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Top Scholarships in 2026 for International Students

Scholarships make overseas education more affordable for students. There are various types of scholarships for international students, including those that are government-funded, university-funded, or funded by other organizations. Each scholarship will have its eligibility criteria and may cover different costs such as tuition fees, living expenses, etc. The different types study abroad scholarships 2026, popular scholarships for Indian students, how to plan and apply for scholarships are discussed further.

What Do Scholarships Pay For?

The terms and conditions and coverage vary from scholarship to scholarship. While some scholarships will pay for almost all your expenses, other scholarships may only cover certain costs. Scholarships usually pay for:

  • Program tuition fees - Some scholarships often cover the tuition fees fully or partially. You can expect generous coverage from government and university scholarships.
  • Living costs - Certain scholarships, especially postgraduate and government-funded scholarships, cover living expenses such as rent, food, etc.
  • Travel - Some scholarships provide relocation grants or cover the return fare.
  • Health insurance - There are scholarships that cover health insurance for the entire duration of students' studies.
  • Study materials - Some scholarships provide small funds for meeting the study material expenses.
  • Research-related costs - Some master’s and PhD scholarships will cover the funds for research-related costs such as fieldwork, academic conferences, or research projects.

Country-Wise Scholarships 2026

There are various post-graduate and undergraduate scholarships abroad that are offered by governments, institutions, and private organizations in different countries.

Canada

International students seeking education at undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral level programs can apply for scholarships provided by the Canadian government, universities, and private organizations to support their studies. The various scholarships available in Canada are:

  • Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
  • Université de Montréal Scholarships
  • Humber College International Entrance Scholarships
  • York University International Student Scholarships
  • Canada Graduate Scholarships
  • Ontario Graduate Scholarship
  • UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award

Australia

There are many scholarship options in Australia that are government-funded and university-funded for international students. Some of them include:

  • Australia Awards
  • John Allwright Fellowship (JAF)
  • Australian Government Research and Training Program (AGRTP)
  • Destination Australia
  • Monash International Merit Scholarship
  • Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships
  • Macquarie University India Scholarship

United Kingdom

Students planning to study in the UK can apply for the scholarships offered by the UK government, universities, and other organizations. There are scholarships given on the basis of academic excellence, financial need, subject specificity, country specificity, etc. They include:

  • Chevening Scholarships
  • Gates Cambridge Scholarships
  • University of Bristol – Think Big Scholarships:
  • Commonwealth Scholarships
  • Cambridge Commonwealth, European & International Trust Scholarships
  • Rhodes Scholarships
  • Nottingham Trent University Merit Scholarships

The United States

The different scholarships, ranging from government-sponsored programs to university and study abroad grants and bursaries for international students in the United States, are:

  • Fulbright Program
  • Harvard University Scholarships
  • Davis United World College Scholars Program
  • Google Scholarships
  • Yale University Scholarships
  • Knight-Hennessy Scholars (Stanford University)
  • Microsoft Diversity Scholarships

Ireland

Popular scholarships available for internationals in Ireland are:

  • Central Bank of Ireland Undergraduate Scholarships
  • Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships
  • Dublin City University (DCU) International Scholarships
  • The Walsh Fellowship
  • Trinity College Dublin Global Excellence Scholarships
  • Irish Research Council Scholarships

New Zealand

International students on the basis of academic merit, field of study, financial need, etc., can apply for the various scholarships in Ireland. Some of them include:

  • Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships
  • University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship
  • Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship
  • ASEAN High Achievers Scholarship

Merit-Based Scholarships Abroad

These scholarships are given to academically high-achieving students who are talented and have leadership qualities.

Popular merit-based scholarships for Indian students:

  • Chevening Scholarships (UK)
  • Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Canada)
  • Rhodes Scholarships (University of Oxford, UK)
  • Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarship Awards (Australia)

Government Scholarships for International Students

Government scholarships are offered by the governments of the different countries to attract talented international students. The government study abroad financial aid 2026 scholarships may cover the tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and sometimes health insurance.

