International Scholarships To Leverage

Scholarships are lifesavers and much more than that; they are also destiny and passion savers. They are the leverage for book-savvy, academically inclined students to meet their goals and fulfil their destiny. Many were busy with their semesters and the rush to clear their courses and forgot to prepare on time for the scholarship season, hence the need for this article.

So if you missed your opprtunity for any reason, here is another opprtunity to prepare ahead and get your grades, scores and recommendation ready before the next scholarship season is ready. 2026 brings a fresh wave of scholarships designed to help students from around the world pursue their dreams of studying abroad. These scholarships cut across Europe, the U.S., Canada, and Asia. It covers all scholarships – Undergraduate, Graduate, Master’s and PhD Scholarships; fully funded and partial scholarships, all for 2026 year.

These are opportunities that can change your life, reduce your financial burden, and open doors to global education and career success. Don’t wait—let 2026 be the year you take that big step forward.

International Scholarships For 2026

Australia

Australia Awards Scholarship

• Eligibility:

  • Citizens of participating developing countries (e.g., Asia, Pacific, Africa, Middle East).

  • Minimum 18 years old, no upper age limit.

  • Not a permanent resident or citizen of Australia/New Zealand.

  • Meet academic requirements for the chosen program (usually a bachelor’s degree for postgraduate studies).

  • English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL equivalent, no band below 6.0).

  • Commit to return to home country for at least 2 years post-study.

• Deadline: April 30, 2026 (based on 2025 deadline).

Charles Darwin University Scholarships

• Eligibility:

  • International students from any country.

  • Applying for undergraduate, master’s, PhD, or training programs at Charles Darwin University.

  • Meet academic and English language requirements (e.g., IELTS 6.0-7.0 or equivalent).

  • Demonstrate academic merit for fully funded scholarships; partial scholarships (up to 50% tuition) based on need or merit.

• Deadline: Varies by program; typically January-March 2026 for main intakes. Check CDU website.

Monash University Scholarship

• Eligibility:

  • International students applying for doctoral research programs at Monash University.

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree with first-class honors or equivalent.

  • English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 79, with specific band scores).

  • Demonstrate research potential and academic excellence.

  • Not holding another equivalent scholarship.

• Deadline: August 31, 2026 (for international students, Round 3).

Azerbaijan

Government of Azerbaijan Scholarship

• Eligibility:

  • International students from any country.

  • Applying for undergraduate, master’s, or PhD programs at Azerbaijani institutions.

  • Strong academic record (specific GPA varies by program).

  • English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) or other language requirements if applicable.

  • Age limit: Typically under 35 for master’s/PhD, under 25 for undergraduate.

• Deadline: September 1, 2025 (likely similar for 2026). Check Ministry of Education website.

Brazil

Brazilian Universities Scholarships

• Eligibility:

  • International students applying to master’s or PhD programs at participating Brazilian universities.

  • Meet academic requirements (e.g., bachelor’s degree for master’s, master’s for PhD).

  • Portuguese or English proficiency depending on program language.

  • Research proposal aligned with university priorities.

• Deadline: Varies by institution; typically June-August 2026. Check CAPES or university websites.

Brunei

University of Brunei Darussalam Graduate Research Scholarship (UGRS)

• Eligibility:

  • International students applying for master’s by research or PhD at Universiti Brunei Darussalam.

  • Bachelor’s degree (first or upper second-class honors) or master’s degree for PhD applicants.

  • English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80).

  • Age limit: Not exceeding 35 for PhD, 25 for master’s on July 1, 2026.

  • Not a Brunei permanent resident or holding another scholarship without approval.

• Deadline: February 15, 2026 (based on 2025 deadline).

Canada

University Canada West Scholarship

• Eligibility:

  • International students (excluding USA) applying for undergraduate or master’s programs.

  • Meet academic requirements (e.g., high school diploma for undergraduate, bachelor’s for master’s).

  • English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent).

  • Demonstrate leadership potential or financial need for specific awards.

• Deadline: Varies with application cycle; typically rolling deadlines. Check UCW website.

University of Toronto Scholarships

• Eligibility:

  • International students applying for undergraduate or graduate programs.

  • Academic excellence (e.g., top 5% of class or equivalent).

  • English proficiency (IELTS 6.5-7.0 or TOEFL 100).

