Study Abroad 2026–27
Fully Funded Masters Scholarships 2026–27
Top 15 Opportunities for International Students
Zero tuition. Monthly stipend. Free flight. Health coverage. These scholarships pay for EVERYTHING — and applications are opening soon.
Scholarships Listed
Countries Covered
Avg Annual Value
Eligible Nationalities
What if someone else paid your tuition, flew you to another country, gave you a monthly allowance to live on, covered your health insurance, and handed you a world-class master’s degree at the end? That’s not a fantasy — that’s exactly what fully funded masters scholarships do for thousands of international students every single year.
For 2026–27, the opportunity is massive. Governments, universities, and international organizations around the world are actively searching for talented graduates from developing countries — including Bangladesh — to invest in. The scholarships in this guide collectively award tens of thousands of spots annually across the UK, USA, Germany, Japan, Australia, China, Canada, South Korea, Turkey, and more.
Important before you read: Deadlines for the 2026–27 academic year vary widely — some have already passed, while many key programs (Chevening 2027, Fulbright, DAAD) are opening between August–December 2026. We’ve marked each scholarship’s status clearly so you can plan your applications now.
What Does “Fully Funded” Actually Mean?
The term “fully funded” is one of the most searched phrases in the scholarship world — and also one of the most misunderstood. A genuinely fully funded scholarship typically covers:
- 100% tuition fees — no matter how expensive the university
- Monthly living stipend — to cover rent, food, transport, and personal expenses
- Round-trip airfare — economy-class return flight to and from your home country
- Health insurance — comprehensive medical coverage throughout your program
- Accommodation support — either free on-campus housing or a housing allowance
- Research/book allowance — funds for academic materials and conferences (scholarship-dependent)
- Visa fees — student visa application costs reimbursed or pre-covered
Some scholarships cover all of the above; others cover most of them. We’ve included a comparison table later in this article so you can see exactly what each program provides.
Top 15 Fully Funded Masters Scholarships 2026–27
Scholarship #01
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
The UK government’s flagship fully funded scholarship, awarded to future leaders from 160+ countries. Since 1983, more than 60,000 scholars have studied under Chevening at top UK universities including Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Imperial College, and UCL. Chevening selects based on leadership potential, not just academic grades.
UK FCDO + partners
Master’s only (1 year)
~1,500 globally
Opens Aug 2026 → Oct 7, 2026
- ✅ Full Tuition
- ✅ Monthly Stipend (£1,378–£1,690)
- ✅ Return Airfare
- ✅ Visa Fees
- ✅ Arrival Allowance
- ✅ Event Travel Grant
- ✅ 55,000+ Alumni Network
Key Requirement: Minimum 2 years (2,800 hours) of work experience after undergraduate degree. Must commit to returning home for 2 years after completing the scholarship.
Scholarship #02
🇺🇸 United States
One of the most prestigious fully funded scholarships in the world, offered by the US government to students from 160+ countries. Fulbright is available for master’s and PhD studies at American universities across all disciplines. The program is deeply competitive and valued for its cultural exchange component.
US State Department
Master’s & PhD
4,000+ globally
Country-specific: Feb–May 2026
- ✅ Full Tuition
- ✅ Monthly Stipend ($1,000–$2,500)
- ✅ Round-trip Airfare
- ✅ Health Insurance
- ✅ Textbook Allowance
- ✅ Research Allowance
- ✅ Visa Assistance
Note: Apply through your country’s US Embassy or Fulbright Commission. Bangladesh students apply via the American Alumni Association (AAA) or Embassy Dhaka.
Scholarship #03
🇩🇪 Germany
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers multiple fully funded scholarship programs for international master’s students. The most accessible for Bangladeshi students is the Development-Related Postgraduate Course program and the EPOS program, both targeting students from developing countries to study at top German universities.
German Gov / DAAD
Master’s & PhD
€992 (Master’s)
Varies: Oct–Dec 2026
- ✅ Full Tuition
- ✅ Monthly Stipend (€992)
- ✅ Travel Allowance
- ✅ Health Insurance
- ✅ Study & Research Allowance
- ✅ German Language Courses
Advantage: Many DAAD programs accept a Medium of Instruction certificate instead of IELTS. No IELTS = one less barrier.
Scholarship #04
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), this prestigious program targets students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries — making Bangladesh an excellent candidate country. Unlike Chevening, Commonwealth Scholarships prioritize academic merit and development impact over leadership potential.
