Many “Full Funding” scholarships are in the final stages of selection for the Autumn 2026 intake as of April 26, 2026. At the same time, several prestigious programmes are opening portals for the 2027 cycle. People really want these scholarships because they give you a monthly “salary” (stipend) that pays for food, transportation, and other personal costs.
Below are the main stipendiary scholarships that are currently available or will be soon.
1. Scholarships from DAAD (Germany)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) gives out some of the most consistent scholarships in Europe for Master’s and PhD students.
- Monthly Payment (2026/27):
- For master’s students, it’s about €934 to €992.
- • For PhD and research students, it’s about €1,200 to €1,400.
- Current Status: The deadlines for the 2027 intake for “Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS)” are usually between August and November 2026.
- • Extras: includes health insurance, a travel allowance, and a one-time study/research grant.
2. The MEXT Scholarship in Japan
The Japanese Government (MEXT) scholarship is the best way to study in Japan with all costs covered, including a monthly allowance.
- • Monthly Payment (2026/27):
- Students who are doing research or are not regular students: ¥143,000.
- • For master’s students, ¥144,000.
- • ¥145,000 for doctoral students.
- Current Status: The Embassy Recommendation track for the April/October 2027 intake usually opens in April or May 2026. Right away, go to the website of your local Japanese embassy.
- Extras: full tuition and round-trip airfare.
3. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) pays for Chevening, which is the UK government’s programme for international awards.
- • Monthly Payment (2026/27):
- Inside London (within M25): About £1,516.
- • Outside of London: About £1,215.
- Current Status: The application period for 2026/27 is over, but the period for 2027/28 is expected to open in August 2026.
- Extra costs include full tuition (with no cap for most programmes), travel grants, and arrival and departure allowances.
4. Shared Scholarships from the Commonwealth (UK)
Specifically for students from developing Commonwealth countries who want to get a Master’s degree in the UK.
- • Monthly Payment (2026/27):
- Monthly cost in London: £1,781.
- Rate outside of London: £1,452 per month.
- Current Status: The selection process for the October 2026 intake is almost over. In November 2026, the list of courses that are okay for the 2027/28 cycle will be made public.
- Extras: £563 for warm clothes and full tuition coverage.
5. Türkiye Bursları (Turkey)
The Turkish government’s centralised scholarship programme pays for everything for international students at public and top private universities.
- • Monthly Payment (2026/27):
- 4,500 TL for a bachelor’s degree.
- • Master’s: 6,500 TL.
- 9,000 TL for a PhD.
- • Current Status: The deadline for applications for 2026 has passed. In August 2026, the results will be made public. January 2027 marks the start of the next cycle for 2027.
- • Extras: One-year Turkish language course, free accommodation, and health insurance.
6. Important 2026 Plan for People Looking for Stipends
To get a monthly living allowance, you have to show that you can handle the money wisely:
- Setting up a bank account: Most stipend scholarships (especially in the UK and Germany) require you to open a local bank account as soon as you get there. The first month’s stipend is usually late by two to four weeks, so you need to have “emergency cash” for the first 30 days.
- • The “No-Work” Rule: Many scholarships that give you money every month don’t let you work outside of school. In Saudi Arabia and Japan, if you work while on a full scholarship, the grant may be cancelled right away.
- Standardised Deadlines: You should start getting your papers ready one full year before you plan to start for the most generous stipends in the world (MEXT, DAAD, Chevening).
7. Global Stipend Benchmark (2026)
| Region | Average Monthly Stipend (USD Equivalent) |
| United Kingdom | $1,500 – $2,200 |
| Germany | $1,000 – $1,500 |
| Japan | $950 – $1,000 |
| Saudi Arabia | $260 – $400 (Plus free food/housing) |
| Turkey | $140 – $280 (Plus free food/housing) |