Master’s scholarships are some of the most competitive in the world, and the deadlines fall at different times of the year The best way to plan is to list them by date, so here they are, from the soonest to the latest. Where an official page says “fully funded”, I say so. Where it doesn’t, I tell you what’s covered, or that I couldn’t find out.
Keio University ADB Scholarship (Japan): 31 October 2026
For students from ADB borrowing member countries in Asia and the Pacific. It covers tuition, a monthly stipend and a return flight for a two-year Master’s in science and engineering at Keio.
You must be 35 or under, with at least two years of work experience. The online application for Period I closes on 31 October 2026 at 17:00 (Japan time).
Gates Cambridge (UK): 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027
For outstanding postgraduate students at the University of Cambridge, with a focus on social leadership. You apply to Cambridge for your course, and you’re considered for the scholarship at the same time.
For 2027/28 entry, international applicants have a deadline of 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027, depending on the course, and results by 8 March 2027. I couldn’t open the page that lists what’s covered, so check it on the official site.
Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Chevening funds one-year Master’s degrees at UK universities, and the official site describes the scholarship as fully funded, with no upper age limit.
The pages I opened don’t give the work experience rules or the 2027/28 deadline, so read the eligibility guide and the application timeline on chevening.org.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (Europe): usually October to January
Master’s programmes taught by several universities in different countries, open to students from all over the world. Some programmes offer scholarships to outstanding students.
You apply to each programme directly, and most take applications from October to January. Language requirements are set by each programme, so check them one by one.
GKS Korea (Graduate): usually opens in February
Funds Master’s and PhD studies in Korea. You must be under 40, not a Korean citizen (and neither of your parents), and have a GPA of at least 80%.
The call usually opens in February, with an Embassy Track and a University Track. The 2027 dates haven’t been announced.
Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary)
Master’s programmes at Hungarian universities for students from partner countries. Your country’s sending partner nominates you, and applying is free.
The last deadline was 15 January 2026, and the next hasn’t been announced.
Türkiye Scholarships
Covers graduate degrees, with tuition, a monthly stipend, accommodation, health insurance, a flight ticket and a Turkish course among the listed benefits.
It’s merit-based and free to apply. Check the application calendar for the 2027 dates.
Romanian Government Scholarships
For non-EU students at public universities, with a grade average of at least 7 out of 10. The last call closed on 31 March 2026, and the next hasn’t been announced.
How to Plan Your Applications
- Now: apply to Keio if you qualify, because it closes in days.
- November to December: finish your Cambridge application, and write to your references.
- January: check Erasmus Mundus programmes and the Stipendium Hungaricum call.
- February to March: watch for GKS Korea and Romania.
- Keep one master document with your CV, transcripts and statement, and adapt it for each application.
FAQs
Which Master’s scholarship closes first?
Keio ADB-JSP, on 31 October 2026.
Is Chevening fully funded?
The official site calls it fully funded, but the pages I opened don’t itemise what’s included.
Can I apply to more than one?
Yes, but follow each programme’s own rules.
Do I need work experience?
Keio ADB-JSP needs two years. Others vary.
