Category: Blog

Your blog category

Cambridge International Scholarship 2027/28: Fully Funded

Applications for the Cambridge International Scholarship 2027/28 are now being considered through the University of Cambridge postgraduate admissions and funding process.

Officially listed as the Cambridge Trust International Scholarship, this is one of the University of Cambridge’s major funding opportunities for international PhD applicants. For the 2027/28 academic year, Cambridge currently expects to award approximately 60 scholarships to outstanding doctoral applicants from countries outside the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The current funding package includes international University fees, maintenance support, the student visa cost and the UK Immigration Health Surcharge. The scholarship normally runs for the length of the recipient’s PhD, and the Cambridge Trust may provide up to an additional six months of maintenance funding for writing up when approved.

There is no separate Cambridge International Scholarship application form. Applicants submit their normal Cambridge PhD application, indicate in the Applicant Portal that they want to be considered for funding, and meet the funding deadline for their chosen course.

The main University funding deadlines for 2027/28 are 8 December 2026 and 6 January 2027, but the exact deadline depends on the PhD course.

Students comparing international doctoral opportunities can also explore Scholarships Central’s PhD Scholarships directory and Fully Funded Scholarships directory.

Cambridge International Scholarship 2027/28 Overview

Scholarship Detail	Information
Scholarship	Cambridge Trust International Scholarship
Common search name	Cambridge International Scholarship
University	University of Cambridge
Country	United Kingdom
Level	PhD
Academic year	2027/28
Number of awards	Approximately 60
Eligible nationalities	All countries except UK and Ireland
Fee status	Overseas
Study mode	Full-time or part-time
Eligible courses	112 currently listed
College	Any Cambridge College
International tuition fees	Covered
Maintenance	Covered
Student visa cost	Covered
Immigration Health Surcharge	Covered
Writing-up extension	Up to 6 additional months of maintenance, on application
Separate scholarship form	No
Additional scholarship questions	No
Deadline	Funding deadline of chosen PhD course
Main 2027/28 University funding deadlines	8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027
Award period	Mid-February to end of July 2027

Cambridge’s live 2027/28 funding entry currently lists approximately 60 awards, 112 associated courses, full- and part-time study, overseas fee status and the funding components above.

What Is the Cambridge International Scholarship?

The Cambridge International Scholarship is a Cambridge Trust award for highly competitive international PhD applicants.

It is intended for applicants from countries other than the United Kingdom and Ireland who are highly ranked by the Cambridge department to which they apply.

The scholarship is awarded primarily on the basis of:

academic ability;
research potential;
examination results; and
references.

Cambridge explicitly states that the applicant’s financial situation does not affect selection for this particular scholarship.

This distinction is important because the Cambridge Trust manages many different scholarships, some of which have separate financial-need or partner-specific criteria.

Cambridge Trust vs Cambridge International Scholarship

The terms Cambridge Trust Scholarship and Cambridge International Scholarship are often used interchangeably by scholarship websites, but they are not exactly the same thing.

Cambridge Trust

The Cambridge Trust is the scholarship organisation.

It administers many different funding programmes for:

undergraduate students;
Master’s students;
PhD students;
specific nationalities;
particular academic fields;
partner-funded programmes.

The Trust’s 2027/28 scholarship search includes both full-cost and part-cost opportunities.

Cambridge International Scholarship

The Cambridge Trust International Scholarship is one specific scholarship within that larger portfolio.

The 2027/28 version is specifically listed for:

PhD applicants with overseas fee status from all countries except the UK and Ireland.

Therefore, a Master’s applicant may still be eligible for other Cambridge Trust scholarships, but not for this specific Cambridge International Scholarship.

Applicants can explore the broader Cambridge Trust portfolio through the official Cambridge Trust scholarship search.

Cambridge International Scholarship Benefits

The current 2027/28 award provides several major funding components.

International University Tuition Fees

The scholarship covers the recipient’s international University tuition fee for the funded PhD.

This is significant because overseas PhD tuition at Cambridge can differ substantially from Home fees and varies by subject.

The scholarship is intended to remove the recipient’s international tuition liability during the funded period.

Maintenance Support

Recipients also receive annual maintenance funding sufficient for a single person, according to the Cambridge Trust’s official scholarship description.

Cambridge does not currently publish a single fixed 2027/28 maintenance figure on the specific scholarship page.

For that reason, applicants should be cautious with third-party articles quoting older values such as £19,237 as if that were the confirmed 2027/28 Cambridge International Scholarship stipend.

The official current wording is that annual maintenance is provided at the Trust’s applicable level for a single person.

Student Visa Cost

The updated 2027/28 Cambridge funding listing explicitly includes:

Student visa cost

as one of the purposes of the award.

This is worth noting because some older descriptions of the Cambridge International Scholarship mention tuition, living costs and the Immigration Health Surcharge but omit the visa cost.

UK Immigration Health Surcharge

The award also includes the:

Student Immigration Health Surcharge

for eligible international recipients.

This is the immigration healthcare charge normally associated with a UK Student visa.

Additional Benefits

The current funding database also lists various additional benefits.

Applicants should check the terms of their individual award rather than assuming that every possible research, travel, family or relocation expense is automatically included.

Up to Six Additional Months for Writing Up

One particularly useful benefit is rarely explained in competitor articles.

The normal scholarship duration is the course length, but Cambridge states that the Trust may, on application, provide:

up to a further six months of maintenance funding

to support the final writing-up period of the PhD.

This extension is not automatic.

Scholars need to apply for it, and the Trust determines whether additional writing-up support will be provided.

How Many Cambridge International Scholarships Are Available in 2027/28?

Cambridge’s current 2027/28 funding listing states:

Approximately 60 scholarships

are expected to be awarded.

This is an important update.

Some articles still mention approximately 63 scholarships, but that was the number listed for the 2026/27 cycle.

For a 2027/28 guide, the current figure to use is therefore:

approximately 60 Cambridge International Scholarships.

Cambridge International Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

Applicants need to satisfy both the scholarship criteria and the admission requirements for their chosen Cambridge PhD.

PhD Applicants Only

The current Cambridge International Scholarship is listed at:

PhD level.

It is not the main Cambridge Trust Master’s scholarship.

Master’s candidates should search the wider Cambridge Trust database for other awards.

Nationality Requirement

Applicants may come from:

all countries except the United Kingdom and Ireland.

This makes the programme broadly international.

Eligible applicants can therefore potentially come from countries including:

Pakistan;
India;
Bangladesh;
Nepal;
Sri Lanka;
Nigeria;
Ghana;
Kenya;
South Africa;
China;
Indonesia;
Malaysia;
Saudi Arabia;
UAE;
United States;
Canada;
European countries outside the UK and Ireland;
and many others.

The applicant must also have the relevant Overseas fee status.

Prospective Applicants

The award is listed for prospective applicants.

Cambridge Trust guidance also explains that it generally does not fund students who are already part-way through a Cambridge course, unless they are progressing to a higher degree after graduation.

International students hoping for Cambridge Trust funding should therefore apply for funding during the admissions cycle rather than planning to find full funding after beginning the PhD.

Full-Time and Part-Time PhD Applicants

An unusual advantage of the current 2027/28 listing is that it includes both:

Full Time
Part Time

as eligible study modes.

This is important because many third-party scholarship articles describe the Cambridge International Scholarship as full-time only.

Cambridge Trust’s broader postgraduate policy confirms that it considers part-time applicants where the University offers the relevant course.

Applicants should still verify that their specific PhD is offered part-time.

Eligible Courses and Subjects

The Cambridge International Scholarship is broadly available across the University’s PhD portfolio.

The current funding database lists:

112 eligible courses

for the 2027/28 award.

Cambridge describes the scholarship as tenable in any subject excluding premium-rate courses.

That means it is more accurate to say:

The Cambridge International Scholarship supports a very broad range of Cambridge PhD subjects, subject to the current eligible-course list and exclusion of premium-rate courses.

rather than simply claiming that every Cambridge programme qualifies.

Applicants should check the live Cambridge Postgraduate Course Directory before applying.

Search Cambridge postgraduate courses

Premium-Rate Courses Are Excluded

Cambridge Trust guidance states that it does not normally support premium-rate programmes such as:

MBA;
Master of Finance;
Executive MBA;
Global Executive MBA;
and certain other high-cost professional programmes.

For the Cambridge International Scholarship specifically, Cambridge’s current funding entry states that premium-rate courses are excluded.

Because this scholarship itself is a PhD award, the practical effect is that applicants should rely on the official 112-course eligibility list rather than assuming every programme in the University is included.

Cambridge International Scholarship Selection Criteria

This is an academic and research-focused competition.

Academic Ability

Applicants need an outstanding academic record.

Cambridge says the scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic ability, among other criteria.

A candidate should therefore present:

strong previous degree results;
relevant advanced coursework;
evidence of research preparation;
academic awards where applicable.

Research Potential

Research potential is one of the central selection criteria.

This can be demonstrated through:

research dissertations;
Master’s thesis work;
publications;
conference presentations;
laboratory or field experience;
independent projects;
research employment;
strong PhD proposal.

The exact evidence will depend on the discipline.

Examination Results

Cambridge explicitly includes examination results among the scholarship-selection factors.

Strong grades therefore remain important even for applicants with substantial research experience.

References

References are also directly considered during scholarship selection.

Most Cambridge postgraduate applicants need two referees.

Applicants for Gates Cambridge need an additional third reference, but Cambridge International Scholarship candidates do not need a separate scholarship-specific reference.

Departmental Ranking

Applicants must also be:

highly ranked by their prospective Cambridge Department.

This is an important part of the process that many scholarship guides understate.

The scholarship is not awarded solely through a central open competition based on a separate scholarship form.

The practical pathway is approximately:

PhD application → departmental academic assessment → funding ranking → Cambridge Trust consideration → scholarship decision

Cambridge’s postgraduate funding guidance confirms that departments first assess course applications and then consider those applications for funding before relevant cases are passed to funding providers.

Does Financial Need Affect Selection?

For this particular scholarship:

No.

The official Cambridge International Scholarship listing explicitly states that the applicant’s financial situation does not affect selection.

Selection instead focuses on academic ability, research potential, examination results and references.

This is different from some other Cambridge Trust awards, which may consider financial need.

Is There a Minimum GPA?

Cambridge does not publish one universal Cambridge International Scholarship GPA cutoff.

Instead, applicants first need to satisfy the academic entry requirements of their specific PhD course and then compete on academic quality and research potential.

Therefore, applicants should avoid third-party claims such as:

“You need exactly 3.7/4.0 for the Cambridge International Scholarship.”

unless that requirement comes from the chosen course.

The correct approach is to check the individual Cambridge PhD entry requirements.

Is There an Age Limit?

The specific Cambridge International Scholarship listing does not publish a general upper age limit.

Cambridge Trust’s broader policy also states that applicants are not treated less favourably on the grounds of age.

Academic eligibility and research competitiveness matter more than age for this award.

Is There a Separate Cambridge International Scholarship Application?

No separate application is required.

The Cambridge Trust’s official scholarship page states clearly:

No separate application is required for the Cambridge International Scholarship.

Applicants apply for admission to Cambridge and must submit that application by the relevant course funding deadline.

The current 2027/28 funding database also states:

Additional questions in the Applicant Portal: No.

This is an important difference from Gates Cambridge.

How to Apply for Cambridge International Scholarship 2027/28

The application process is integrated into Cambridge postgraduate admissions.

Step 1: Choose an Eligible Cambridge PhD

Search Cambridge’s Postgraduate Course Directory and identify a PhD aligned with your academic and research background.

Check:

entry requirements;
research areas;
funding deadline;
application deadline;
English-language requirement;
supervisor instructions;
supporting documents.

Cambridge Postgraduate Course Directory

Step 2: Check the Funding Deadline

Do not look only at the general application closing date.

Cambridge explicitly says the funding deadline can be earlier than the ordinary course application deadline.

For 2027/28 entry, the two main University funding deadlines are:

8 December 2026
6 January 2027

depending on the course.

Step 3: Prepare Your PhD Application

The documents required depend on the selected course.

Cambridge states that applicants may need:

academic transcripts;
CV/resume;
two references;
research proposal;
personal statement;
English-language evidence where required;
samples of written work for certain subjects;
other department-specific documents.

Step 4: Complete the Funding Section

In the Applicant Portal, applicants who want Cambridge funding must answer:

“Yes – I wish to apply for funding.”

Cambridge Trust also states that applicants cannot be considered for Trust funding if they fail to indicate that they want funding.

This is therefore a critical step.

Step 5: Submit Before the Funding Deadline

Your complete admissions application must be submitted by the relevant course funding deadline.

Cambridge states that for funding consideration the complete application, including required references, must be received by 23:59 UK time on the relevant deadline.

Step 6: Departmental Assessment

The Department assesses:

admission suitability;
academic strength;
research potential;
funding competitiveness.

Strong applicants can then be ranked for University funding.

Step 7: Cambridge Trust Consideration

Applicants who satisfy the criteria and are strongly ranked can be considered by the Cambridge Trust for the International Scholarship and other awards for which they qualify.

There is no additional Cambridge International Scholarship essay or separate central scholarship application.

Required Documents

Because there is no separate scholarship form, the documents primarily come from the PhD admission application.

Academic Transcripts

Applicants generally need official academic transcripts showing previous university study and results.

If documents are not in English, Cambridge requires full translations prepared by a registered translator.

CV or Résumé

A CV must be uploaded through the Applicant Portal.

For a competitive PhD scholarship application, it should clearly present relevant:

academic qualifications;
research projects;
thesis work;
publications;
presentations;
employment;
technical skills;
awards.

Research Proposal

Most Cambridge research courses require a research proposal.

Cambridge says a proposal should:

identify the research topic;
explain how it extends existing literature;
establish why the question matters;
demonstrate feasibility within the available time and resources.

The exact length and format depend on the course.

References

Most applicants need two referees.

Cambridge advises applicants to nominate referees who have supervised their work and can provide credible assessments of their academic and research potential.

For recent graduates, two academic referees are generally expected.

References must be submitted by the relevant deadline.

Personal Statement

Some courses request a personal statement or statement of interest covering relevant skills, experience, academic achievement and motivation.

Written Work

Some humanities and social-science PhDs may ask for samples of academic work.

The exact requirements are shown on the individual course page.

What Do Cambridge Referees Need to Discuss?

Cambridge’s current referee guidance is unusually detailed.

Academic referees are asked to assess:

academic performance relative to peers;
originality;
creativity;
independence of thought;
suitability for the proposed course;
relevant academic and research abilities.

The written reference should normally be:

in English;
between 500 and 1,000 words;
signed and dated;
uploaded through the Referee Portal.

Because references are explicitly part of Cambridge International Scholarship selection, applicants should choose referees who can provide detailed examples rather than generic recommendations.

Do You Need a Supervisor Before Applying?

There is no single scholarship-wide supervisor rule.

Supervisor requirements depend on the Cambridge PhD.

For example, some Cambridge courses advise applicants to identify or contact a suitable supervisor, while others explicitly say applicants should not contact potential supervisors before applying or that supervisors are assigned later.

The Cambridge Trust itself does not arrange supervisors and directs applicants to their department for guidance.

Therefore, applicants should check the “How to Apply” section of their exact PhD course rather than following generic scholarship-site advice.

Is IELTS Required?

There is no universal IELTS score specifically for the Cambridge International Scholarship.

Applicants must meet the English-language requirement of the selected PhD programme.

Cambridge says international applicants may need to demonstrate English proficiency, although for many courses language-test results do not have to be submitted until after an offer is made.

The appropriate test, minimum score and exemption rules depend on the course.

It is therefore inaccurate to advertise the Cambridge International Scholarship as universally:

“without IELTS.”

Cambridge International Scholarship Deadline 2027

There is no one universal scholarship deadline.

The official funding listing says:

Application deadline: same as the funding deadline for the course.

For the 2027/28 admissions cycle, Cambridge lists the main University funding deadlines as:

Funding round	Deadline
Main funding deadline 1	8 December 2026
Main funding deadline 2	6 January 2027

Example: December 8 Deadline

Some PhD programmes use:

8 December 2026

as their 2027/28 funding deadline.

For example, Cambridge’s PhD in Pathology currently lists December 8, 2026 as the course funding deadline.

Example: January 6 Deadline

Other programmes use:

6 January 2027.

For example, the PhD in English lists January 6, 2027 as its funding deadline.

Applicants must therefore check their own programme rather than relying on a generic scholarship article quoting one date.

Course Deadline vs Funding Deadline

These are not always the same.

A PhD course may continue accepting ordinary admission applications after its scholarship funding deadline.

If you want the Cambridge International Scholarship, you need to submit by the earlier funding deadline.

Cambridge explicitly states that applicants seeking funding must check both the course deadline and funding deadline and use whichever applies earlier.

This distinction is one of the most important parts of the application process.

When Will Cambridge International Scholarship Results Be Announced?

The Cambridge Trust’s 2027/28 awarding period runs from:

mid-February through the end of July.

Most scholarship offers are made relatively early, particularly during:

February and March.

Some partner-funded awards involve additional procedures and may be decided between:

April and June.

The Trust also reallocates scholarships that are declined.

This means eligible candidates can remain under consideration for a reallocated award until the:

end of July.

If an applicant has not heard from the Cambridge Trust by the end of July, the Trust says they should assume the funding application was unsuccessful.