  • Specific scholarships (e.g., Lester B. Pearson) require leadership and community involvement.

• Deadline: January 15, 2026 (for most programs, including Lester B. Pearson).

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program

• Eligibility:

  • International students (not Canadian citizens/permanent residents).

  • Final year of secondary school or recent graduate (within 2 years).

  • Nominated by secondary school for exceptional academic and leadership qualities.

  • Applying to University of Toronto’s undergraduate programs.

  • English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 100).

• Deadline: School nomination by November 30, 2025; student application by January 15, 2026.

China

Chinese Government Scholarships (CSC)

• Eligibility:

  • International students from any country.

  • Applying for undergraduate, master’s, or PhD at over 280 Chinese universities.

  • Age limits: Under 25 for undergraduate, 35 for master’s, 40 for PhD.

  • Meet academic requirements (e.g., high school diploma, bachelor’s, or master’s).

  • Chinese (HSK 4-5) or English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80) depending on program.

• Deadline: February 28-March 31, 2026 (varies by university).

Shanghai Government Scholarship

• Eligibility:

  • International students applying to 34 designated Chinese universities in Shanghai.

  • Non-Chinese citizens in good health.

  • Academic excellence (e.g., high school GPA for undergraduate, bachelor’s GPA for master’s).

  • Chinese (HSK 4) or English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80).

  • Age limits: Under 25 for undergraduate, 35 for master’s, 40 for PhD.

• Deadline: March 31, 2026 (varies by university).

Finland

Finland Government Scholarships

• Eligibility:

  • International students from any country.

  • Applying for bachelor’s or master’s programs at Finnish universities.

  • Meet academic and program-specific requirements.

  • No IELTS required if prior education was in English.

  • Demonstrate motivation and academic potential.

• Deadline: January 15, 2026 (based on typical joint application period).

Germany

DAAD Scholarship

• Eligibility:

  • International students from developing countries (list on DAAD website).

  • Applying for master’s or PhD at German universities.

  • Bachelor’s degree (for master’s) or master’s (for PhD) with above-average grades.

  • At least 2 years of professional experience for some programs.

  • English (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80) or German (TestDaF) proficiency.

• Deadline: Varies by program; typically April-October 2025 for 2026 intake.

Max Planck Scholarship

• Eligibility:

  • International students applying to PhD programs at Max Planck Institutes.

  • Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant field (e.g., sciences, engineering).

  • Strong research experience and publications preferred.

  • English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80).

• Deadline: Varies by IMPRS program; typically January-March 2026.

India

Post-Matric Scholarship for Minorities, Uttar Pradesh

• Eligibility:

  • Indian nationals from minority communities (Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, etc.).

  • Enrolled in Class 11, 12, undergraduate, or postgraduate programs.

  • Family income below ₹2 lakh per year.

  • Minimum 50% marks in previous examination.

• Deadline: October 31, 2025 (likely similar for 2026).

Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC, Uttar Pradesh

• Eligibility:

  • Indian nationals from Other Backward Classes (OBC).

  • Enrolled in Class 11, 12, undergraduate, or postgraduate programs.

  • Family income below ₹1 lakh per year.

  • Minimum 50% marks in previous examination.

• Deadline: October 31, 2025 (likely similar for 2026).

Special Scholarship Scheme for Jammu & Kashmir & Ladakh

• Eligibility:

  • Residents of Jammu & Kashmir or Ladakh.

  • Enrolled in undergraduate, postgraduate, or professional courses outside J&K/Ladakh.

  • Family income below ₹8 lakh per year.

  • Minimum 50% marks in Class 12 or equivalent.

• Deadline: July 31, 2026 (varies by cycle).

Italy

University of Milan Scholarships

• Eligibility:

  • International students applying for master’s programs at University of Milan.

  • Academic merit (e.g., top 10% of class or equivalent).

  • English or Italian proficiency depending on program (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent).

  • Financial need considered for some awards.

• Deadline: September 30, 2025 (likely similar for 2026).

Italian Government Scholarships

• Eligibility:

  • International students from eligible countries (list on MAECI website).

  • Applying for master’s, PhD, or research programs in Italy.

  • Age limits: Under 28 for master’s, 30 for PhD, 40 for research.

  • Italian or English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent).

