Fully funded master’s scholarships for international students in 2027 can cover most or all major study costs, including tuition, living expenses, travel, and other allowances, depending on the scholarship. Some of the major options to check are Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, Chevening, Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, and DAAD EPOS. Each has different eligibility rules, application periods, and funding conditions, so students should check the official scholarship page before applying.
Best Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships for International Students in 2027
The right scholarship depends on your nationality, academic background, field of study, work experience, and preferred destination. There isn’t one scholarship that fits every applicant, but several major programmes accept students from many countries.
If you’re still at the research stage and want to find opportunities beyond the programmes listed here, our guide on How to Find Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students can help you build a wider scholarship search and identify awards that match your profile.
| Scholarship | Study Destination | Level | Main Funding |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters | Europe and partner countries | Master’s | Tuition, travel, visa and living support |
| Chevening | UK | Master’s | Fully funded |
| Commonwealth Master’s | UK | Master’s | Tuition, maintenance, travel and allowances |
| DAAD EPOS | Germany | Master’s/Postgraduate | Scholarship support for selected programmes |
1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programme is one of the strongest options for students looking for fully funded master’s scholarships in Europe. Students from around the world can apply, and selected programmes offer full scholarships covering participation costs as well as contributions toward travel, visa expenses and living costs.
These master’s programmes are delivered by groups of universities, often allowing students to study in more than one country. Most applications for programmes beginning the following academic year are submitted between October and January, although the exact deadline depends on the programme.
For 2027 entry, applicants should search the Erasmus Mundus catalogue early because each programme sets its own eligibility criteria, documents and deadline.
2. Chevening Scholarships
Chevening is a UK government scholarship for students who want to pursue a one-year master’s degree in the United Kingdom. It is fully funded and is open to eligible applicants from participating countries and territories.
Chevening is particularly important for applicants who have professional experience and can demonstrate leadership, relationship-building and clear career goals. The application requires candidates to select three eligible UK master’s courses and complete scholarship essays and other application requirements.
For the 2027–28 cycle, Chevening applications opened in August 2026 and closed in October 2026. Successful scholars are scheduled to begin their UK studies in September or October 2027.
3. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are another major option for students from eligible Commonwealth countries. They support full-time master’s study in the UK and are aimed at talented candidates who may not otherwise be able to afford postgraduate study abroad.
For the 2027–28 academic year, the programme includes master’s study beginning in September or October 2027. The current information for Pakistani applicants lists funding that includes tuition, maintenance and return travel, with applications requiring both the relevant Commonwealth application and the HEC nomination process.
Applicants should remember that Commonwealth eligibility differs by country. Check the scholarship rules for your nationality rather than assuming that the requirements are the same everywhere.
4. DAAD EPOS Scholarships in Germany
The DAAD EPOS programme supports qualified applicants from developing countries who want to study selected development-related postgraduate courses at German universities. It is particularly relevant to professionals whose proposed master’s study connects with development-related issues.
Unlike some general scholarship programmes, EPOS applies only to selected master’s and postgraduate courses. Applicants therefore need to check the DAAD scholarship database and individual programme requirements before preparing an application.
The programme has awarded more than 7,000 scholarships since it began in 1987, according to DAAD.
What Do Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships Usually Cover?
“Fully funded” doesn’t always mean that every personal expense is paid without limits. The actual package depends on the scholarship and programme. Some awards pay tuition directly, while others provide allowances for living expenses, travel or accommodation.
Before applying, read the funding section carefully and check exactly what the award includes. Common forms of support include:
- Full or partial tuition fee coverage
- Monthly living or maintenance allowance
- Return international airfare
- Visa-related support
- Health or medical insurance
- Accommodation or housing allowance
- Study or travel allowances
For example, Erasmus Mundus states that its full scholarships can contribute to participation costs, travel, visa expenses and living allowance.
Who Can Apply for Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships?
Most fully funded master’s scholarships require applicants to have completed a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification before the master’s programme begins. However, other requirements can be just as important.
