Top 50 Study Abroad Scholarships for 2026: Eligibility, Deadlines, and Application Tips

Study abroad scholarships change lives through studying abroad. They build skills employers value and enrich higher education opportunities while creating memories that last. But costs add up fast. Study abroad funding cuts that burden and makes dreams real. This guide lists 50 top international scholarships for 2026. You’ll find government grants, university funds, and provider awards. Each entry covers who qualifies, award amounts, deadlines, steps to apply, and insider tips. Data pulls from official sources and recent updates. Always check sites for changes.

These international scholarships support study abroad programs across regions like the US, UK, Europe, Asia, and more. Many target undergrads, grads, or specific needs like financial aid or diversity. Providers like CIEE study abroad scholarships offer millions yearly. Start early. Deadlines hit soon for fall terms.

US Government Study Abroad Scholarships

Explore key US government study abroad scholarships for students seeking international opportunities.

1. Gilman Scholarship

US undergraduate students on Pell Grants get priority. This State Department program funds semester or year abroad. It supports diverse students who might skip study abroad without financial aid. Average award hits $5,000, up to $8,000 with language study.

Eligibility:

• US citizen
• Federal Pell Grant recipient
• Minimum 28-day program abroad
• 3.0 GPA suggested

Benefits:

• Up to $5,000 cash grant
• Follow-on funding for more travel
• Covers tuition, travel, living costs

Deadline: Early March 2026 (early spring cycle). Gilman program details confirm exact dates.

How to Apply:

1. Create account on Gilman site.
2. Gather academic transcripts, two letters of recommendation.
3. Write essays on study goals and home impact.
4. Submit online before deadline.

Pro Tips:

• Stress cultural exchange in essays.
• Pair with provider scholarships like AIFS for extras.

2. Boren Scholarships

Undergrads studying critical languages for national security qualify. Focus countries include Arabic, Chinese, Russian. Awards reach $25,000 for a year abroad.

Eligibility:

• US citizen
• Sophomore or junior status
• 6-12 months abroad commitment
• Service agreement post-grad

Benefits:

• Up to $25,000
• Grad school fellowship option
• Language training included

Deadline: Late January 2026.

How to Apply:

1. Pick language and host program.
2. Draft essays on career and service plans.
3. Secure two recommendations.
4. Submit via Boren portal.

Pro Tips:

• Tie language skills to US security needs.
• Research vetted programs on Go Overseas scholarship list.

3. Critical Language Scholarship (CLS)

Intensive summer language immersion abroad. Targets 13 critical languages like Hindi, Korean, Turkish. Fully funded for US students.

Eligibility:

• US citizen
• Undergrad or grad level
• Language interest and background

Benefits:

• Full tuition, housing, stipend
• Cultural excursions
• Alumni network access

Deadline: Late November 2025 for 2026 summer.

How to Apply:

1. Complete language background form.
2. Write commitment essays.
3. Get two recommendations.
4. Submit online app.

Pro Tips:

• Show prior language effort.
• Attend info sessions for edge.

4. Fulbright Program

Prestigious grad research or study abroad. Covers 150+ countries. English teaching assistant options too.

Eligibility:

• US citizen
• Bachelor’s degree
• Host country language skills

Benefits:

• Tuition, living allowance, travel
• Health insurance
• Visa support

Deadlines: October 2025 by country.

How to Apply:

1. Select host country.
2. Craft statement of purpose.
3. Line up recommendations and advisor.
4. Hit campus deadline, then national.

Pro Tips:

• Match project to country priorities.
• Prep for interviews early.

UK-Based Study Abroad Scholarships

5. Rhodes Scholarship

Oldest international award for Oxford postgrads. Seeks leaders with academic strength.

Eligibility:

• Eligibility for international students varies by country district
• Under 27 years old
• Top academics, character, leadership

Benefits:

• Full Oxford fees
• Stipend over £18,000 yearly
• Arrival allowance

Deadlines: August-October 2025 by district.