  • Academic excellence and research proposal.

• Deadline: June 14, 2026 (based on typical cycle).

Japan

MEXT Scholarship

• Eligibility:

  • International students from countries with diplomatic relations with Japan.

  • Applying for undergraduate, master’s, PhD, or training programs.

  • Age limits: Under 25 for undergraduate, 35 for graduate/research.

  • Academic excellence (e.g., GPA 2.3/3.0 or equivalent).

  • Japanese (JLPT N5-N2) or English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80).

• Deadline: May-June 2026 (varies by embassy).

ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)

• Eligibility:

  • Citizens of ADB member countries (mostly developing nations in Asia-Pacific).

  • Applying for master’s programs at designated institutions.

  • Under 35 years old.

  • At least 2 years of professional experience.

  • English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80).

• Deadline: Varies by institution; typically March-April 2026.

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)

• Eligibility:

  • Citizens of World Bank member developing countries.

  • Applying for master’s programs related to development.

  • 3-25 years old with at least 3 years of development-related work experience.

  • Bachelor’s degree with strong academic record.

  • English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80).

• Deadline: February 28-April 30, 2026 (two windows).

Korea

Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)

• Eligibility:

  • International students from designated countries.

  • Applying for undergraduate, master’s, or PhD programs at Korean universities.

  • Under 25 for undergraduate, 40 for graduate programs.

  • Minimum 80% GPA or top 20% of class.

  • Korean (TOPIK 3-4) or English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80).

• Deadline: February-March 2026 (varies by embassy/university).

New Zealand

University of Auckland ADB Scholarship

• Eligibility:

  • Citizens of ADB member countries.

  • Applying for master’s programs at University of Auckland.

  • Under 35 years old.

  • At least 2 years of professional experience.

  • English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80).

• Deadline: July 31, 2026 (varies by program).

Romania

Romanian Government Scholarship

• Eligibility:

  • International students from non-EU countries.

  • Applying for undergraduate, master’s, or PhD programs at Romanian universities.

  • Strong academic record (e.g., minimum 7/10 GPA or equivalent).

  • English, French, or Romanian proficiency depending on program.

  • Age limits: Under 35 for undergraduate/master’s, 45 for PhD.

• Deadline: March 15, 2026 (based on typical cycle).

Switzerland

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

• Eligibility:

  • International students from over 180 countries.

  • Applying for master’s, PhD, or postdoctoral research at Swiss universities.

  • Bachelor’s (for master’s) or master’s (for PhD) with excellent grades.

  • English, German, French, or Italian proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent).

  • Age limit: Under 35 for PhD (exceptions possible).

• Deadline: November 30, 2025 (application opens August 4, 2025).

ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship

• Eligibility:

  • International students applying for master’s programs at ETH Zurich.

  • Top 10% of bachelor’s degree cohort.

  • English proficiency (IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 100).

  • Strong motivation and academic potential.

• Deadline: November 30, 2025 (application window November 1-30, 2025).

Taiwan

MOFA Taiwan Fellowship

• Eligibility:

  • International scholars researching Taiwan, cross-strait relations, or Asia-Pacific studies.

  • Affiliated with a university or research institution.

  • English or Chinese proficiency (no specific test required).

  • Research proposal aligned with fellowship objectives.

• Deadline: June 30, 2026 (varies by cycle).

United Kingdom

Chevening Scholarships

• Eligibility:

  • Citizens of Chevening-eligible countries (over 160, including Tier 1 and Tier 2).

  • At least 2 years of work experience.

  • Applying for a one-year master’s program at a UK university.

  • English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 79).

  • Commit to return to home country for 2 years post-study.

• Deadline: November 4, 2025.

Commonwealth Scholarships

• Eligibility:

  • Citizens of Commonwealth countries (mostly Tier 2, e.g., Nigeria, India, Pakistan).

  • Applying for master’s or PhD programs at UK universities.

  • Academic merit and development impact potential.

  • English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80).

  • Financial need for some awards.

• Deadline: October 15, 2025.

GREAT Scholarships

• Eligibility:

  • Citizens of 18 eligible countries (e.g., India, China, Nigeria, Pakistan).

  • Applying for postgraduate programs at participating UK universities.

  • Meet academic and English requirements (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent).

  • Demonstrate leadership or career potential.

