13 International Scholarships 2027: Deadlines Before December 31, 2026
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2027 International Scholarship Deadline Guide
13 Fully-funded Scholarships & Fellowships Closing Before January 1, 2027
Your next degree abroad could begin with one application this month. Explore funded master’s, PhD, undergraduate and professional fellowship opportunities across China, the UK, Hong Kong, Europe and the UAE.
13 Opportunities
Multiple Study Destinations
Applicant’s Quick Review Box (Highlights for You)
Students completing bachelor’s degrees, prospective master’s and PhD applicants, and experienced professionals exploring funded international opportunities.
Mostly. Several offer comprehensive funding, while others are partial awards, tuition scholarships with additional request of opportunities or professional fellowships.
International eligibility varies. Some programmes welcome most nationalities, while others restrict applicants by country, residency or professional background.
There is no universal rule. Some programmes permit an English-language exemption, while others require proof of proficiency or apply course-specific conditions.
Most deadlines fall between November 18 and December 15, 2026. Verify the exact programme deadline before submission.
Research updated: November 16, 2026. Entries with unresolved programme-specific dates are identified below.
Imagine finding the perfect scholarship abroad, spending weeks preparing your documents, and then discovering that applications closed yesterday. It happens because students often focus on the scholarship amount before checking the actual application route.
Now imagine a better approach. You know which scholarships fit your degree, which countries you can apply from, what documents are required and exactly which deadline deserves your attention first.
That is what this guide is designed to help you do.
Instead of treating 13 opportunities as interchangeable, we will separate undergraduate scholarships, research funding, taught master’s awards and professional fellowships. By the end, you should have a shortlist you can act on—not simply another collection of scholarship names.
1. Which Scholarship Should You Apply For?
Your qualification is the first filter. A fully funded PhD scholarship is not useful if you are currently completing high school, and a professional leadership fellowship is not a substitute for a master’s degree.
Finishing High School?
Begin with Tomorrow’s Leaders, provided you meet its nationality and school-leaving requirements.
Have a Bachelor’s Degree?
Explore Yenching Academy, TU Delft, Leiden, Commonwealth Shared, Gates Cambridge and EPFL.
Interested in Research?
Focus on Hong Kong PhD Fellowship, HKU, Ellison Graduate Scholars and MBZUAI.
Already Working?
Yale World Fellows is intended for accomplished professionals, not students seeking an academic degree.
2. November–December 2026 Scholarship Deadline Calendar
Use this calendar to prioritize your applications. Times are local to the awarding institution unless stated otherwise.
| Opportunity | Degree | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Tomorrow’s Leaders | Undergraduate | 18 Nov 2026 |
| Yenching Academy | Master’s | 30 Nov 2026 |
| Hong Kong PhD Fellowship | PhD | 1 Dec 2026 |
| TU Delft Excellence | Master’s | 1 Dec 2026 |
| Leiden Excellence | Master’s | Check faculty/intake |
| Ellison Graduate Scholars | PhD | 1 Dec 2026 |
| HKU Presidential PhD | PhD | Check HKU round |
| Yale World Fellows | Non-degree | 2 Dec 2026 |
| Commonwealth Shared | Master’s | 8 Dec 2026 |
| Gates Cambridge | Master’s/PhD | 8 Dec 2026 or course-specific |
| ENS International Selection | Graduate pathway | 15 Dec 2026 |
| EPFL Excellence | Master’s | 15 Dec 2026 |
| MBZUAI | Master’s/PhD | 15 Dec 2026 for most research programmes |
Important: Leiden and HKU require a fresh check of the specific application route. Gates Cambridge and MBZUAI also have programme-dependent exceptions.
3. Explore the 13 Scholarship and Fellowship Opportunities
Each opportunity below includes the reason to consider it, the students it suits and the next practical action. The detailed guides contain additional eligibility and application information.
01 · LEBANON · UNDERGRADUATE
Tomorrow’s Leaders Scholarship 2027–2028
Deadline: November 18, 2026
Still in your final year of high school? This is the one to examine first. The US-supported Tomorrow’s Leaders programme helps eligible young people from the Middle East and North Africa pursue undergraduate education at the American University of Beirut or Lebanese American University.
Tuition and enrolment costs, accommodation, insurance, learning materials, travel and other programme benefits.
Selected undergraduate majors at participating universities, including business, sciences and social sciences.
Eligible MENA applicants who meet the academic, graduation-year, citizenship and leadership requirements.
You do not need an IELTS or TOEFL score for the initial submission, but shortlisted applicants must meet the later English-testing requirements. Do not confuse the initial exemption with permanent exemption.
02 · CHINA · MASTER’S
Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027
Deadline: November 30, 2026, 9:00 AM Beijing time
Interested in China, international relations, economics or public policy? Peking University’s Yenching Academy offers an interdisciplinary master’s degree in China Studies, with a fellowship covering major study and living costs.
