Fully Funded Scholarships 2027 | Cambridge, KAUST, UBC + More

2 November 2026 Khalid Amin

Last checked: 2 November 2026

You search for fully funded scholarships for international students 2027 and find a list of 25 programmes. You click one. The deadline passed months ago. Sadly, this happens to thousands of students from Pakistan, India, Africa and the Middle East every week.

This guide works differently. We checked every programme on 2 November 2026 against official sources. Then we split them into three groups: open now, closed until the next round, and only partly funded. As a result, you can see which fully funded scholarships are currently open at a glance.

Below, you will find fully funded scholarships for international students for master’s and PhD study in the UK, the Netherlands, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. If you searched for fully funded scholarships for international students undergraduate, we also cover the two strongest need-based options in Canada and the USA. Finally, we explain what each award covers, what it does not cover, and how to apply before the deadline.

Quick Answer:

As of 2 November 2026, six major scholarships that pay tuition and living costs are open for 2027 entry: UBC International Scholars, the Eric Bleumink Fund, Gates Cambridge, MBZUAI, KAUST and Maastricht NL-High Potential. The earliest deadline is UBC on 15 November 2026, while the latest is Maastricht on 1 February 2027. Chevening, Fulbright (Pakistan), Australia Awards and Manaaki are closed for 2027, so prepare now for their next rounds.

Details About Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students 2027

Programmes Open Now: 6, plus one US need-based aid route
Study Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD
Countries: UK, Netherlands, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Canada and USA
Closed for 2027: Chevening, Fulbright (Pakistan), Australia Awards, Lester B. Pearson, Manaaki
Partly Funded (Not Full): Government of Ireland Scholarship, Finland Scholarship, NL Scholarship
Sources: Official university and government pages. Facts marked are not confirmed on the official page.
Earliest Deadline: UBC International Scholars, 15 November 2026

Also check: Maastricht University Scholarships 2027 for Non-EU Students

Which Fully Funded Scholarships Are Currently Open?

Scholarship	Country	Level	Deadline	Funding
UBC International Scholars	Canada	Bachelor’s	15 Nov 2026	Need-based, up to full support
Eric Bleumink Fund	Netherlands	Master’s	1 Dec 2026 (master’s application)	Tuition, travel, living, books, insurance
Gates Cambridge	UK	Master’s, PhD	8 Dec 2026 or 6 Jan 2027	Tuition, living allowance, airfare, visa
MBZUAI	UAE	Master’s, PhD	15 Dec 2026	PhD widely reported as full; MSc not confirmed
KAUST Fellowship	Saudi Arabia	Master’s, PhD	3 Jan 2027 (tentative)	Tuition, $20,000 to $30,000 a year, housing
Maastricht NL-High Potential	Netherlands	Master’s	1 Feb 2027	Tuition, living allowance, insurance, visa

Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students for Master’s and PhD

Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 (UK)

Gates Cambridge funds master’s and PhD study at the University of Cambridge for citizens of any country outside the UK. According to the Gates Cambridge Trust, the award covers the university fee, a maintenance allowance, economy airfare, visa costs and the Immigration Health Surcharge. The maintenance rate for 2026–27 is £23,152 for 12 months. Moreover, PhD scholars receive funding for up to four years.

The deadline depends on your course. Some courses close on 8 December 2026, while others close on 6 January 2027. Therefore, check the Cambridge Course Directory before you start.

Tip: Cambridge runs Virtual Postgraduate Open Days from 2 to 13 November 2026. Book a place to ask questions directly.

View Official Gates Cambridge Timeline

Eric Bleumink Fund 2027 (Netherlands)

The University of Groningen says the grant covers tuition fee, international travel, subsistence, books and health insurance. It applies to one-year or two-year master’s programmes that start in September.

However, there is one important catch. You cannot apply for this grant directly. Instead, the Admission Office nominates suitable candidates. To be considered, you must complete your master’s application before 1 December 2026. Pakistan, India, Nigeria, Kenya, Bangladesh and Egypt are all on the official country list.

Official Eric Bleumink Fund Page

Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship 2027 (Netherlands)

This scholarship supports talented non-EU students in selected master’s programmes at Maastricht University. It runs for 13 months for a one-year master’s and 25 months for a two-year master’s. Reported benefits include tuition, a living allowance of €20,150 (13 months) or €38,750 (25 months), insurance and visa costs . Flights are not included.

You must meet all registration requirements by the scholarship deadline of 1 February 2027. In addition, your master’s application file should be complete by 10 December 2026.