How to Apply:

1. Verify district rules.
2. Submit essays and personal statement.
3. Provide references.
4. Attend interviews.

Pro Tips:

• Highlight impact and moral force.

6. Chevening Scholarship

UK government funds masters for future leaders from 160+ countries. Full ride.

Eligibility:

• International citizen
• Two years work experience
• UK uni offer

Benefits:

• Tuition fees
• Living expenses £18,000+
• Travel and visas

Deadline: Early November 2025.

How to Apply:

1. Choose up to three courses.
2. Write four leadership essays.
3. Submit two references.
4. Pass interviews.

Pro Tips:

• Use real leadership stories. Services like StudyIn offer essay help, as students praise for UK visas.

7. Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Top postgrads at Cambridge. Open to all nationalities.

Eligibility:

• International or US
• Academic excellence, leadership
• Commitment to improvement

Benefits:

• Full costs covered
• £20,000+ stipend
• Family allowance if needed

Deadlines: October for US, December for others.

How to Apply:

1. Apply to Cambridge first.
2. Add Gates materials.
3. Secure references.

Pro Tips:

• Show fit with Cambridge research.

8. Marshall Scholarship

For US graduate students pursuing any UK postgrad study. Funds two years.

Eligibility:

• US citizen
• 3.7+ GPA
• Leadership potential

Benefits:

• University fees
• Living £25,000+
• Travel

Deadline: Early October 2025.

How to Apply:

1. List university choices.
2. Write essays.
3. Get three recommendations.
4. Interview stage.

Pro Tips:

• Explain UK study impact.

9. Commonwealth Scholarships

Postgrad for developing Commonwealth countries. Merit and need based.

Eligibility:

• From eligible Commonwealth nation
• Strong academics
• Development focus

Benefits:

• Full tuition and living
• Airfare

Deadlines: May-June 2026.

How to Apply:

1. Get national agency nomination.
2. Submit essays and refs.

Pro Tips:

• Link to home country development.

Image suggestion: Diverse group of students holding scholarships and passports against a world map background.

European Scholarships (Excluding UK)

Discover top study abroad scholarships offering opportunities across Europe, excluding the UK.

10. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

Varied merit-based scholarships for study and research in Germany. Popular for internationals, target country here.

Eligibility:

• International students
• Program-specific degree level
• Language proficiency in German or English

Benefits:

• Tuition waivers
• €934+ monthly stipend
• Insurance, travel

Deadlines: October-December 2025 vary.

How to Apply:

1. Find DAAD program.
2. Apply to uni plus DAAD form.
3. Write motivation letter.

Pro Tips:

• Get language certificates early. Scholarships.com study abroad list has more German options.

11. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters

Fully funded scholarships for EU-funded multi-country masters. Worldwide applicants.

Eligibility:

• Top 10% academics
• Any nationality

Benefits:

• €1,000 monthly
• Tuition waiver, travel

Deadlines: January-March 2026.

How to Apply:

1. Select consortium.
2. Submit online with docs.

Pro Tips:

• Tailor to program.

12. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France)

Masters/PhD for non-French talent in priority fields.

Eligibility:

• Under 25/30 years
• Specific disciplines like engineering

Benefits:

• €1,181/€1,700 monthly
• Travel, insurance

Deadline: January 2026.

How to Apply:

1. French institution nominates.
2. Campus France handles.

Pro Tips:

• Match priority areas.

13. Swedish Institute Scholarships

Masters for global pros from select countries.

Eligibility:

• 37 countries list
• Work experience, leadership

Benefits:

• SEK 12,000 monthly
• Tuition, insurance, travel

Deadline: February 2026.

How to Apply:

1. Apply to Swedish uni.
2. Submit SI app.

Pro Tips:

• Prove leadership.