Depending on the scholarship, you may need relevant professional experience, a strong academic record, proof of English proficiency, references, a personal statement or evidence that your proposed study supports specific development goals.
For instance, Erasmus Mundus allows applicants who are in their final year of bachelor’s study, provided they graduate before the master’s programme starts. Chevening has its own work-experience and course eligibility requirements.
How to Apply for Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships in 2027
Start by identifying scholarships for which you clearly meet the nationality, degree, subject and experience requirements. Don’t apply simply because a scholarship says it is “fully funded”; eligibility comes first.
Next, research the master’s programmes connected to the scholarship. Some awards let you choose from many universities, while others are tied to specific courses. Erasmus Mundus applicants apply directly to the institution running the selected programme, while Chevening requires a separate university application process for the chosen UK course.
If you’re comparing funding options by destination, it also helps to look at the Best Countries for Fully Funded Scholarships in 2027 before deciding where to focus your applications.
Prepare your documents well before the deadline. A typical application may require:
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Passport or national identification documents
- CV or résumé
- Personal statement or motivation letter
- Recommendation letters
- Proof of English proficiency, where required
- Work experience evidence, where applicable
- University admission documents
Your application should explain why you need the degree, why the specific programme fits your goals, what experience you already have, and what you plan to do after graduation. Specific examples are usually more convincing than broad claims.
When Should You Apply for 2027 Master’s Scholarships?
The biggest mistake applicants make is waiting until the year their studies begin. Many scholarship deadlines arrive months before university enrolment.
For example, Erasmus Mundus says most applications are submitted between October and January for courses beginning the following academic year. The 2027–28 Chevening cycle opened in August 2026 and closed in October 2026, while the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship deadline listed by Pakistan’s HEC was 20 October 2026 for 2027–28 study.
That means students targeting 2027 should start preparing well before the final application window. Keep a separate deadline list for each scholarship because dates are not the same.
Students who want to explore more funding routes should also review Government Scholarships for International Students, as national scholarship programmes can offer another route to studying abroad.
How to Improve Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship
A strong scholarship application isn’t just about having excellent grades. Selection committees may also look for a clear purpose, relevant experience, academic fit, leadership or community involvement, and a realistic plan for using your education after graduation.
Choose programmes that genuinely match your academic and career background. Then make your application specific to that scholarship rather than sending the same statement everywhere.
Also check every requirement before submitting. A missing document, incorrect eligibility assumption or late application can prevent an otherwise qualified candidate from being considered.
Final Thoughts
Fully funded master’s scholarships for international students in 2027 offer a realistic way to study abroad without carrying the full cost of tuition and living expenses yourself. Erasmus Mundus, Chevening, Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships and DAAD EPOS are among the key programmes worth researching, but each has its own conditions and deadlines.
The best approach is to start early, shortlist scholarships that genuinely match your profile, prepare strong supporting documents, and verify every requirement on the official scholarship website before submitting your application.
If you’re planning to continue your studies beyond a master’s degree, you can also explore Fully Funded PhD Scholarships for International Students to see what funding may be available for doctoral study.
FAQs
Which fully funded master’s scholarship is best for international students in 2027?
There is no single best scholarship for everyone. Erasmus Mundus, Chevening, Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships and DAAD EPOS are strong options, but eligibility depends on your nationality, field, academic background and experience.
Can I get a fully funded master’s scholarship without work experience?
Yes, some programmes do not require substantial professional experience. However, certain scholarships, including Chevening, have specific work-experience requirements, so applicants should check the individual eligibility rules.
When should I start applying for 2027 master’s scholarships?
Start preparing several months before applications open. Some scholarships for 2027 study have deadlines in 2026, so waiting until 2027 may mean missing major opportunities.
Do fully funded scholarships cover living expenses?
Many do, but the amount and type of support vary. Depending on the programme, funding may include tuition, living allowance, travel, visa costs, insurance or other allowances. Always check the official award terms before applying.