Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students in 2026: Complete Guide
Studying abroad can be expensive, but fully funded scholarships make it possible for Pakistani students to pursue international education without financial stress.
These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and sometimes even insurance.
This guide provides top fully funded scholarships for 2026, eligibility criteria, and application tips for international students.
Why Fully Funded Scholarships Are Important
For students from Pakistan, studying abroad often involves:
- High tuition fees
- Expensive accommodation
- Travel and visa costs
- Living expenses
Fully funded scholarships eliminate these financial barriers, allowing students to focus entirely on education and career growth.
Benefits include:
- No tuition or minimal costs
- Living stipends for daily expenses
- Health insurance and travel allowances
- Opportunities to study in top global universities
Top Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students
1. DAAD Scholarships – Germany
The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) scholarship is the world’s most prestigious funding program for international graduates and doctoral candidates seeking a fully funded education in Germany. For the 2026 academic year, the scholarship provides a monthly stipend of €934 for Master’s students and €1,300 for PhD candidates, covering full tuition fees, health insurance, and round-trip travel expenses. To be eligible, applicants generally need a relevant Bachelor’s degree completed within the last six years and, for development-related courses (EPOS), at least two years of professional work experience. While deadlines vary by specific course, most applications for the September 2026 intake close between October 2025 and January 2026, making early preparation of your CV and motivation letter essential for success.
DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) is one of the most popular scholarships for Pakistani students.
What is included in DAAD Scholarship
- Tuition fees
- Living allowance (≈ €1,000/month)
- Health insurance
- Travel allowance
Who are eligible for DAAD Scholarship
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD students
- Strong academic record
- English or German language proficiency
Popular Fields: Engineering, Science, Business, Humanities
2. Chevening Scholarships – United Kingdom
The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government’s most prestigious international award, offering a fully funded Master’s degree to future leaders from Pakistan. For the 2026/2027 academic cycle, the award covers your full university tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, and the total cost of your UK visa. To qualify, you must hold an undergraduate degree, have at least two years of work experience (2,800 hours), and demonstrate a clear plan to return to Pakistan for two years after your studies to drive positive change. While applications for the 2026 intake typically close in November 2025, shortlisted candidates will undergo interviews between March and April 2026, with final results announced in June to begin their journey at top UK universities by September.
Chevening is the UK government’s fully funded scholarship program.
What it Covers:
- Tuition fees
- Monthly stipend
- Travel costs to and from the UK
- Visa support
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum 2:1)
- 2–3 years of work experience
- Leadership potential
Popular Fields: International Relations, Economics, Management, Law
3. Fulbright Scholarships – United States
The Fulbright Scholarship is a flagship exchange program funded by the U.S. Department of State, offering Pakistani students the chance to pursue a fully funded Master’s or PhD in the United States. For the 2026 intake, the award covers 100% of tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, health insurance, airfare, and even the visa application fee. Applicants must hold 16 years of education for a Master’s or 18 years for a PhD, and a mandatory requirement is the GRE General Test with a minimum score of 145 in each section. While the main application cycle for 2026 typically closes in February or March 2025, successful finalists undergo interviews in mid-2025 and begin their American journey in August 2026.
Fulbright is a highly prestigious scholarship for studying in the USA.
What it Covers:
- Tuition fees
- Living stipend
- Health insurance
- Travel costs
Eligibility:
- Strong academic and extracurricular record
- Bachelor’s degree for Master’s programs
- English proficiency
Popular Fields: Science, Technology, Engineering, Business, Humanities
4. Erasmus+ Scholarships – Europe
The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship (part of Erasmus+) is a high-level, integrated study program that allows students to study in at least two to three different European countries while earning a joint or multiple degree. For the 2026 academic cycle, the scholarship is exceptionally generous, providing a monthly stipend of 1,400 Euros for up to 24 months, alongside full tuition fee waivers, health insurance, and support for travel and installation costs. To apply, you must browse the Erasmus Mundus Catalogue and select up to three specific programs; eligibility typically requires a Bachelor’s degree and a strong Europass CV and Statement of Purpose. While many programs close their scholarship applications between January and February 2026, each program has its own specific deadline, so early research into your desired “track” is vital.
Erasmus+ provides scholarships for European universities.
What it Covers:
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses (€400–€1,000/month)
- Travel allowance
Eligibility:
- Undergraduate, Master’s, or PhD students
- Academic excellence
- Motivation and recommendation letters
Popular Fields: Engineering, Social Sciences, Humanities, Business
5. Turkish Government Scholarships – Turkey
The Turkish Government Scholarship (Türkiye Bursları) is a globally recognized program providing a complete financial package for international students at all degree levels. For the 2026 intake, the scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees, free dormitory accommodation, private health insurance, and a round-trip flight ticket. Recipients also receive a monthly stipend—4,500 TL for Undergraduate, 6,500 TL for Master’s, and 9,000 TL for PhD—along with a mandatory one-year Turkish language course to ensure smooth academic and cultural integration. Applications for the 2026 cycle are open from January 10 to February 20, 2026, and must be submitted through the official TBBS portal.
