Latest Scholarships for International Students 2027: Opportunities, Funding and How to Apply

International students planning to study abroad in 2027 can already find several scholarship opportunities from universities, government-funded programmes and international education organizations. Some applications are open, while others will begin accepting applications in November 2026 or early 2027.

These opportunities cover different levels of study, including undergraduate degrees and master’s programmes. Some provide full financial support, while others reduce tuition fees by a fixed amount or percentage. The difference matters because a tuition discount may still leave you responsible for accommodation, food, travel and other expenses.

This guide covers the latest scholarships for international students 2027, including confirmed opportunities in the United Kingdom and Europe. It explains the funding available, application periods, eligibility conditions and steps you can take to prepare.

The information reflects announcements available as of 2 November 2026. Scholarship conditions can change, so always confirm the latest details with the official provider before submitting an application.

Latest Scholarships for International Students 2027

Several universities have published scholarship information for students planning to begin their studies in 2027. The opportunities below include awards for undergraduate and postgraduate applicants.

Some are open to international applicants from many countries, while others have nationality, residence, course or academic restrictions.

1. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027/28 – United Kingdom

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are among the major funding opportunities to consider if you want to pursue a master’s degree in the United Kingdom.

The programme supports talented students from eligible Commonwealth countries who would not otherwise be able to afford postgraduate study in the UK. It focuses on courses that can contribute to development in applicants’ home countries.

Scholarship details

Category	Information
Destination	United Kingdom
Study level	Master’s degree
Academic year	2027/28
Application opening	10 November 2026
Application deadline	8 December 2026, 16:00 GMT
Funding	Fully funded
Eligible applicants	Citizens or qualifying refugees from eligible Commonwealth countries

The scholarship provides approved tuition fees, return airfare and a monthly living allowance. It may also provide additional support, including a study travel grant and other approved allowances.

The programme is jointly funded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and participating UK universities.

Applicants must choose an approved master’s course at a participating university. They must also apply for admission to the university separately and follow its admission requirements.

The 2027/28 application round opens on 10 November 2026, and the deadline is 8 December 2026. The approved courses and participating universities for the new academic year are expected to be published before applications open.

Who should consider applying?

This scholarship is worth considering if you:

• Are a citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Have the academic qualifications required for your chosen master’s course.
• Have a clear reason for studying the proposed subject.
• Can explain how the knowledge gained will contribute to your home country.
• Meet the programme’s residence and other eligibility conditions.

The selection process considers academic merit, the quality of the proposed study and the potential development impact of the applicant’s work.

Applicants should prepare their academic transcripts, references, personal statements and other required documents before the application period begins.

You can read the official Commonwealth Shared Scholarships application information to confirm the application instructions and funding conditions.

2. University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships 2027

The University of Bristol offers Think Big Scholarships to international students enrolling in eligible undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Applications for September 2027 entry are already open.

Think Big provides financial support towards tuition fees. It is not automatically a full scholarship covering every cost of studying abroad, so applicants should calculate their remaining expenses before accepting an offer.

Scholarship details

Category	Information
University	University of Bristol
Country	United Kingdom
Study level	Undergraduate and postgraduate
Entry year	September 2027
Application status	Open
Deadline	19 March 2027, 1 pm UK time
Funding type	Tuition fee support

To apply, you must have submitted an application for an eligible course beginning in September 2027 and be classified as an overseas student for tuition fee purposes.

You do not need to have received an admission offer before submitting your international scholarship application.

Eligible undergraduate courses can receive funding for up to four years of in-person study. Eligible postgraduate awards cover qualifying one-year taught master’s courses and master’s by research programmes.

Distance learning, online and part-time courses are not included.

The university uses an international scholarship application form to consider applicants for the awards for which they qualify. This means you should check the available scholarship categories and the terms attached to your intended course.

What should applicants prepare?

Before applying, identify an eligible course and submit the required admission application. Prepare your academic information and supporting documents so you can complete the scholarship form accurately.

The deadline is 19 March 2027 at 1 pm UK time. Applicants should avoid waiting until the final day because technical problems or incomplete information could affect their submission.

3. University of Manchester Global Futures Scholarships 2027

The University of Manchester has announced more than 350 Global Futures Scholarships for international students starting their studies in September 2027.

The university has allocated more than £6 million towards these awards for the 2027 entry period.

The scholarships are available to eligible undergraduate and master’s applicants from selected countries. The award amounts and application requirements depend on the applicant’s country of residence and study level.

