 December 2026?
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme, TU Delft Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarship, Max Planck Schools graduate programmes and Rockefeller University PhD Programme list 1 December 2026 deadlines.
Which scholarships close on 15 December 2026?
The ENS-PSL International Selection, EPFL Master Excellence Fellowship and MOPGA Visiting Fellowship list 15 December deadlines. The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship also has a 15 December deadline for eligibility forms, followed by later deadlines for completed application materials.
Are all these scholarships fully funded?
No. The funding varies. Max Planck Schools, Rockefeller University and the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology advertise substantial or full programme funding under their respective terms. Other awards provide specific tuition-fee contributions, stipends, or allowances rather than covering all expenses.
Can international students apply?
Many of these programmes welcome international applicants. However, eligibility varies by award, degree level, nationality, previous qualifications and intended field of study. Always consult the official eligibility information.
Can I apply without an English-language test result?
It depends on the programme. TU Delft requires an English-language test result before its scholarship deadline unless the applicant qualifies for an exemption. Other programmes may have different requirements.
What should I do if I miss a December deadline?
Check whether the programme offers another application round or whether your chosen course has a January deadline. You can also consider other scholarships with later deadlines, but confirm their current application dates before preparing your documents.
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