UK FCDO
Master’s & PhD
~800 globally
Opens Nov 2026 → Dec 2026
- ✅ Full Tuition
- ✅ Stipend + Accommodation
- ✅ Return Airfare
- ✅ Warm Clothing Allowance
- ✅ Thesis Grant
- ✅ Study Travel Grant
Scholarship #05
🇯🇵 Japan
The MEXT Scholarship from the Japanese government is one of Asia’s most coveted fully funded programs. Available for master’s and PhD studies at top Japanese universities including the University of Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and others. Science, engineering, and technology students are especially competitive, though all subjects are open.
Japanese Government
Master’s & PhD
¥147,000 (~$1,000)
Embassy: May–June 2026
- ✅ Full Tuition
- ✅ Monthly Stipend
- ✅ Round-trip Airfare
- ✅ Accommodation Support
- ✅ Japanese Language Training
Two routes: Embassy-recommended (apply through Japanese Embassy in Dhaka) or University-recommended (apply directly to partner Japanese university).
Scholarship #06
🇩🇪 Germany
A specialized DAAD program for graduates from developing and emerging countries who wish to study a master’s degree in a social science or development-related field in Germany. Named after the former German Chancellor, this program is excellent for future policymakers and development professionals.
Public Policy / Development
Up to 24 months
€992/month
Oct–Nov 2026
- ✅ Full Tuition
- ✅ Monthly Stipend
- ✅ Travel Allowance
- ✅ Health Insurance
- ✅ Family Allowance (if applicable)
Scholarship #07
🇨🇳 China
Administered by the China Scholarship Council (CSC), this fully funded scholarship is one of the world’s largest scholarship programs — with spots available at more than 280 Chinese universities. It’s widely considered more accessible than Western scholarships, with a strong track record of accepting Bangladeshi students.
Chinese Government / CSC
280+ in China
Up to ¥3,500/month
Mar–Apr 2027
- ✅ Full Tuition
- ✅ Free Accommodation
- ✅ Monthly Living Allowance
- ✅ Basic Health Insurance
- ✅ Chinese Language Training
Scholarship #08
🇦🇺 Australia
Funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australia Awards is an extremely prestigious fully funded scholarship open to citizens of select countries in Asia-Pacific, South and West Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Bangladesh is among the eligible countries, and successful applicants study at leading Australian universities.
Australian Government (DFAT)
Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
AUD ~$30,000/year
Feb–Apr 2027
- ✅ Full Tuition
- ✅ Return Airfare
- ✅ Establishment Allowance
- ✅ Contribution to Living Expenses
- ✅ Overseas Student Health Cover
- ✅ Academic Support Programs
Scholarship #09
🇰🇷 South Korea
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is South Korea’s fully funded government scholarship for international students. Bangladesh is consistently among the priority countries. Students can choose from Korea’s top universities including KAIST, POSTECH, Seoul National University, Yonsei, Korea University, and more.
Korean Government (NIIED)
KRW 900,000 (~$680)
1-year Korean + 2-year Master’s
Embassy: Feb–Mar 2027
- ✅ Full Tuition
- ✅ Monthly Stipend
- ✅ Airfare (Arrival + Departure)
- ✅ Medical Insurance
- ✅ Korean Language Training (1 year)
- ✅ Settlement Allowance
Scholarship #10
🇭🇺 Hungary
Hungary’s flagship scholarship program inviting students from 75+ partner countries — including Bangladesh — to study at Hungarian universities. One of the best-value options for students who want a European education without the intensity of Chevening or Commonwealth competition. The acceptance rate is comparatively higher.
75+ including Bangladesh
HUF 43,700/month
HUF 40,000/month
Jan–Feb 2027
- ✅ Full Tuition
- ✅ Monthly Stipend
- ✅ Accommodation Contribution
- ✅ Medical Insurance
Scholarship #11
🇹🇷 Turkey
The Turkish Government Scholarship is one of the most generous programs from a Muslim-majority country, covering undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels. It includes a one-year Turkish language course and is open to students from over 170 countries. Students are placed at top Turkish universities like Boğaziçi, ITU, and Middle East Technical University.
Turkish Government (YTB)
TRY 1,600/month
1-year Turkish course included
Feb–Mar 2027
- ✅ Full Tuition
- ✅ Monthly Stipend
- ✅ Return Flight Ticket
- ✅ Accommodation
- ✅ Health Insurance
- ✅ Turkish Language Training
Scholarship #12
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is arguably the most prestigious fully funded scholarship in the world for study at the University of Cambridge. Around 90 awards are made annually. Applicants must demonstrate outstanding intellect, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving lives of others.