Scholarship details

Category	Information
University	University of Manchester
Country	United Kingdom
Study level	Undergraduate and master’s
Entry year	September 2027
Number of awards	More than 350
Total scholarship funding	More than £6 million
Funding type	Partial merit-based awards

For Nigerian undergraduate applicants, the university has published Global Futures Scholarships for Africa.

Eligible Nigerian applicants may receive up to £36,000 over three years, with awards of £12,000 per year. The continuation of the award depends on meeting the university’s academic performance conditions.

The undergraduate opportunity is restricted to applicants taking specified qualifications, including A-levels, the International Baccalaureate, NCUK International Foundation Year and certain other listed qualifications.

Applicants must also meet the university’s country-of-residence conditions and other requirements.

For master’s applicants, the available awards and application conditions should be checked through the relevant country information. Do not assume that undergraduate funding rules apply to postgraduate courses.

How to apply

You must first apply for an eligible course at the University of Manchester.

If you receive an eligible offer, the university will send the relevant scholarship application form to qualifying applicants.

The application deadlines differ according to the qualification being used. For example, the published undergraduate rounds include a deadline of 25 February 2027 for certain applicants and 8 April 2027 for other eligible applicants.

Applicants should check the full conditions for their qualification rather than relying on a general deadline.

4. Newcastle University Global Scholarships 2027

Newcastle University has announced more than 1,000 scholarships for international and European Union students entering the university in 2027.

The awards include undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities. Depending on the scholarship, successful applicants may receive a fixed tuition fee reduction or a discount of up to 50% of their tuition fees.

Scholarship details

Category	Information
University	Newcastle University
Country	United Kingdom
Study level	Undergraduate and postgraduate
Entry year	2027
Number of scholarships	More than 1,000
Maximum advertised support	Up to £10,000 or 50% tuition fee reduction
Funding type	Partial tuition support

Some awards are considered automatically after an eligible course application. Others require a separate scholarship application through the university’s application portal.

For Nigerian postgraduate applicants, Newcastle University has listed a Nigeria Future Leaders Scholarship worth £10,000 towards tuition fees.

Eligible applicants should check the course requirements, nationality conditions and offer acceptance requirements before making a decision.

The university also lists Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships and Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Scholarships for different study levels.

The published deadlines include:

• Undergraduate Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Scholarships: 2 April 2027.
• Postgraduate Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Scholarships: 8 June 2027.
• Some automatically awarded scholarships have separate offer acceptance and tuition deposit conditions.

A scholarship that provides a tuition discount does not necessarily cover living expenses. Applicants should calculate the remaining cost of their education before accepting an offer.

5. Cardiff University Undergraduate International Excellence Scholarships 2027

Cardiff University is offering nine Undergraduate International Excellence Scholarships for international students beginning eligible undergraduate courses in autumn 2027.

Each successful applicant will receive a £10,000 award.

This opportunity is intended for international students with strong academic potential who have applied for an eligible undergraduate course.

Scholarship details

Category	Information
University	Cardiff University
Country	United Kingdom
Study level	Undergraduate
Entry period	Autumn 2027
Number of awards	9
Award value	£10,000
Application deadline	2 April 2027

Applicants must hold an offer for an eligible programme at Cardiff University before they can be invited to complete the scholarship application.

The university will invite eligible offer-holders by email to complete an application form.

One important part of the application is a written response explaining the applicant’s achievements and reasons they should receive the scholarship. The university specifies a maximum of 300 words for this response.

This means applicants should prepare a focused explanation rather than writing a lengthy personal statement that does not answer the question.

You should identify your strongest academic achievements, relevant activities and experiences that show your potential.

The scholarship is a tuition-related award, so applicants should confirm the payment arrangements and any remaining costs with the university.

6. University of Reading Master’s Excellence Scholarship 2027/28

International students planning to study a master’s degree at the University of Reading can also consider its Master’s Excellence Scholarship for the 2027/28 academic year.

The award provides a tuition fee reduction of between £4,000 and £10,000, depending on the applicant’s academic achievement and the university’s assessment.

Scholarship details

Category	Information
University	University of Reading
Country	United Kingdom
Study level	Master’s
Academic year	2027/28
Award value	£4,000–£10,000
Application deadline	No separate deadline listed
Application method	Automatic consideration for eligible students

Eligible international fee-paying students are automatically considered for this scholarship. The university does not list a separate scholarship application deadline for this award.

Although, applicants still need to meet the admission requirements for their chosen master’s course.

