Looking for fully funded scholarships for international students in November 2026? Several universities and international scholarship providers have opportunities for students planning to study abroad in 2027.

These scholarships and funded programmes can help eligible students pursue bachelor’s, master’s, PhD or research opportunities without paying the full cost themselves. Depending on the award, funding may cover tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, travel costs, health insurance or research expenses.

This guide highlights 15 opportunities worth considering, with official links to their application or admissions pages. Important: Not every opportunity has a November deadline. Some close in November, some open in November, and others have December deadlines or programme-specific application dates. Check each official page before applying.

Top 15 fully funded scholarships for international students

The table includes a mixture of confirmed November deadlines and opportunities with later or programme-specific deadlines. The final three EPFL and university funding entries require individual eligibility and funding checks; they should not be advertised as guaranteed fully funded awards for every applicant.

1. ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship and Opportunity Programme (ESOP)

Study destination: Switzerland Degree level: Master’s Application deadline: November 30, 2026

The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship and Opportunity Programme supports academically outstanding students pursuing eligible master’s degrees at ETH Zurich.

The scholarship covers study and living costs and includes a tuition fee waiver. From autumn 2027, the published funding amount is CHF 13,500 per semester, alongside the tuition waiver, for the regular duration of the master’s programme.

Applicants generally need an excellent bachelor’s academic record and must submit the required master’s admission application and scholarship documents.

Official application link: Apply for ETH Zurich ESOP. The university confirms the November 1–30, 2026 application window.

2. OIST PhD Programme in Japan

Study destination: Japan Degree level: PhD Application deadline: November 15, 2026

The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology offers a fully funded five-year doctoral programme for students interested in scientific research.

The programme is suitable for candidates from a range of scientific backgrounds. Applicants can enter after a bachelor’s or master’s degree, provided they meet the programme’s academic and admission requirements.

The university provides funding for doctoral study. Check the official admissions and programme pages for the current stipend, tuition arrangements and other financial support.

Official application link: Apply for the OIST PhD Programme.

3. Yenching Academy Scholarship at Peking University

Study destination: China Degree level: Master’s Application deadline: November 30, 2026

The Yenching Academy offers an interdisciplinary master’s programme in China Studies. It attracts international students interested in Chinese society, politics, history, economics and international relations.

Yenching Scholars receive a full fellowship. The programme provides financial support and an academic experience that includes interdisciplinary study and engagement with Chinese culture.

International candidates should check the nationality, degree, academic performance and application requirements before submitting an application.

Official application link: Apply to Yenching Academy. The academy lists November 30, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Beijing time as the deadline for the 2027 cohort.

4. EPFL Life Sciences Summer Research Program

Study destination: Switzerland Programme length: Eight weeks Application deadline: November 15, 2026

The EPFL Life Sciences Summer Research Program offers undergraduate and early master’s students an opportunity to work in research laboratories.

Eligible fields include biology, biophysics, chemistry, bioengineering, bioinformatics and related life sciences disciplines.

Participants gain laboratory experience, work with research teams and attend academic activities. Applicants should have completed at least two years of undergraduate study before the programme begins and meet the programme’s academic requirements.

This is a short-term research opportunity rather than a degree scholarship. Review the official financial-support provisions to confirm which expenses are covered.

Official application link: Apply for the EPFL Life Sciences Summer Research Program.

5. EPFL Excellence Research Internship

Study destination: Switzerland Programme: Research internship Application deadline: November 30, 2026

EPFL’s Excellence Research Internship is an option for students who want to gain research experience in Switzerland. The programme allows eligible students to apply to work with research laboratories in areas connected to their academic interests.

Applicants should prepare a CV, motivation letter, academic transcripts, reference details, passport copy and their preferred laboratories.

The published application window for summer 2027 runs until November 30, 2026. However, the internship’s existence does not automatically mean every placement is fully funded. Confirm the specific stipend, travel and accommodation arrangements on the official page.

Official application link: Check EPFL Excellence Research Internship requirements.

6. Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarship

Study destination: United Kingdom Degree level: PhD First-round deadline: November 2, 2026

The Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarship supports high-achieving students undertaking doctoral research.

The award offers full tuition funding, a living stipend and a research consumables allowance. For the 2027–28 academic year, the university lists a stipend of £27,036 per year and a £2,000 annual consumables fund for the first three years.

Applicants must meet the academic requirements and contact an eligible supervisor who agrees to supervise their research project. The scholarship is competitive, and applicants are considered through the university’s PhD admissions process.

Official application link: Apply for Imperial President’s PhD Scholarship.

7. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

Study destination: United Kingdom Degree level: Master’s Applications open: November 10, 2026 Deadline: December 8, 2026, at 16:00 GMT

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship helps eligible students from developing Commonwealth countries study selected master’s programmes at participating UK universities.

The scheme is intended for talented students who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK and who can contribute to development in their home countries.

Funding arrangements include tuition fees and living-cost support, with other covered expenses depending on the award provisions. Applicants must meet the scholarship’s nationality, residency, academic and financial eligibility criteria.

Applications are made through participating universities rather than through one universal course application.

Official application link: Apply for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships. The official page confirms the November 10 opening date and December 8 closing date for the 2027–28 cycle.

8. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships

Study destination: Multiple European countries Degree level: Master’s Application period: Often October to January, depending on the programme

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters allows students to study at several participating universities in different countries.

Full scholarships are available to selected applicants worldwide. They can cover participation costs and contribute to travel, visa expenses and living costs.

Each master’s programme has its own admission requirements, deadlines and selection process. Students should search the official catalogue and apply directly to the consortium running their chosen degree.

Official application link: Find Erasmus Mundus scholarships and apply.

9. Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Study destination: United Kingdom Degree level: Postgraduate Deadline for most international applicants: December 8, 2026

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship supports outstanding applicants from countries outside the United Kingdom who want to pursue eligible postgraduate study at Cambridge.

The scholarship generally covers the full university composition fee, a maintenance allowance, airfare and certain additional costs under its published terms.

Selection considers academic excellence, reasons for choosing the course, commitment to improving the lives of others and leadership potential.

Applicants must submit their Cambridge course application by the correct funding deadline and complete the scholarship section of the application.

Official application link: Apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship. The deadline depends on the course and applicant category, so confirm it before applying.

10. Clarendon Fund Scholarships at the University of Oxford

Study destination: United Kingdom Degree level: Graduate study Deadline: Depends on the course application deadline

The Clarendon Fund provides funding for academically outstanding graduate students at Oxford.

Clarendon scholarships typically cover course fees and provide a grant for living costs. Eligible applicants are considered through the relevant graduate course application process, subject to the programme’s rules.

Students should choose their Oxford course first, check its funding deadline and submit a complete application on time.

Official application link: Explore Clarendon Scholarships.

11. DAAD EPOS Scholarships in Germany

Study destination: Germany Degree level: Mainly postgraduate programmes Deadline: Varies by course

The DAAD EPOS Scholarship supports qualified applicants from eligible developing countries who want to study development-related postgraduate courses in Germany.

Depending on the course and award, funding can include a monthly stipend, insurance and travel support.

Many EPOS programmes require relevant professional experience and a strong academic background. The scholarship is not available for every German university course, and application dates differ across participating programmes.

Official application link: Search official DAAD scholarships.

12. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Study destination: Participating universities in Africa and elsewhere Degree level: Undergraduate or postgraduate, depending on the partner Deadline: Varies by institution

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program supports talented students who face financial and educational barriers.

Depending on the participating institution, the award can provide tuition, accommodation, living allowances, learning materials and other student support.

There is no single application deadline for every Mastercard Foundation scholarship. Applicants must identify a participating university and follow its official instructions. Eligibility and available degree levels vary by partner.

Official application link: Explore Mastercard Foundation scholarship programmes.

13. Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholars Programme

Study destination: United Kingdom Degree level: PhD Funding deadline: December 8, 2026, for the relevant Cambridge funding round

The Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholars Programme supports outstanding doctoral researchers at the University of Cambridge.

The programme offers fully funded PhD opportunities to eligible candidates. Applicants need to identify a suitable Cambridge doctoral course and meet both the university’s admission requirements and the programme’s funding criteria.

Students should prepare academic references, transcripts, a research proposal where required and other supporting documents well before the deadline.

Official application link: Explore Harding postgraduate scholarships.

14. EPFL Summer@EPFL Programme

Study destination: Switzerland Programme: Undergraduate summer research Deadline: Check the official programme page

EPFL offers summer research opportunities for eligible students interested in science and technology. These programmes can help students gain research experience, develop technical skills and explore postgraduate research.

The financial support, eligibility criteria and application timeline depend on the specific programme. Students should not assume that every EPFL summer opportunity covers all travel and living expenses.

Official application link: Explore EPFL summer research opportunities.

15. EPFL E3 Engineering Programme

Study destination: Switzerland Programme: Engineering research opportunity Deadline: Check the official programme page

Students interested in engineering research can also explore EPFL’s E3 programme. The opportunity is relevant to students seeking international academic experience in engineering and related technical fields.

Applicants should verify the programme’s current application dates, eligible universities, academic requirements and financial support before making plans.

Official application link: Check EPFL engineering research opportunities.

Editorial note: Items 14 and 15 are research-programme leads, not independently verified fully funded scholarship awards. Before publication, either confirm their 2027 funding and application details with the programme administrators or replace them with two fully funded awards whose current-cycle terms are confirmed.

Documents to prepare for fully funded scholarships

Most international scholarships require some combination of the following documents:

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates.

• A valid passport or other accepted identity document.

• A CV or résumé.

• A personal statement or motivation letter.

• Academic or professional recommendation letters.

• Proof of English-language proficiency, if required.

• A research proposal for relevant master’s research or PhD programmes.

• Proof of employment or professional experience, where required.

Not every scholarship asks for every document. Follow the instructions of the specific university or scholarship provider.

How to apply for fully funded scholarships in November 2026

1. Check eligibility first. Confirm that your nationality, previous education, academic results and work experience meet the requirements.

2. Choose the right course. Some scholarships are tied to a specific university degree or research project.

3. Confirm the real deadline. Check whether the application closes in November, opens in November or has a later course-specific deadline.

4. Prepare your documents. Arrange references early and ensure transcripts and certificates are ready.

5. Apply through the official website. Avoid unofficial agents who promise guaranteed scholarships.

6. Check what the funding covers. A full tuition waiver is not necessarily a fully funded scholarship. Look for confirmation of living expenses and other essential costs.

FAQs

Which fully funded scholarships are available in November 2026?

Confirmed opportunities with November deadlines include ETH Zurich ESOP, the OIST PhD Programme, Yenching Academy, EPFL’s Life Sciences Summer Research Program and the first round of Imperial College London’s President’s PhD Scholarship. The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship application also opens in November.

Can international students from Nigeria apply?

Yes. Nigerian applicants can be eligible for many international scholarship programmes, including Erasmus Mundus, Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, Gates Cambridge and eligible university research awards. Each programme has its own nationality and admission rules.

Do fully funded scholarships cover accommodation and living expenses?

Many do, but not all. Some provide tuition fees and a maintenance allowance, while research internships may have different funding arrangements. Always check the official award terms.

Can I apply without IELTS?

Some programmes accept alternative English-language evidence or grant exemptions, while others require an approved English test. Check the university’s language requirements before applying.

Are fully funded scholarships for 2027 already open?

Yes. Some 2027 scholarship applications are already open, while others will open in November or have later deadlines. Erasmus Mundus programmes, for example, usually publish their own application windows.

Where can I find the official scholarship application links?

Use the official links included under each opportunity in this guide. These take you to the scholarship provider or university’s admissions information, where you can check the current requirements and application procedure.