Official Gates Cambridge Website

MBZUAI Scholarship 2027 (UAE)

Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Abu Dhabi offers AI-focused master’s and PhD programmes. The official admissions page gives the Fall 2027 dates: the final deadline is 15 December 2026 at 5 p.m. UAE time, and decisions arrive by 31 March 2027.

An earlier official page said that most graduate programmes give full-time admitted students a full scholarship with tuition, housing, health insurance and a monthly stipend. Still, MBZUAI says Fall 2027 cost figures are being finalised. For that reason, MSc funding for 2027 is not confirmed on the official page. PhD applicants are in a stronger position.

Apply Now – Official MBZUAI Page

KAUST Fellowship 2027 (Saudi Arabia)

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) gives every admitted graduate student the KAUST Fellowship. According to KAUST, it includes full tuition support, a living allowance of $20,000 to $30,000 a year, housing, medical and dental cover, and relocation support. Charges may apply for dependent housing and dependent medical cover.

The Fall 2027 round for MS, MS/PhD and PhD applicants closes on 3 January 2027 . KAUST calls these dates tentative, so confirm them on the admissions portal.

Apply Now – Official KAUST Page

Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students Undergraduate

UBC International Scholars Program 2027 (Canada)

The University of British Columbia (UBC) says the program is for high academic achievers with significant financial need. UBC spends more than $35 million a year supporting international undergraduates, and it has supported over 680 International Scholars since 2001.

The award covers tuition and living costs in proportion to your financial need*. In other words, the amount depends on what your family can pay. The scholarship application deadline is 15 November 2026, so act this week.

Apply Now – Official UBC Page

Harvard Need-Based Financial Aid (USA)

Harvard does not offer merit scholarships. Instead, it says it meets 100 percent of demonstrated financial need. A Harvard student page also confirms that admissions are need-blind for international students. This means your need for money does not affect your admission decision. Check Harvard’s admissions page for the 2027 application deadline.

Apply for Financial Aid – Harvard

Benefits

Free Tuition: Every programme in the “open now” list covers tuition, either fully or based on need.
Living Allowance: KAUST pays $20,000 to $30,000 a year, while Gates Cambridge pays £23,152 a year at the 2026–27 rate.
Travel Costs: The Eric Bleumink Fund covers international travel, and Gates Cambridge covers economy airfare.
Health Cover: KAUST includes medical and dental cover, and Groningen includes health insurance.
Housing: KAUST provides housing for its fellows.
No Repayment: All of these awards are grants, so you do not pay the money back.

Also check: University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027

What These Scholarships Do NOT Cover

Dependants: KAUST may charge for dependent housing and dependent medical cover.
Flights for Maastricht: Reported benefits do not include flights.
Application Costs: English tests, document translation and courier fees usually come from your own pocket.
Guaranteed Funding for Admission Alone: The Eric Bleumink Fund and Maastricht give awards to a small share of admitted students only.

Eligibility for Fully Funded Scholarships

Academic Record: Strong grades in your previous degree or school results.
Admission First: For KAUST, MBZUAI, Groningen and Maastricht, you must apply to the degree programme first.
English Proficiency: KAUST, for example, asks for TOEFL iBT 81 or IELTS 6.5.
Financial Need: UBC and Harvard decide your award on financial need.
Nationality: Groningen accepts only nationalities on its official list, and Gates Cambridge excludes UK citizens.

Who Is NOT Eligible

UK citizens for Gates Cambridge.
EU and EEA nationals for Maastricht NL-High Potential.
Students from countries not on the Eric Bleumink list.
Eric Bleumink applicants who already have other funding for their studies.
UBC International Scholars applicants without significant financial need.

Also check: VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme 2027

Be Realistic About Your Chances: Acceptance Rate

These awards are very competitive. Maastricht says only 2% of applicants win its NL-High Potential scholarship. Similarly, Groningen notes that it can award only a limited number of Eric Bleumink grants, while many students apply each year.

KAUST works differently. Admission is the hard part, because every admitted student receives the fellowship. Therefore, your research fit and recommendation letters matter most. In short, apply to three or four programmes, not just one.

Required Documents

Transcripts: Official transcripts and degree certificates, with certified English translations if needed.
CV: An updated academic CV.
Statement of Purpose: A clear plan for your study and career.
Recommendation Letters: KAUST asks for three. MBZUAI asks for at least two for MSc and three for PhD.
Research Statement: Needed for MBZUAI PhD applicants.
English Test Score: TOEFL or IELTS, unless your programme waives it.
Passport Copy: A valid passport photo page.
Financial Documents: Needed for need-based aid at UBC and Harvard.

