Best 50 Scholarship Opportunities for International Students 2027 (Verified Dates and How to Apply)

If you are searching for scholarship opportunities for international students in 2027 you have probably noticed the problem hundreds of websites list the same big names, but many of them copy old deadlines or guess the new ones. This guide takes a different approach. We checked the current 2027 cycle for 13 of the most important programs, marked clearly what is confirmed and what is only expected, and added 37 more programs worth tracking.

One thing to know before you read further. As of 2 November 2026, several of the most famous scholarships (Chevening, Commonwealth, Knight-Hennessy and Schwarzman) have already closed for the 2027 intake. We still cover them, because the next round opens in 2027 and the preparation takes months. But we show you what is open right now first.

Quick Overview: What Is Open, Opening Soon, or Closed

The table below is the fastest way to see where you stand today ‘Expected’ means the dates follow a pattern from earlier years but the official 2027 announcement was not confirmed in the sources we reviewed.

What Do ‘Scholarship Opportunities 2027’ Actually Mean?

This trips up a lot of readers, so let’s clear it up The word ‘2027’ can mean three different things:

• Study starts in 2027. This is the 2027/28 academic year. Most applications for this were due in 2026 or are due in early 2027.
• Application opens in 2027. This is usually for study that begins in 2028.
• A cohort named after 2027. Knight-Hennessy, for example, calls its 2027 intake the ‘2027 cohort’ even though the deadline was in October 2026.

Always read the intake year, not just the label If a website says ‘2027’ but gives no study start date, treat the information with caution.

How We Researched This List

We checked official or government-linked pages wherever they were available, such as Stanford’s Knight-Hennessy site, the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan’s Commonwealth notice, the Chinese embassy notice for the 2027/28 Chinese Government Scholarship, and Korean and Hungarian government pages. Where an official page did not appear in our search results, we relied on university notices and scholarship news sites and say so.

For 13 programs below, we confirmed at least one current-cycle date. For the other 37 programs in the second list, we describe what the program is but we did not verify 2027 dates or amounts, so you must check the official website before you plan around them.

Part 1: Scholarships You Can Still Act On Right Now

#1 Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship pays for postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge It is meant for people from outside the UK who show strong academic ability and a wish to improve other people’s lives.

Key details

• Level: Master’s and PhD (about two-thirds of awards go to PhD students)
• Size: Around 80 awards a year, roughly 25 in the US round and 55 in the international round
• Funding: Described as a full-cost award, covering fees and living costs
• Who can apply: Citizens of any country except the UK
• Deadline for most international applicants: 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027 at 23:59 UK time. Which date applies depends on the course you choose
• US citizens living in the US: Had a separate deadline of 14 October 2026, which has passed

The key point many applicants miss: you do not fill in a separate scholarship form You apply for the course and the scholarship in the same Cambridge postgraduate application, so the course deadline is your scholarship deadline.

How to apply, step by step

1. Go to the University of Cambridge Course Directory and pick the postgraduate course you want.
2. Open that course page and find its funding deadline. This is your real deadline.
3. Check the entry requirements and the list of documents for that course.
4. Create an account on the Cambridge Applicant Portal.
5. Complete the admission section of the application.
6. In the funding section, select Gates Cambridge. Answer the extra questions about your leadership and commitment to others.
7. Ask your referees early. Give them the deadline and a short summary of your plans.
8. Submit before the funding deadline. There is no application fee for the scholarship.

If you are chosen, results were reported to arrive around early April 2027, and study begins in October 2027.

#2 Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (Europe)

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (often shortened to EMJM) are European Union funded master’s degrees taught by a group of universities in different countries You study in at least two countries and often finish with a joint or double degree.

In July 2026 the European Commission announced 37 newly selected Joint Masters for the 2027 intake, including programs in areas such as artificial intelligence and medical imaging.