• Deadline: April-May 2026 (varies by university).

Gates Cambridge Scholarship

• Eligibility:

  • International students from any country (excluding UK).

  • Applying for full-time master’s or PhD at University of Cambridge.

  • Academic excellence and leadership potential.

  • English proficiency (IELTS 7.5 or TOEFL 110).

  • Commitment to improving lives of others.

• Deadline: October 15, 2025 (US citizens); January 7, 2026 (others).

Rhodes Scholarship

• Eligibility:

  • Citizens of Rhodes-eligible countries (e.g., USA, India, Australia, Nigeria).

  • Aged 19-25 (varies by country).

  • Applying for postgraduate programs at University of Oxford.

  • Academic excellence (e.g., GPA 3.7/4.0 or equivalent).

  • Leadership, character, and community service.

• Deadline: August-October 2025 (varies by country).

Oxford University Clarendon Scholarship

• Eligibility:

  • International students applying for master’s or PhD at University of Oxford.

  • Outstanding academic merit (e.g., first-class honors or equivalent).

  • English proficiency (IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 100).

  • No nationality restrictions.

• Deadline: January 7, 2026 (varies by program).

United States

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

• Eligibility:

  • International students from over 160 countries.

  • Applying for master’s, PhD, or non-degree research.

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

  • English proficiency (TOEFL 80-100 or IELTS 6.5-7.0, varies by country).

  • Strong academic and leadership potential.

• Deadline: October 31, 2025 (varies by country).

Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program

• Eligibility:

  • International students from any country.

  • Applying for any graduate program at Stanford University.

  • Bachelor’s degree received in 2019 or later (by January 2026).

  • English proficiency (TOEFL 100 or IELTS 7.0).

  • Demonstrate independence of thought, leadership, and civic commitment.

• Deadline: October 8, 2025.

American University Global Leader Scholarship

• Eligibility:

  • International students from any country.

  • Applying for bachelor’s or master’s programs at American University.

  • Strong academic record (e.g., GPA 3.5/4.0 or equivalent).

  • English proficiency (TOEFL 90 or IELTS 6.5).

  • Commitment to leadership and global engagement.

• Deadline: December 15, 2025 (priority); January 15, 2026.

Stanford University Scholarship

• Eligibility:

  • International students applying for master’s or PhD at Stanford.

  • Academic excellence (e.g., top 5% of class or equivalent).

  • English proficiency (TOEFL 100 or IELTS 7.0).

  • Financial need considered for some awards.

  • Research or professional experience for PhD applicants.

• Deadline: October 15, 2025 (varies by department).

Utah Fits All Scholarship

• Eligibility:

  • Residents of Utah eligible to participate in public school (kindergarten through grade 12).

  • Not enrolled in or attending a public school for the 2025-2026 school year.

  • Not receiving the Carson Smith Special Needs Scholarship or Special Needs Opportunity Scholarship.

  • No income limit, but priority given to:

    • Previous ESA holders.

    • Siblings of ESA holders.

    • Families with income under 200% of Federal Poverty Level.

    • Families with income between 200% and 555% of Federal Poverty Level.

• Deadline: Application window typically opens January 2026; closes March 31, 2026 (based on 2025 cycle). Check Odyssey website for exact dates.

Cobell Scholarship

• Eligibility:

  • Enrolled members or descendants of federally recognized U.S. tribes.

  • Enrolled full-time in an accredited, nonprofit U.S. college or university (undergraduate, graduate, or vocational).

  • Minimum GPA: 2.0 for vocational, 2.5 for undergraduate, 3.0 for graduate.

  • Demonstrate financial need via FAFSA.

  • Pursuing a degree or certificate with clear career goals.

• Deadline: March 31, 2026 (based on 2025 deadline). Check Indigenous Education, Inc. website for confirmation.

Forward Scholarship

• Eligibility:

  • Limited information available; appears to be specific to certain institutions or programs (e.g., University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Forward Scholars).

  • Typically for Wisconsin residents or students at participating institutions.

  • Requires enrollment in undergraduate programs.

  • Financial need (FAFSA completion) and academic merit (minimum GPA 2.5-3.0, varies by program).

  • Community involvement or leadership preferred.

• Deadline: Varies by institution; typically February-March 2026. Contact specific program (e.g., University of Wisconsin-Madison) for details.