Tuition, accommodation, stipend, medical insurance, travel allowance and research-related support, subject to fellowship conditions.
China Studies, including economics, politics, law, history, literature and related interdisciplinary areas.
International bachelor’s graduates and eligible final-year students with strong academic records, English proficiency and an interest in China Studies.
Applicants with qualifying English-taught degrees may be exempt from IELTS. Prepare your research statement and arrange two eligible academic referees before completing the portal.
03 · HONG KONG · PHD
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28
Deadline: December 1, 2026, 12:00 noon Hong Kong time
Want to pursue doctoral research in Asia? The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme welcomes applicants worldwide and supports research across sciences, engineering, medicine, humanities, social sciences and business.
A substantial annual stipend and conference/research travel allowance. Participating universities may offer additional tuition and accommodation support.
Eligible PhD programmes at participating Hong Kong universities.
Prospective full-time PhD applicants who meet their selected university’s admission requirements and demonstrate academic and research excellence.
This requires two applications. Register with the Research Grants Council first, obtain your reference number, then complete your selected university’s PhD admission application.
04 · NETHERLANDS · MASTER’S
TU Delft Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarship
Deadline: December 1, 2026, 23:59 CET
If your academic background is in engineering, architecture, technology or applied science, TU Delft deserves serious attention. The scholarship supports outstanding applicants to eligible two-year MSc programmes.
Applicable tuition fees and a contribution toward living expenses, with continued support subject to academic progress.
Eligible TU Delft MSc programmes in engineering, technology, architecture and related disciplines.
Academically excellent international applicants meeting the specific MSc and scholarship requirements.
Your scholarship application must be included with the MSc admission submission. An incomplete application or missing English certificate can prevent scholarship consideration.
05 · NETHERLANDS · MASTER’S
Leiden University Excellence Scholarship
Deadline: Verify the applicable intake and faculty
Leiden’s Excellence Scholarship is worth considering if you are seeking a research-oriented university in the Netherlands and can contribute toward costs not covered by your award.
Competitive tuition-fee scholarship; not a comprehensive living-cost package.
Eligible master’s programmes across participating Leiden faculties.
Outstanding applicants to eligible master’s programmes, subject to nationality and programme restrictions.
Calculate your remaining tuition and living expenses before applying. A prestigious partial scholarship is not the same as a fully funded admission offer.
06 · UNITED KINGDOM · PHD
Ellison Graduate Scholars Programme 2027
Deadline: December 1, 2026, 5:00 PM UK time
Imagine completing a PhD at Oxford while working on research that addresses real-world challenges. The Graduate Ellison Scholars programme combines doctoral study with research projects linked to the Ellison Institute of Technology.
Full doctoral course fees and a living stipend, alongside access to EIT research facilities and mentoring.
Pathogens, plant biology, economics, materials and devices for life sciences, with separate routes for other supported research areas.
Exceptional applicants whose qualifications and research skills fit an eligible Oxford doctoral project.
The initial EIT selection and Oxford admission are separate stages. Follow the application route for your specific research area.
07 · HONG KONG · PHD
HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme
Deadline: Check the current HKU admission round
The University of Hong Kong offers prestigious doctoral funding for exceptional researchers. It is especially relevant to applicants seeking advanced research opportunities at a major international university.
A competitive doctoral funding package that may include a stipend, scholarship awards and additional university support under the applicable scheme.
Eligible HKU PhD research disciplines across sciences, engineering, medicine, business, social sciences and humanities.
Strong prospective PhD candidates who meet HKU’s research postgraduate admission and scholarship-selection requirements.
Check whether your application is being considered for HKU Presidential funding, HKPFS or both. The two programmes should not be treated as identical awards.
08 · UNITED STATES · LEADERSHIP FELLOWSHIP
Yale World Fellows Programme 2027
Deadline: December 2, 2026, 2:00 PM Eastern Time
Already established in your profession and looking to develop your leadership skills? Yale World Fellows is a four-month residential programme for accomplished leaders from around the world.
A taxable living stipend, furnished accommodation, medical insurance and round-trip travel.
Public policy, civil society, business, education, technology, media, social entrepreneurship and other leadership backgrounds.
Experienced professionals with a significant record of achievement and leadership potential. This is not an undergraduate or postgraduate degree scholarship.
Yale requires a CV, personal statement, video statement, three recommendations and a USD 20 application fee. Build your application around demonstrated impact rather than simply listing job titles.
09 · UNITED KINGDOM · MASTER’S
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027/28
Deadline: December 8, 2026, 4:00 PM GMT
For students from eligible developing Commonwealth countries, this is one of the most practical routes to a funded UK master’s degree. The key is finding an eligible course—not simply choosing any British university.
Approved tuition, living allowance, travel and other benefits under the scholarship rules.
Selected development-related one-year taught master’s courses at participating UK universities.
Citizens or eligible refugees from participating Commonwealth countries who satisfy residence, academic and financial-need criteria.
