Many “first-wave” scholarship deadlines have passed as of April 24, 2026, but there are still many high-value opportunities available for the September 2026 intake. For late applicants, the strategy shifts from government-wide programs to merit awards for specific universities and private foundations that keep their spring and summer windows open longer.
1. Deadlines in the UK in late spring
Despite the closure of the main Chevening window, individual UK universities continue to actively recruit and fund international applicants who apply late in the cycle.
- The UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship is a giant chance for students from low-income families who do well in school.
- • Deadline: April 27, 2026 (three days left).
- • Value: Up to 33 scholarships that pay for full tuition and living expenses.
- In partnership with the British Council, GREAT Scholarships 2026 gives £10,000 for one-year Master’s programmes.
- • Deadlines: Different schools have different deadlines. Many universities, such as UCL, Imperial, and Warwick, will accept applications until May 2026.
- University of Sheffield International Scholarship: Automatically gives students up to £2,500 off their tuition.
- You must be accepted to study and choose Sheffield as your first choice by June 2026.
2. Canada: Late Entry and Intake Awards
Canada’s application cycles are often more flexible. Many private and institutional awards close in May and June.
- The Opterus STEM & Arts Awards give two separate awards of $5,000 each to students studying STEM or the Arts at any Canadian school.
- • The deadline is June 12, 2026.
- The Rick and Amanda Hansen Scholarship is for Canadian and international students with disabilities who want to go to college or university.
- • Due date: May 15, 2026.
- The winner of Canada’s Luckiest Student 2026 will get a huge $50,000 package that pays for their tuition and living expenses.
- Due date: May 31, 2026.
3. United States: Deadlines in the summer (June 2026)
Many private foundations in the U.S. seek “late-bloomer” applicants who have already gained college acceptance but are still finalising their finances.
- The ACF Visionary Scholarship is open to high school students and has multiple winners who can get between $1,000 and $2,500.
- The deadline is June 1, 2026.
- Stuck at Prom Scholarship: A one-of-a-kind $10,000 prize for students who make their prom outfits out of Duck Brand duct tape. It doesn’t need any transcripts or school records.
- Due date: June 3, 2026.
- Sallie Mae $5,000 Grad School No-Essay Scholarship: This award is for students who are going to get a master’s or doctorate degree.
- The last day is June 30, 2026.
4. Australia: 2027 Intake (Important)
The main window is closing right now if you are planning ahead for the Australian school year that starts in early 2027.
- The Australia Awards Africa is the best fully funded scholarship for professionals in Africa.
- Due date: April 30, 2026, at 2:00 PM AEST.
- • Urgency: This opportunity is the “last call” for most African countries that are eligible to apply for the 2027 intake.
5. Plan for Late Applicants
- The “Admission First” Rule: Most late-cycle awards, especially the UK GREAT and UCL awards, require you to obtain an Admission Offer or a Student ID before applying for the scholarship. Your first priority for the next 24 hours is to apply to the school if you haven’t already.
- Don’t start over with your essays; use them again. Use your university “Statement of Purpose” as a starting point and change it to fit the scholarship’s main goal, such as leadership, making a difference in the community, or needing money.
- Check the “Automatic” List: Many colleges offer “hidden” late scholarships that automatically award based on your final grades. Call the financial aid office of the school you want to attend and ask, “Are there any merit-based scholarships left for the September 2026 intake?”