Fully Funded Scholarships 2025–26: Study Abroad for Free in the UK
Fully Funded Scholarships is the dream of every student because it gives students a chance to study at any foreign university with no cost. Thousands of talented students miss the opportunity to study at a foreign university due to lack of funds, Fully funded Scholarships changed that by covering full tuition fee, living expenses some times travel and health insurance as well, it has made studying abroad totally for free.
It helps to enhance future career prospects and increase the chances of professional success. Almost every student prefers to get admission on fully funded scholarships all over the world. Different countries offer different types of scholarships. This article will help you find the updated information on fully funded scholarships in different countries, like UK, USA, Australia, Canada, Spain, France and Italy, with all the eligibility requirements for admission, scholarship approval, and visa requirements in detail.
Table of Contents
Why Fully Funded Scholarships Are the Best Option
Fully funded scholarships are the best options for talented students because it provides the opportunity to learn about culture, getting a Foreign Degree, with free living with out any extra cost of tuition fee and maintenance funds. There is always huge competition in selection procedure, so make sure the application is perfect and there are no flaws in it. Because the selectors never negotiate or discuss the application with applicants. Following are the key points to make fully funded scholarships as the best option t study abroad for free.
| No Financial Burden | There is no financial burden at all, as no need to pay tuition fee, and for living expenses a fixed monthly allowance is paid by the scholarship authority. It makes hassle free opportunity without financial responsibility. |
| Comprehensive Support | Some scholarships include, comprehensive support as , return Air ticket, Health insurance and also free arrival support. |
| High Prestige and Networking | These scholarships are highly competitive and selective, It enhances the resume value. |
| Focus on academic performance & leadership | The selection criteria encourage you to develop in a well-rounded personal growth in all the aspects of a person not only academics, but intellectual, emotional, social, and ethically. |
| Global mobility & exposure | Studying abroad with full financial support enables you to develop strong cross-cultural understanding and global communication skills. |
UK: Top Fully Funded Scholarships
Following are the key scholarships in UK, which help hundreds and thousands of students every year by providing them the opportunity to study at the best universities in the UK and experience the rich culture with different nationalities.
| Chevening Scholarships | The Chevening Scholarship, the United Kingdom’s premier government-funded program, offers fully sponsored opportunities for outstanding candidates to pursue master’s studies |
| Commonwealth Scholarships | Commonwealth Scholarships are prestigious awards designed for exceptional students from Commonwealth member nations to pursue advanced master’s and doctoral studies. |
| Gates Cambridge Scholarships | Gates Cambridge Scholarships are highly competitive awards that support outstanding scholars undertaking master’s or doctoral research programs at the University of Cambridge. |
| Oxford / Clarendon / University-specific full-fund scholarships | Oxford, Clarendon, and other university-specific fully funded scholarships are offered by leading UK institutions to academically excellent candidates, covering full tuition and living expenses. |
Chevening Scholarships
UK provides the students to study Masters Program at the top universities in the UK for free under the Chevening Scholarships Program. Its purely merit based scholarships. There is pure selection procedure including all the steps from Admission Applications to the final offer of the scholarship. Any one who has done his/her Bachelor’s Degree and having hands on experience in the relevant industry for two years is eligible to apply for this life changing opportunity.
Eligibility & Requirements (Chevening Scholarship)
Application Deadline: For Chevening Scholarships UK 2026–27, the deadline is 7 October 2025, 12:00 UTC
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for consideration, an applicant is required to fulfill all of the following conditions.