University of Cambridge only
~90 globally
Extremely Competitive
Oct–Dec 2026
- ✅ Full Tuition
- ✅ Maintenance Allowance (~£21,000/year)
- ✅ Return Airfare
- ✅ Family Allowance
- ✅ Fieldwork Funding
Scholarship #13
🇨🇭 Switzerland
ETH Zurich consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the world. Its Excellence Master’s Scholarship is awarded to outstanding international students accepted into any ETH master’s program. This scholarship is particularly suited for students in engineering, computer science, data science, and natural sciences.
ETH Zurich only
CHF 11,000/semester
Tuition fee waiver
Dec 2026
- ✅ Tuition Fee Waiver
- ✅ CHF 11,000/semester Grant
- ✅ Research Support
Scholarship #14
🌏 Asia-Pacific
The Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) is funded by the Japanese government and administered by the ADB. Open to citizens of ADB borrowing member countries — including Bangladesh — it supports postgraduate studies at 30 designated universities in the Asia-Pacific region. The focus is on economics, management, science, and technology.
Japanese Government / ADB
ADB borrowing members (incl. Bangladesh)
Postgraduate / Master’s
Jul 10, 2026
- ✅ Full Tuition
- ✅ Monthly Subsistence Allowance
- ✅ Housing Allowance
- ✅ Medical Insurance
- ✅ Airfare
- ✅ Book Allowance
Scholarship #15
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
One of Oxford University’s most prestigious scholarships, the Clarendon Scholarship is open to all nationalities across all disciplines — arts, humanities, social sciences, and STEM. It’s awarded purely on academic excellence and future potential. There’s no separate application; students are automatically considered when they apply for an Oxford graduate program.
University of Oxford
Highly Competitive
Master’s & PhD
Jan 2027
- ✅ Full Tuition + College Fees
- ✅ Full Living Costs Stipend
- ✅ No Separate Application Required
Side-by-Side Comparison: What Each Scholarship Covers
| Scholarship | Country | Tuition | Stipend | Airfare | Insurance | Accom. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevening | 🇬🇧 UK | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ~ |
| Fulbright | 🇺🇸 USA | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ~ |
| DAAD | 🇩🇪 Germany | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ~ |
| Commonwealth | 🇬🇧 UK | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ~ | ✔ |
| MEXT Japan | 🇯🇵 Japan | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ~ | ✔ |
| CSC China | 🇨🇳 China | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Australia Awards | 🇦🇺 Australia | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ~ |
| KGSP / GKS | 🇰🇷 South Korea | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Stipendium HU | 🇭🇺 Hungary | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Türkiye Bursları | 🇹🇷 Turkey | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Gates Cambridge | 🇬🇧 UK | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ~ | ~ |
| ETH Zurich | 🇨🇭 Swiss | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| ADB–Japan | 🌏 Asia | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Clarendon Oxford | 🇬🇧 UK | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ~ |
✔ = Fully covered | ~ = Partial/Allowance provided | ✗ = Not covered
Upcoming Key Deadlines (2026–27 Cycle)
ADB–Japan: July 10, 2026 |
Chevening 2027: Opens Aug 2026, closes Oct 7, 2026 |
Fulbright: Feb–May 2026 (country-specific, check your embassy) |
DAAD: Oct–Dec 2026 |
Commonwealth: Nov–Dec 2026 |
Gates Cambridge / Clarendon: Oct–Jan 2026–27 |
KGSP: Feb–Mar 2027 |
Türkiye Bursları: Feb–Mar 2027 |
CSC China: Mar–Apr 2027
How to Win a Fully Funded Masters Scholarship: 8 Proven Tips
The best-prepared applicants start building their scholarship profile a full year before the deadline — gathering recommendation letters, writing SOP drafts, and improving IELTS/TOEFL scores.
A generic Statement of Purpose gets rejected. Each scholarship values different things — Chevening wants leadership, Fulbright wants research, DAAD wants development focus. Write a custom SOP for every program.
Most competitive scholarships care far more about your impact — what you’ve led, built, or changed — than your GPA. Document every volunteer role, club, or community initiative.
The most successful scholarship winners apply in parallel. Chevening, DAAD, and Australia Awards all have different deadlines — you can apply to all three in the same year without conflict.
Your recommendation letters can make or break your application. Choose referees who know your work well, give them at least 8 weeks’ notice, and share your personal statement with them.
Connect with past scholarship winners from Bangladesh on LinkedIn. They will share insider tips that official websites never mention — including what selection committees actually look for.
Name specific professors, labs, or research groups at your target university. Showing that you’ve done your homework signals seriousness and adds credibility to your application.
