If you’re planning to earn your bachelor’s degree abroad, don’t limit your search to universities in the United States. Governments, universities, and international organizations offer scholarships to students from around the world.
Some opportunities cover nearly all educational and living expenses, while others provide tuition reductions or partial financial support.
Below are scholarships worth exploring for the 2027 academic year.
1. Undergraduate Scholarships Around the World
| Scholarship | Country | Award | Who Can Apply? | 2026–2027 Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship | Canada | Covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years | Outstanding international high school students nominated by their secondary school who are applying to the University of Toronto | School nomination: Oct. 9, 2026; U of T admission: Oct. 16, 2026; scholarship application: Nov. 6, 2026 |
| UBC International Scholars Program | Canada | Significant financial support based on demonstrated need; awards may cover substantial educational and living costs | International students entering their first undergraduate degree directly from secondary school, with exceptional academics, leadership, and significant financial need | Nov. 15, 2026 |
| Reach Oxford Scholarship | United Kingdom | Course fees, living costs, and one return airfare per year | Students from low-income countries who cannot study for a degree in their home country due to political or financial reasons, or because equivalent education is unavailable | Jan. 26, 2027 |
| Global Korea Scholarship (GKS-U) | South Korea | Tuition, airfare, Korean-language training, living allowance, and other benefits under the program | International students from eligible countries applying to participating Korean universities and degree programs | Varies by country and application track; check the 2027 guidelines |
| MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship | Japan | Tuition, monthly stipend, and airfare | International students who meet the Japanese government’s academic, age, nationality, and other eligibility requirements | Varies by country; embassy recruitment generally takes place in the preceding year |
| Türkiye Scholarships | Türkiye | University placement, tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, health insurance, and flight support | International students from eligible countries applying to participating Turkish universities | Typically January–February; 2027 dates not announced |
| Stipendium Hungaricum | Hungary | Tuition-free education, monthly stipend, accommodation contribution, and medical insurance | International students from eligible partner countries applying to participating Hungarian universities and programs | 2027–2028 deadline: check the official call when published |
| Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) | China | Depending on the scholarship category: tuition, accommodation, living stipend, and medical insurance | International students applying through eligible country-specific, embassy, or university routes | Varies by country, embassy, and university |
| Émile Boutmy Scholarship | France | Full or partial tuition-fee exemption; undergraduate awards may provide a full exemption or a €9,500 reduction | First-time applicants from outside the European Union applying to Sciences Po’s undergraduate program | Jan. 13, 2027 |
| NL Scholarship | Netherlands | €5,000 toward the first year of study; not a full-tuition scholarship | Non-EEA students applying for a bachelor’s or master’s degree at participating Dutch institutions | Varies by participating university; check the 2027–2028 intake |
| Carleton University Entrance Scholarships | Canada | Entrance awards vary; some are renewable and based on academic performance | International students entering an eligible undergraduate program at Carleton University | Varies by award and admission application date |
| Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program | Multiple African and international partner institutions | Comprehensive support may include tuition, accommodation, books, living expenses, mentoring, and career support | Academically talented students facing significant financial barriers; eligibility and nationality requirements vary by partner institution | Varies by university and program |
2. More About Some of the Major Opportunities
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship – Canada
One of Canada’s well-known undergraduate scholarships, offered by the University of Toronto. It supports outstanding international students who demonstrate academic excellence, creativity, leadership, and positive contributions to their school and community.
Important: You must be nominated by your high school. You cannot simply submit a scholarship application independently.
Official website: https://future.utoronto.ca/pearson-scholarships
UBC International Scholars Program – Canada
The University of British Columbia offers substantial financial support to international students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and significant financial need.
Applicants must be entering their first undergraduate degree directly from an accredited secondary school. The program has a separate application process and requires financial documentation.
Official website: https://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships-awards-international-students/international-scholars
Reach Oxford Scholarship – United Kingdom
This scholarship supports students from low-income countries who have exceptional academic ability but may not otherwise be able to afford an Oxford education.
It provides course fees, a living-cost grant, and one return airfare per year. There are only a small number of awards each year, so competition is extremely high.
Official website: https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/fees-and-funding/oxford-bursaries-and-scholarships/reach-oxford
Global Korea Scholarship – South Korea
The South Korean government offers scholarships to international students who want to pursue undergraduate degrees at participating universities.
The program generally includes a year of Korean-language training followed by the degree program. Applicants must follow the country-specific application instructions and select from approved universities and departments.
Official website: https://www.studyinkorea.go.kr
MEXT Scholarship – Japan
The Japanese government offers undergraduate scholarships to international students through embassy and university recommendations.
The undergraduate route generally includes Japanese-language preparation, tuition support, a monthly stipend, and airfare. Application schedules and available fields can differ by country.
Official website: https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/
Türkiye Scholarships – Türkiye
This government-funded program offers international students the opportunity to study at Turkish universities. The scholarship package can include university placement, tuition, accommodation, a monthly stipend, health insurance, and airfare.
Students should review the eligible countries, academic requirements, and application instructions for the relevant intake.
Official website: https://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr/
Stipendium Hungaricum – Hungary
The Hungarian government’s scholarship program supports international students studying at participating Hungarian universities. Benefits include tuition-free education, a monthly stipend, accommodation support, and medical insurance.
The scholarship does not necessarily cover every living expense, so students should plan for any additional costs.
Official website: https://stipendiumhungaricum.hu/
Chinese Government Scholarship – China
The Chinese Government Scholarship program offers several routes for international students seeking to study in China. Depending on the category and host institution, benefits may include tuition, accommodation, a living stipend, and medical insurance.
Application procedures and deadlines vary by country and university.
Official website: https://www.campuschina.org/
Émile Boutmy Scholarship – France
Sciences Po offers this merit-based scholarship to outstanding students from outside the European Union. Undergraduate recipients may receive a full tuition exemption or a €9,500 tuition reduction.
You must apply for admission to Sciences Po and request consideration for the scholarship as part of the application process.
Official website: https://www.sciencespo.fr/students/en/fees-funding/bursaries-financial-aid/emile-boutmy-scholarship/
3. Don’t Overlook University-Specific Scholarships
Not every scholarship is offered by a national government or a major international organization. Many universities have their own scholarships for international undergraduate students.
When researching universities abroad, look for:
- International student entrance scholarships
- Full-tuition merit scholarships
- Need-based financial aid
- Leadership and community-service scholarships
- Country-specific scholarships
- Departmental and faculty awards
- Scholarships for students from developing countries
For example, some universities in Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia offer international entrance awards that are automatically considered when you apply for admission. Others require a separate scholarship application.
4. Tips for Applying
- Start early. Some scholarships require you to apply to the university before submitting the scholarship application.
- Check your nationality. Not every international scholarship is open to applicants from every country.
- Research the university. Confirm that your intended major is offered and that the program is eligible for scholarship funding.
- Prepare your documents. You may need transcripts, recommendation letters, essays, proof of English proficiency, and financial documents.
- Look beyond grades. Leadership, community service, extracurricular activities, and personal achievements can be important.
- Understand the award. A tuition scholarship is not necessarily a full scholarship. Check whether housing, meals, travel, insurance, and other expenses are included.
Final Reminder
A scholarship can make studying abroad possible, but you need to understand exactly what it covers before accepting an offer.
For Ethiopian and Habesha students, I especially recommend researching government-funded programs such as MEXT, GKS, Türkiye Scholarships, and Stipendium Hungaricum, alongside university-specific opportunities.
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