14. Holland Scholarship (Netherlands)

Non-EEA for bachelors/masters at Dutch unis.

Eligibility:

• Non-EU/EEA
• Enrolled at Dutch uni

Benefits:

• €5,000 one-time

Deadlines: February-May 2026.

How to Apply:

1. Uni course app first.
2. Scholarship form.

Pro Tips:

• Stack with others.

Asian Country Scholarships

15. MEXT Scholarship (Japan)

Japanese government covers undergraduate students to graduate students and research.

Eligibility:

• International, age limits
• Pass exams/JLPT

Benefits:

• Full tuition
• ¥117,000+ monthly
• Round-trip airfare

Deadlines: May-June/October 2025.

How to Apply:

1. Embassy recommendation.
2. Exams and interview.

Pro Tips:

• Ace written tests.

16. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)

For undergraduate students and graduate students to South Korea.

Eligibility:

• International, age under 25/40
• Good GPA

Benefits:

• Airfare, tuition
• KRW 900,000 monthly

Deadlines: February/September 2026.

How to Apply:

1. Embassy or uni track.
2. Docs and essays.

Pro Tips:

• Show Korean interest.

17. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)

Uni-based for all levels.

Eligibility:

• International students, healthy
• Age limits

Benefits:

• Tuition, dorms
• CNY 3,000+ stipend

Deadlines: January-April 2026.

How to Apply:

1. Get agency/uni code.
2. Online plus hardcopy.

Pro Tips:

• Rank unis wisely for study abroad programs.

18. Taiwan Scholarship Program

Undergrad/grad/PhD.

Eligibility:

• Non-China international
• Merit based

Benefits:

• NT$20,000-30,000 monthly
• Tuition up to NT$40,000

Deadlines: February-March 2026.

How to Apply:

1. Submit scholarship application to Taipei rep office.

Pro Tips:

• Add Mandarin study.

19. Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)

PhD research.

Eligibility:

• International, strong quant background

Benefits:

• SGD 2,200+ monthly
• Fees, airfare

Deadlines: June/December 2026.

How to Apply:

1. Online portal.
2. Refs and proposal.

Pro Tips:

• Strong research pitch.

Australia and Oceania Scholarships

20. Australia Awards Scholarships

Competitive merit-based postgrad scholarships for developing nations featuring specific eligibility criteria.

Eligibility:

• Target countries
• Development impact
• 2 years work exp

Benefits:

• Full tuition, living
• Insurance, travel

Deadlines: April-May 2026.

How to Apply:

1. Online expression of interest.
2. Full application.

Pro Tips:

• Stress gender equity.

21. New Zealand Scholarships

Pacific, Asia, Africa focus.

Eligibility:

• Target countries
• Equity priorities, including financial need

Benefits:

• Full fees, living
• Airfare

Deadline: April 2026.

How to Apply:

1. Online app.
2. Essays, refs.

Pro Tips:

• Show NZ ties.

22. Destination Australia Scholarships

Scholarships providing study abroad funding for regional campuses in Aus.

Eligibility:

• New international students
• Regional uni

Benefits:

• AUD 15,000 per year

Deadlines: Uni-specific.

How to Apply:

1. Course app.
2. Scholarship request.

Pro Tips:

• Commit to regional life.

Latin America and Other Country-Specific Scholarships

These scholarships feature clear eligibility criteria for targeted applicants.

23. Italian Government Scholarships

Bachelors to PhD for foreigners.

Eligibility:

• International students under 28/30 years
• Italian language for some

Benefits:

• €900 monthly

Deadline: June 2026.

How to Apply:

1. MAECI online portal.

Pro Tips:

• Include language courses.

24. VLIR-UOS Scholarships (Belgium)

Masters from developing countries.

Eligibility:

• Nationality list
• Relevant degree

Benefits:

• Full coverage including allowance

Deadlines: January/February 2026.

How to Apply:

1. Program-specific app.

Pro Tips:

• Tie to development.