Key details

• Level: Master’s, usually 12 to 24 months
• Funding: Scholarships generally cover tuition, travel, installation costs and a monthly allowance. Several sources report about EUR 1,400 a month, but confirm this on your chosen program page
• Deadlines: There is no single deadline. Most fall between October 2026 and January 2027, and a few are earlier (one program, MARIHE, was reported with a September 2026 deadline)
• Where to apply: Directly on each program’s own website, not through one central portal
• Important rule: Students who already received an Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarship are not eligible for another

How to apply, step by step

1. Open the official Erasmus Mundus catalogue run by the European education agency (see our source list).
2. Filter by subject and read each program’s page. Note the scholarship quota, language requirement and deadline.
3. Shortlist programs you truly qualify for. Check how many programs you are allowed to apply to, because rules differ.
4. Create an account on each program’s application platform.
5. Prepare a CV, motivation letter, transcripts, degree certificate, language test result and references.
6. Choose the scholarship option inside the application form. Some programs treat it as a separate step.
7. Submit before the program deadline and keep the confirmation email.

Tip: because every program has its own deadline, make a simple calendar with all of them Missing one date by a day ends your chance for that program.

#3 SI Scholarship for Global Professionals (Sweden)

The Swedish Institute offers master’s scholarships for professionals from a list of eligible countries The scholarship is paid to people already admitted to an eligible master’s program in Sweden.

Key details for the 2027/28 round

• Level: Master’s, studied in Sweden from autumn 2027
• Step 1: Apply for your master’s program through University Admissions between 16 October 2026 and 15 January 2027
• Step 2: Apply for the SI scholarship during a short window. Most sources we found give 8 to 24 February 2027, closing at 14:59 CET on the final day. One source listed 9 to 25 February, so confirm on the Swedish Institute site
• Results: Reported for late April 2027
• Eligibility: Only citizens of about 33 to 34 listed countries can apply, so check the official country list first
• Extras reported: A monthly amount of around SEK 12,000 and a travel grant of SEK 15,000. These figures come from news sites, so verify them

The scholarship form requires your University Admissions application number That means you must finish Step 1 first, and you cannot skip it.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check on the Swedish Institute website that your country is on the eligible list.
2. Confirm you meet the work or leadership experience requirement described there.
3. Open the University Admissions website for Sweden and create an account.
4. Choose up to the allowed number of eligible master’s programs and upload your documents.
5. Pay attention to the program-specific requirements and any application fee rules.
6. Wait for the SI scholarship window to open in February 2027.
7. Log in to the SI portal, enter your University Admissions application number and upload the scholarship documents.
8. Submit before the portal closes. You can submit only one scholarship application.

#4 Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary)

This is the Hungarian government’s main scholarship for international students, run by the Tempus Public Foundation It covers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral study.

What is confirmed: The 2026/27 deadline was 15 January 2026 at 2 p.m. Central European Time A Hungarian embassy page we found stated that the call for 2027/28 had not yet been published.

What is expected (not confirmed): The call normally opens around November, closes in mid-January, and is followed by nomination by your country’s ‘sending partner’, university entrance tests in March to May, and results in June or July. Studies start in September.

Key details

• Apply at: The official Stipendium Hungaricum application platform (see our source list)
• Funding reported: Tuition, a monthly stipend, a dormitory contribution and health insurance. Tempus itself notes that the stipend does not cover every living cost
• Nomination: Your country’s sending partner nominates candidates, and the rules differ by country. Some countries need a government office to approve your application first. Read the rules for your own nationality
• Programs: You can usually list up to two study programs in order of preference

What to do now: Create your documents folder (passport, transcripts, language proof, motivation letter), watch the official site for the 2027/28 call, and do not rely on any website that gives a precise date before the official announcement.

#5 Türkiye Burslari (Türkiye)

Türkiye Burslari, also written Türkiye Scholarships, is the Turkish government’s flagship scholarship for international students. It is managed by the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB).

What is confirmed: The 2026 application window ran from 10 January to 20 February 2026, according to a Turkish university’s notice. The 2027 dates were not confirmed in the sources we reviewed. Several sites expect the same window (10 January to 20 February 2027), but treat that as a pattern, not a promise.