Unsuccessful candidates are not normally individually notified or given feedback.

Do You Need an Admission Offer Before Winning the Scholarship?

Ultimately, yes.

Cambridge Trust guidance says it can only consider applicants who:

applied by the relevant funding deadline;
indicated that they wanted funding; and
have a conditional offer of admission.

Applicants do not need to wait for an admission offer before applying for funding.

The funding request is submitted as part of the admissions application, while admission and funding decisions are processed separately.

Cambridge International Scholarship vs Gates Cambridge

These two scholarships are often confused because both fund study at the University of Cambridge.

They are separate programmes.

Feature	Cambridge International Scholarship	Gates Cambridge
Main study level	PhD	Eligible postgraduate degrees
Nationality	All countries except UK and Ireland	Applicants from outside the UK
Approximate awards	60 for 2027/28	Around 75 annually
Main selection emphasis	Academic ability and research potential	Academic excellence, course fit, improving lives and leadership
Additional scholarship questions	No	Yes
Extra scholarship reference	No	Yes
Financial need	Does not affect selection	Not a central selection criterion
Tuition	International fees covered	Full-cost scholarship
Maintenance	Included	Included
Visa/IHS	Included in current award listing	Covered under Gates package
Deadline	Course funding deadline	Gates-specific funding deadlines

Cambridge’s own postgraduate reference guidance demonstrates another difference: ordinary Cambridge postgraduate applications normally require two referees, while Gates Cambridge applicants need a third referee specifically for Gates.

For the complete Gates route, see Scholarships Central’s Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027/28 guide.

Can You Apply for Both Gates Cambridge and Cambridge International Scholarship?

Potentially, an eligible PhD applicant can be considered across Cambridge funding routes where they meet the relevant criteria.

However, Gates Cambridge has its own additional application requirements and deadlines.

The Cambridge International Scholarship itself requires no extra scholarship questions.

Applicants should complete any Gates-specific sections required in the Applicant Portal if they want Gates consideration, while also indicating that they wish to be considered for University funding more broadly.

Cambridge International Scholarship for Pakistani Students

Pakistani applicants can potentially qualify because the current Cambridge International Scholarship is open to applicants from all countries except the UK and Ireland, subject to Overseas fee status and PhD eligibility.

A competitive Pakistani applicant should focus on:

strong Bachelor’s and/or Master’s performance;
a well-developed research proposal;
clear fit with the target Cambridge department;
strong academic references;
demonstrated research potential;
meeting the course’s funding deadline.

There is no separate Pakistan quota listed for the general Cambridge International Scholarship.

Pakistani students should therefore treat it as a global academic competition.

Cambridge International Scholarship for Indian Students

Indian applicants are also eligible under the general nationality rule, provided they satisfy the relevant Cambridge PhD admission and overseas-fee requirements.

As with other countries, there is no separate general India application form for the Cambridge International Scholarship.

The application is made through Cambridge postgraduate admissions.

Can Current Cambridge Students Apply?

The Cambridge Trust generally does not support students who are already part-way through a Cambridge course.

An exception can apply where a student is completing one degree and applying to begin a higher degree afterwards.

Applicants should therefore secure funding at the point of application rather than expect to obtain this scholarship midway through a PhD.

Can You Hold the Scholarship at Any Cambridge College?

Yes.

The Cambridge International Scholarship is tenable at:

any College of the University of Cambridge.

The Cambridge Trust does not control normal College selection.

Postgraduate applicants can generally state College preferences or allow Cambridge to allocate them according to University procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Cambridge International Scholarship 2027/28 open?

The 2027/28 postgraduate admissions and funding cycle is active, and the current Cambridge funding database already lists the 2027/28 Cambridge Trust International Scholarship.

How many Cambridge International Scholarships are available?

Cambridge currently lists approximately 60 awards for 2027/28.

Is the Cambridge International Scholarship fully funded?

The current award covers international University fees, maintenance, student visa cost and the Immigration Health Surcharge, with various additional benefits also listed.

How much is the stipend?

The Cambridge Trust currently describes the maintenance award as annual support sufficient for a single person rather than publishing one fixed 2027/28 figure on the scholarship page.

Does it cover tuition fees?

Yes. International University tuition fees are included.

Does it cover the UK visa fee?

Yes. The current 2027/28 funding listing includes the student visa cost.

Does it cover the Immigration Health Surcharge?

Yes.

Can Master’s students apply?

Not for this specific Cambridge International Scholarship.

It is currently listed for PhD applicants. Master’s students may be eligible for other Cambridge Trust awards.

Can part-time PhD students apply?

Yes. The current 2027/28 listing includes both full-time and part-time study modes.

Which countries are eligible?

Applicants from all countries except the United Kingdom and Ireland can potentially qualify, subject to the other requirements.

Is there an age limit?

The specific scholarship listing does not publish a universal age limit.

Is there a GPA requirement?

There is no single scholarship-wide numerical GPA cutoff. Applicants need to meet the academic requirements of their PhD programme and rank highly on academic ability and research potential.

Is financial need considered?

The specific Cambridge International Scholarship page states that financial circumstances do not affect selection.

Do I need a separate scholarship application?

No.

Do I need a separate scholarship essay?

The 2027/28 funding database lists no additional Applicant Portal questions for this scholarship.

How many references are required?

Most Cambridge postgraduate applicants need two referees. Individual courses may have specific requirements.

Do I need a supervisor before applying?

It depends on the PhD course. Some departments encourage supervisor contact, while others assign supervisors later or explicitly discourage advance contact.

Is IELTS compulsory?

Not necessarily IELTS specifically. Applicants must meet the English requirement of their selected Cambridge PhD programme.

What is the Cambridge International Scholarship deadline?

The deadline is the funding deadline of the chosen course. The two main Cambridge University funding deadlines for 2027/28 are 8 December 2026 and 6 January 2027.

When are scholarship results announced?

The Trust’s award period runs from mid-February through the end of July, with many awards made during February and March.

What if I do not hear from Cambridge by July?

The Trust says applicants who have not been contacted by the end of July should assume that their funding application was unsuccessful.

Can the scholarship be extended?

The Trust may provide up to six additional months of maintenance funding for writing up, subject to application and approval.

Official Cambridge International Scholarship Links

Applicants should use Cambridge’s own pages for final verification before submitting.

Official Cambridge International Scholarship 2027/28 Listing

This is the most important current source. It confirms the 2027/28 cycle, approximately 60 awards, funding package, eligibility, study mode and deadline rules.

Cambridge Trust International Scholarship 2027/28 — official funding listing

Official Cambridge Trust Scholarship Page

This page explains the scholarship’s value and confirms that no separate application is required.

Cambridge Trust International Scholarship — official Trust page

Cambridge Trust Postgraduate Application Guidance

Use this for the Trust’s eligibility, funding-selection and application process.

Cambridge Trust postgraduate applicants guide

Cambridge Postgraduate Funding Guide

Use this to check the current University funding deadlines and Cambridge funding process.

University of Cambridge postgraduate funding guide

Cambridge Postgraduate Course Directory

Applicants should use the directory to check the exact PhD admission and funding deadline.

Cambridge postgraduate courses

Supporting Documents

Official Cambridge supporting-document guidance

Reference Requirements

Official Cambridge referee guidance

Related Scholarships on Scholarships Central

Students looking for other major PhD funding opportunities can also explore:

Final Thoughts

The Cambridge International Scholarship 2027/28 is one of the strongest Cambridge funding routes for international PhD applicants because the current package includes international tuition fees, maintenance, the student visa cost and Immigration Health Surcharge. Cambridge currently expects to offer approximately 60 awards across a broad range of eligible PhD programmes.

Applicants should focus on the quality of the PhD application itself rather than searching for a separate scholarship form. Academic ability, research potential, examination results, references and the applicant’s departmental ranking are central to selection. Financial circumstances do not affect selection for this particular award.

The most important practical point is the deadline. There is no universal Cambridge International Scholarship deadline. Applicants must submit their complete PhD application by the funding deadline for their chosen course. For 2027/28, Cambridge’s two main University funding deadlines are 8 December 2026 and 6 January 2027.

Applicants should therefore identify their course early, check its exact funding deadline, prepare strong references and research documents, select “Yes – I wish to apply for funding” in the Applicant Portal, and submit everything before the relevant funding cutoff.

September 18, 2026

Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship 2027/28 Fully Funded

Applications are now open for the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship 2027/28, one of the University of Oxford’s major fully funded Master’s scholarship programmes for outstanding students and early-career professionals, particularly from developing and emerging economies.

The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme covers 100% of Oxford course fees and provides a living-cost grant of at least £21,805. Scholars also participate in an intensive Leadership Programme combining ethical leadership, business skills, communication training, mentoring and professional development.

Unlike many Oxford scholarships, applicants must do more than simply submit a graduate application. They must select the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship in the Oxford application form and submit a separate Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships Statement 2027/28 by the relevant funding deadline for their course.

There is no single universal Weidenfeld-Hoffmann deadline. Applicants must apply by the relevant December or January funding deadline for their chosen Oxford course.

Students comparing Oxford funding opportunities can also read Scholarships Central’s Clarendon Scholarship 2027 guide and browse the Master’s Scholarships directory.

Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship 2027/28 Overview

Scholarship Detail	Information
Scholarship	Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme
University	University of Oxford
Country	United Kingdom
Study level	Master’s-level graduate courses
Funding	Fully funded
Course fees	100% covered
Living grant	At least £21,805
Leadership Programme	Fully included
Eligible courses	40 current Oxford programmes
DPhil/PhD eligible?	No under the core WHT scheme
Eligible applicants	Residents of countries on Oxford’s official list
Age limit	None
Work experience	Not formally required
Typical scholar profile	Many are early-career professionals with 5+ years’ experience
Application	Oxford graduate application + WHT Statement
Deadline	Relevant December or January course deadline
Interview	Likely online in April 2027
Scholarship results	By the end of May 2027
Study intake	2027/28

Oxford describes the programme as a fully funded graduate scholarship combining financial support with long-term mentoring, networking and structured leadership development.

What Is the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship?

The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship is part of Oxford’s graduate scholarship system and was established to support outstanding graduates and professionals who would otherwise struggle to finance study at Oxford.

The current Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann programme was established in 2015. Oxford contributes 40% of the scholarship funding, while supporters of the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust provide the remaining 60%.

The programme is unusual because scholarship recipients do not simply receive financial support.

They also undertake a substantial Leadership Programme designed to prepare them for positions where they can contribute to public life, professional development and positive change in their countries, regions or fields.

Oxford expects applicants to demonstrate a clear connection between:

their chosen Oxford course → their career objectives → their future contribution to public life.

Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship Benefits

The core scholarship is officially described as fully funded.

100% Oxford Course Fees

The scholarship covers:

100% of course fees

for the full duration of the recipient’s fee liability for the approved course.

Most courses supported by the programme are one-year graduate degrees.

The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust says core scholarship awards normally cover 9–12 months of course fee liability.

At Least £21,805 for Living Costs

Successful scholars receive a living-cost grant of:

at least £21,805

under the amount currently published by Oxford.

The Trust’s own FAQ also lists a £21,805 stipend for the current funding basis.

Applicants should use this current figure rather than older scholarship articles still displaying £20,780.

Leadership Programme Costs

The full cost of the individual Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Leadership Programme place is also covered under the core scholarship.

The programme contains approximately:

200 hours of professional training, discussions and cultural activities.

What Is Not Explicitly Included?

The standard funding description specifically confirms:

100% course fees;
living-cost support;
the Leadership Programme.

It does not list international airfare, visa fees or family expenses as universal benefits of the core Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarship.

Applicants should therefore not assume these costs are covered unless their specific award or partnership scheme says so.

This differs from some other UK government-funded awards. Students comparing funding packages can also review Scholarships Central’s Chevening Scholarship 2027/28 guide.

Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must satisfy both Oxford graduate admission requirements and the scholarship’s additional eligibility conditions.

Apply for a New Full-Time Oxford Graduate Course

Applicants must be applying to begin a new full-time graduate course at Oxford in 2027/28.

However, only courses specifically included in the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann eligible-course list qualify.

Be Ordinarily Resident in an Eligible Country

Eligibility is based partly on the applicant’s country of ordinary residence.

Oxford uses the nationality and ordinary-residence information entered in the graduate application to assess this condition.

The current official list is very broad and includes countries such as:

Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Turkey, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Ukraine and many others.

Importantly, Oxford maintains a specific official list. Applicants should not rely on third-party claims that the scholarship is automatically open to “all countries.”

Check the complete official Oxford eligible-country list

Intend to Return to Your Country

Applicants should intend to return to their country of ordinary residence after completing their Oxford course.

This condition reflects the scholarship’s aim of supporting scholars who will use their education and leadership development to create impact in their home countries or regions.

Demonstrate Future Public Impact

Applicants need to explain how their proposed Oxford degree connects with their longer-term career plans.

Oxford specifically expects candidates to show how their professional work could contribute to:

public life in their country of origin;
regional development; or
wider international improvement.

A generic answer such as “Oxford will improve my career” is therefore unlikely to address the central scholarship criterion.

Is There an Age Limit?

No.

The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust explicitly states that there is no age limit for applicants.

The scholarship should therefore not be confused with programmes that impose an upper age restriction.

Is Work Experience Required?

No formal minimum amount of professional experience is required.

The Trust states directly that applicants do not need previous job experience to apply.

However, there is an important distinction.

The Trust also says that the majority of WHT Scholars are early-career professionals with five or more years of employment experience.

Therefore:

Work experience is not mandatory, but substantial professional or leadership experience may strengthen an application when it supports the candidate’s impact story.

Can Current Oxford Students Apply?

Generally, no.

Oxford states that students who are already studying at Oxford are not eligible, unless they are already Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholars.

Are Deferred Offer Holders Eligible?

No.

Candidates holding a deferred offer to begin in 2027/28 are not eligible for the scholarship.

Applicants need to apply within the relevant current admissions cycle.

Can PhD or DPhil Students Apply?

No, not under the core Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship.

The Trust explicitly says its scholarships support a limited group of Master’s-level courses and:

do not support Doctorate/DPhil applications.

This is important because some third-party scholarship websites incorrectly classify the programme as both Master’s and PhD funding.

Applicants interested in Oxford doctoral funding can instead compare the Clarendon Scholarship 2027 or relevant Rhodes routes.

Eligible Oxford Courses for Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship 2027/28

Oxford currently lists 40 eligible programmes.

They are:

BCL Bachelor of Civil Law
MBA Master of Business Administration
MJur Magister Juris
MPP Master of Public Policy
MSc Advanced Computer Science
MSc African Studies
MSt Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
MSc Biodiversity, Conservation and Nature Recovery
MSc Clinical and Therapeutic Neuroscience
MSc Comparative Social Policy
MSc Contemporary Chinese Studies
MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice
MSt Diplomatic Studies
MSc Economics for Development
MSc Education (Comparative and International Education)
MSc Education (Digital and Social Change)
MSc Education (Higher Education)
MSc Energy Systems
MSc Environmental Change and Policy
MSc Evidence-Based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation
MSc Financial Economics
MSc Global Governance and Diplomacy
MSc Global Health Science and Epidemiology
MSc Health Service Improvement and Evaluation
MSc International Health and Tropical Medicine
MSt Islamic Studies and History
MSt Jewish Studies
MSc Latin American Studies
MSc Law and Finance
MSc Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing
MSc Migration Studies
MSc Modern Middle Eastern Studies
MSc Modern South Asian Studies
MSc Nature, Society and Environmental Governance
MSc Refugee and Forced Migration Studies
MSc Russian and East European Studies
MSc Social Data Science
MSc Social Science of the Internet
MSc Sustainability, Enterprise and the Environment
MSc Water Science, Policy and Management

This is the current official 2027/28 Oxford list.

Applicants should still open their chosen course page immediately before applying because Oxford course availability and deadlines are course-specific.

Search Oxford graduate courses and 2027/28 admission requirements

English Language Requirements

There is no separate universal IELTS score specifically created by the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust.

Instead, applicants must satisfy the English-language requirements of their chosen Oxford course.

The Trust confirms that Oxford courses are taught in English and that applicants may need to provide appropriate evidence of English proficiency.

Different Oxford courses can have different English-language thresholds.

Therefore, applicants should not rely on a third-party headline saying:

“Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship without IELTS.”

Whether a particular test or exemption is acceptable depends on Oxford’s current admission rules for the chosen course.

What Is the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Leadership Programme?

The Leadership Programme is one of the features that distinguishes this scholarship from a standard tuition-and-stipend award.

All WHT Scholars undertake approximately 200 hours of leadership and professional development activities over the academic year.

The Trust says the programme includes:

personal skills development;
ethical leadership;
business and entrepreneurship;
communication;
professional development;
networking;
interdisciplinary discussion.

Ethical Leadership and Moral Philosophy

Scholars participate in intensive discussions on political and moral philosophy.

They examine questions involving concepts such as:

democracy;
representation;
equality;
justice;
personal liberty;
collective security;
civic and public responsibility.

The purpose is not simply theoretical study.

The sessions encourage scholars from different countries and professional backgrounds to examine their own assumptions and understand different perspectives on leadership and public life.

Business Challenge

The Leadership Programme also includes a substantial Business Challenge.

Scholars work through:

collaborative business cases;
workshops;
expert mentoring;
venture ideas;
feasibility assessment;
business planning;
pitch development.