You must complete the CSC scholarship application and the relevant university admission process. Commonwealth Shared is different from the separate Commonwealth Master’s nomination scheme.
10 · UNITED KINGDOM · MASTER’S / PHD
Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027–2028
Deadline: December 8, 2026 for many international courses; some have different dates
If Cambridge is your academic destination, Gates Cambridge is worth examining carefully. The award looks beyond grades to academic fit, leadership and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
Full-cost scholarship including eligible university fees, maintenance allowance and additional benefits under programme rules.
Most eligible Cambridge postgraduate degrees, with exclusions listed by the scholarship.
Non-UK citizens applying for an eligible Cambridge postgraduate programme.
You need an academically compelling Cambridge application and the additional Gates Cambridge reference. Your course’s funding deadline—not a generic university deadline—controls when you must submit.
11 · FRANCE · GRADUATE STUDY PATHWAY
ENS–PSL International Selection 2027
Deadline: December 15, 2026, 2:00 PM Paris time
Interested in mathematics, physics, literature, philosophy or fundamental research? The École normale supérieure–PSL International Selection provides an academically intensive three-year study route in Paris.
A monthly grant of €1,000 for 36 months. Campus accommodation is available under the programme arrangements, with rent payable.
Biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, computing, history, literature, economics, philosophy, sociology and other eligible disciplines.
International applicants meeting the competition’s academic-stage, age and other selection conditions.
Choose the correct Sciences or Arts & Humanities competition and prepare for the relevant academic tests. This is not an ordinary master’s admission route.
12 · SWITZERLAND · MASTER’S
EPFL Excellence Fellowships 2027
First application-round deadline: December 15, 2026
EPFL is a strong destination for students seeking advanced education in engineering, computing and science. Its Excellence Fellowships recognise outstanding master’s applicants.
A competitive financial award. Applicants should budget for tuition and living costs not covered by the fellowship.
Eligible EPFL master’s programmes in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, life sciences and related fields.
Academically outstanding applicants who meet EPFL master’s admission requirements.
EPFL’s first admission round is especially relevant to fellowship consideration. Check the application fee, language requirements and reference-submission rules before submitting.
13 · UNITED ARAB EMIRATES · MASTER’S / PHD
MBZUAI Scholarships 2027
Deadline: December 15, 2026 for most research MSc/PhD programmes
Want to build a career in artificial intelligence? Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in Abu Dhabi offers graduate research opportunities across some of the fastest-growing areas of computing.
Eligible full-time research MSc and PhD students can receive tuition support, stipends and other benefits according to their programme and award conditions.
Machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, robotics, computer science and computational biology.
Applicants meeting the academic, English proficiency and programme-specific graduate admission requirements.
Computational Biology has a later January 22, 2027 deadline. The university’s professional master’s and undergraduate routes have different funding and application conditions.
4. Your Practical Scholarship Application Plan
Trying to prepare 13 applications simultaneously is rarely the best use of your time. A more effective approach is to select the opportunities where your academic profile and the scholarship’s eligibility rules actually overlap.
Step 1 — Choose your degree and destination.
Remove scholarships that do not support your study level, nationality or intended subject.
Step 2 — Confirm the funding gap.
Compare tuition coverage, monthly support, accommodation, airfare, insurance and any personal contribution required.
Step 3 — Prepare one reliable document folder.
Keep your CV, passport, transcripts, degree certificates, English evidence, references and programme-specific statements organised.
Step 4 — Tailor your application.
Your Gates Cambridge leadership case should not be identical to your HKPFS research proposal or your TU Delft academic statement.
Step 5 — Complete every required portal.
Some scholarships require both university admission and scholarship submission. Check the confirmation emails for each stage.
5. Five Mistakes That Can Cost You a Scholarship
Not every master’s programme participates in Commonwealth Shared or every Oxford DPhil project in Ellison funding.
English-test exemptions depend on the institution, previous education and admission route.
HKPFS and several UK scholarship routes require separate scholarship and university steps.
Calculate your actual expenses before accepting an offer.
References, payment confirmation, file uploads and portal access can all create last-minute problems.
6. Final Advice: Apply Where You Have a Real Chance
It is tempting to apply for every scholarship you see online. But a carefully prepared application to three well-matched programmes can be more worthwhile than ten rushed applications to opportunities that do not fit your qualifications.
Start with your degree level, check nationality eligibility, examine the actual funding package and then follow the application route exactly.
And if you have already missed one deadline, do not let it discourage you. Scholarship opportunities follow different calendars throughout the year. Use what you have prepared to strengthen the next suitable application.
Your next step: Choose your three strongest matches from this guide, open their detailed application instructions and begin with the earliest deadline.
Editorial note: Scholarship terms, deadlines and eligible courses can change. Always confirm the final instructions on the awarding institution’s official website before submitting an application. This article distinguishes comprehensive scholarships, partial awards and non-degree fellowships.
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