Automatic consideration does not mean every international applicant will receive the maximum award. The university assesses academic achievement and applies its published scholarship conditions.

If you are interested in this opportunity, check your course requirements and confirm how the scholarship will be applied to your tuition fees.

Other International Scholarship Opportunities to Watch for in 2027

Some major scholarship opportunities do not operate through one central application deadline for every course. Their availability depends on the participating universities, individual schemes or the applicant’s country.

These opportunities are worth researching as part of your 2027 funding plan.

7. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships allow international students to study master’s degree delivered by partnerships of universities in different countries.

The degree usually involves studying at more than one institution, giving students an opportunity to experience different academic environments.

Scholarships are available to outstanding applicants from around the world.

Depending on the study option and award conditions, funding can cover participation costs and contribute towards travel, visa expenses and living costs.

Scholarship details

Category	Information
Destination	Participating European and international universities
Study level	Master’s
Duration	Usually 1–2 academic years
Eligible applicants	Students worldwide
Funding	Full scholarships available
Application period	Often October to January

There is no single application form or deadline covering every Erasmus Mundus programme.

Each master’s programme has its own website, admission requirements, scholarship arrangements and application deadline.

Applicants generally need a bachelor’s degree or must be in the final year of their undergraduate studies, provided they graduate before the master’s programme begins.

To find a suitable opportunity, search the official Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters information.

Check the individual course page for the next application round and confirm whether scholarship funding is available for your intended entry year.

8. GREAT Scholarships 2027

GREAT Scholarships are offered through partnerships between the British Council, the GREAT Britain Campaign and participating UK universities.

They provide financial support to eligible international students pursuing postgraduate study in the United Kingdom.

The awards are not available to applicants from every country. Each participating university publishes the nationalities, courses and application conditions covered by its awards.

For example, the University of Reading has listed a £10,000 GREAT Scholarship for eligible students from Bangladesh or Ghana, with a deadline of 3 May 2027.

This illustrates why applicants should not assume that a scholarship advertised as an international opportunity is automatically available to every nationality.

Before applying, confirm:

• Whether your country is included.
• Whether your chosen university participates.
• Whether your intended course qualifies.
• Whether you need an admission offer first.
• The scholarship application deadline.
• Whether the award covers tuition fees only or additional costs.

GREAT Scholarships are particularly worth checking if you already have a preferred UK university and want to identify funding options connected to your course.

9. University-Specific International Scholarships

Many universities publish their own scholarships for international students every academic year.

These awards may be based on academic results, nationality, subject area, leadership experience, financial circumstances or a combination of factors.

Some universities automatically consider eligible applicants after admission. Others require a separate application, personal statement or supporting documents.

For 2027 entry, applicants should continue checking official scholarship pages throughout the admission cycle. Some universities publish their September 2027 awards early, while others release the details closer to the application period.

Do not assume that a scholarship offered in 2026 will automatically have the same award value, eligibility conditions or deadline in 2027.

Which Scholarships Are Fully Funded for International Students in 2027?

A fully funded scholarship generally covers the main costs associated with studying abroad. Depending on the programme, this can include tuition fees, accommodation or living allowances, travel and other approved expenses.

However, the phrase does not mean every personal expense is automatically covered.

Among the opportunities discussed in this guide, the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships provide full approved tuition fees, approved return airfare and a living allowance, together with other eligible support.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters also offer full scholarships for selected students. Their benefits include participation costs and contributions towards travel, visa expenses and living costs.

By comparison, the Think Big Scholarships, Newcastle University awards, Cardiff undergraduate awards and Manchester Global Futures Scholarships provide different forms of financial support that may cover only part of the overall study cost.

Before accepting an award, check the following:

Expense	What to confirm
Tuition fees	Does the scholarship cover the full amount or a percentage?
Accommodation	Is housing provided or must you pay separately?
Living expenses	Is there a monthly allowance?
Travel	Are international flights included?
Visa costs	Does the award contribute towards visa expenses?
Health insurance	Is medical cover included?
Study materials	Are books, equipment or research costs covered?
Dependents	Are family members covered by the award?

This comparison helps you avoid choosing a scholarship based only on its advertised value.

A £10,000 tuition reduction may be helpful, but it is different from an award that covers tuition, travel and living expenses.

How to Apply for the Latest Scholarships for International Students 2027

Finding a scholarship is only the beginning. You must also understand the application process and prepare documents that meet the provider’s requirements.

The following steps can help you organise your applications.

1. Choose Your Study Level

Start by identifying the qualification you want to pursue.