25. Becas Chile Scholarships

Intl postgrad.

Eligibility:

• Academic excellence and merit from abroad

Benefits:

• Tuition, living

Deadline: February 2026.

How to Apply:

1. Online portal.

Pro Tips:

• Spanish proficiency helps with these study abroad scholarships.

University-Specific Study Abroad Scholarships

26. Knight-Hennessy Scholars (Stanford)

Fully funded scholarships for Stanford grad leaders.

Eligibility:

• Any nationality
• Any grad program

Benefits:

• Full tuition
• Living stipend

Deadlines: October/Early December 2025.

How to Apply:

1. Stanford app first.
2. KH essays and video.

Pro Tips:

• Leadership stories shine.

27. Schwarzman Scholars (Tsinghua, China)

One-year masters in global affairs.

Eligibility:

• Ages 18-28
• English proficient

Benefits:

• Full costs, travel

Deadline: September 2025.

How to Apply:

1. Nominee or direct.
2. Essays, interviews.

Pro Tips:

• Express China interest.

28. Emile Boutmy Scholarships (Sciences Po, France)

One of the need-based scholarships for non-EU bachelors/masters.

Eligibility:

• Non-EU
• Academic excellence and need

Benefits:

• Up to €19,000 yearly

Deadlines: November-May 2026.

How to Apply:

1. With admission app.

Pro Tips:

• Detail financial need.

Private and Foundation Scholarships

29. Luce Scholars Program

US young pros for Asia year.

Eligibility:

• US citizens, non-Asian descent
• Seniors or early career

Benefits:

• Full professional placement

Deadline: October 2025.

How to Apply:

1. Campus nomination.
2. Interviews.

Pro Tips:

• Show Asia curiosity.

30. Soros Fellowships for New Americans

Supports immigrant and refugee graduate students for grad study.

Eligibility:

• New American status
• Public service bent

Benefits:

• Up to $90,000

Deadline: November 2025.

How to Apply:

1. Essays on story.
2. Letters of recommendation.

Pro Tips:

• Lean on immigrant narrative.

31. AAUW International Fellowships

Women non-US for grad abroad.

Eligibility:

• Women international
• Masters/PhD

Benefits:

• $20,000-$50,000

Deadline: November 2025.

How to Apply:

1. Online form.

Pro Tips:

• Gender equity focus.

32. P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship

Women intl grad in US/Canada.

Eligibility:

• Women non-US/Canada
• Renewable

Benefits:

• Up to $12,500

Deadline: December 2025.

How to Apply:

1. Local chapter intro.
2. Full app.

Pro Tips:

• Need-based strong.

33. Whitaker International Program

US biomedical engineers for study abroad programs.

Eligibility:

• US in bioengineering field

Benefits:

• $30,000 stipend
• Travel

Deadline: January 2026.

How to Apply:

1. Essays and refs.

Pro Tips:

• Highlight intl collab.

34. Rotary Peace Fellowship

Masters/PhD in peace studies.

Eligibility:

• International
• 3-10 years experience

Benefits:

• Full tuition, living

Deadline: May 2026.

How to Apply:

1. Club endorsement.
2. Scholarship application.

Pro Tips:

• Peace work examples.

Study Abroad Program Provider Scholarships

These study abroad scholarships from top program providers help make international experiences accessible for students.

35. IES Abroad Scholarships

For IES program participants.

Eligibility:

• Undergraduate students enrolled as IES students
• Merit, need, diversity

Benefits:

• Up to full program cost

Deadlines: Term-specific.

How to Apply:

1. Program app.
2. Scholarship form.

Pro Tips:

• Strong essays win.

36. CIEE Scholarships and Grants

CIEE study abroad students.

Eligibility:

• Enrolled in CIEE
• Merit, financial aid, diversity

Benefits:

• $100 to $15,000

Deadlines: With program app.