Key details

• Level: Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral study, plus research and specialist tracks
• Funding reported: Tuition, accommodation, a monthly stipend, health insurance, airfare and, for Turkish-taught programs, a year of Turkish language training
• Placement: You list your preferred universities and programs (reported as up to 12) and YTB places you
• Application limit: Only one application per cycle. Several applications can lead to disqualification
• Who can apply for you: Nobody. The official guidance says no person or institution is authorised to apply on your behalf, so ignore agents who promise this
• Age limits: They exist and change each year, so read the current guide

How to apply, step by step

1. Visit the official Türkiye Scholarships website and read the current year’s guide.
2. Open the application system (TBBS) when the window opens and create your account.
3. Fill in your personal and academic information.
4. Upload scanned copies of your passport, diploma or expected-graduation proof, transcript and other listed documents.
5. Pick your program choices carefully. Competition is very high, so choose where you meet the requirements.
6. Submit, then download or save the confirmation for your records.
7. Watch the status page. Interviews or evaluations usually follow in spring, and results around summer.

#6 Chinese Government Scholarship (China)

The Chinese Government Scholarship is funded by China’s Ministry of Education and administered by the China Scholarship Council The 2027/28 call has been published by Chinese embassies, including a notice dated 27 October 2026.

Also read: CM Punjab Honhaar Undergraduate Scholarship Phase IV 2026: Eligibility, Last Date & How to Apply

Key details

• Level: Bachelor’s, master’s and PhD
• Funding reported: Tuition, accommodation, a living stipend and medical insurance
• How to apply: Online through the official Campus China system, plus the embassy or the host university, depending on your route
• Deadlines: These differ by route and university. Examples we saw include 31 January 2027, 1 February 2027 and 30 April 2027 for specific universities, so never assume one date
• New requirement for undergraduates: Applicants for undergraduate study must take the China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) before their application deadline. One university notice listed registration on 15 to 21 October 2026 and the exam on 14 to 15 November 2026. Registration may already be over, so check for later sessions on the official CSCA site
• Rule: You cannot hold other Chinese government scholarships at the same time (one-time awards excluded)

How to apply, step by step

1. Read the 2027/28 notice on your local Chinese embassy website.
2. Choose your university and program, and check that the university takes part in the scholarship.
3. Register on the Campus China application system and fill in the form. Note the university’s agency code.
4. Apply to the university through its own international admissions portal if it asks for this.
5. Prepare documents: passport, highest certificate, transcripts, study plan, recommendation letters, medical form and any language certificate.
6. Submit both applications before the earlier deadline.
7. Check your email for admission notices and the visa form after results.

#7 Global Korea Scholarship, GKS (South Korea)

The Global Korea Scholarship is the South Korean government’s main program for international students. It is run by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) and comes in two parts: undergraduate (GKS-U) and graduate (GKS-G).

What is confirmed: A Korean foreign ministry notice dated 14 September 2026 announced the 2027 undergraduate program through the embassy track. For the graduate program, a scholarship guide we checked in July 2026 stated that the 2027 call, deadline and quotas had not yet been announced.

What is expected (not confirmed): In earlier years, graduate announcements came around February, with embassy-track deadlines in late February or March and university-track deadlines between February and April. Do not treat these as 2027 dates.

Key points

• Two tracks: The Embassy Track is applied for through the Korean embassy in your country. The University Track is applied for directly through a participating Korean university
• Where to apply: The Study in Korea website, plus the embassy or university you choose
• Not eligible: People currently enrolled in, or who have graduated from, a Korean university or graduate school are generally not eligible under the guidelines we saw
• Funding reported: Tuition, airfare, Korean language training and a monthly allowance

How to apply (graduate route, once announced)

1. Find your country’s Korean embassy website and look for the GKS-G notice.
2. Download the official guidelines and the application form for that year only. Old forms are rejected.
3. Choose up to the allowed number of Korean universities from the approved list.
4. Prepare the documents: transcripts, degree certificates, personal statement, study plan, recommendation letters and proof of citizenship.
5. Get documents notarised or authenticated if the guidelines ask for it.
6. Submit by the embassy deadline, or by the university deadline for the University Track.