The Trust makes clear that the objective is not simply to turn scholars into entrepreneurs.

Instead, it aims to develop practical skills in problem-solving, collaboration, decision-making and communicating ideas.

Communication Training

Scholars receive practical communication training in areas including:

communicating impact;
negotiation;
debating;
blogging;
social media communication.

These skills are intended to complement the academic and ethical components of the programme.

Mentoring and Networking

The programme also creates opportunities for scholars to interact with professionals, academics, experts and other scholarship recipients.

Oxford describes long-term mentoring and networking as central features of the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann programme.

How Long Does the Leadership Programme Last?

The Trust states that scholarship funding normally covers the Leadership Programme from approximately:

mid-September to early July.

This means scholars may need to arrive and participate in programme activities before the normal Oxford teaching term fully begins.

Applicants should account for this when planning travel and other commitments.

Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship Statement 2027/28

The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships Statement is a crucial part of the application.

Applicants must download, complete and upload the current 2027/28 Statement together with their Oxford graduate application.

The scholarship is not based only on academic grades.

The Statement helps selectors understand the applicant’s:

leadership development;
professional ambitions;
understanding of challenges facing their country or region;
previous impact;
commitment to public service or positive change;
connection between Oxford study and future career plans.

How to Approach the Statement

Strong responses should use specific evidence.

Instead of saying:

“I am a strong leader and want to improve my country,”

an applicant should demonstrate:

problem → action → evidence of impact → lesson learned → future plan.

The scholarship criteria place particular importance on the connection between the candidate’s course and their future contribution to public life.

Applicants should therefore ensure that the Statement complements rather than simply repeats the normal Oxford personal statement.

Download the official 2027/28 Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships Statement from Oxford

How to Apply for Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship 2027/28

There is no separate external WHT application portal for the standard Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann route.

The application is integrated into Oxford’s graduate admissions system.

Step 1: Check Your Country Eligibility

Confirm that your country of ordinary residence appears on Oxford’s current eligible-country list.

Do this before preparing the scholarship Statement.

Step 2: Choose One of the 40 Eligible Oxford Courses

Only programmes on the official Weidenfeld-Hoffmann list qualify.

Check:

academic requirements;
English requirements;
required documents;
application fee;
funding deadline.

Oxford Graduate Admissions 2027/28

Step 3: Check the Course Funding Deadline

There is no single Weidenfeld-Hoffmann deadline.

Almost all Oxford courses have a December or January funding deadline, although individual dates differ.

Applications submitted at a March or later deadline are generally too late for Oxford scholarship consideration.

Step 4: Prepare the Oxford Graduate Application

Follow Oxford’s current graduate Application Guide.

Documents depend on the selected course and can include academic records, references, written work, CV and other course-specific materials.

Oxford recommends submitting the complete application at least two weeks before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day.

Official Oxford Graduate Application Guide

Step 5: Select Weidenfeld-Hoffmann in the Scholarship Section

In the Oxford graduate application, select:

Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme

in the University’s scholarship section.

Failure to indicate the scholarship can prevent consideration.

Step 6: Complete the 2027/28 WHT Statement

Download the current Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships Statement from Oxford.

Complete it carefully and upload it with the graduate application before the funding deadline.

Step 7: Submit a Complete Oxford Application

Your Oxford application and required supporting materials must be complete by the relevant funding deadline.

Oxford warns that incomplete applications may not be considered.

Step 8: Wait for the Course Admission Decision

Admission to an eligible Oxford course is necessary before a candidate can ultimately receive the scholarship.

However, there is an additional scholarship-specific rule that applicants need to understand.

Why the December or January Deadline Matters

This is one of the most important Weidenfeld-Hoffmann rules.

To remain eligible for scholarship consideration, an applicant must receive an offer after being considered in the relevant December or January application round.

Oxford explicitly states that an application will not remain eligible if it is:

held over after the December/January round for comparison with March applications; or
placed on a waiting list.

Therefore, simply submitting before the funding deadline does not guarantee that an application will remain in the scholarship competition.

Applications Held Over to March

If Oxford decides to reconsider an applicant alongside candidates from a later March round, that applicant becomes ineligible for Weidenfeld-Hoffmann consideration.

Waiting-List Applicants

Course applicants placed on a waiting list are also not eligible for the scholarship.

This rule is often omitted from third-party scholarship articles.

Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Interview 2027

Shortlisted applicants will be required to participate in an interview.

Oxford currently states that interviews are likely to be:

online in April 2027.

Candidates should be prepared to discuss:

their proposed Oxford course;
their professional trajectory;
leadership experience;
public impact;
major issues affecting their country or region;
how they intend to use their Oxford education after graduation.

The scholarship criteria suggest that selectors will be looking for consistency between the graduate application, WHT Statement and interview.

When Will Scholarship Results Be Announced?

Oxford expects Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship decisions to be made:

by the end of May 2027.

If an applicant has not received a scholarship decision by that point, Oxford says they should assume their application was unsuccessful.

Due to application volume, unsuccessful applicants are not normally contacted individually and feedback is not provided.

Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship Timeline 2027/28

Stage	Timing
Oxford 2027/28 applications	Open
Scholarship application	With Oxford graduate application
Main funding deadline	Relevant December or January course deadline
Shortlisting	After course admission/funding review
Scholarship interview	Likely April 2027
Scholarship decisions	By end of May 2027
Leadership Programme begins	Around mid-September 2027
Oxford academic year	2027/28

Applicants should always use the exact deadline shown on their specific Oxford course page.

College Allocation for Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholars

Oxford graduate students belong to both an academic department and an Oxford college.

Applicants may express a college preference or allow Oxford to allocate one.

However, the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann programme has funding partnerships with several colleges.

Because those colleges contribute toward scholarship funding, a successful candidate may be transferred to a partner college in order to take up the scholarship.

Applicants should therefore not make scholarship decisions based on the assumption that their initial college preference is guaranteed.

Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship for Pakistani Students

Pakistan is currently included on Oxford’s official eligible-country list.

A Pakistani applicant can therefore compete for the standard Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarship if they:

meet Oxford admission requirements;
apply to an eligible course;
satisfy the ordinary-residence condition;
demonstrate the required career/public-impact connection;
submit the WHT Statement;
meet the relevant funding deadline.

Pakistan is also significant because the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust has a separate partnership with the Oxford Pakistan Programme.

Applicants should distinguish the standard Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship from partnership awards because their administration or conditions may differ.

Pakistani applicants interested in other Oxford funding can also compare Scholarships Central’s Rhodes Scholarship Pakistan 2027 guide.

Weidenfeld-Hoffmann and Chevening Partnership

The Trust also operates a partnership with Chevening.

The Trust’s FAQ states that applicants seeking a WHT-Chevening Scholarship need to apply for and be admitted through both scholarship processes.

Oxford additionally states that applicants for the Chevening-Weidenfeld-Hoffmann partnership must list the University of Oxford as their first-preference university choice in the Chevening process.

Recipients are also subject to Chevening’s conditions.

For the current Chevening cycle, see Scholarships Central’s Chevening Scholarship 2027/28 application guide.

Can Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholars Bring Dependants?

Applicants planning to bring a spouse or children should check current UK student-dependant immigration rules carefully.

The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust notes that changes to UK student visa rules mean many students on taught Master’s programmes can no longer bring family members as student dependants unless they fall under an applicable exception, such as certain government-sponsored students or qualifying research degrees.

Because immigration rules can change and depend on individual circumstances, applicants should verify the current UK/Oxford visa guidance rather than relying solely on scholarship articles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship 2027 fully funded?

Yes. Oxford describes the core scholarship as fully funded. It covers 100% of course fees, provides a living grant of at least £21,805, and covers participation in the Leadership Programme.

How much is the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann stipend?

Oxford currently states that successful scholars receive a living-cost grant of at least £21,805.

What is the deadline?

There is no single universal deadline.

Applicants must submit by the relevant December or January funding deadline for their chosen eligible Oxford course.

How many courses are eligible?

Oxford currently lists 40 eligible courses for the programme.

Can PhD students apply?

No. The core WHT Scholarship does not fund Oxford DPhil programmes.

Is there an age limit?

No.

Is work experience required?

No formal professional-experience requirement exists.

However, the Trust says many Scholars are early-career professionals with five or more years of employment experience.

Can Pakistani students apply?

Yes. Pakistan appears on Oxford’s current eligible-country list.

Can Indian students apply?

Yes. India is currently on the eligible-country list.

Can Nigerian students apply?

Yes. Nigeria appears on the current Oxford list.

Is IELTS required?

Applicants must meet the English-language requirement of their selected Oxford course.

There is no one universal IELTS score set specifically by the scholarship.

Is a separate scholarship form required?

Yes, in the sense that applicants must complete the separate Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships Statement, but it is uploaded as part of the Oxford graduate application process rather than submitted through an unrelated scholarship portal.

Can current Oxford students apply?

Generally no, unless they are already Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholars.

Can someone with a deferred Oxford offer apply?

No. Candidates holding a deferred offer to start in 2027/28 are ineligible.

What happens if my Oxford application is waitlisted?

Oxford states that applications placed on a waiting list are not eligible for Weidenfeld-Hoffmann scholarship consideration.

When are interviews held?

Shortlisted candidates are expected to interview online around April 2027.

When will results come out?

Oxford expects scholarship decisions by the end of May 2027.

Official Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship Links

Applicants should use Oxford and the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust as their primary sources.

Official Oxford Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship 2027/28 page

This is the main source for current funding, eligibility, eligible countries, eligible courses, application rules, the WHT Statement, interview information and results timeline.

Official Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust FAQ

Use this for the Leadership Programme, age limit, work-experience rules, funding and partnership information.

Official Oxford Graduate Admissions page

Use this to find eligible courses and begin the graduate admissions process.

Official Oxford Graduate Application Guide

Use this for documents, references, application instructions and 2027/28 graduate admission rules.

Official Oxford funding deadline guidance

Use this to understand December/January scholarship deadlines.

Related Scholarships on Scholarships Central

Students considering Oxford and other fully funded Master’s opportunities can also explore:

Clarendon Scholarship 2027 at Oxford

Rhodes Scholarship Pakistan 2027

Rhodes Scholarship 2027 guide

Chevening Scholarship 2027/28

Fully Funded Scholarships directory

Master’s Scholarships directory

Final Thoughts

The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship 2027/28 is particularly strong for applicants who want more than funding alone.

It covers 100% of Oxford course fees, provides at least £21,805 for living costs, and adds approximately 200 hours of leadership, communication, ethical-development and business training.

The scholarship is also more selective in its purpose than a general academic award.

Applicants need to show a credible connection between their Oxford education, long-term career plans and future contribution to public life in their country or region.

The most important practical point is the deadline.

There is no single January deadline for every applicant. Candidates must identify the December or January funding deadline for their specific eligible Oxford course and submit both the complete Oxford application and the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships Statement in time.

Applicants should also remember the unusual waiting-list rule: applications held over to a later round or placed on a waiting list are not eligible for the scholarship.

September 17, 2026

Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship 2027

Applications are now open for the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship 2027, a major three-year doctoral scholarship for outstanding PhD students whose research is broadly connected to the humanities and social sciences and addresses issues relevant to Canada and the wider world.

The scholarship provides up to CAD 50,000 per year for three years toward tuition and living expenses, plus up to CAD 20,000 per year for three years for research, networking and travel. Scholars also join the Foundation’s interdisciplinary community of Scholars, Mentors and Fellows and its alumni network of more than 500 members.

The 2027 competition is open now, but applicants need to pay attention to three different deadlines. The first and most urgent deadline is October 2, 2026, when the eligibility-screening request must be submitted. References are due October 30, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. ET, and the complete application is due November 6, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. ET.

Students looking for other current doctoral opportunities can also browse Scholarships Central’s PhD Scholarships hub and PhD Scholarships Still Open 2026.

Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship 2027 Overview

Scholarship Detail	Information
Scholarship	Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship
Country	Canada
Level	PhD
Duration	3 years
Main fields	Humanities and Social Sciences
Annual stipend	Up to CAD 50,000
Research/travel allowance	Up to CAD 20,000 per year
Maximum potential support	Up to CAD 210,000 over 3 years
Canadian applicants	May study in Canada or abroad
International applicants	Must be enrolled at a Canadian university and meet the Foundation’s current residency rule
PhD stage	First or second year at time of application
Age limit	None
Application language	English or French
Eligibility screening deadline	October 2, 2026
Reference deadline	October 30, 2026, 9:00 a.m. ET
Final application deadline	November 6, 2026, 4:00 p.m. ET
Current status	Open

The Foundation’s current 2027 pages confirm the two-step process, funding structure, eligibility rules and current application deadlines.

What Is the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship?

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship is a three-year PhD scholarship designed for doctoral researchers who combine academic excellence with research that has wider social relevance.

The Foundation describes the award as more than financial assistance. Scholars participate in meetings, masterclasses, seminars, experiential learning and interdisciplinary exchanges with Mentors, Fellows and other Scholars.

The programme particularly looks for candidates who demonstrate:

academic excellence;
a strong and rigorous research project;
intellectual curiosity;
leadership potential;
commitment to society;
ability to communicate knowledge beyond academia;
willingness to engage with different perspectives and disciplines.

The Foundation states that strong applications connect the applicant’s research to major issues affecting Canada and the world and show evidence of meaningful social engagement.

Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship Benefits

The financial package has two separate components.

Up to CAD 50,000 Per Year for Tuition and Living Costs

Each Scholar may receive:

Up to CAD 50,000 per year for three years

to support tuition and living expenses associated with doctoral study.

Because the official wording says “up to” CAD 50,000, applicants should not assume that every Scholar will automatically receive exactly CAD 50,000 in every year.

The amount can be affected by other scholarship funding received by the Scholar.

Up to CAD 20,000 Per Year for Research, Travel and Networking

Scholars may also receive:

Up to CAD 20,000 per year for three years

for expenses related to:

doctoral research;
research travel;
academic networking;
Foundation programming;
other approved research-related activities.

This allowance is separate from the main tuition/living stipend.

Maximum Potential Funding Over Three Years

Based on the current annual maximums, the scholarship can provide as much as:

CAD 210,000 over three years

through a combination of the annual stipend and research/travel allowance.

However, this should be described as the maximum potential package, not a guaranteed fixed award for every Scholar, because the annual stipend can be adjusted when the recipient has other funding.

Mentorship and Experiential Learning

The scholarship also includes non-financial support.

Scholars can participate in:

masterclasses;
seminars;
meetings;
field experiences;
interdisciplinary exchanges;
interactions with Foundation Mentors and Fellows.

Alumni Network

Recipients also become part of the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation’s community and its network of more than 500 alumni.

Applicants comparing major Canadian awards can also see Scholarships Central’s McCall MacBain Scholarship 2027 guide.

Is the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship Fully Funded?

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship provides very substantial PhD funding, but applicants should understand exactly what is guaranteed.

The current programme offers:

up to CAD 50,000 annually toward tuition and living expenses;
up to CAD 20,000 annually for research, travel and networking;
funding for three years.

Because both amounts are expressed as “up to” amounts and the main stipend can be adjusted if the Scholar receives other awards, it is more accurate to describe the programme by its confirmed funding components rather than claiming that every possible personal or academic expense is automatically covered.

Students specifically searching for broad cost-coverage awards can also browse Scholarships Central’s Fully Funded Scholarships directory.

Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must satisfy several specific requirements.

You Must Be a PhD Student

The scholarship is exclusively for doctoral students.

For the 2027 competition, applicants must be in either:

the first year of their PhD; or
the second year of their PhD

at the time of application.

Students who have not yet entered a PhD or who are already beyond the eligible stage should not assume they can apply.

Canadian Student Eligibility

A Canadian applicant may be:

enrolled at a Canadian university; or
enrolled at a university outside Canada.

International Student Eligibility

International eligibility is more restrictive.

The Foundation currently states that an international applicant must be:

enrolled in a doctoral programme at a Canadian university.

Its current eligibility page also states that international students residing outside Canada or enrolled at a university outside Canada are not eligible.

This means the scholarship should not be promoted as an award where any international student anywhere in the world can first apply and later move to Canada if selected.

International applicants should check this condition carefully before completing the eligibility form.

Is There a Minimum GPA?

The Foundation does not publish one universal numerical GPA cutoff such as 3.5/4.0 for the 2027 scholarship.

Instead, applicants are expected to demonstrate:

outstanding academic achievement; and
a high level of intellectual ability.

The Foundation states that academic strength is assessed across the entire application, including academic records, transcripts and references.

Therefore, it would be inaccurate to invent a fixed GPA requirement that does not appear in the official criteria.

Is There an Age Limit?

No.

The Foundation’s current FAQ explicitly states that there is no age limit for the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship.

Eligibility instead depends on the applicant’s doctoral stage, field, university status and other programme requirements.

Eligible Fields of Study

The research must be broadly related to the humanities or social sciences.

It must also address issues relevant to Canada’s future and align with at least one of the Foundation’s four founding themes.

The four themes are:

Human Rights and Dignity
Responsible Citizenship
Canada and the World
People and their Natural Environment

The Four Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Themes

Human Rights and Dignity

This theme extends beyond traditional legal definitions of human rights.

