Types of scholarships in 2026 for international students

Scholarships are financial awards that cover tuition fees or ease living and travel costs for studying abroad. Some are awarded based on your academic results, while others support students who need financial help.

You’ll find scholarships offered by governments, universities, and private groups, which have their own requirements, benefits, and application processes.

As most scholarship deadlines fall 9 to 12 months before your course begins, planning ahead gives you a better chance to prepare documents and meet all requirements.

There are several main types of scholarships for international students:

1. Merit-based scholarships

These recognise academic performance, leadership, or achievements in sports and community service. You’ll be awarded for results and potential. Examples:

• Australia Awards Scholarships – for students from developing countries

• UCL Global Scholarships (UK) – for high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds

• Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars (USA)

2. Need-based scholarships

These help students who have strong potential but face financial barriers. To apply, you will usually need to provide proof of income or financial need. Examples:

• MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship – for students without cosigners or credit history

• Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships – full funding for selected master’s programs in Europe

• American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship

3. Government-funded scholarships

• National governments use these programs to attract international talent, and strengthen global education ties and cultural exchange. Examples:

• Chevening Scholarships (UK)

• Fulbright Program (USA)

• Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships

4. University-specific scholarships 

Most universities have their own scholarships for international students. Some are automatic and based on your grades, while others need a separate application. Examples:

• University of Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship

• University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships

• University of Manchester Global Futures Scholarship

• University of British Columbia International Leader of Tomorrow Award

• University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson Scholarship

5. Country or region-specific scholarships

These scholarships are designed for students from certain countries or regions. They aim to broaden access and strengthen international connections. Examples:

• ASEAN Scholarships

• Commonwealth Scholarships

• Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships (India)

• African Union Scholarships

6. Research and PhD scholarships

For postgraduate and doctoral students working on advanced research, these scholarships may include research support. Examples:

• Research Training Program (RTP) – Australia

• Gates Cambridge Scholarships (UK)

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Depending on the country you’re looking to study in, there will be different variations of government, university, and private scholarships. Here are some of the top options for 2026.

Australia

Australia places strong emphasis on attracting international students through national programs and university-funded support.

• Australia Awards Scholarships support students from developing countries.

• The Research Training Program funds research degrees.

• Many universities, such as Monash and the University of Queensland, offer merit-based awards.

United Kingdom

The UK focuses on leadership potential and academic excellence through long-established global scholarships.

• Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships support postgraduate study.

• GREAT Scholarships offer funding for students from selected countries.

The United States

Scholarship options in the US combine large federal programs with extensive university-based funding.

• The Fulbright Program is one of the largest and covers tuition and living costs.

• Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowships support professionals seeking leadership training.

• The IELTS USA Andrea Scott International Graduate Scholarship is open to international graduate students enrolling in an accredited US college or university.

• MPOWER Financing scholarships are for students studying in the US or Canada

• Many top universities, including Harvard, Stanford, and Yale, offer their own funding for outstanding international applicants.

Canada

Canada is known for its strong research focus and generous funding for high-performing international students.

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships support doctoral students with strong research potential

• University-based scholarships such as UBC’s International Major Entrance and McGill’s Entrance Awards help undergraduate students.

• Additional government-backed awards target specific regions and priority study areas

New Zealand

New Zealand provides funding for students pursuing qualifications in areas such as science, engineering, and social development.

• Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships support students from selected regions and cover tuition, living costs, travel, and insurance

• Universities such as the University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, and the University of Otago offer their own merit-based awards

Ireland

An emerging choice for international students, Ireland provides a growing range of scholarships through government and university programs.

• Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships offer full tuition and a stipend for one year of study

• Universities such as Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and the University of Galway offer entrance and academic merit scholarships

• Many institutions provide partial fee waivers for students in technology, business, and health sciences

Coverage for scholarships may vary from full to partial. Always check the official details before you apply.

Most scholarships cover one or more of the following:

Tuition fees 
Many scholarships cover full or partial tuition. Government programs and top university awards often offer the highest support.

Living expenses 
Some scholarships provide a monthly allowance to help with accommodation, food, and daily expenses. This is common in postgraduate and government-funded programs.

Travel costs 
A few scholarships include a return airfare or a relocation grant for international students.

Health insurance 
Some university and government scholarships include student health insurance for the duration of your course.

Books and study materials 
Certain programs offer a small allowance for textbooks or essential study tools.

Research support 
Postgraduate and PhD scholarships may include funding for fieldwork, conferences, or research projects.

Here is a simple summary:

Most scholarship programs open 8–12 months before the intake, so plan ahead.

1. Research early

Look for scholarships that match your study level, destination, and field of interest. Check the eligibility rules for each one, including academic, nationality, and English test criteria.

2. Prepare your documents

Most scholarship applications will ask for:

• Academic transcripts

• A personal statement or essay

• Reference letters

• Proof of income for need-based scholarships

• English test scores such as IELTS

3. Apply before the deadline

Submit your application through the official website or university portal. Take time to review every section. Incomplete forms or missing documents are common reasons applicants get rejected.

4. Track your applications

Keep a simple record of the scholarships you applied for, their deadlines, and their expected response dates. Some programs include interviews, written tasks, or portfolio reviews, so stay ready for next steps.

Tips for stronger applications

• Tailor your personal statement to each scholarship’s goals

• Highlight achievements that show leadership, impact, or community involvement

• Ask your referees early to avoid last-minute delays

• Apply for multiple scholarship to widen your chances

You can always get free guidance from an expert to write and review your application. Speed up part of your process with IDP FastLane, which can get you a provisional offer in minutes.

Most scholarships follow a similar yearly cycle. Use this sample timeline to plan your applications and stay ahead of key deadlines.

12–9 months before your intake

• Shortlist countries, universities, and courses

• Check eligibility and required documents

• Take an English proficiency test, such as IELTS, if required

• Prepare your academic transcripts

9–6 months before your intake

• Apply for university-funded scholarships

• Apply for private or external scholarships

• Write and refine personal statements and essays

• Request reference letters

• Track deadlines for rolling or late-cycle programs

6–4 months before your intake

• Complete remaining scholarship applications

• Attend interviews or assessments

• Receive outcomes from university scholarships

• Confirm your university place and scholarship offers

4–2 months before your intake

• Begin your visa application

• Arrange accommodation, insurance, and travel

• Attend pre-departure sessions

• Organise financial documents to meet visa requirements

2–0 months before your intake

• Finalise travel plans

• Prepare to arrive in your destination country

• Complete enrolment

Finding the right type of scholarship in 2026 for you takes planning, research and careful timing. The good news is that help is available at no cost. Use the Find a Scholarship tool by IDP to browse funding options by country, course, or study level to see what’s open for 2026.

The details matter in your application, and that’s where you’ll want an expert in this area to guide you. Our counsellors will take you through each step to:

• shortlist scholarships that fit your background and study goals

• review your eligibility and deadlines

• prepare key documents and guide your application process

• connect your scholarship planning with your university application

You can also use IDP FastLane to get matched to eligible universities and receive a provisional offer within minutes.

So, start early, stay organised, and use the free resources available to you. With IDP’s established track record and global network, you can prepare your scholarship application in confidence and fulfil your dream of studying abroad.

Ask an IDP expert for free help today