The Türkiye Scholarships program is fully funded for international students.
What it Covers:
- Tuition fees
- Monthly stipend
- Accommodation
- Health insurance
- Flight tickets
Eligibility:
- High academic achievement
- English proficiency or preparatory course completion
- Age limit criteria depending on level
Popular Fields: Medicine, Engineering, Social Sciences, Business
6. Other Notable Scholarships
- Australian Awards Scholarships (AUS)
- Japanese MEXT Scholarships
- Netherlands Holland Scholarship
- New Zealand Development Scholarships
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships Guide Pakistani PhD
- Full-Ride Scholarships at Berea College & Clark University
- USAID Merit & Needs‑Based Scholarships for Pakistani Students
- Jack Kent Cooke Scholarships for Community College Transfers
- Best STEM Scholarships in the USA for International Students
- USAID’s Malala Scholarship Act Empowering Pakistani Women
- Gates Millennium Scholars Program for High‑Achievers
7. CSC Scholarship 2026 Fully Funded Opportunity in China
The Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) is a premier funding program designed to attract international talent to over 270 top-tier Chinese universities. For the 2026 intake, the scholarship offers a comprehensive package including a full tuition waiver, free on-campus accommodation, and comprehensive medical insurance. Recipients also receive a monthly living allowance of 2,500 RMB for Undergraduates, 3,000 RMB for Master’s, and 3,500 RMB for PhD students. Pakistani students can apply through Type A (via HEC/Embassy) or Type B (directly through the university), with the application window generally open from November 2025 to February 2026. Notable requirements for 2026 include the mandatory CSCA assessment for undergraduate applicants and a valid HEC HAT/USAT score for those applying through the HEC nomination portal.
These scholarships offer full or partial funding for tuition and living expenses and are highly competitive.
Tips for Applying to Fully Funded Scholarships
- Start Early: Applications open months in advance
- Check Eligibility: Each scholarship has specific criteria
- Prepare Strong Documents: Academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and motivation letters
- Highlight Achievements: Leadership, research, community work
- Follow Deadlines Strictly
Come to the Point…
Fully funded scholarships make it possible for Pakistani students to study abroad without worrying about finances. Countries like Germany, UK, USA, Turkey, and across Europe provide excellent opportunities for international students. With careful planning, research, and preparation, students can secure scholarships and achieve their study abroad dreams in 2026.
Your questions regarding fully funded scholarships for international students
What does a “fully funded” scholarship actually cover in 2026?
A true fully funded scholarship is designed to remove all financial barriers for the student. For the 2026 academic year, this typically includes 100% tuition fee waivers, a monthly living stipend (ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 depending on the country), free on-campus housing or a rental allowance, comprehensive health insurance, and round-trip airfare. Some elite programs like the Fulbright or Chevening also provide “settling-in” allowances for initial expenses like books and warm clothing.
Can I apply for a fully funded scholarship before getting university admission?
This depends on the “Type” of scholarship. For government-funded awards like the CSC (China) or DAAD (Germany), you often apply for the scholarship first, and they help place you in a university. However, for university-specific awards (like the Stanford Knight-Hennessy or Oxford Clarendon), you usually must submit your admission application simultaneously or have a conditional offer in hand before the scholarship deadline.
Is it possible to get a fully funded scholarship with a low CGPA?
While highly competitive, it is possible if you excel in other areas. Many “Need-Based” or “Development” scholarships prioritize your work experience, community leadership, and the quality of your personal statement over grades. For example, the Chevening scholarship focuses heavily on your leadership potential and 2,800 hours of work experience rather than just your academic transcripts.
Do fully funded scholarships require IELTS or TOEFL scores?
In 2026, many scholarships have become more flexible. While UK and US scholarships still prefer IELTS/TOEFL, many European and Asian government scholarships (like those in Italy, Turkey, and China) now accept a “Medium of Instruction” (MOI) certificate from your previous university. This certificate proves your degree was taught in English, allowing you to bypass expensive standardized tests.
What is the age limit for fully funded Master’s and PhD scholarships?
Age limits vary by country and program. Generally, for Master’s scholarships, the age limit is often 30 to 35 years, while for PhDs, it can extend up to 40 or 45. Some programs, like the Erasmus Mundus or Fulbright, have no official age limit as long as you can justify how the degree fits into your career progression.
How many scholarships can I apply for at one time?
There is no legal limit to how many scholarships you can apply for. In fact, experts recommend applying to at least 5–10 different programs to increase your chances. However, if you win multiple “Full” scholarships, you are usually required to choose only one, as most providers do not allow “double-funding” for the same degree.
Can Pakistani students apply for fully funded scholarships for international students?
Yes, many programs are open to Pakistani students, including DAAD, Chevening, Fulbright, and Türkiye Scholarships.
How competitive are fully funded scholarships for international students?
They are highly competitive; strong academics, extracurriculars, and leadership skills increase chances.