Relevant research can examine areas such as:

civil and political rights;
economic and social rights;
health equity;
marginalisation;
Indigenous rights;
structural power imbalances;
justice and dignity.

The Foundation’s examples show that the theme can include legal, health, social and cultural research rather than only traditional human-rights law.

Responsible Citizenship

This theme addresses questions around citizenship, democracy, responsibility and participation in increasingly interconnected societies.

Topics can include:

democratic processes;
civic participation;
misinformation;
political representation;
community engagement;
social responsibility;
changing relationships between individuals and institutions.

Canada and the World

This theme explores Canada’s changing role internationally.

Potential areas can include:

international relations;
migration;
technology;
artificial intelligence;
security;
culture;
economics;
global governance;
polarization;
Canada’s relationships with other countries.

People and Their Natural Environment

This theme goes beyond environmental science alone.

Relevant research can address:

climate change;
environmental justice;
Indigenous knowledge;
ecological governance;
migration and climate;
environmental rights;
sustainability;
economic and social effects of environmental change;
technology and environmental policy.

Applicants from interdisciplinary programmes should therefore focus on whether the research question fits the Foundation’s themes rather than relying only on the formal name of their department.

Can You Hold Another Scholarship at the Same Time?

Yes.

The Foundation allows Scholars to receive other awards.

However, the value of the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation stipend may be adjusted according to funding received from other universities, organisations or institutions.

Scholars must declare their other income and scholarship support each year.

Minimum Funding Even With Another Scholarship

The Foundation states that regardless of other funding:

the Scholar retains the annual CAD 20,000 research/travel/networking allowance; and
the Scholar receives at least CAD 25,000 from the annual stipend.

This is an important detail because a Scholar who already has another doctoral award should not assume either that the Trudeau Scholarship disappears completely or that both awards will always be stacked at their maximum value.

Can Trudeau Scholars Work Part-Time?

Yes.

The Foundation currently allows Scholars to work:

up to 20 hours per week

while continuing to receive the full benefits of the scholarship.

The FAQ specifically gives examples such as:

research assistant;
teaching assistant;
lecturer;
other part-time academic positions.

This is useful for students who want to maintain teaching or research responsibilities while completing their PhD.

Reference Letter Requirements

Three references are required.

Applicants need exactly:

one reference from their PhD supervisor;
one reference from another academic referee;
one reference from a person outside academia.

PhD Supervisor Reference

The first reference normally comes from the applicant’s current thesis or PhD supervisor.

The referee should be able to speak meaningfully about the applicant’s academic background, research ability and potential.

Academic Reference

The second reference must be another academic referee.

This may be someone who knows the applicant as:

a student;
researcher;
academic collaborator; or
doctoral candidate.

Non-Academic Reference

The third reference comes from outside academia.

This person should be able to discuss qualities such as:

character;
social engagement;
commitment;
community involvement;
leadership;
impact outside university research.

This is important because the Trudeau Scholarship assesses more than academic performance alone.

What If You Do Not Have a PhD Supervisor Yet?

The Foundation provides an alternative.

If a PhD supervisor:

has not yet been selected; or
does not know the applicant sufficiently well,

the applicant may ask a former supervisor or another professor to provide the reference instead.

The Foundation strongly recommends explaining this situation in the Special Circumstances section of the application.

Can a Family Member Be a Referee?

No.

Family members cannot act as referees.

Can a Referee Live Outside Canada?

Yes.

The Foundation explicitly says that referees may live outside Canada.

Can References Be Written in French or English?

Yes.

References may be submitted in either:

English; or
French,

regardless of which of those languages the applicant uses for the main application.

Exactly How Many References Are Allowed?

Exactly three.

The Foundation states that applicants cannot submit more than three referees.

Documents and Information Required

Applicants should be cautious with third-party articles that publish long generic document lists.

The Foundation’s 2027 process begins with a short eligibility-screening form. Only after eligibility is confirmed does the applicant receive access to the complete scholarship application.

The public 2027 information confirms that the full assessment involves information including:

the applicant’s academic record;
transcripts;
doctoral research project;
evidence of academic excellence;
information demonstrating social engagement and impact;
three references.

Because the full 2027 form is only made available after eligibility confirmation, applicants should not rely on generic third-party checklists claiming that items such as passport copies, separate SOPs, IELTS certificates or other documents are universally required unless those items appear in their actual 2027 application portal.

Is IELTS Required?

The Foundation does not publish IELTS as a general scholarship requirement on its current eligibility pages.

Applicants must be able to communicate effectively in either:

English; or
French.

They do not need to be fluent in both languages.

However, this scholarship condition is separate from any English- or French-language requirements imposed by the applicant’s university or PhD programme.

International applicants enrolled at a Canadian university must still comply with their institution’s admission and enrolment requirements.

Can You Submit the Application in French?

Yes.

The scholarship application can be completed in either English or French.

The applicant must select one language and complete the application in that language.

How to Apply for Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship 2027

The 2027 scholarship uses a two-step application process.

Step 1: Confirm That You Meet the Eligibility Rules

Before doing anything else, make sure you meet the key requirements:

first- or second-year PhD student;
eligible Canadian or international status;
humanities/social-sciences-related research;
project aligned with at least one Foundation theme.

Applications that fail the eligibility criteria will not proceed.

Step 2: Submit the Eligibility-Screening Form

The first formal step is the short eligibility-screening form.

It opened on:

September 1, 2026

and must be completed by:

October 2, 2026.

Applicants can access the official eligibility portal through the Foundation:

Official 2027 eligibility and application portal

Step 3: Wait for Eligibility Confirmation

The Foundation reviews the information submitted in the screening form.

Only applicants whose eligibility is confirmed receive access to the full 2027 scholarship application form.

If the eligibility screening is not completed by October 2, the applicant cannot simply skip directly to the November 6 application deadline.

Step 4: Attend a Mandatory Information Session

Eligible applicants must participate in a mandatory information session.

The current schedule places these sessions during the:

week of October 5, 2026; or
week of October 12, 2026.

Applicants should therefore keep availability during those periods.

Step 5: Arrange Three References

Once access to the full application is granted, applicants must arrange:

PhD supervisor reference;
academic reference;
non-academic reference.

All three references must be received by:

October 30, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. ET.

Do not wait until the November 6 application deadline to request references.

Step 6: Complete the Full Application

Applicants then complete the detailed scholarship application.

The application should demonstrate:

academic excellence;
strength and rigour of the doctoral project;
alignment with one or more Foundation themes;
leadership and engagement;
ability to share knowledge beyond academia;
potential for meaningful impact.

Step 7: Submit Before November 6

The complete application must be submitted by:

November 6, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. ET.

Applicants should not confuse this final deadline with the earlier October 2 eligibility deadline.

Pierre Elliott Trudeau Scholarship 2027 Deadlines

There are three especially important deadlines.

Application Stage	2027 Deadline
Eligibility-screening request	October 2, 2026
Mandatory information sessions	Weeks of October 5 and October 12
All three references received	October 30, 2026, 9:00 a.m. ET
Complete application submitted	November 6, 2026, 4:00 p.m. ET

Which Deadline Is the Most Important?

The first deadline—October 2, 2026—is critical because applicants must successfully enter the eligibility-screening process before receiving access to the full application.

Someone who first discovers the scholarship in late October cannot simply submit a complete application by November 6 without having completed the first stage.

Important Note About Conflicting Reference Deadlines Online

Applicants may encounter conflicting dates on older pages.

The Foundation’s current FAQ contains one lower section that still displays an outdated 2025 reference-letter date.

However, the dedicated 2027 Applications page clearly states the current reference deadline as:

October 30, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. ET.

For the 2027 competition, applicants should follow the current cycle-specific 2027 page.

Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship Selection Criteria

The Foundation assesses applicants on more than grades alone.

Its current scholarship pages emphasize:

Academic Excellence

Candidates should have an outstanding academic record and strong intellectual ability.

Quality of the Research Project

The doctoral project should be:

rigorous;
compelling;
relevant to major societal issues;
connected to Canada’s future;
aligned with at least one Foundation theme.

Leadership and Social Engagement

Strong applicants show evidence of positive impact through activities such as:

initiatives;
collaborations;
leadership;
community engagement;
public contribution.

Knowledge Sharing

The Foundation also values the ability to communicate research and knowledge beyond a narrow academic audience.

Interdisciplinary Engagement

Applicants should demonstrate willingness to engage in:

dialogue;
interdisciplinary collaboration;
exchange of perspectives;
knowledge sharing.

How Competitive Is the Trudeau Scholarship?

The Foundation describes the selection process as rigorous, but its current 2027 call does not publish a guaranteed number of scholarships to be awarded.

Older Foundation announcements have referred to approximately 15 Scholars in specific previous competitions, but applicants should not assume that this is a confirmed quota for 2027 unless the Foundation explicitly publishes a 2027 number.

For the current competition, it is safer to focus on the published selection criteria rather than an unconfirmed acceptance rate.

How Is the Scholarship Paid?

After a successful application is approved by the Foundation’s Board of Directors and the Scholar completes the funding agreement and required documentation, scholarship payments begin.

The Foundation states that the annual scholarship is paid in:

three instalments per year.

This is a useful budgeting detail because the award is not necessarily paid as one lump sum at the start of each year.

Can You Take Leave During the Scholarship?

Yes, subject to Foundation approval.

Scholars may suspend the scholarship for up to:

one year

for reasons including:

parental leave;
medical leave;
personal leave;
professional leave.

Scholarship payments are paused during the leave.

Funding can resume when the Scholar returns to full-time doctoral enrolment, subject to the Foundation’s review of the individual case.

The Foundation also clarifies that Scholars are not employees of the Foundation and therefore do not receive paid parental leave from it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship 2027 open?

Yes.

The 2027 application process opened on September 1, 2026.

What is the first deadline?

The eligibility-screening deadline is:

October 2, 2026.

What is the final application deadline?

The complete scholarship application is due:

November 6, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. ET.

How much is the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Scholarship?

The award provides up to CAD 50,000 per year for tuition and living expenses plus up to CAD 20,000 per year for research, networking and travel, for three years.

Is CAD 210,000 guaranteed?

No.

CAD 210,000 represents the maximum potential value based on the published annual caps. The CAD 50,000 stipend may be adjusted if the Scholar receives other funding.

Can international students apply?

Yes, but international applicants must satisfy the Foundation’s specific Canadian enrolment and residency rules.

The current eligibility page says international students must be enrolled at a Canadian university and that international students residing outside Canada or enrolled outside Canada are not eligible.

Can a student outside Canada apply and then move to Canada?

International students should not assume this route is available.

The Foundation’s current criteria require eligible international applicants to already satisfy its Canadian university and residency conditions.

Can Master’s students apply?

No.

The scholarship is exclusively for doctoral students.

Can third-year PhD students apply?

The current 2027 criteria specify first- or second-year PhD students at the time of application.

Is there an age limit?

No.

Is there a minimum GPA?

No single universal numerical GPA threshold is published.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and intellectual ability.

Is IELTS required?

The Foundation does not list IELTS as a universal scholarship requirement.

Applicants need to communicate effectively in either English or French. University-level language requirements remain separate.

Can I apply in French?

Yes.

Applications may be submitted in either English or French.

How many reference letters are required?

Exactly three.

Can my family member be a referee?

No.

Can my referee live outside Canada?

Yes.

Can I hold another scholarship?

Yes, although the main Trudeau stipend may be adjusted based on other funding.

How much funding do I keep if I have another award?

The Foundation states that Scholars retain the annual research/travel/networking allowance and receive at least CAD 25,000 from the annual stipend.

Can I work while receiving the scholarship?

Yes.

Scholars may work part-time for up to 20 hours per week.

How often is the scholarship paid?

The annual scholarship is disbursed in three instalments per year.

Official Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship Links

Applicants should use the Foundation’s own pages for final verification and submission.

2027 Application Page

This is the most important page for current deadlines and the two-step process:

Official Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation 2027 Applications page

Official Eligibility Criteria

Use this page to check nationality, university, field and doctoral-stage requirements:

Official Become a Scholar eligibility page

Official Scholarship Benefits

Use this page for funding, programme benefits and selection principles:

Official Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship page

Official FAQ

This page contains rules on other awards, employment, references, languages, payment instalments and leave:

Official Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation FAQ

Four Founding Themes

Applicants can review the themes and examples of relevant research here:

Official Four Founding Themes page

Official Application Portal

The Foundation’s 2027 page links applicants to its SmartSimple eligibility/application system:

Official Pierre Elliott Trudeau application portal

Related Scholarships on Scholarships Central

Students exploring other doctoral and Canadian opportunities can also use:

Final Thoughts

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship 2027 is particularly attractive for doctoral students whose work combines strong academic research with wider social relevance.

Its financial package can provide substantial support for three years, but the Foundation is clearly looking for more than high grades. Successful applicants need to demonstrate a rigorous doctoral project, alignment with the Foundation’s themes, intellectual strength, leadership, engagement and an ability to communicate research beyond academia.

The most important practical point is the application sequence.

Do not treat November 6 as the only deadline.

Applicants first need to complete the eligibility-screening stage by October 2, 2026, attend a mandatory information session if confirmed eligible, ensure all three references arrive by October 30 at 9:00 a.m. ET, and then submit the full application by November 6 at 4:00 p.m. ET.

September 16, 2026

Murdoch University RTP Scholarship 2027: AUD 37,000 Stipend

Applications are now open for the Murdoch University RTP Scholarship 2027 for international students seeking a Master’s by Research or doctoral degree in Australia.

The Research Training Program (RTP) stipend at Murdoch University is a competitive Australian Government-supported research scholarship. For the 2027 international scholarship round, successful recipients receive a tax-exempt living allowance of AUD 37,000 per year.

The scholarship supports eligible full-time higher-degree-by-research students for up to two years for a Master’s degree or 3.5 years for a doctoral degree. Selection is based on academic merit, previous research experience and research potential.

The international application round opened on 1 July 2026 and closes on:

30 September 2026

International applicants should not wait until the deadline to start. Murdoch requires prospective international research students to first complete an Expression of Interest (EOI), identify an appropriate research area, and normally find a potential supervisor before proceeding with the formal research-degree application.

Students looking for other currently available doctoral opportunities can also browse Scholarships Central’s PhD Scholarships Still Open 2026.

Murdoch University RTP Scholarship 2027 Overview

Scholarship Detail	Information
Scholarship	Research Training Program Stipend
Common name	Murdoch University RTP Scholarship
University	Murdoch University
Country	Australia
Funding provider	Australian Government / Federal Government
Study level	Higher Degree by Research
Eligible degrees	Research Master’s and Doctoral
Eligible applicants	International students
Study mode	Full-time
Annual stipend	AUD 37,000
Tax status	Tax-exempt living allowance
Master’s duration	2 years
Doctoral duration	3.5 years
Selection	Academic merit, research experience and/or potential
Opening date	1 July 2026
Deadline	30 September 2026
Application status	Open

Murdoch University’s official 2027 international RTP page confirms the stipend amount, international eligibility, degree duration and September deadline.

What Is the Murdoch University RTP Scholarship?

The Murdoch University RTP Scholarship forms part of Australia’s Research Training Program, which supports eligible higher-degree-by-research students.

At Murdoch, the international 2027 competition is specifically advertised as a Research Training Program Stipend.

The scholarship is intended for candidates undertaking research degrees rather than ordinary coursework programmes.

Applicants are competitively ranked according to:

academic merit;
research experience; and
research potential.

This means satisfying Murdoch’s minimum admission requirements does not automatically result in a scholarship.

Applicants are competing against other research candidates for a limited number of awards.

For comparison with another major Australian research award, Scholarships Central has a complete University of Sydney RTP Scholarship 2027 guide.

Murdoch University RTP Scholarship Benefits

The principal benefit officially published for the 2027 international competition is the annual living stipend.

AUD 37,000 Annual Stipend

Successful scholarship recipients receive:

AUD 37,000 per year

as a tax-exempt living allowance.

This is the amount currently published specifically for the 2027 international scholarship round.

Unlike some Australian universities that still display a previous year’s indexed stipend, Murdoch’s scholarship listing directly labels the current round as the 2027 scholarship round and lists the scholarship value as AUD 37,000 per year.

Scholarship Duration

Murdoch University lists the funding periods as:

2 years for a Master’s degree; and
3.5 years for a doctoral degree.

Applicants should remember that scholarship duration and the total time taken to complete a research degree are not necessarily identical.

Is the Murdoch University RTP Scholarship Fully Funded?

This question requires careful wording.

Some scholarship websites describe the Murdoch RTP Scholarship as simply “fully funded.”

However, Murdoch University’s official international RTP stipend page specifically confirms:

a AUD 37,000 annual tax-exempt living allowance;
two years of stipend support for Master’s students; and
3.5 years for doctoral students.

The scholarship listing does not itself state that every international RTP stipend recipient automatically receives airfare, accommodation, relocation costs, family expenses, or every other possible study expense.

Murdoch separately explains that international tuition fees depend on the student’s circumstances and course, while RTP-related fee arrangements need to be confirmed under the applicable award and offer conditions.

Therefore, the safest wording is:

The Murdoch University RTP Scholarship 2027 officially guarantees a AUD 37,000 annual stipend for successful international recipients. Applicants should check their individual scholarship offer and RTP conditions for any tuition-fee offset or additional benefits.

Do not assume benefits that are not included in the official offer.