How to Apply:

1. CIEE app first.

Pro Tips:

• Apply to multiple scholarship applications.

37. AIFS Study Abroad Scholarships

AIFS participants.

Eligibility:

• AIFS student
• 3.0+ GPA

Benefits:

• Up to $7,000

Deadlines: March/June/November.

How to Apply:

1. Essay and rec.

Pro Tips:

• Share growth plans. EF study abroad scholarships similar for high school too.

38. Go Overseas Study Abroad Scholarship

Open to any program.

Eligibility:

• Planning abroad
• Creative submission

Benefits:

• $1,000+

Deadlines: Quarterly.

How to Apply:

1. Blog, video, or essay.

Pro Tips:

• Stand out creatively.

39. Studyportals International Student Scholarship

Any abroad study.

Eligibility:

• International enrolled

Benefits:

• €10,000

Deadline: June 2026.

How to Apply:

1. Motivation form.

Pro Tips:

• Clear goals letter.

40. Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship

Backpacker students.

Eligibility:

• Any abroad plans
• Essay entry

Benefits:

• $1,000 backpack

Deadlines: Quarterly.

How to Apply:

1. 500-word essay.

Pro Tips:

• Fun travel story.

Need-Based and Accessibility Grants

41. Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) Grants

Need-based scholarships for US underrepresented groups.

Eligibility:

• HBCU/PBI, minority, first-gen, Pell recipients with demonstrated financial need

Benefits:

• $1,500 to $10,000

Deadlines: March, June, October 2026.

How to Apply:

1. Essays and recs.

Pro Tips:

• Diversity impact key.

42. Diversity Abroad Scholarships

Students of color.

Eligibility:

• Underrepresented
• Specific programs

Benefits:

• Varies by award

Deadlines: Program-tied.

How to Apply:

1. Submit app form by the application deadline.

Pro Tips:

• Service record helps.

Additional Top Study Abroad Scholarships

43. QS ImpACT Scholarships

Event attendees eligible. Funds academic goals. Partners offer $111 million pool.

Eligibility:

• Attend QS event
• Strong profile

Benefits:

• Varies, full support possible

Deadline: Post-event.

Pro Tips:

• Network at fairs.

44. TopUniversities Scholarships

$111m from QS partners. Covers masters, more.

Eligibility:

• International talent

Benefits:

• Tuition, living aid

Pro Tips:

• Check USA StudyAbroad government programs for combos.

45. Berkeley Study Abroad Scholarship

UC Berkeley students. $1,500 auto for many programs.

Eligibility:

• Current Berkeley student

Benefits:

• $1,500 grant

Deadline: With program app.

46. CEA CAPA Scholarships

$1,500-$5,000 for long programs.

Eligibility:

• 18+ days abroad

Deadlines: February etc.

47. AIFS Cultural Engagement Scholarship

$5,000 for immersion.

Eligibility:

• High achievers

Deadline: April 2026.

48. David Hershberg Scholarship

$3,000 summer study.

Eligibility:

• 21+ days abroad

Deadline: February 2026.

49. Patrick and Eileen Smyth Endowed Scholarship

$7,500 for Ireland.

Eligibility:

• Cal Poly, 3.0 GPA

Deadline: February 2026.

50. UMD Education Abroad Scholarship

Auto $2,000 if Gilman denied.

Eligibility:

• Maryland students

Deadline: February 2026.

Study abroad scholarships and international scholarships like these funded thousands last year, often covering tuition fees and living expenses. Platforms like GoAbroad list programs with built-in aid. Counselors at StudyIn helped students snag UK spots with scholarships, per reviews. Apply to 5-10 that fit. Tailor essays to highlight your language proficiency. Prepare IELTS scores and TOEFL scores. Use free counseling from QS or ApplyBoard for edges. Check application deadlines on official sites. Pursuing higher education abroad through these awards boosts long-term career goals. Your global adventure waits. Start today.