How to Prove English Proficiency Without IELTS

Most programmes in this guide ask for English proof. However, KAUST waives the test if your degree is from an accredited university in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand. For every other programme, check the English rules on your chosen course page.

Who Should Apply?

Final-Year Students and Graduates: Especially those with strong grades.
Researchers in STEM and AI: KAUST and MBZUAI focus on science, engineering and artificial intelligence.
Future Leaders with a Clear Plan: Gates Cambridge values leadership and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
High School Students with Financial Need: UBC and Harvard suit you if your family cannot pay full costs.

Closed for 2027: Prepare for the Next Round

Chevening (UK): Applications for 2027/28 closed on 6 October 2026.
Fulbright (Pakistan, USA): USEFP says applications for the 2027 edition are closed.
Australia Awards: The 2027 intake closed on 30 April 2026.
Lester B. Pearson (Canada): The final deadline was 6 November 2026.
Manaaki New Zealand: The 2027 intake closed in March 2026.

Next-round dates are not confirmed yet. Meanwhile, use this time to prepare your English test, references and personal statement.

Partly Funded Scholarships (Not Fully Funded)

Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship: A €10,000 stipend and a full fee waiver, for one year only. The 2026 call closed on 12 March 2026, and the 2027 call has not been announced.
Finland Scholarship: A 100% tuition waiver for the first year plus a €5,000 relocation grant, according to the University of Eastern Finland.
NL Scholarship (Netherlands): A €5,000 award for the first year.

How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships

Pick your programmes: Choose three or four scholarships that match your level and field.
Check the official page: Confirm the deadline and eligibility on the provider’s own website.
Apply for admission first: For KAUST, MBZUAI, Groningen and Maastricht, the degree application comes first.
Contact referees early: Give your professors at least four weeks to write strong letters.
Book your English test: Take TOEFL or IELTS early, unless your programme waives it.
Write a focused statement: Explain your goals, your research interest and your plan to give back.
Submit before the deadline: Upload all documents and keep a copy of your confirmation email.

Also check: Free Online Courses with Certificates

Important Dates

Event	Date
UBC International Scholars deadline	15 November 2026
Eric Bleumink (Groningen master’s application)	1 December 2026
Gates Cambridge (course-dependent)	8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027
Maastricht master’s application file	10 December 2026
MBZUAI final deadline	15 December 2026
KAUST Fall 2027 deadline	3 January 2027 (tentative)
Maastricht scholarship deadline	1 February 2027
MBZUAI decisions	31 March 2027

Frequently Asked Questions

Which fully funded scholarships are currently open?

As of 2 November 2026, UBC International Scholars, the Eric Bleumink Fund, Gates Cambridge, MBZUAI, KAUST and Maastricht NL-High Potential are open for 2027 entry. UBC closes first, on 15 November 2026.

Which country gives a fully funded scholarship for international students?

Many countries do. In this guide, the strongest open options are in the UK, the Netherlands, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia stands out, because KAUST funds every admitted graduate student.

How to get fully funded scholarships for international students?

Start early, apply to three or four programmes, and secure strong recommendation letters. In addition, write a focused statement that links your study plan to a clear goal.

Can I get a full scholarship as an international student?

Yes, but competition is tough. For example, Maastricht awards its scholarship to only 2% of applicants. Therefore, apply to several programmes at once.

How can an international student get a full scholarship in the USA?

Look at universities that meet full financial need for international students, such as Harvard. Fulbright is another route, although the 2027 round in Pakistan is closed.

What is the meaning of fully funded scholarship?

A fully funded scholarship pays your tuition and your main living costs. Usually, it also covers health insurance, and sometimes flights and visa fees. A tuition waiver alone is not a fully funded scholarship.

If this guide helped you, share it with a friend who is searching for a funded degree abroad. Every share helps another student meet a deadline in time.

Khalid Amin

Founder of Insurab | Global Opportunities Researcher

Khalid Amin is the founder of Insurab, a resource for international students and young professionals searching for scholarships, fellowships, internships, conferences, free online courses and study abroad guidance. He tracks opportunities across Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East, and verifies every program against its official source before it is published. Articles are reviewed regularly and updated when deadlines, eligibility rules or benefits change.

Verified from Official Sources Updated Regularly

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