Students who specifically want scholarships with broader cost coverage can compare options through Scholarships Central’s Fully Funded Scholarships directory.

Murdoch University RTP Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be full-time students and meet the admission requirements of the relevant Murdoch University Higher Degree by Research.

The scholarship page identifies the following academic backgrounds as eligible.

First Class Honours

Applicants with a First Class Honours degree can satisfy the academic requirement, subject to the requirements of the proposed research degree.

Upper Second-Class Honours

Murdoch also identifies:

H2A or equivalent

as an eligible academic background.

This is broadly an upper-second-class honours standard.

Master’s by Research

A recognised Master’s degree by research can also provide an eligible pathway.

Master’s With a Significant Thesis

Applicants with a Master’s degree containing a significant thesis component may also meet the scholarship requirement.

Admission eligibility and scholarship competitiveness should not be confused.

A candidate can satisfy the academic threshold but still not rank highly enough to receive an RTP stipend.

Can You Apply Without First Class Honours?

Potentially, yes.

Murdoch University’s broader research admission guidance allows research experience and other academic achievements to help demonstrate research readiness.

Applicants without an Honours degree may be asked to provide evidence such as:

a substantial thesis;
previous research experience equivalent to a substantial research project;
thesis or dissertation examiner reports;
academic honours;
professional or fellowship memberships;
publications;
relevant professional research experience.

This is particularly important for applicants who completed degrees in countries where the Australian Honours classification system is not normally used.

Murdoch assesses overseas qualifications for equivalence rather than requiring every international degree certificate to literally state “First Class Honours.”

Research Experience and Publications

Research experience can strengthen both admission and scholarship competitiveness.

Murdoch asks applicants using publications as evidence of research capability to provide useful bibliographic information.

For jointly authored publications, candidates should explain their own contribution.

Relevant outputs can include:

peer-reviewed journal articles;
conference papers;
academic publications;
significant research projects;
dissertations;
research reports;
other discipline-relevant scholarly outputs.

Murdoch’s research application guidance specifically asks candidates to explain how relevant publications contribute to or relate to their proposed research.

This means applicants should not simply attach a long publication list.

They should make the connection between their previous work and future research direction clear.

Eligible Degrees for the Murdoch University RTP Scholarship

The scholarship is for higher degrees by research.

The two main categories are:

Master’s by Research

Eligible research Master’s candidates can receive the stipend for up to:

2 years

Doctoral Degree

Eligible doctoral candidates can receive stipend support for up to:

3.5 years.

Applicants should check the exact entry requirements for their proposed research programme because requirements can differ between disciplines.

Murdoch provides research opportunities across a variety of academic fields rather than limiting the RTP competition to one subject.

Students looking specifically for doctoral funding can also browse Scholarships Central’s PhD Scholarships directory.

Do You Need a Supervisor for the Murdoch University RTP Scholarship?

Finding a suitable potential supervisor is an important part of the Murdoch research application process.

Murdoch states that prospective postgraduate research applicants should find and nominate a potential supervisor before applying.

The university recommends speaking with a potential supervisor in advance because this can help confirm that:

an appropriate academic is available;
the academic’s expertise matches the proposed project;
the research topic is viable; and
the initial research idea can be developed into a stronger proposal.

How to Find a Murdoch Supervisor

Murdoch provides a searchable research-expert system for prospective students.

Applicants should ideally look for academics whose recent work closely matches:

the proposed research question;
methodology;
discipline;
technical expertise; or
intended research environment.

Use Murdoch’s official guidance here:

Murdoch University – Finding a Supervisor

A generic email sent to dozens of academics is unlikely to be as effective as a short, targeted message demonstrating genuine research fit.

Expression of Interest for International Applicants

This is one of the most important requirements that many scholarship summaries fail to explain.

International research applicants must submit an Expression of Interest before formally applying for admission.

Murdoch uses the EOI to assess:

the applicant’s qualifications;
suitability for higher-degree research;
proposed research direction;
availability of an advisory team;
research facilities;
project resources; and
institutional capacity to support the proposed research.

If the EOI is successful, the applicant may then be invited to submit a formal application.

Is the EOI the Final Application?

No.

The EOI is a preliminary assessment.

Murdoch’s EOI documentation specifically explains that it is not the formal admission application.

International students therefore need to plan for multiple stages rather than assuming the RTP process consists of a single online scholarship form.

Research Proposal Requirement

Applicants need a clear research topic and a research proposal.

Murdoch states that prospective research candidates should choose their proposed research topic and prepare a proposal before submitting their research application.

The proposal should demonstrate that the applicant understands:

the research problem;
why the problem matters;
the existing academic context;
the proposed research objectives;
the research methods that may be used;
the feasibility of the project; and
how the research fits Murdoch’s expertise and facilities.

A strong research proposal is particularly important in a competitive scholarship because it gives reviewers evidence of the applicant’s research maturity and potential.

Documents Required for Murdoch University RTP Scholarship 2027

There are two related document sets applicants need to understand:

documents required specifically for the RTP scholarship competition; and
documents required for admission to a Murdoch higher degree by research.

Scholarship Documents

The official RTP scholarship page specifically lists:

completed online application form;
completed referee report.

However, this should not be mistaken for the complete research admission document list.

Research Degree Application Documents

Murdoch’s research application guidance requires broader supporting documentation.

International applicants may need:

academic transcripts;
degree certificates;
grading-system explanations/keys for overseas qualifications;
certified English translations where documents are not already in English;
passport or birth certificate;
English-language test results where applicable;
current CV;
research proposal;
referee reports;
other programme-specific supporting documents.

Applicants should therefore prepare the complete research application rather than relying only on the short two-item checklist shown on the scholarship listing.

Academic Transcripts and Grading System

International applicants whose qualifications were completed outside Australia should provide their official academic records.

Murdoch specifically asks for:

transcripts;
certificates; and
the key to the grading system used for overseas qualifications.

The grading key helps Murdoch interpret marks from international universities whose grading structures differ from Australian classifications.

Applicants should therefore avoid submitting only a transcript without the grading explanation where the grading scale is not obvious.

Certified English Translations

Documents not issued in English must be accompanied by the required certified English translation.

Applicants should retain the original-language document as well as the translation.

CV Requirements

Applicants must submit a current curriculum vitae.

For a research scholarship, the CV should emphasise academically relevant information such as:

university education;
thesis title;
research experience;
laboratory or field experience;
publications;
conference presentations;
research employment;
awards;
scholarships;
technical skills;
relevant professional experience.

Murdoch specifically uses the CV as part of its broader assessment of an applicant’s research experience.

Murdoch RTP Referee Report

Referee reports are important for both research admission and scholarship assessment.

Murdoch recommends selecting referees who know the applicant’s recent academic work and can meaningfully assess future research potential.

Senior academics are preferred where appropriate.

Who Should Be Your Referee?

An ideal academic referee could be:

thesis supervisor;
research project supervisor;
university professor;
senior academic familiar with your research;
another qualified person able to evaluate your research ability.

The referee should be able to comment on more than simply the applicant’s classroom grades.

How Is the Referee Report Submitted?

Murdoch states that referee reports are confidential and should be sent directly by the referee to the Graduate Research Office.

They must arrive before the relevant application deadline.

Applicants should therefore contact referees well before September 30.

Waiting until the final days creates the risk that an otherwise complete application could be delayed by a missing referee report.

What Does the Murdoch RTP Referee Assess?

The Murdoch research referee process evaluates qualities relevant to postgraduate research.

These can include an applicant’s:

research potential;
intellectual ability;
analytical skills;
written communication;
oral communication;
initiative;
interpersonal skills;
previous research experience.

This is why applicants should select someone who has genuinely supervised or observed their academic/research work rather than simply choosing the most senior person they know.

Is IELTS Required for Murdoch University RTP Scholarship?

There is no separate IELTS requirement created specifically by the RTP stipend.

Instead, applicants must satisfy Murdoch University’s English-language requirements for the research programme.

Murdoch accepts several ways of demonstrating English proficiency, depending on the course and applicant’s academic background.

For a number of Murdoch higher-degree-by-research programmes, the published requirement is equivalent to:

IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0.

However, some programmes can have higher English requirements.

Therefore, applicants should check their specific research degree before booking IELTS or another language test.

It would be inaccurate to advertise the Murdoch University RTP Scholarship universally as a “scholarship without IELTS.”

How to Apply for Murdoch University RTP Scholarship 2027

International applicants should treat the process as a combination of research preparation, admission and scholarship application.

Step 1: Check Research Degree Eligibility

First confirm that your academic qualifications meet the admission requirements for your intended research degree.

Applicants will generally need a strong Honours qualification, research Master’s degree, or equivalent research preparation.

Step 2: Choose a Research Topic

Identify a research problem that matches:

your previous academic background;
your research skills;
Murdoch University’s research strengths; and
available supervision.

Step 3: Find a Potential Supervisor

Use Murdoch’s researcher/supervisor resources to identify an academic whose expertise fits your project.

Murdoch recommends discussing the proposed research with a potential supervisor before submitting the application.

Step 4: Prepare Your Research Proposal

Develop the proposed project into a clear research proposal.

Murdoch expects applicants to have a research topic and proposal before proceeding with the formal research application.

Step 5: Submit the International Expression of Interest

International students must complete Murdoch’s EOI process.

A successful EOI can lead to an invitation to make the formal research-degree application.

Step 6: Prepare Your Documents

Prepare:

CV;
transcripts;
degree certificates;
grading-system key;
certified translations if needed;
identity document;
English-language evidence if applicable;
research proposal;
referee arrangements;
scholarship documents.

Step 7: Complete the Formal Research Application

Once invited to proceed, submit the formal application with the required supporting documentation.

Murdoch processes research applications through its admissions system.

Step 8: Submit the RTP Scholarship Application

Follow the online scholarship application instructions provided on Murdoch’s official international RTP scholarship page.

Make sure the correct 2027 international RTP competition is selected.

Step 9: Ensure the Referee Report Arrives

Do not assume that submitting your own documents completes the application.

Your referee should submit the required confidential report in accordance with Murdoch’s instructions before the deadline.

Step 10: Submit Before September 30, 2026

The international RTP deadline is:

30 September 2026.

Because the process includes supervisor identification, an EOI, a research proposal, admission documentation and referee involvement, applicants should begin substantially earlier.

Murdoch University RTP Scholarship Selection Criteria

The official scholarship page identifies three major factors:

Academic Merit

Strong previous academic performance remains important.

Applicants with First Class Honours, H2A-equivalent qualifications or strong research Master’s degrees are particularly well aligned with the stated academic requirements.

Research Experience

Previous evidence of genuine research can strengthen the application.

Examples may include:

thesis research;
publications;
research employment;
research projects;
conference work;
laboratory or field research.

Research Potential

Murdoch also evaluates the applicant’s capacity to successfully undertake advanced research.

Research potential can be demonstrated through the proposal, previous research outputs, referee reports and the overall academic record.

Applicants should therefore view the competition as more than a GPA-based scholarship.

Murdoch University RTP Scholarship Deadline 2027

The official international schedule is:

Event	Date
Applications open	1 July 2026
International application deadline	30 September 2026
Funding year	2027

International vs Domestic Deadline

The international and domestic RTP competitions are different.

The current scholarship directory lists:

International RTP deadline: September 30, 2026
Domestic RTP deadline: October 31, 2026

International applicants should therefore not use October 31 as their deadline.

When Can Research Students Start at Murdoch?

Murdoch explains that research degrees based on a standalone research project, such as many PhDs, may generally commence at different points throughout the year.

Research programmes containing coursework may instead require students to begin at the start of an academic semester.

The exact commencement date should ultimately be confirmed in the applicant’s admission and scholarship offer.

Can International Students Apply?

Yes.

The current 2027 competition is specifically listed for:

International students.

No nationality list is published on the main scholarship page.

Applicants must nevertheless meet Australian visa requirements and Murdoch’s research-degree admission criteria.

Can Pakistani, Indian, Nigerian or Other International Students Apply?

The official scholarship page categorises eligibility by international student status, rather than restricting the competition to a short list of nationalities.

Therefore, qualified applicants from countries such as Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Nepal and other international locations can potentially apply if they satisfy the academic, research and admission requirements.

Applicants should always confirm their individual eligibility through Murdoch’s official application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Murdoch University RTP Scholarship 2027 open?

Yes. Murdoch states that its 2027 international RTP scholarship round is open.

Applications opened on July 1, 2026 and close September 30, 2026.

What is the Murdoch University RTP Scholarship stipend?

The official 2027 scholarship value is:

AUD 37,000 per year as a tax-exempt living allowance.

What is the Murdoch RTP Scholarship deadline?

International applications close on:

30 September 2026.

Can international students apply?

Yes. The current competition is specifically designated for international students.

Can Master’s students apply?

Yes. Eligible research Master’s students can receive stipend support for up to two years.

Can PhD students apply?

Yes. Doctoral students are eligible, with the stipend duration listed as 3.5 years.

Does Murdoch RTP cover tuition?

The official international stipend page directly guarantees the AUD 37,000 living allowance but does not state on that page that every recipient automatically receives all tuition and other costs.

International applicants should verify any RTP fee-offset support in their formal scholarship offer and applicable conditions.

Is Murdoch RTP fully funded?

It provides substantial research funding through the AUD 37,000 annual stipend. However, applicants should not assume airfare, accommodation, family support, relocation and every tuition expense are automatically covered unless stated in their individual award.

Do I need a supervisor?

Murdoch recommends identifying and speaking to an appropriate potential supervisor before applying for a research degree.

Do international applicants need an EOI?

Yes. International research applicants must submit an Expression of Interest and be invited to proceed with the formal application.

Do I need a research proposal?

Yes. Murdoch’s research application guidance requires applicants to have a research topic and prepare a research proposal.

Is IELTS required?

Applicants must satisfy the English-language requirement of their specific research programme. Several research programmes list IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no component below 6.0, although programme-specific requirements may differ.

Is there an age limit?

The official international RTP scholarship page does not publish a general age restriction.

Can I apply without publications?

The official scholarship criteria do not state that publications are mandatory.

Publications can, however, strengthen evidence of research experience and potential.

Can I apply without First Class Honours?

Applicants with H2A-equivalent qualifications, research Master’s degrees or a Master’s containing a substantial thesis may satisfy the published academic requirements. Other research experience may also be relevant to research-degree admission.

Murdoch RTP vs University of Sydney RTP

International applicants interested in Australia may consider applying to multiple research universities.

The University of Sydney’s RTP programme currently offers a different funding package and application timetable, including a higher published 2026 stipend rate and explicit tuition and OSHC provisions for qualifying international recipients.

Read the complete comparison opportunity through Scholarships Central’s University of Sydney RTP Scholarship 2027 guide.

Murdoch RTP vs University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships

The University of Melbourne is another major Australian research-scholarship destination.

Its Graduate Research Scholarships include both RTP and Melbourne Research Scholarship funding, with eligible awards providing tuition offsets and living allowances.

Applicants can compare the funding and application structure in Scholarships Central’s University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships 2027 guide.

Official Murdoch University RTP Scholarship Links

Applicants should always verify the scholarship immediately before submission because requirements and forms can change.

Official Scholarship Page

Use Murdoch University’s official 2027 international RTP page for the scholarship value, deadline, eligibility and current application instructions:

Murdoch University Research Training Program Stipends – International Students

Research Degree Application Guide

For research proposal, documents, referees and international research admission:

Murdoch University – Apply for a Research Degree

Research Entry Requirements

For international EOI and research admission information:

Murdoch University Research Entry Requirements

Related Scholarships on Scholarships Central

Applicants looking for additional research funding can also explore:

Final Thoughts

The Murdoch University RTP Scholarship 2027 is a strong option for international students with substantial previous research preparation who want to pursue a Master’s by Research or PhD in Australia.

The confirmed AUD 37,000 tax-exempt annual stipend is attractive, but prospective applicants should focus just as much on the research application process as on the funding.

International applicants need to think about their:

research topic;
supervisor fit;
Expression of Interest;
research proposal;
academic record;
research experience;
referee report; and
English-language requirements.

The official international deadline is 30 September 2026. Because an international research application can involve several stages before formal submission, candidates should begin the EOI, supervisor search and research-proposal preparation as early as possible.

September 15, 2026

University of Queensland RTP Scholarship 2027 Apply Fast

Applications are currently open for the University of Queensland RTP Scholarship 2027 international round, offering competitive research funding to international students pursuing a PhD, Master of Philosophy (MPhil), or eligible research-focused professional doctorate in Australia.

The University of Queensland officially lists these awards under the Graduate Research School Scholarships (UQGRSS), which include Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships and UQ research scholarships.

For international applicants, the current scholarship package includes a tax-free living stipend of AUD 39,220 per year at the published 2026 rate, with the amount indexed annually. Eligible international scholarship recipients can also receive tuition-fee support and single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

The current international scholarship round opened on 20 August 2026 and closes on 19 October 2026 for applicants intending to commence in Research Quarter 4 of 2027 or early 2028.

Students comparing Australian research opportunities should also review Scholarships Central’s University of Sydney RTP Scholarship 2027 guide and University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships 2027 guide.