Are you applying for an undergraduate degree, master’s programme or PhD?

Scholarships are often restricted to a particular study level. A master’s award will not normally fund an undergraduate applicant, even if the student has excellent academic results.

Your study level will help you narrow down the opportunities worth considering.

2. Check Your Nationality and Residence

Some scholarships accept applicants from almost every country, while others are restricted to selected nationalities.

A scholarship may also require applicants to live in their home country when applying.

Read the nationality and residence conditions carefully. Do not assume that being an international student automatically makes you eligible.

For a practical explanation of the documents and conditions scholarship providers may request, read our guide to scholarship requirements for Nigerian students studying abroad.

3. Confirm the Academic Requirements

Scholarship providers may set minimum academic requirements for applicants.

These could include:

• A particular secondary school result.
• A recognized bachelor’s degree.
• A minimum degree classification.
• A specified CGPA.
• Relevant academic subjects.
• Previous research experience for some postgraduate opportunities.

Do not rely on a general statement that a scholarship accepts international students. Check whether your actual qualification meets the requirements.

If your academic result is expressed using a different grading system, follow the university’s instructions for reporting or evaluating it.

4. Prepare Your Supporting Documents

Many scholarship applications require supporting documents.

Depending on the programme, you may need:

• Academic transcripts.
• Degree certificates or secondary school results.
• A valid international passport.
• A curriculum vitae.
• A personal statement.
• Reference letters.
• Proof of English language proficiency.
• A research proposal for certain postgraduate opportunities.

Request documents that take time to obtain as early as possible.

For example, a university transcript may take several weeks to process. Waiting until the scholarship deadline is close could put your application at risk.

5. Write a Strong Personal Statement

Some scholarship applications ask candidates to explain their academic interests, career plans, achievements and reasons for choosing a particular course.

Your response should address the exact question asked by the scholarship provider.

Avoid writing a generic statement that could be submitted to any university.

Explain your background, the subject you want to study, what has prepared you for the opportunity and how the qualification fits your future plans.

Where leadership or community involvement is relevant, provide specific examples instead of simply describing yourself as hardworking or passionate.

Our guide on presenting leadership and volunteer experience in a scholarship application explains how applicants can describe their contributions clearly and honestly.

6. Check English Language Requirements

Some universities require international students to provide evidence of English language proficiency.

Accepted evidence may include IELTS, TOEFL, other recognized tests or specified previous academic qualifications.

Some institutions allow applicants to use their WAEC English result or previous university studies under particular conditions.

However, an exemption from a scholarship provider does not automatically remove the English language requirements of the university or the destination country’s immigration rules.

Read the language policy for your exact course and entry year before paying for an examination.

If you want to understand the available alternatives, see our guide to scholarships without IELTS for Nigerian students in 2027.

7. Submit Your Application Before the Deadline

Scholarship deadlines are not interchangeable.

A university admission deadline may be different from its scholarship deadline. A scholarship provider may also require applicants to submit a separate funding form after receiving an admission offer.

Create a calendar containing:

• University admission deadline.
• Scholarship application deadline.
• Reference submission deadline.
• English test deadline, where applicable.
• Deadline for accepting an offer.
• Deadline for submitting outstanding documents.

Submit your application early enough to correct mistakes or resolve technical problems.

After submission, save the confirmation email and application reference number.

How to Identify Genuine 2027 Scholarship Opportunities

Searching online for scholarships can produce thousands of results. Unfortunately, not every scholarship announcement is accurate or genuine.

Some websites publish old opportunities without updating their deadlines. Others describe partial tuition discounts as fully funded scholarships.

Before applying, verify the information directly with the organization responsible for the award.

Here are some checks worth making.

Check the official provider. Find the university or scholarship organisation’s official website independently. Confirm that the scholarship appears on its website.

Read the current application conditions. Check the academic year, eligible countries, course restrictions, funding amount and deadline.

Confirm the application route. Some providers accept applications directly, while others require applicants to apply through a university or national nominating organisation.

Be careful with payment requests. A legitimate scholarship application should have clearly stated payment conditions. Do not send money to an individual who promises to guarantee selection.

Avoid guaranteed scholarship claims. No agent or unofficial website can guarantee that a university or scholarship committee will select you.

Check the funding coverage. Confirm whether the award pays tuition fees, living costs, travel or only a portion of the expenses.

Never submit false academic records, invented work experience or inaccurate financial information to improve your chances.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Scholarships in 2027

Even applicants who meet the academic requirements can lose opportunities because of avoidable application mistakes.