| Citizenship Requirement | The applicant must hold citizenship of a country or territory recognized as eligible under the Chevening Scholarship framework. |
| Post-Study Commitment | The applicant is required to demonstrate a formal commitment to return to their country of citizenship for a minimum period of two years following the completion of the scholarship programme. This condition ensures that the skills, knowledge, and leadership capabilities gained during study in the United Kingdom are effectively applied to the development of the applicant’s home country. |
| Professional Experience | Applicants must possess a minimum of two years of professional experience, equivalent to approximately 2,800 hours, accumulated subsequent to the completion of their undergraduate studies. This experience may encompass full-time or part-time employment, voluntary service, or internship placements. Work experience obtained concurrently with academic study, however, shall not be considered eligible. |
| Academic Qualification | Applicants are required to possess an undergraduate qualification that meets the academic standards for admission to a Master’s programme in the United Kingdom. Typically, this corresponds to a degree equivalent to a UK Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1) classification, or its recognized equivalent within the applicant’s home country. |
| Programme Application Requirement | Applicants are expected to submit applications to three distinct and eligible Master’s programmes offered by accredited universities in the United Kingdom. By the specified deadline (July 2026), candidates must have secured at least one unconditional offer of admission from among the programmes to which they have applied. |
| English Language Proficiency | Applicants are required to satisfy the English language proficiency standards established either by the Chevening Secretariat or by the respective UK university offering admission. Typically, this entails achieving a minimum score on an internationally recognized English language assessment, such as: IELTS Academic: Overall score of 6.5 or above, with no individual band lower than 6.0. TOEFL iBT: Total score of 90, with at least 20 in each component (reading, listening, speaking, and writing). PTE Academic: Overall score of 58, with no section below 50. Cambridge English (CAE/CPE): Overall score of 176 or above, with at least 169 in each skill area. Meeting these thresholds demonstrates that the applicant possesses sufficient linguistic competence to engage effectively in postgraduate study, participate in scholarly discourse, and produce advanced academic work in an English-medium environment |
| Previous UK Government Funding | Applicants who have previously studied in the United Kingdom under a UK Government-funded scholarship or fellowship programme are ineligible to apply. |
| Citizenship Exceptions | Applicants must not hold British or dual British citizenship, except where such status is derived from British Overseas Territories or British National (Overseas) status in Hong Kong. In cases involving refugee status, eligibility is determined by the citizenship of the applicant’s country of origin, provided it is listed among the Chevening-eligible territories. |
| Required Documents | 1. Passport / national ID 2. Degree certificate(s) + transcripts (official, translated if needed) 3. Work experience letters 4. Curriculum Vitae (academic & professional) 5. Two or more references 6. English Proficiency Test (IELTS, TOEFL, or accepted alternative) 7. Motivation / Personal Statement 8. Proof of admission / offers (conditional/unconditional) 9. Additional program-specific requirements (e.g., project proposal for research awards) |
| Visa / UK Student Route Essentials | 1. CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from university 2. Proof of maintenance (unless fully covered by the scholarship) 3. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fee 4. TB test (if required by country) 5. Academic documents and transcripts Passport, photographs |
UK Common Wealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarship (UK) represents one of the United Kingdom’s most distinguished government-funded initiatives, offering comprehensive financial support to exceptional international students. The program is designed to enable academically talented individuals from Commonwealth nations to pursue advanced studies in the UK through rigorous eligibility and selection criteria.
| Citizenship | Must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country or have been granted refugee status by a Commonwealth country. Permanent residents of Commonwealth countries are also eligible. |
| Academic Qualification | Must hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard. For PhD applicants, a relevant master’s degree is usually required. |
| Study Level | Available for Master’s and PhD programs only. The program must be studied full-time in the UK at a participating university. |
| Country Eligibility | Country Eligibility Applicants must be from low or middle-income Commonwealth countries. (Examples: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, etc.) |
| English Language Proficiency | Proof of English proficiency is required. Most universities accept IELTS (minimum 6.5 overall) or TOEFL equivalent scores. Some universities may waive this if prior education was in English. |
| Supporting Documents Required | Valid passport Degree certificates and academic transcripts Two reference letters (academic and/or professional) Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Personal Statement Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) Research proposal (for PhD candidates) |
| Financial Eligibility | Must demonstrate financial need applicants should not be able to afford studying in the UK without the scholarship. |
| Application Timeline | applications typically open in September and close by mid-October each year (check the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website for updates). |
| Coverage | Full tuition fees Return airfare Living allowance (stipend) Thesis grant and study travel allowance Warm clothing allowance (if applicable) Family allowance (for eligible scholars) |
Gates Cambridge Scholarships (University of Cambridge)
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is among the most prestigious fully funded awards offered by the University of Cambridge, established through a donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. It supports outstanding international applicants who demonstrate exceptional intellectual ability, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
Following is the criteria for eligibility
| Eligibility | Eligible applicants include individuals from all countries outside the United Kingdom who seek admission to a full-time postgraduate program either a Master’s or Doctoral degree at the University of Cambridge. |
| Academic Requirements | Applicants are expected to demonstrate a distinguished academic background, typically equivalent to a United Kingdom first class or upper second class honours degree. |
| Documents Required | Online application through Oxford’s graduate portal Academic transcripts Statement of purpose Two references Proof of English proficiency (IELTS 7.5 or TOEFL 110) |
| English Language | IELTS (minimum 7.0 overall) or TOEFL iBT (minimum 100). |
| Coverage | The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, including full tuition fees, an annual maintenance allowance of approximately £20,000, coverage for airfare and visa expenses, as well as funding for academic conferences. |
| Deadline | Usually October 2025 for the 2026 intake. |
This program promotes global collaboration in research and innovation, attracting scholars committed to addressing major global challenges through academic excellence and leadership.
Oxford, Clarendon, and Other University-Specific Fully Funded Scholarships (UK Universities)
Many top UK universities, including the University of Oxford, University of Edinburgh, King’s College London, and University College London (UCL), offer university-funded full scholarships that cover tuition, accommodation, and living costs for high-achieving students.