University of Queensland RTP Scholarship 2027 Overview

Scholarship Detail	Information
Scholarship	UQ Graduate Research School Scholarships including RTP
Common search name	University of Queensland RTP Scholarship
University	University of Queensland
Country	Australia
Degree level	PhD, MPhil, eligible research professional doctorates
Eligible students	Domestic and international
International round status	Open
Current stipend	AUD 39,220/year
Stipend rate	Published 2026 rate; indexed annually
Tuition fees	Tuition-fee scholarship/offset available for selected recipients
Health insurance	Single OSHC for eligible international recipients
International round opened	20 August 2026
International deadline	19 October 2026
Intended commencement	Research Quarter 4, 2027 or early 2028
Scholarship selection	Competitive
Separate scholarship application for new applicants	Generally no

UQ categorises the scholarship as providing both living-stipend and tuition-fee funding. The university also states that the number of scholarships awarded may vary each round.

What Is the University of Queensland RTP Scholarship?

The University of Queensland RTP Scholarship is part of UQ’s broader Graduate Research School scholarship system for higher degree by research students.

Funding can come through the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) or through UQ’s own research training scholarship funding.

Importantly, UQ states that the Australian Government RTP Scholarship and the UQ Research Training Scholarship use a similar competitive selection process and operate under substantially the same scholarship conditions.

These scholarships support candidates undertaking research degrees including:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
eligible research-focused professional doctorates

The scholarships are available across UQ’s research disciplines rather than being limited to one faculty or subject area.

University of Queensland RTP Scholarship Benefits

The University of Queensland RTP Scholarship can provide a combination of living-cost support, tuition-fee funding and health insurance for eligible international students.

AUD 39,220 Annual Stipend

The current published UQ Graduate Research School Scholarship stipend is:

AUD 39,220 per year, tax-free

This is the 2026 published rate, not yet a confirmed 2027 amount.

UQ states that the stipend is indexed annually, meaning the rate may change from January 2027.

For accuracy, applicants should therefore avoid assuming that AUD 39,220 will necessarily remain the exact stipend throughout 2027.

Tuition Fee Coverage

UQ’s scholarship framework includes tuition-fee offset scholarships.

For international candidates, the Graduate Research School conducts a competitive process to award both:

living-allowance stipends; and
tuition-fee offsets.

A tuition-fee offset removes the recipient’s tuition-fee liability during the approved scholarship period.

Overseas Student Health Cover

International recipients intending to study in Australia on a student visa can receive an allowance for single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

The scholarship policy states that this covers single membership only. Upgrading the scholarship-funded cover to dual-family or multi-family coverage is not included under these provisions.

University of Queensland RTP Scholarship Duration

Scholarship duration depends on the research degree.

PhD Students

For a Doctor of Philosophy, the standard living stipend duration is:

3.5 years full-time equivalent

The tuition-fee offset also normally covers 3.5 years, with a possible tuition-fee extension of up to six months under the applicable completion rules.

MPhil Students

For a Master of Philosophy, both the standard stipend and tuition-fee offset normally run for:

2 years full-time equivalent.

Professional Doctorates

For eligible research professional doctorates, duration follows the period specified in the relevant programme rules.

University of Queensland RTP Scholarship Eligibility

Applicants must satisfy both the scholarship requirements and UQ’s admission requirements for their selected higher degree by research.

At the scholarship level, an applicant must:

be nominated by an enrolling UQ school or institute; and
be assessed by the Graduate Research School as meeting the conditions for admission to the relevant higher degree by research.

However, being eligible does not guarantee a scholarship.

The international scholarship round is competitive, and applicants are ranked against other strong research candidates.

PhD Academic Requirements

Applicants targeting a UQ PhD must have an approved qualification relevant to the proposed research area and demonstrate sufficient research preparation.

UQ lists several possible academic routes.

Research Master’s Degree

An applicant may qualify with:

a Master of Philosophy; or
another recognised research Master’s degree.

Bachelor’s Degree With Honours

Applicants may also qualify with an approved Bachelor’s degree with at least:

Honours Class IIA or equivalent.

Coursework Master’s Degree

Another pathway is an approved coursework Master’s degree with:

GPA 5.65 on UQ’s 7-point scale

combined with relevant research experience.

UQ can also assess some other academic combinations individually where the applicant demonstrates substantial research experience.

For example, a Bachelor’s degree without honours may potentially be considered alongside at least two years of relevant research experience.

What Counts as Research Experience?

Research experience can include evidence such as:

a supervised research project;
substantial research coursework;
peer-reviewed publications;
academic or technical research reports;
relevant creative research outputs; or
significant industry research/project experience demonstrating independent planning and execution.

This matters because the University of Queensland RTP Scholarship is not based on GPA alone.

Research capability is explicitly part of scholarship selection.

Do You Need a Supervisor for the University of Queensland RTP Scholarship?

Yes, supervisor support is an important part of UQ’s research-degree application process.

Before applying, candidates should identify a potential supervisor whose expertise aligns with their proposed research project.

The application begins with an Expression of Interest (EOI).

If the nominated supervisor supports the EOI, the applicant can then be invited to submit the final research-degree application.

Applicants should therefore start contacting or researching suitable supervisors well before the October deadline rather than treating October 19 as the date to begin preparing.

University of Queensland RTP Scholarship Application Process

New international applicants do not normally submit a separate RTP scholarship form.

Instead, scholarship consideration is integrated into the research-degree application process.

Step 1: Check Your PhD or MPhil Eligibility

Confirm that your qualifications meet UQ’s academic and English-language requirements.

Step 2: Identify a Suitable Supervisor

Find a UQ researcher whose expertise aligns with your proposed research area.

A relevant supervisory match is important because UQ evaluates not only the applicant but also the quality of the proposed research environment and advisory team.

Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents

Prepare the academic and research documents required for the Expression of Interest.

Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest

Submit the EOI for the preferred higher degree by research programme.

In the scholarship/sponsorship section, applicants seeking this UQ scholarship route follow the scholarship instructions given in the application.

UQ states that a separate scholarship application is not required for new applicants.

Step 5: Supervisor Reviews the EOI

The proposed supervisor and relevant academic area assess whether they are willing and able to support the proposed project.

Step 6: Submit the Final Application

Applicants whose EOI is supported will be invited to submit the full application.

The full application and required documents must be completed within the relevant scholarship round deadline.

Documents Required for the UQ RTP Application

The initial Expression of Interest requires several important pieces of information.

Applicants must provide details including:

proposed supervisor;
scholarship information;
previous academic qualifications;
referees; and
English-language proficiency.

They must also upload documents including:

academic CV/résumé;
English-language evidence where required;
academic transcripts; and
degree certificates.

Additional requirements can vary by faculty or research programme.

Some schools may also request a research proposal or further evidence related to the proposed project.

Students preparing for competitive Australian research applications may also find Scholarships Central’s University of Sydney RTP Scholarship 2027 guide useful for comparing research-degree application expectations.

Academic CV Requirements

UQ provides unusually detailed guidance about the academic CV.

The CV should be current and should focus on information relevant to research-degree admission and scholarship competitiveness.

Applicants should include items such as:

academic qualifications;
GPA;
academic awards;
relevant employment;
research experience;
publications;
research outputs; and
relevant skills.

UQ specifically advises applicants not to include unnecessary personal information such as:

a photograph;
marital status;
driver’s licence;
date of birth;
hobbies and interests.

Is IELTS Required for the University of Queensland RTP Scholarship?

The scholarship itself does not impose a separate standalone IELTS requirement.

Applicants must instead satisfy the English-language requirements of their research degree.

UQ states that there are several ways to meet its English-language requirements.

For applicants using IELTS for most PhD disciplines, the published minimum is:

IELTS 6.5 overall
minimum 6.0 in each sub-band

For clinical research projects, the listed requirement is:

IELTS 7.0 overall
7.0 in every sub-band

Therefore, it would be misleading to market the University of Queensland RTP Scholarship as universally “without IELTS.”

Applicants may qualify through other accepted English-language evidence depending on UQ’s rules and their previous education.

University of Queensland RTP Scholarship Selection Criteria

Meeting admission requirements only makes an applicant eligible for consideration.

The scholarship itself is competitive.

UQ currently identifies the following major selection areas:

Academic Performance

Strong previous academic results are important.

Research Capability

The selection process considers evidence that the applicant can undertake high-quality independent research.

Quality of the Research Project

The proposed research topic and project quality are assessed.

Research Environment

UQ considers the quality and resources of the environment in which the research would be conducted.

Advisory Team

The proposed supervisors are also considered, including:

supervision record;
advisory workload;
relevant expertise; and
complementary expertise within the advisory team.

This makes the University of Queensland RTP Scholarship different from a simple grade-based award.

The quality of the student + research proposal + supervisor + research environment matters.

University of Queensland RTP Scholarship 2027 Deadline

For international applicants intending to commence in Research Quarter 4 of 2027 or early 2028, the current schedule is:

Stage	Date
Scholarship consideration begins	20 August 2026
Full application deadline	19 October 2026
School/institute shortlisting begins	27 October 2026
Shortlisting outcomes	18 November 2026
Final scholarship assessment	18 November 2026 – 19 February 2027
Scholarship outcomes begin	22 February 2027
Offer acceptance deadline	31 March 2027

The most important date for current international applicants is:

19 October 2026

Applicants should not wait until that date to start looking for a supervisor or preparing an EOI.

Can You Apply With Pending Master’s or Honours Results?

Yes.

UQ specifically states that applicants with pending Honours or Master’s results can still submit an application.

They should upload their current transcript during the EOI stage and provide the completed transcript as soon as it becomes available.

This is a useful option for students who are finishing their current degree during the scholarship round.

Can Current UQ Students Apply?

Yes.

Currently enrolled HDR candidates can also apply during the relevant scholarship rounds.

Current onshore international students may be eligible for the domestic/onshore rounds under the conditions published by UQ.

The procedure for currently enrolled candidates differs from the new-applicant EOI pathway.

Is the University of Queensland RTP Scholarship Fully Funded?

For an international candidate who receives the relevant stipend and tuition-fee offset package, the scholarship can provide:

an annual living stipend;
full tuition-fee offset during the funded period; and
single OSHC.

That represents a substantial research-funding package.

However, applicants should not assume that every personal expense, family expense, airfare or other cost is automatically covered unless specifically included in their individual scholarship offer.

Students searching for similar opportunities can browse Scholarships Central’s Fully Funded Scholarships collection and PhD Scholarships directory.

UQ RTP vs University of Sydney RTP

Applicants considering Australia may reasonably apply to more than one university.

The University of Queensland RTP Scholarship and University of Sydney RTP Scholarship both support higher degrees by research, but the application processes, stipend rates, supervisor requirements, deadlines and scholarship rounds differ.

At UQ, the current international round closes 19 October 2026 and the published living stipend is AUD 39,220 at the 2026 rate.

Scholarships Central also has a dedicated University of Sydney RTP Scholarship 2027 guide for applicants comparing the two opportunities.

UQ RTP vs University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship

The University of Melbourne is another major Australian research-scholarship option.

Its Graduate Research Scholarship system includes both Melbourne Research Scholarships and RTP funding.

Applicants interested in Australia should compare:

stipend value;
supervisor availability;
research strengths;
application deadlines;
tuition funding;
OSHC;
and faculty-specific requirements.

See Scholarships Central’s University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships 2027 guide for the current Melbourne funding details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the University of Queensland RTP Scholarship 2027 open?

Yes. The current international UQ Graduate Research School Scholarship round began on 20 August 2026.

What is the UQ RTP Scholarship deadline?

The current international application deadline is 19 October 2026 for commencement in Research Quarter 4 of 2027 or early 2028.

How much is the University of Queensland RTP stipend?

UQ currently publishes a tax-free living stipend of AUD 39,220 per year at the 2026 rate. The stipend is indexed annually, so the 2027 amount may change.

Does UQ RTP cover tuition fees?

UQ’s research scholarship framework includes tuition-fee offset scholarships for selected international candidates.

Does the scholarship include health insurance?

Eligible international Graduate Research School Scholarship recipients intending to study on an Australian student visa can receive single OSHC.

Can international students apply?

Yes. The current round is specifically for international applicants.

Can Master’s students apply?

Yes. Eligible Master of Philosophy (MPhil) students can be considered in addition to PhD and certain research professional doctorate candidates.

Do I need a separate RTP scholarship application?

For a new applicant, generally no. UQ states that applicants submit an Expression of Interest for the research programme and are considered through the relevant scholarship round.

Do I need a supervisor?

Applicants need to identify a suitable proposed supervisor as part of the EOI process.

Is IELTS compulsory?

Not necessarily IELTS specifically. Applicants must meet UQ’s English-language requirements through an accepted pathway. If using IELTS for most PhD disciplines, the published requirement is 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component.

Is there an age limit?

UQ’s central Graduate Research School Scholarship page does not publish a general age limit.

Can I apply if my Master’s results are pending?

Yes. UQ allows applicants with pending Master’s or Honours results to submit their current transcript and provide final results later.

When will scholarship results be announced?

For the current international round, scholarship outcomes are scheduled to begin being issued from 22 February 2027.

How to Apply for the University of Queensland RTP Scholarship 2027

Applicants should follow this sequence:

Confirm eligibility for a UQ PhD, MPhil or eligible research doctorate.
Identify a suitable research project and supervisor.
Prepare the academic CV, transcripts, certificates and English-language evidence.
Submit the UQ Expression of Interest.
Wait for supervisor and academic-unit review.
If invited, submit the full research-degree application.
Ensure the final application and all required documents are complete by 19 October 2026.
Monitor email for shortlisting and scholarship updates.
If selected, review and accept the scholarship offer by the stated deadline.

Applicants should start early because obtaining supervisor support and preparing a competitive research application can take considerably longer than completing an ordinary scholarship form.

Official University of Queensland RTP Scholarship Links

Main UQGRSS / RTP Scholarship page — funding, eligibility, application method, 2027 international deadline and selection criteria:
UQ Graduate Research School Scholarships – including RTP
This is the most important external link. It currently confirms AUD 39,220/year (2026 rate), single OSHC, international eligibility, and the 19 October 2026 deadline.
Before applying for a UQ research degree — supervisor, eligibility and preparation guidance:
UQ PhD and MPhil – Before You Apply
UQ confirms applicants first submit an EOI and need a suitable supervisor/project.
Expression of Interest instructions — exact documents and EOI process:
Submit a UQ Expression of Interest
This verifies the CV, transcripts, degree certificates, English evidence, referee information and proposed-supervisor details.
Research degree application dates:
UQ Research Degree Application Dates
Useful for readers checking EOI/final application timing.

Explore More

University of Sydney RTP Scholarship 2027
University of Sydney RTP Scholarship 2027
University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships 2027
University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships 2027
PhD Scholarships hub
PhD Scholarships
Fully Funded Scholarships hub
Fully Funded Scholarships
PhD Scholarships Still Open
PhD Scholarships Still Open 2026
Scholarships Still Open
Scholarships Still Open 2026

September 14, 2026

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28: Apply Now

Applications are now open for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28, one of the largest international PhD funding programmes in Asia.

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme, commonly known as HKPFS, is administered by Hong Kong’s Research Grants Council (RGC) and is designed to attract outstanding students from around the world to pursue full-time PhD study at Hong Kong’s publicly funded universities.

For the 2027/28 academic year, 400 Hong Kong PhD Fellowships will be awarded. Successful applicants receive an annual stipend of HK$344,400 plus a HK$14,400 annual conference and research-related travel allowance, normally for up to three years.

Applications opened on September 1, 2026, and the deadline for the initial Hong Kong PhD Fellowship application is December 1, 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time.

Students searching for other active doctoral opportunities can also compare the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship with PhD scholarships still open in 2026.

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28 Overview

Detail	Official Information
Scholarship	Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
Abbreviation	HKPFS
Country	Hong Kong
Degree level	PhD
Academic year	2027/28
Number of fellowships	400
Eligible applicants	International and local applicants
Annual stipend	HK$344,400
Research/travel allowance	HK$14,400 per year
Standard funding period	Up to 3 years
Participating universities	8
Applications opened	September 1, 2026
Initial application deadline	December 1, 2026, 12:00 noon HKT
University application deadline	December 1, 2026, 11:59 PM HKT for the current listed universities
Results	By May 2027
Expected registration	July–September 2027

The 2027/28 application cycle is currently open. The Research Grants Council states that applicants should complete the initial application as early as possible because the full university applications must also be submitted separately.

What Is the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship?

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme was established by the Research Grants Council in 2009 to attract highly talented researchers from around the world to doctoral programmes at Hong Kong universities.

The fellowship is not restricted to a particular nationality or region. Applicants from anywhere in the world can apply if they are seeking admission as new full-time PhD students at one of the participating University Grants Committee-funded universities.

The selection process focuses primarily on academic excellence, but the RGC also considers:

research ability and potential;
communication and interpersonal skills; and
leadership abilities.

Students comparing major research awards can also explore Scholarships Central’s fully funded scholarship guide for other international funding routes.

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Funding and Benefits

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship provides substantial financial support for doctoral researchers.

Annual Stipend

Each fellowship recipient receives:

HK$344,400 per year

The RGC currently gives an approximate US-dollar equivalent of US$44,150 per year.

This stipend is intended to support the scholar during full-time doctoral study.

Conference and Research Travel Allowance

In addition to the main stipend, HKPFS recipients receive:

HK$14,400 per year

for conference attendance and research-related travel.

The RGC gives an approximate value of US$1,840 per year.