Nurse Corps Scholarship Program

• Eligibility:

  • U.S. citizens or nationals.

  • Enrolled or accepted in an accredited nursing program (diploma, associate, baccalaureate, or graduate) at a U.S. institution.

  • Begin classes no later than September 30, 2026.

  • Demonstrate financial need (FAFSA required).

  • Commit to work at a Critical Shortage Facility upon graduation for at least 2 years.

• Deadline: May 15, 2026 (based on 2025 cycle). Check HRSA website for updates.

Burger King Scholars Program

• Eligibility:

  • High school seniors or graduates (or equivalent, e.g., GED) in U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam, or Canada.

  • Enrolling in accredited 2- or 4-year college, university, or vocational-technical school for 2026-2027.

  • Minimum GPA: 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

  • Demonstrate community service, leadership, and financial need (for some awards).

  • Employees, their spouses, or children of Burger King employees also eligible for specific tracks.

• Deadline: December 15, 2025 (likely similar for 2026). Check Burger King Foundation website for confirmation.

Ohio War Orphan Scholarship

• Eligibility:

  • Ohio residents aged 16-24.

  • Children of deceased or disabled U.S. military veterans (veteran must have served 90+ days during wartime or be permanently disabled due to service).

  • Enrolled full-time in an accredited Ohio college, university, or technical school.

  • Demonstrate financial need (FAFSA required).

  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress.

• Deadline: July 1, 2026 (based on 2025 deadline). Check Ohio Department of Higher Education website for details.

Coca-Cola Scholars Program

• Eligibility:

  • U.S. citizens, nationals, permanent residents, or refugees.

  • High school seniors planning to enroll in an accredited U.S. college or university in fall 2026.

  • Minimum GPA: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

  • Demonstrate leadership, community service, and academic achievement.

  • Not a child or grandchild of Coca-Cola Company employees.

• Deadline: October 31, 2025 (likely similar for 2026). Check Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation website for confirmation.

Nitro College Scholarship

• Eligibility:

  • U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

  • High school seniors or current college students enrolled in an accredited U.S. institution.

  • Minimum age: 17.

  • No minimum GPA or essay required; typically a no-essay, sweepstakes-style scholarship.

  • Must complete online application and answer short questions about financial planning.

• Deadline: Monthly deadlines; for 2026, typically last day of each month (e.g., January 31, 2026). Check Nitro College website for specific dates.

Nancy Hall Memorial Scholarship

• Eligibility:

  • Limited information available; appears to be a local or institution-specific scholarship (e.g., tied to specific high schools or colleges).

  • Typically for high school seniors or undergraduates in a specific region (e.g., Ohio or Virginia, based on past records).

  • Minimum GPA: 2.5-3.0 (varies by program).

  • Demonstrate community service, leadership, or financial need.

  • May require an essay or recommendation letters.

• Deadline: Varies by sponsoring organization; typically March-April 2026. Contact local scholarship boards or high schools for details.

HSF Scholarship (Hispanic Scholarship Fund)

• Eligibility:

  • U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients of Hispanic heritage (from Spain, Mexico, Central/South America, Caribbean, etc.).

  • High school seniors, undergraduates, or graduate students enrolled full-time in an accredited U.S. institution for 2026-2027.

  • Minimum GPA: 3.0 for high school seniors, 2.5 for college/graduate students.

  • Plan to enroll in a 2- or 4-year college, university, or graduate program.

  • FAFSA or state-based financial aid application required.

• Deadline: February 15, 2026 (based on 2025 cycle). Check HSF website for confirmation.

Conclusion

Pursuing your education abroad doesn’t have to be a financial burden—especially when there are so many international scholarships to leverage in 2026. So, my dear reader, if you’re aiming for a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, these funding opportunities can open doors to world-class education, cultural exchange, and global career prospects. The key is to apply early, stay organized, and tailor your application to each scholarship’s specific requirements.

Remember, missing out on 2025 scholarships isn’t the end of the road. In fact, 2026 could be your breakthrough year if you take action now. Bookmark these opportunities, start preparing your documents, and don’t hesitate to reach out to scholarship bodies or alumni for guidance. With determination, faith, and the right resources, your dream of studying abroad can absolutely become a reality.