Clarendon Scholarship (University of Oxford)
The Clarendon Fund Scholarship is one of Oxford’s largest graduate scholarship schemes, providing fully funded support for outstanding international students pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees.
| Eligibility | Open to all international students applying to graduate programs at Oxford. No separate application is needed; all applicants are automatically considered |
| Academic Requirement | First-class or strong upper second-class degree (or equivalent). |
| Documents Required: | Online application through Oxford’s graduate portal Academic transcripts Statement of purpose Two references Proof of English proficiency (IELTS 7.5 or TOEFL 110) |
| Coverage: | The scholarship offers complete tuition fee coverage accompanied by a substantial annual living allowance, estimated at approximately £18,000. |
| Selection Basis | Selection is based on demonstrated academic excellence, proven research potential, and alignment with the university’s overarching academic objectives. |
Other universities such as Durham, Warwick, Bristol, and Glasgow also provide fully funded institutional awards targeting outstanding students in various disciplines, often under merit-based or research-focused schemes.
FAQS: Fully Funded Scholarships
FAQs: Chevening, Commonwealth, Gates Cambridge, and Oxford/Clarendon Scholarships (UK 2025–26)
1. What is the Chevening Scholarship, and who can apply?
The Chevening Scholarship is the UK Government’s flagship fully funded program that supports outstanding emerging leaders from around the world to pursue a one-year master’s degree in any discipline at a UK university.
Eligibility: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree equivalent to a UK 2:1, possess at least two years of professional experience, and demonstrate leadership potential and community engagement.
English Requirement: IELTS 6.5 or higher (some universities may waive if prior education was in English).
Coverage: Full tuition fees, living stipend, return airfare, and visa fees.
2. What are the eligibility criteria for the Commonwealth Scholarships?
The Commonwealth Scholarship is a fully funded UK Government program for students from Commonwealth member countries, enabling them to undertake master’s or doctoral studies in the UK.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Citizenship of an eligible Commonwealth country.
- A strong academic background (minimum of an upper second-class bachelor’s degree).
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL equivalent).
- Demonstrated financial need and commitment to development goals.
Coverage: Full tuition, airfare, monthly stipend, thesis grant, and health insurance.
3. What does the Gates Cambridge Scholarship offer, and who is eligible?
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, provides full financial support to exceptional students pursuing master’s or PhD programs at the University of Cambridge.
Eligibility: Open to candidates from all countries outside the UK applying for full-time postgraduate study.
Requirements:
- Outstanding academic record (equivalent to a UK first or high upper second-class honours degree).
- Strong leadership potential and a commitment to improving others’ lives.
- English language proficiency (IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL iBT 100).
Coverage: Full tuition, maintenance allowance (~£20,000/year), airfare, visa costs, and research or conference funding.
4. What are the Oxford and Clarendon Scholarships?
The Clarendon Scholarship, offered by the University of Oxford, is a fully funded program that supports academically outstanding graduate students from around the world.
Eligibility: All applicants applying for Oxford’s graduate programs are automatically considered based on academic excellence and research potential.
Requirements:
- A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree.
- Excellent research proposal or academic references.
- Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS 7.5 or TOEFL 110).
Coverage: Full tuition fees and an annual living stipend (approximately £18,000).
Other universities, such as University College London (UCL), King’s College London, and the University of Edinburgh, also offer fully funded, university-specific awards for top international students across diverse disciplines.
5. What documents are generally required to apply for these scholarships?
Applicants should prepare the following essential documents:
- Valid passport or national ID
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Two reference letters (academic or professional)
- Personal statement or statement of purpose
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Research proposal (for PhD programs)
- Conditional or unconditional admission offer (for some scholarships)
6. Do I need an offer letter from a UK university before applying?
- Chevening: No offer is required at the time of application, but applicants must secure at least one unconditional offer by July 2025.
- Commonwealth: Admission may be required at the time of nomination depending on the applicant’s home country’s process.
- Gates Cambridge & Clarendon: Applications for admission and scholarships are submitted simultaneously via the university’s online portal.
7. Can I apply for multiple fully funded scholarships at once?
Yes, applicants can apply for multiple scholarships such as Chevening, Commonwealth, and university-specific awards simultaneously. However, recipients can accept only one fully funded award at a time.
8. What are the English language test requirements for these scholarships?
Most UK fully funded scholarships require proof of English proficiency:
- IELTS Academic: Minimum 6.5–7.5 overall
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum 90–110
Some universities may waive this requirement if the applicant has previously completed a degree taught in English.
9. When should I start preparing for these scholarships?
It is recommended to begin preparation 12–15 months before the deadline, including preparing documents, taking IELTS or TOEFL, and obtaining references.
- Chevening: Opens August 2025
- Commonwealth: Opens September 2025
- Gates Cambridge: Opens September 2025 (Deadline: October)
- Clarendon (Oxford): Automatically considered with Oxford applications (Deadline: December–January)
10. What is the main advantage of receiving one of these scholarships?
These prestigious scholarships not only provide financial freedom but also offer global exposure, leadership training, research collaboration, and strong alumni networks — all of which significantly enhance a scholar’s academic and professional prospects worldwide.