Most top scholarships include an interview. Record yourself answering common questions, practice with friends, and if possible, do mock interviews with previous scholarship recipients.
Documents You’ll Need for Most Scholarship Applications
- Academic Transcripts — All semesters, officially sealed and attested
- Bachelor’s Degree Certificate — Original or attested photocopy
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) — Tailored to each scholarship’s values
- Research Proposal — Required for research-focused programs (DAAD, CSC)
- 2–3 Recommendation Letters — From professors or professional supervisors
- CV / Resume — Including academic achievements, publications, and leadership roles
- Passport Copy — Valid for at least 2 years beyond your intended study period
- IELTS / TOEFL Score — Or Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate for some programs
- Work Experience Documents — Especially critical for Chevening (2,800 hours required)
- University Admission Letter — May be required before or after scholarship selection
- Medical Certificate — For some programs (MEXT, GKS, ADB)
- Police Clearance Certificate — Often required for final visa processing
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “fully funded” mean in a masters scholarship?
A fully funded masters scholarship covers all major study-related costs, typically including 100% tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, accommodation allowance, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and sometimes a research or book allowance. Recipients do not need to pay anything out of pocket to study abroad.
Which is the easiest fully funded masters scholarship to get in 2026–27?
No fully funded scholarship is truly “easy,” but some have higher acceptance rates and broader eligibility. The Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC), Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary), and Turkish Government Scholarship are generally considered more accessible compared to ultra-competitive programs like Chevening or Gates Cambridge. Applying to multiple programs in parallel is the smartest strategy.
Can Bangladeshi students apply for fully funded masters scholarships?
Yes — and Bangladesh students are in a strong position for many scholarships. Bangladesh is a Commonwealth country (making students eligible for Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarship), an ADB borrowing member country (eligible for ADB-Japan Scholarship), and eligible for MEXT, DAAD, Fulbright, Australia Awards, KGSP, CSC, Stipendium Hungaricum, and Türkiye Bursları. The scholarship landscape is genuinely open for Bangladeshi applicants who prepare seriously.
Is IELTS required for fully funded masters scholarships?
It depends on the program. Scholarships in the UK, USA, and Australia typically require IELTS or TOEFL. However, many programs in Germany (DAAD), Japan (MEXT), China (CSC), Hungary (Stipendium Hungaricum), and South Korea (KGSP) accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate signed by your university. Some programs teach in the local language and include free language training.
Can I apply for multiple fully funded scholarships at the same time?
Absolutely — and you should. There’s no rule against applying to Chevening, DAAD, Australia Awards, and CSC simultaneously. Each scholarship has different deadlines, different selection criteria, and different contact points. A strong applicant for one is often a strong applicant for others. If you are fortunate enough to win multiple scholarships, you will simply accept the best one and decline the others.
When do fully funded masters scholarship applications open for 2026–27?
Most applications for the 2026–27 academic year (intake September/October 2027) open between August and November 2026. The ADB–Japan deadline is July 10, 2026. Chevening 2027 opens August 2026 and closes October 7, 2026. DAAD typically opens October–December. MEXT Japan applications go through the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka between May–June of the year before. Check each official website for the most current dates.
What GPA is needed for fully funded masters scholarships?
GPA requirements vary significantly. Gates Cambridge and Clarendon Oxford expect first-class academic records. Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarship weigh leadership and potential as heavily as grades. CSC China and Stipendium Hungaricum typically require a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or equivalent. Fulbright expects strong academic performance but also values research and community contribution. Your overall profile — not just GPA — determines success.
Final Thoughts
The world’s most competitive governments and institutions are spending billions of dollars every year to find talented graduates — people exactly like you — and fund their master’s degrees at the world’s best universities. Fully funded masters scholarships for 2026–27 are not a myth; they are real, open, and actively seeking applicants from Bangladesh and other developing countries.
The difference between those who win and those who don’t isn’t intelligence or luck — it’s preparation. Start your applications now. Write your first draft of your SOP this week. Contact two professors for recommendation letters before next month. Take the IELTS if you haven’t yet. Research your target universities.
Every scholarship on this list has already produced a winner from Bangladesh. The question for 2026–27 is: will it be you?
Sources: Chevening.org, Fulbrightonline.org, DAAD.de, cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk, mext.go.jp, gatescambridge.org, adb.org, studyinkorea.go.kr, turkiyeburslari.gov.tr, stipendiumhungaricum.hu, ethz.ch, campuschina.org, australiaawardsbangladesh.org, ox.ac.uk. All scholarship details are correct as of June 2026. Always verify deadlines on official websites before applying.