#8 Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is funded by the US government and lets graduate students and young professionals from abroad study or do research in the United States The most important thing to know: you do not apply to one central office. You apply through the Fulbright Commission or the US Embassy in your own country, and each one sets its own deadline.

For the 2027-28 academic year, we saw these examples:

The Greek PhD example is the only one among these that was still open on 2 November 2026 For most countries, you will need to wait for the 2028-29 call, which in many countries opens in the first half of 2027 (a pattern, not a guarantee).

How to apply, step by step

1. Search for ‘Fulbright Commission’ plus your country name, or look at your local US Embassy website.
2. Read the current call for applications and check that you are a citizen or long-term resident as required.
3. Prepare your English test result, transcripts, CV, study objectives and personal statement.
4. Create an account on the portal that your national Fulbright office uses. Many use their own system.
5. Upload the documents and submit before the national deadline.
6. If shortlisted, prepare for an interview with the national Fulbright office.
7. Your file is then reviewed in the United States. Final placement at a US university usually comes months later.

A warning: Fulbright does not charge for applications. Be careful with any site that does.

#9 DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

DAAD, the German Academic Exchange Service, is not one scholarship but a family of programs. That is why so many articles confuse readers.

• DAAD Study Scholarships for Master’s (all subjects): Country-specific deadlines, reported mainly in October and November 2026 for study starting October 2027
• EPOS (development-related postgraduate courses): For professionals from developing and newly industrialised countries who have at least two years of work experience. Each course has its own deadline, and some applications go through the host university’s system
• Research grants and doctoral programs: Their own calendars

Secondary sources disagree on the monthly master’s stipend (we saw EUR 934 and EUR 992), so we do not give a firm figure. Check the DAAD scholarship database for the current rate.

How to find the right DAAD program

1. Open the DAAD scholarship database and filter by your home country, your level and your subject.
2. Read the ‘deadline’ and ‘who can apply’ boxes for each result.
3. Look for a tab named ‘application’ and follow the instructions. Most programs use the DAAD portal.
4. Ask your university or the DAAD office in your country if you cannot find a match.

Part 2: Famous Scholarships That Are Closed Now but Open Again Next Year

These four programs closed for the 2027 intake, but each has a long, demanding application. Smart applicants start months early.

#10 Chevening Scholarships (UK)

Status: Closed. The 2027/28 round ran from 4 August to 6 October 2026 (11:00 UTC).

Chevening is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. It supports one-year master’s study at UK universities and reportedly covers tuition, a return flight, a monthly living allowance and some arrival costs.

For reference, the 2027/28 timeline was: interview shortlisting in mid-February 2027, interviews in March to April 2027, results from mid-June 2027, and a deadline of 8 July 2027 (17:00 BST) to hold at least one unconditional UK university offer. Study begins in September or October 2027.

For the next round: Based on the pattern, applications open in early August and close in early October, but the 2028/29 dates have not been announced Use the months before then to gather work experience evidence, line up referees and choose UK courses.

#11 Commonwealth Master’s and PhD Scholarships (UK)

Status: Closed. Applications opened on 8 September 2026 and closed on 20 October 2026 at 16:00 BST Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission, for example, set its own deadline of 20 October 2026 at 4 p.m. Pakistan time.

The scholarships are funded by the UK government and administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission You apply through the commission’s online system and through a national nominating agency in your country, so two deadlines apply. Master’s awards cover full-time taught courses (not MBAs or research master’s). Results are expected around July 2027.