Applying for a Scholarship That Does Not Accept Your Nationality

A scholarship advertised for international students may still have country restrictions.

Always check the eligible nationalities before preparing a full application.

Ignoring the Course Restrictions

Some awards fund only selected subjects or approved courses.

Being admitted to a university does not automatically make you eligible for every scholarship offered by that institution.

Confusing Admission With Scholarship Selection

Admission and scholarship selection are separate decisions in many institutions.

An offer to study at a university does not always mean that you have received funding.

Submitting Incomplete Documents

A missing transcript, reference or required form can make an application incomplete.

Use the official document checklist and review every section before submitting.

Waiting Until the Last Minute

Some scholarships close earlier than the general university admission period.

Applicants who wait until the final week may struggle to obtain references, correct document errors or complete the application.

Assuming Every Scholarship Is Fully Funded

A scholarship that reduces tuition fees by £5,000 may still leave you with substantial expenses.

Calculate your remaining costs before accepting an offer.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Latest Scholarships for International Students 2027

1. Which scholarships are currently open for international students in 2027?

As of 2 November 2026, the University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships for September 2027 entry are open. Newcastle University and the University of Manchester have also published 2027 scholarship opportunities.

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027/28 are scheduled to open on 10 November 2026.

Always check the individual scholarship page because application dates and conditions differ.

2. Can international students apply for fully funded scholarships in 2027?

Yes. International students can apply for fully funded opportunities such as the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships and eligible Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships.

However, these awards have specific academic, nationality, course and application requirements.

Not every scholarship advertised for international students provides full funding.

3. Are there scholarships for undergraduate international students in 2027?

Yes. The University of Manchester, Cardiff University, Newcastle University and the University of Bristol have published undergraduate scholarship opportunities for eligible international students entering in 2027.

The award values and application procedures differ between institutions.

4. Are there scholarships for master’s students in 2027?

Yes. Master’s applicants can consider the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships, University of Manchester Global Futures Scholarships and the University of Reading Master’s Excellence Scholarship.

Check the course requirements and funding conditions before applying.

5. Can Nigerian students apply for scholarships abroad in 2027?

Yes. Nigerian students can apply for international scholarships that include Nigeria among their eligible countries.

Examples include the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, University of Manchester Global Futures Scholarships and Newcastle University Nigeria Future Leaders Scholarship.

However, some opportunities have additional academic, residence or qualification requirements.

6. Do I need IELTS to apply for an international scholarship?

Not always. Some scholarship providers do not require IELTS as part of their own application process.

However, the university may still require proof of English language proficiency. Accepted alternatives depend on the institution and course.

Confirm the language requirements before applying.

7. When should I start applying for 2027 scholarships?

Start as early as possible. Some scholarships for September 2027 entry have application deadlines in 2026.

For example, the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027/28 open on 10 November 2026 and close on 8 December 2026.

Other university awards have deadlines in February, March, April or June 2027.

8. Can I apply for more than one scholarship at the same time?

In many cases, yes. You can apply for multiple scholarships if you meet their conditions and the providers allow it.

However, some awards do not permit recipients to hold another scholarship that covers the same expenses.

Read the rules before accepting more than one funding offer.

9. Do I need an admission offer before applying for a scholarship?

It depends on the scholarship.

Some universities require applicants to hold an admission offer before they can apply for funding. Others allow students to submit their scholarship applications while their admission applications are still being processed.

The University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships, for example, allow eligible applicants to submit a scholarship application before receiving an admission offer, provided they have already applied for an eligible course.

10. Where can I find the latest scholarship updates for 2027?

The safest places to check are official university scholarship pages, government scholarship portals and international scholarship organizations.

You can also follow MatchlessLife.com for scholarship updates and application guides. Always confirm the latest information with the organization offering the award before submitting documents or making financial decisions.

Conclusion

The latest scholarships for international students 2027 include opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate study in the United Kingdom and other destinations.

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships and Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters provide fully funded routes for eligible applicants, while universities such as Bristol, Manchester, Newcastle, Cardiff and Reading offer different forms of tuition support.

The most important step is to identify scholarships that match your nationality, academic qualifications, preferred course and financial needs.

Do not wait until the application deadline is close before preparing your documents. Check the official requirements, organize your references and submit complete applications through the correct channels.

Scholarship opportunities can make studying abroad more affordable, but careful research and preparation are essential. Start with the opportunities that match your qualifications, confirm their current conditions and build your application around the requirements of each provider.