Popular Government Scholarship for Indian Students:

  • Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
  • Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (Ireland)
  • Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program (Canada)
  • Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships (New Zealand)
  • DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

Need-Based Scholarships for International Students

Need-based scholarships are given to talented students who are not financially sound and require support for their education.

Popular need-based scholarships for Indian students:

  • UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award (Canada)
  • McGill Entrance Bursary Program (Canada)
  • New Zealand Excellence Awards (New Zealand)
  • Gates Cambridge Scholarships (UK)

University Scholarships for International Students

Universities offer several scholarships to international students based on merit, financial requirement, special achievements, etc.

Popular university scholarships for Indian students:

  • Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto, Canada)
  • University of Alberta International Scholarships (Canada)
  • University of Bristol – Think Big Scholarships (UK)
  • Coventry University – India Excellence Scholarships (UK)
  • Yale University Scholarship (USA)

Research/Phd Scholarships for International Students

Popular Research/PhD Scholarships for Indian Students:

  • Ontario Trillium Scholarship (Canada)
  • Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship & Fellowship Plan (Canada)
  • Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (UK)
  • Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowship (USA)

Scholarships for International Students 2026 - Planning Guide 

Step 1

Around 12 to 9 months before the program intake, you should shortlist the countries, universities, programs, and international student scholarship programs; examine your eligibility; attend the language proficiency examinations; and keep your academic records ready.

Step 2

It is ideal to apply for the eligible scholarships around 9 to 6 months prior to program intake by preparing the personal statements and essay in the most attractive way. Also collect the reference letters and keep an eye on the scholarship deadlines 2026.

Step 3

Complete any pending scholarship applications 4 to 6 months before the program starts. You may be invited for interviews, tests, or assessments after scholarship application submission. Further, during this period, you will receive the scholarship decision, and then you can confirm your program offer.

Step 4

You can begin your visa application process and research accommodation, flights, health insurance, and other necessities 2 to 4 months before the intake.

Step 5

The final step is to finish the university/college enrolment, book a flight, and prepare for departure and arrival at your new destination.

How to Apply For Scholarships Abroad

Scholarship applications usually open 8-12 months prior to a program intake. Hence:

  • Search for eligible scholarships without wasting any time according to your preferred destination, field, and level of study.
  • Gather the required documents, such as academic transcripts, scholarship essays, reference letters, proof of income, language proficiency scores, etc.
  • Submit the application on time after thoroughly checking each document and the information.
  • Track each scholarship application and be prepared for the next stage of the scholarship process, such as interviews, written tasks, etc.

How to Improve Your Scholarship Approval Chance

  • Apply for several eligible scholarships, at the same time, to increase your chances of success.
  • Write scholarship essays as per each scholarship’s objective.
  • Emphasize your accomplishments and achievements.
  • Request reference letters early.

ImmiLaw Global, can help you identify the most suitable scholarships and support you with the application requirements and processes.

Hurry, contact us today!

Read to know: Canada Immigration for Indians in 2026: The Dream Is Alive and Stronger Than Ever

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

International students can apply for merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, country-specific scholarships, government-funded scholarships, university-funded scholarships, program-specific scholarships, and athletic or talent-based awards.

Eligibility for international scholarships, depends on the scholarship type, but most require strong academics, proof of English proficiency, financial documents (for need-based awards), a valid offer letter, and supporting documents like SOPs, LORs, and resumes.

Yes. Many governments and universities offer fully funded scholarships covering tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and sometimes travel. Examples include Australia Awards, DAAD Scholarships, Fulbright Program, Chevening Scholarships, and Erasmus+.

Students should apply early, maintain strong academic scores, prepare an impressive SOP, secure solid LORs, and carefully follow the application guidelines. Participating in extracurricular activities or research can also strengthen the profile.

Yes. Students can apply for more than one scholarship, provided the rules allow it. Some awards cannot be combined with others, so it’s important to check each scholarship’s terms and conditions.

Common requirements include academic transcripts, passport copy, English test scores, Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LORs), resume/CV, financial documents (if needed), and the university offer letter.