#12 Knight-Hennessy Scholars (USA)

Status: Closed. The 2027 cohort deadline was 6 October 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

This Stanford program funds up to three years of graduate study and is open to all nationalities You send two separate applications: one to Knight-Hennessy and one to your Stanford degree program, which had to be in by the earlier of the program’s deadline or 1 December 2026. Stanford’s own site said the next application opens each summer, so watch for it in summer 2027 (the exact 2028 cohort date is not yet confirmed).

#13 Schwarzman Scholars (China)

Status: Closed for the 2027-28 class (global deadline 9 September 2026).

Schwarzman Scholars is a one-year master’s in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing Applicants must be at least 18 and not yet 29 on 1 August of their enrolment year. For the class of 2028-29, the program lists March to May 2027 for applicants with Chinese passports and April to September 2027 for everyone else. The exact September 2027 date had not been published.

Part 3: 37 More Scholarship Opportunities Worth Tracking

The programs below are real and well known, but we did not verify their 2027 dates, amounts or eligibility lists during this research Use the table to build your shortlist, then open each official website and confirm the details before you apply.

Documents You Should Prepare Before Any Deadline

Most scholarship applications ask for the same core papers Collect them now so you are not rushing in the last week.

• Passport. Scan the photo page. Make sure it will not expire before your study ends.
• Academic transcripts and degree certificate. Some programs ask for notarised or officially translated copies. This can take weeks.
• English test result (IELTS, TOEFL or similar), if the program requires one. Some programs accept a medium-of-instruction letter instead, so check first.
• CV or resume. Keep it to one or two pages and focus on results, not duties.
• Motivation letter or personal statement. This is where you explain why this course, why this country and why you.
• Recommendation letters. Ask two or three people who know your work well. Give them at least four to six weeks.
• Study plan or research proposal. Needed for most PhD and research awards.
• Proof of work experience. Required for programs such as Chevening, SI and DAAD EPOS.
• Medical or police certificates. Some government scholarships ask for these after selection.

A practical tip: scan everything in clear PDF files and name them properly, such as ‘Passport_Ali_Khan.pdf’ Many portals limit the size of each file (Hungary’s system, for example, was reported to cap files at 4 MB).

How to Choose the Right Scholarship for You

Do not apply to everything. A focused plan beats a scattered one. Follow these steps:

1. Decide your level and subject. Write down your degree level, your field and two or three countries you would genuinely accept.
2. Check your nationality first. Many programs, such as SI and Commonwealth, only accept citizens of listed countries. This one check removes half your options in minutes.
3. Read the eligibility page line by line. Look for age limits, work experience, previous study in the host country and rules about holding other scholarships.
4. Match deadlines to your preparation time. If a deadline is eight weeks away and you need a new English test, you may need to aim for next year.
5. Pick three to five targets. Choose a mix of one or two very competitive programs and a few where your profile is a stronger fit.
6. Apply for admission and the scholarship together whenever the program allows it.

Selection Process: What Happens After You Apply

The details differ, but most scholarships follow a similar path:

• Eligibility check. Staff remove applications that miss a basic rule, such as a wrong nationality or a missing document.
• Academic and written review. Readers score your grades, essays, references and plans.
• Interview or video stage. Chevening, Fulbright and Knight-Hennessy all use some form of interview or video statement for shortlisted candidates.
• Admission check. Many scholarships, such as Chevening, need you to hold an unconditional university offer by a set date.
• Final decision and conditions. You may have to accept within days, pass a medical check or apply for a visa.

No article can promise selection. These programs receive thousands of applications for a limited number of places, so a polished application raises your chances but never guarantees them.

How to Check Your Application Status

1. Log in to the same portal you used to apply. Most programs show a status such as ‘submitted’, ‘under review’ or ‘shortlisted’.
2. Check your email, including the spam folder, for requests for extra documents or interview invitations.
3. Read the program’s timeline. If results are due in June, writing to the office in March will not speed things up.
4. For embassy-based programs (Fulbright, GKS, Chinese Government Scholarship), contact the embassy or national commission only through the official address on its website.