Funding Duration

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship is normally provided for:

up to three years

If a PhD programme requires more than three years to complete, additional financial support may be provided by the university concerned. Applicants should check the funding arrangements of their selected institution directly.

Does the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Cover Tuition Fees?

Applicants should be careful with claims that the HKPFS automatically covers every university expense.

The central RGC fellowship officially guarantees the annual stipend and annual conference/research travel allowance.

Tuition fees and additional university support can depend on the institution and the applicant’s status. The RGC separately notes that its government tuition-waiver scheme applies to eligible local research postgraduate students, while international applicants should check their chosen university for tuition and additional funding arrangements.

For this reason, applicants should review the financial package offered by their selected university rather than assuming that every HKPFS award includes identical tuition treatment.

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Eligibility Criteria

The basic HKPFS eligibility criteria are broader than many government scholarship programmes.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants can apply regardless of:

nationality;
country of origin;
ethnic background; or
previous work experience.

The key requirement is that the applicant is seeking admission as a new full-time PhD student at a participating UGC-funded university in Hong Kong.

Candidates should also demonstrate strong:

academic performance;
research ability or potential;
communication skills;
interpersonal skills; and
leadership ability.

Do You Need Work Experience?

No general HKPFS work-experience requirement is imposed by the Research Grants Council.

Eligibility is open irrespective of prior work experience. Individual PhD programmes may still have their own admission expectations depending on the field.

Can Current PhD Students Apply?

Potentially, yes.

The RGC FAQ states that a current PhD student may apply if they are applying to another programme as a new full-time PhD student.

However, previous PhD study may be considered by the Selection Panel when assessing the applicant so that candidates are compared fairly.

Is There an Age Limit?

The central Hong Kong PhD Fellowship eligibility criteria do not state a general age limit.

Applicants must instead satisfy the admission requirements of the selected PhD programme and university.

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Participating Universities

Eight UGC-funded universities participate in the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme.

They are:

City University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong Baptist University
Lingnan University
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
The Education University of Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The University of Hong Kong

Applicants should not choose a university only because of its general ranking. For a research degree, the department, proposed supervisor, research environment and fit with the applicant’s proposed project are often more important.

How Many Universities Can You Choose?

Applicants may select a maximum of:

two PhD programmes in one or two universities.

The applicant must indicate the priority of the choices in the initial HKPFS application.

This is particularly important if more than one university later nominates the applicant.

The RGC states that if an applicant is nominated by two universities, it will process the nomination associated with the university the applicant ranked as the higher priority.

Fields of Study Available Under HKPFS

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme is not restricted to STEM subjects.

Shortlisted candidates are reviewed through two broad selection panels:

Sciences, Medicine, Engineering and Technology

This panel covers research areas including science, engineering, technology, medicine and related disciplines.

Humanities, Social Sciences and Business Studies

The second panel covers humanities, social sciences, business and related research disciplines.

The actual PhD programmes available depend on the participating universities.

Is IELTS Required for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship?

There is no single universal IELTS score set centrally by the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme.

However, the RGC states that applicants coming from non-English-speaking universities are generally required to provide TOEFL or IELTS results to the university unless they can prove that English was the language of instruction for all courses.

An exemption can also apply where the proposed PhD programme itself is conducted in another language, such as Chinese.

Therefore, it would be misleading to describe the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship as a universal “scholarship without IELTS.”

The correct position is:

IELTS or TOEFL requirements depend on the applicant’s previous education and the admission requirements of the chosen university/programme.

Students looking specifically for alternative English-proof routes can compare this opportunity with Scholarships Central’s fully funded scholarships without IELTS for 2027.

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Application Process

The HKPFS application is a two-stage process.

This is one of the most important parts of the application.

Step 1: Submit the Initial HKPFS Application

Applicants must first submit an initial application through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System (HKPFSES).

The initial application opened on:

September 1, 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time

and closes on:

December 1, 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time.

The RGC does not charge a fee for this initial HKPFS application. Universities may separately charge admission or processing fees.

Step 2: Receive Your HKPFS Reference Number

After the initial application is submitted, the system generates an HKPFS Reference Number.

Applicants must keep this number carefully.

It must be quoted when submitting the full PhD admission application to the selected university or universities.

If an applicant does not provide the HKPFS Reference Number to the university, the application may be processed only as a normal PhD application rather than an HKPFS application.

Step 3: Submit the Full PhD Application to the University

Submitting the initial HKPFS form is not enough.

Applicants must separately submit the full PhD admission application to each selected university.

The RGC explicitly states that an initial HKPFS application that is not followed by a full university application will be treated as void.

For the 2027/28 cycle, the listed full-application deadline for all eight participating universities is:

December 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM Hong Kong Time.

This creates an important timing difference:

HKPFS initial application closes at 12:00 noon
university applications close at 11:59 PM

on the same date.

Applicants should therefore submit the HKPFS initial application well before December 1.

Can You Submit More Than One HKPFS Initial Application?

No.

Applicants are allowed to submit only one initial HKPFS application.

The RGC warns that if an applicant submits more than one initial application, all applications from that applicant may be disqualified.

Applicants can still choose up to two programmes within that single application.

Documents Required for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship

Applicants should distinguish between the initial HKPFS application and the full university PhD application.

Initial HKPFS Application

The RGC’s 2027/28 guidance states that the initial application contains sections covering:

personal particulars;
university and PhD programme choices;
authorization and declaration; and
source of information.

The initial form is completed online and, except where specifically indicated, must be completed in English.

Full University Application

Detailed supporting documents are handled by the participating universities.

Requirements can vary, but applicants may be asked for documents such as academic records, qualifications, English-language evidence and academic referee information according to their university’s admission rules.

The RGC specifically notes that referee details are not required at the initial HKPFS stage, but individual universities require referee information during the full PhD application.

Applicants should therefore check the exact document checklist of their selected university rather than using a generic scholarship checklist.

For comparison, Scholarships Central also has a detailed University of Sydney PhD documents and application guide explaining the kinds of documents commonly required for competitive research-degree applications.

New AI Disclosure Requirement for HKPFS 2027/28

Applicants should pay particular attention to the updated 2027/28 guidance concerning the use of artificial intelligence.

The RGC states that applicants are responsible for disclosing AI use where applicable and complying with the relevant university’s policies.

The guidance specifically refers to AI use in areas such as:

generating or refining research ideas;
literature review and information retrieval;
language editing;
citation management; and
data analysis.

Applicants remain responsible for checking the accuracy, originality and academic integrity of submitted material.

This means applicants should not assume that using an AI tool for editing or research assistance is something that can simply be left undeclared.

They should follow the disclosure rules of the institution receiving the application.

HKPFS Selection Criteria

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship is highly competitive.

The RGC identifies four principal assessment areas:

Academic excellence
Research ability and potential
Communication and interpersonal skills
Leadership abilities

Academic excellence is the primary consideration.

Individual universities may also interview applicants before nominating selected candidates to the Research Grants Council.

How Competitive Is the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship?

Competition is substantial.

For the 2026/27 round, the RGC reported:

10,037 applicants
applicants from 115 countries and regions
13,265 full university applications
667 applicants nominated
400 fellowship recipients

Those figures show why simply meeting basic admission requirements is not enough.

Successful candidates generally need a strong academic record and a compelling research profile.

Students interested in similarly competitive doctoral programmes can also compare the HKPFS with the KAUST Graduate Scholarships 2027 and the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–28.

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Deadline 2027

The most important deadline is:

December 1, 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time

for the initial HKPFS application.

The current RGC application page lists:

Stage	Deadline
HKPFS applications open	September 1, 2026, 12:00 noon HKT
Initial HKPFS application	December 1, 2026, 12:00 noon HKT
Full university applications	December 1, 2026, 11:59 PM HKT
HKPFS results	By May 2027
Normal registration	July–September 2027

A successful candidate normally registers at the selected university between July and September 2027. In justified cases, registration may be deferred, subject to approval, to no later than January 31, 2028.

What Happens If You Do Not Win the HKPFS?

Not receiving the fellowship does not automatically mean rejection from the PhD programme.

The RGC states that participating universities may still:

admit the applicant to the PhD programme; and
offer a regular postgraduate studentship or another form of university funding.

This is an important reason to submit a strong university admission application even if the primary goal is the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship

Is the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship 2027 open?

Yes. The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28 opened on September 1, 2026.

What is the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship deadline?

The initial HKPFS application deadline is December 1, 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time.

How many Hong Kong PhD Fellowships are available?

The RGC will award 400 fellowships for the 2027/28 academic year.

How much is the HKPFS stipend?

The fellowship provides HK$344,400 per year plus a HK$14,400 annual conference and research-related travel allowance.

Can international students apply?

Yes. Applicants from around the world can apply as long as they are seeking admission as new full-time PhD students at participating Hong Kong universities.

Is IELTS required for HKPFS?

Applicants from non-English-speaking universities generally need IELTS or TOEFL unless they can provide acceptable proof that English was the language of instruction, subject to the selected university’s requirements.

Is there an application fee?

The RGC does not charge an HKPFS application fee. Participating universities may separately charge application or processing fees.

Can I choose two Hong Kong universities?

Yes. Applicants can select up to two PhD programmes at one or two universities.

Do I need a supervisor before applying?

The central HKPFS rules do not impose one universal supervisor rule across all eight universities. Supervisor and departmental requirements depend on the selected PhD programme, so applicants should check the relevant university’s admission instructions.

When will HKPFS 2027 results be announced?

The RGC states that results for the 2027/28 Hong Kong PhD Fellowship will be announced by May 2027.

Can I apply if I am already doing a PhD?

A current PhD student can potentially apply if they are seeking admission to another programme as a new full-time PhD student, although previous doctoral study may be considered during assessment.

How to Apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship

Applicants should follow this order:

Research the eight participating universities.
Identify one or two suitable PhD programmes.
Check each programme’s admission and English-language requirements.
Submit the initial HKPFS application through HKPFSES.
Save the HKPFS Reference Number.
Apply separately to the chosen university or universities.
Enter the HKPFS Reference Number in the university application.
Submit all required university documents before the deadline.
Prepare for a possible university interview.
Monitor email for further communication and results.

Applicants looking for other opportunities with live deadlines can also use Scholarships Central’s Scholarships Still Open 2026 hub.

Official Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Application Links

Applicants should use the official Research Grants Council sources for final submission and verification.

Official Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme page

HKPFS 2027/28 application portal

Official HKPFS application instructions

Official participating universities list

Applications for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28 close on December 1, 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time, so applicants should complete the initial HKPFS form well before the deadline and leave enough time for the separate university admission application.

September 13, 2026

Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship 2027/28

International students looking for a fully funded or full-cost Master’s opportunity in Europe should keep the Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship 2027/28 on their list.

Maastricht University in the Netherlands will offer 18 full scholarships to highly talented students from outside the EU/EEA who are admitted to selected Master’s programmes for the 2027–2028 academic year. The scholarship includes a full tuition-fee waiver, €1,550 monthly living allowance, health and liability insurance, visa costs, and other academic support.

Applications for the 2027/28 round are officially scheduled to open on October 1, 2026, and the final scholarship deadline is February 1, 2027 at 23:59. However, applicants must complete their application for an eligible Master’s programme much earlier—by December 10, 2026.

Current status: Applications are not yet open as of September 13, 2026. The 2027/28 application round opens on October 1, 2026.

Maastricht University Scholarship 2027/28: Quick Overview

Scholarship Detail	Information
Scholarship name	Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship
Host university	Maastricht University
Country	Netherlands
Study level	Master’s
Academic year	2027–2028
Number of scholarships	18
Funding	Full scholarship
Monthly stipend	€1,550
Tuition fees	Covered
Health & liability insurance	Covered
Visa costs	Covered
Eligible applicants	Mainly non-EU/EEA international students
Maximum age	35 years
Minimum GPA	Equivalent to 7.5/10
Applications open	October 1, 2026
Master’s application deadline	December 10, 2026
Scholarship deadline	February 1, 2027, 23:59
Study start	2027 academic year
Scholarship duration	13 or 25 months

Maastricht University describes the programme as offering 18 full scholarships per academic year.

What Is the Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship?

The Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship combines two sources of funding:

the High Potential Scholarship, funded through the Maastricht University Scholarship Fund; and
the NL Scholarship, financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science together with Dutch higher-education institutions.

It is designed for highly talented international students from outside the EU/EEA who want to complete an eligible full-time Master’s degree at Maastricht University.

The scholarship is especially attractive because it does not simply provide a small tuition reduction. It covers tuition costs and provides substantial living support during the study period.

Maastricht University Scholarship 2027 Financial Benefits

The Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship provides several forms of financial assistance.

Scholarship amount

Scholarship Benefit	2027/28 Coverage
Living expenses – 13 months	€20,150
Living expenses – 25 months	€38,750
Monthly living allowance	€1,550 per month
Health & liability insurance	€700
Tuition fees	Covered at cost
Visa application costs	Covered at cost
Pre-Academic Training	Covered
International Student Ambassador Programme	First block covered

For students enrolled in a one-year Master’s programme, the living allowance totals €20,150 over 13 months.

Students enrolled in an eligible two-year programme can receive €38,750 over 25 months.

€1,550 Monthly Living Allowance

Maastricht University currently calculates the living allowance at:

€1,550 per month

The university provides an indicative breakdown of the monthly amount:

Expense	Approximate Monthly Amount
Housing	€960
Groceries and personal hygiene	€160
Telephone	€60
Travel	€100
Books and study materials	€90
Clothing, hobbies and social activities	€125
Miscellaneous	€55
Total	€1,550

This monthly support is one of the main reasons the NL-High Potential Scholarship is among Maastricht University’s most valuable awards for international Master’s students.

Is the Maastricht University Scholarship Fully Funded?

The university itself describes the awards as full scholarships because they include a tuition-fee waiver, monthly stipend, insurance, visa-related costs and other support.

However, applicants should be aware of expenses that are not included.

Not covered

International airfare is not covered. Scholarship recipients must purchase their own flight tickets.

There is also an approximately €75 Maastricht Housing cleaning fee, which must be paid separately by the student.

Therefore, applicants should budget for their flight to the Netherlands and a small amount of initial personal expenses.

Scholarship Duration

The duration depends on the Master’s programme:

13 months for a one-year Master’s degree
25 months for a two-year Master’s degree

Students should check the normal duration of their selected Maastricht University programme before applying.

Maastricht University Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must satisfy all relevant scholarship and Master’s admission requirements.

For the 2027/28 NL-High Potential Scholarship, applicants generally must meet the following conditions.

1. Nationality requirement

Applicants must hold nationality from a country outside:

European Union
European Economic Area
Switzerland
Surinam

Applicants must also meet the requirements for obtaining the necessary Dutch entry visa and residence permit.

2. No EU/EEA dual nationality

Candidates who also possess nationality from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland are not eligible under this requirement.

3. Apply to an eligible Master’s programme

Applicants must apply to one of the participating full-time Maastricht University Master’s programmes for the 2027–2028 academic year.

The complete programme application must be submitted and must satisfy the stated admission requirements by:

December 10, 2026.

4. Meet Master’s admission requirements

Applying for the scholarship does not replace normal university admission requirements.

Applicants must meet the academic, educational and language requirements of their chosen Master’s programme.

5. Previous study in the Netherlands

Applicants must not previously have participated in a degree-seeking higher-education programme in the Netherlands.

Students who previously completed an exchange programme in the Netherlands may still apply.

6. Age requirement

Applicants must be:

35 years old or younger on September 1, 2027.

7. Strong academic performance

Applicants need excellent academic results.

Maastricht currently requires a minimum equivalent GPA of:

7.5 out of 10

The university indicates this can correspond to approximately:

75/100, or
3.0/4.0

depending on the applicant’s grading system.

8. Previous Master’s degree

Applicants who already possess a Master’s degree are not automatically stated to be ineligible, but Maastricht University says preference will be given to candidates who have not yet obtained a Master’s degree.

9. Ambassador requirement

Successful recipients must be willing to act as an active Maastricht University NL-High Potential and UM ambassador and share their experiences with prospective students or other stakeholders.

Maastricht University Scholarship GPA Requirement

One of the most important eligibility requirements is academic performance.

Applicants need at least the equivalent of:

7.5/10

Maastricht University asks applicants to submit:

their university transcript or another official document showing their most recent GPA; and
a document explaining their university’s grading system.

The university indicates that at least 75% of the maximum grade is required. A 3.0/4.0 GPA, for example, may correspond to Maastricht’s 7.5/10 threshold depending on the grading system.

Can I apply with a GPA below 7.5/10?

Applicants below the required equivalent are unlikely to satisfy the scholarship’s academic-excellence criterion. Maastricht explicitly states that it only accepts scholarship applications meeting the required GPA threshold.

Eligible Master’s Programmes for 2027/28

A particularly important point is that not every Maastricht University Master’s programme qualifies.

The university published an updated official 2027/28 list dated August 31, 2026. The current document contains 36 programme/specialisation entries across several academic faculties.

Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences

MA Arts and Culture – Arts and Heritage
MA Arts and Culture – Modern Political Culture
MA Arts and Culture – Contemporary Literature and Arts
MA European Studies

Faculty of Law

LLM European Law School – European Business Law
LLM European Law School – European Public Law
LLM European Law School – General Programme
LLM European Law School – Law for a Sustainable Europe
LLM European Law School – Law & AI
LLM Forensics, Criminology and Law
LLM Globalisation and Law – Corporate and Commercial Law
LLM Globalisation and Law – General Programme
LLM Globalisation and Law – Human Rights
LLM Globalisation and Law – International Trade and Investment Law
LLM International and European Tax Law – International and European Tax Law
LLM International and European Tax Law – Customs and International Supply Chain Taxation
LLM International and European Tax Law – Tax and Technology
LLM Advanced Master in Intellectual Property Law and Knowledge Management
MSc Advanced Master in Intellectual Property Law and Knowledge Management

Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences

MSc Epidemiology
MSc Global Health
MSc Governance and Leadership in European Public Health
MSc Health and Digital Transformation
MSc Health Food Innovation Management
MSc Health Promotion
MSc Healthcare Policy, Innovation and Management
MSc Human Movement Sciences – Health and Rehabilitation
MSc Human Movement Sciences – Sports and Nutrition

Faculty of Psychology & Neuroscience

MSc Forensic Psychology
MSc Psychology – Developmental Psychology
Research Master Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience – Fundamental Neuroscience

School of Business and Economics

MSc Financial Economics
MSc International Business – Accounting and Financial Analysis
MSc International Business – Organisation: Management, Change and Consultancy
MSc International Business – Strategy and Innovation
MSc Learning and Development in Organisations

Applicants should verify their exact Master’s programme against the university’s official participating-programme document before beginning a scholarship application.

Is IELTS Required for Maastricht University Scholarship 2027?

There is no single universal IELTS score imposed by the NL-High Potential Scholarship itself.

Instead, applicants must satisfy the admission and English-language requirements of the specific Maastricht University Master’s programme they select.

This means IELTS requirements can vary between programmes.

Some applicants may be able to demonstrate English proficiency through previous education or another accepted qualification, while others may need IELTS, TOEFL or another approved English-language certificate depending on their programme.

Therefore, it would be inaccurate to advertise the Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship as a universal “No IELTS Scholarship.”

Applicants should check the admission requirements of their chosen Master’s programme individually.

Documents Required for Maastricht University Scholarship 2027

Applicants should prepare the scholarship documents carefully because Maastricht University states that the scholarship application can only be submitted once.

Documents cannot simply be replaced after submission.

The required scholarship documents include:

Curriculum Vitae

Applicants need an up-to-date CV containing relevant:

educational history
work experience
achievements
awards
prizes

The CV should not exceed two A4 pages.

Motivation Letter

Applicants must complete the official Maastricht University scholarship motivation-letter template.

The motivation should focus specifically on why the applicant deserves the scholarship rather than merely repeating the Master’s admission statement.

Proof of Academic Excellence

Applicants must provide:

university transcript or official GPA document; and
explanation of the university’s grading scale.

The academic record must satisfy the minimum 7.5/10 equivalent requirement.

Personal Statement of Financial Need

Applicants must explain why scholarship funding is necessary.

Maastricht asks candidates to describe relevant personal or financial circumstances demonstrating why receiving financial support would benefit them.

Reference Letter

Applicants must provide one reference letter.

The referee may be a current or former:

professor
lecturer
employer

Family members cannot serve as referees.

For the current 2027/28 scholarship webpage, Maastricht states that recommendation letters should be dated no earlier than February 2026.

Applicants upload the reference letter themselves.

Referee Contact Details

The application also requires the referee’s:

relationship to the applicant
work telephone number
institutional/work email address

Maastricht warns that letters providing only a personal email address may be rejected.

How to Apply for Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship 2027

The application has two separate stages.

Applicants should not start with the scholarship form.

Step 1: Choose an eligible Master’s programme

First, find one of the participating Master’s programmes included in the 2027/28 scholarship list.

Only listed programmes qualify.

Step 2: Apply through Studielink

Submit an application for the Master’s programme through Studielink, the Dutch higher-education application system.

After submitting the university application, Maastricht University provides a UM student ID number.

You need this student number to submit the scholarship application.

Step 3: Complete your admission application by December 10

For this scholarship, the eligible Master’s application and required admission file must be completed by:

December 10, 2026

Do not confuse this with the February scholarship deadline.

This is one of the most important dates for applicants.

Step 4: Log in to the scholarship portal

After receiving your Maastricht University account/student ID, access the separate NL-High Potential scholarship application form.

The form requires a UM login.

Step 5: Upload all scholarship documents

Prepare and upload:

CV
motivation letter
academic transcript/GPA proof
explanation of grading system
personal financial-needs statement
reference letter
referee contact details

Step 6: Review everything before submission

Maastricht University says the scholarship application can only be submitted once.

Documents cannot subsequently be added or replaced, so carefully check the application before pressing submit.

Step 7: Submit before February 1, 2027

The final scholarship deadline is:

February 1, 2027 at 23:59

Important Application Portal Closure in October 2026

Applicants planning to apply immediately after applications open should note one temporary interruption.

Maastricht University currently states that, due to an upgrade, the scholarship portal will be unavailable from:

October 22–26, 2026

Applicants should therefore not panic if they cannot access the portal during that scheduled period.

Important Maastricht Scholarship Deadlines

There are three dates applicants should remember.

Event	Date
Scholarship applications open	October 1, 2026
Eligible Master’s application/file deadline	December 10, 2026
Scholarship application deadline	February 1, 2027 at 23:59

Why December 10 matters

A common mistake would be to assume that applicants can wait until February 1 to apply for both admission and the scholarship.

That is incorrect.

For the NL-High Potential Scholarship, candidates must complete the required eligible Master’s admission application by December 10, 2026.

Maastricht Scholarship Selection Process

This scholarship is highly competitive and has several stages.

February 2027

After the February 1 deadline, Maastricht University’s International Services Desk checks applications for completeness.

Complete applications are forwarded to the relevant faculties.

March 2027

Each participating faculty selects and ranks its top five scholarship applicants.

The nominations are sent back to the International Services Desk for final checks.

End of March 2027

Selected candidates are invited to an online interview.

April–May 2027

Applicants are informed whether they have been:

selected
waitlisted
rejected

Maastricht states that candidates should receive their status by the beginning of May 2027 at the latest, while waitlisted applications are expected to be resolved during May.

How Competitive Is the Maastricht University Scholarship?

The NL-High Potential Scholarship is extremely competitive.

Maastricht University explicitly states that approximately:

2% of applicants receive the scholarship.

Only 18 full scholarships are offered each academic year.

Applicants should therefore treat meeting the basic eligibility criteria as only the starting point.

Strong candidates will generally need an excellent academic record, convincing scholarship motivation, strong reference, clear evidence of potential, and a persuasive explanation of how their Maastricht education supports their future goals.

Mandatory Pre-Academic Training

Selected scholarship recipients must participate in Maastricht University’s Pre-Academic Training programme.

For 2027 scholarship recipients, the mandatory programme is scheduled to start in the first week of August 2027 and lasts approximately two weeks.

The scholarship covers the Pre-Academic Training costs.

Accommodation for Scholarship Recipients

The accommodation condition is particularly important.

Maastricht University states that accepting the scholarship includes accepting an allocated room.

For the current scholarship cycle, the room is allocated until:

July 16, 2028

Students receiving a two-year scholarship must arrange their own accommodation for the second year.

The university also states clearly:

Refusing the allocated accommodation results in cancellation of the scholarship.

The accommodation provided under the scholarship is not designed for:

spouses or partners
children
pets

Applicants intending to travel with family members should take this rule into account before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Maastricht University Scholarship 2027 fully funded?

Maastricht University describes the NL-High Potential awards as full scholarships. They cover tuition fees and provide €1,550 per month for living expenses as well as insurance, visa costs and other support. Airfare is not included.

How much is the Maastricht University Scholarship?

Students receive living support of €20,150 for 13 months or €38,750 for 25 months, equivalent to approximately €1,550 per month, in addition to tuition and other covered costs.

How many Maastricht High Potential Scholarships are available?

Maastricht University currently states that 18 full scholarships are offered each academic year.

When does the Maastricht University Scholarship 2027 open?

Applications open on:

October 1, 2026.

What is the Maastricht Scholarship deadline?

The scholarship application closes on:

February 1, 2027 at 23:59.

Applicants must nevertheless complete their eligible Master’s application file by December 10, 2026.

What GPA is required?

Applicants need an academic record equivalent to at least 7.5/10, which Maastricht currently describes as approximately 75/100 or 3/4, depending on the grading system.

Is IELTS required?

The scholarship itself does not specify one universal IELTS score. Applicants must meet the English-language requirements of their chosen Master’s programme.

What is the Maastricht University Scholarship acceptance rate?

Maastricht University says only around 2% of scholarship applicants receive an award.

Is there an age limit?

Yes. Applicants must be 35 years old or younger on September 1, 2027.

Can EU students apply?

The NL-High Potential Scholarship primarily targets students with nationality from outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and Surinam. Applicants must also not hold dual EU/EEA or Swiss nationality.

Can I apply if I already have a Master’s degree?

The eligibility page does not state an absolute prohibition, but Maastricht says preference will be given to applicants who have not yet obtained a Master’s degree.

Does the scholarship cover flight tickets?

No. Air tickets must be paid by the scholarship recipient.

Is accommodation provided?

Yes, accommodation is part of the scholarship arrangement, but it comes with specific conditions. Recipients are required to accept the allocated room, and two-year scholarship students must arrange their own housing for the second year.

Do I apply directly for the scholarship first?

No. First apply to an eligible Maastricht University Master’s programme through Studielink. Once Maastricht issues your UM student number, you can submit the separate scholarship application.

Can I submit more than one Maastricht scholarship application?

Maastricht states that applicants can submit their application once and for one scholarship only, so candidates should check all documents carefully before submitting.

Official Application Links

For accuracy and safety, applicants should use Maastricht University’s official sources rather than relying only on scholarship listing websites.

Official Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship 2027/28 page

Official 2027/28 Eligible Master’s Programmes PDF

Official Maastricht Scholarship Application Portal

The scholarship portal requires the applicant’s UM account, which is obtained after applying to Maastricht University.

Final Thoughts

The Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship 2027/28 is one of the strongest Master’s funding opportunities in the Netherlands for talented students from outside Europe.

Its package is particularly attractive because the university offers only 18 awards, but those awards include tuition coverage together with €1,550 per month in living support, insurance, visa costs and additional programme support.

The most important point for prospective applicants is not to wait until February. Although the scholarship deadline is February 1, 2027, applicants must complete the required application for an eligible Master’s programme by December 10, 2026.

Because Maastricht reports an award rate of only around 2%, applicants should prepare their academic documents, reference letter, motivation statement and financial-needs statement well before the deadline.

More Scholarships

Europe Scholarships 2026

NYCU Scholarship 2027: Eligibility, Benefits, Deadlines

King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship 2026–27 Apply Now

September 13, 2026

NYCU Scholarship 2027: Eligibility, Benefits, Deadlines

The NYCU Scholarship 2027 is a scholarship opportunity for international students seeking degree programs at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) in Taiwan. The university offers scholarship support through monthly stipends and tuition awards, with the exact award depending on the scholarship category, program, academic performance, available budget, and review outcome.

For 2027, applicants need to distinguish between Spring 2027 admission, which is for graduate programs only, and the Fall 2027 intake, which includes Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD opportunities.

There is also an important distinction between the NYCU New Students Scholarship and the scholarship application for current NYCU students. The official NYCU scholarship system currently lists a Spring 2027 NYCU New Students Scholarship with an application period of August 10 to November 13, 2026, while the separate September 15 scholarship deadline applies to the current-student scholarship application.

This guide explains the latest NYCU Scholarship 2027 information, including eligible degrees, programs, GPA requirements, scholarship benefits, Taiwan eligibility, application dates, documents, language requirements, and how to apply.

Current status: The Spring 2027 NYCU New Students Scholarship application is open. The official scholarship system lists August 10–November 13, 2026 for the new-student scholarship.

NYCU Scholarship 2027 Quick Summary

Category	Details
Scholarship	NYCU International Student Scholarship
University	National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
Country	Taiwan
Location	Hsinchu / Taipei
Eligible applicants	International students
Degrees	Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD
Spring 2027 admission	Master’s and PhD only
Spring 2027 admission opens	August 10, 2026
Spring 2027 admission deadline	September 30, 2026
Spring 2027 New Students Scholarship	August 10–November 13, 2026
Spring 2027 classes begin	February 15, 2027
Fall 2027 admission opens	December 20, 2026
Fall 2027 admission deadline	March 15, 2027
Funding	Monthly stipend and/or tuition award
GPA for undergraduate scholarship eligibility	3.0
GPA for graduate scholarship eligibility	3.5
Application system	NYCU / Office of International Affairs

NYCU’s official academic calendar confirms that Spring 2027 international degree admission opens August 10 and closes September 30, 2026, while Fall 2027 international degree applications begin December 20, 2026 and close March 15, 2027.

What Is the NYCU Scholarship 2027?

The NYCU International Student Scholarship provides financial support to international students pursuing degree programs at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University.

The award can combine:

Monthly financial support
Tuition and credit-fee waivers
Tuition and credit fees charged at local-student rates

NYCU states that monthly stipends and tuition scholarships may be awarded separately or simultaneously. The number and value of awards can be adjusted according to the available budget.

NYCU is particularly attractive for students interested in:

Computer science
Artificial intelligence
Electrical engineering
Electronics
Information technology
Engineering
Medicine
Biotechnology
Business
Management
Science
Research-intensive fields

For students comparing Taiwan with other destinations, our Taiwan scholarships directory provides additional opportunities.

Is NYCU Scholarship 2027 Fully Funded?

Not every NYCU scholarship award should be described as fully funded.

NYCU’s scholarship structure combines monthly stipends and tuition awards, and these can be awarded separately or together. Depending on the award, tuition may be fully waived or charged according to local-student rates.

Therefore, the safest description is:

NYCU offers international scholarships that can provide monthly stipends and tuition support. The exact award depends on the scholarship category and selection outcome.

Some awards can provide substantial financial support, but applicants should not assume that every recipient receives the maximum stipend plus a complete tuition waiver.

NYCU Scholarship Benefits

The official NYCU scholarship regulations describe two main forms of support:

1. Monthly Stipend

Published NYCU scholarship regulations list the following stipend ranges:

Degree	Monthly stipend
Bachelor’s	NT$5,000–21,000
Master’s	NT$7,000–25,000
PhD	NT$10,000–30,000

The scholarship regulation states that the actual number and amount of awards can be adjusted according to the budget available in the relevant year.

Some NYCU program-level information also shows different maximum figures for specific scholarship arrangements, so applicants should rely on the award offered to their particular program/student category, rather than assuming the maximum amount is guaranteed.

2. Tuition Support

NYCU may provide:

Full waiver of tuition and credit fees, or
Tuition and credit fees charged according to local-student rates

The tuition award can be provided together with a monthly stipend or separately.

3. Scholarship Duration

NYCU’s published scholarship information states that the standard award is approved for one year, with renewal subject to the applicable scholarship rules and academic performance.

The published maximum award periods are generally:

Master’s: up to 2 years
PhD: up to 5 years
Bachelor’s: according to the regulated study period of the department

NYCU Scholarship GPA Requirements

Academic performance is one of the most important conditions.

NYCU’s current scholarship information states:

Undergraduate students: minimum cumulative GPA 3.0
Graduate students: minimum cumulative GPA 3.5

Important distinction

These GPA requirements are particularly important for current students and scholarship renewal/continuation.

For a new international applicant, admission is still subject to the academic requirements of the selected NYCU department or program. Meeting a scholarship GPA threshold does not automatically guarantee a scholarship award.

NYCU explicitly states that satisfying the minimum grade requirement does not guarantee an award because allocation depends on factors such as the annual budget, number of applicants, and committee review.

NYCU Scholarship 2027 Eligibility

The NYCU International Student Scholarship is intended for foreign/international students pursuing eligible degree programs.

Applicants should satisfy the admission requirements of their selected program and the applicable scholarship conditions.

General eligibility includes:

Be an international/foreign student under NYCU’s international admission route.
Apply for an eligible degree program.
Meet the academic requirements of the selected department.
Submit all required application documents.
Meet applicable language requirements.
Follow NYCU’s scholarship regulations.
Not receive prohibited government-funded scholarships simultaneously.

The exact requirements can vary between departments, so applicants should always check the current admission guidelines for their chosen program.

Who Can Apply for NYCU Scholarship 2027?

The scholarship is relevant to international students applying to NYCU degree programs.

Depending on the intake and program, applicants can pursue:

Bachelor’s degrees
Master’s degrees
PhD degrees

However, Spring 2027 is different from Fall 2027.

Spring 2027

NYCU officially states that Spring 2027 international degree admission is for graduate programs only.

Therefore:

Spring 2027 → Master’s + PhD

Fall 2027

The official NYCU academic calendar states that applications for international degree programs for Fall 2027 begin December 20, 2026, with the deadline on March 15, 2027.

Therefore:

Fall 2027 → Bachelor’s + Master’s + PhD

This distinction is essential for Bachelor’s applicants.

NYCU Scholarship 2027 Programs

NYCU is a research-focused university with programs across technology, engineering, science, medicine and other disciplines.

Depending on the intake, international students can find programs related to:

Engineering & Technology

Electrical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electronic Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Materials Science
Chemical Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Telecommunications
Information-related fields

Computer Science & Information Technology

Programs and research areas can include:

Computer Science
Information Engineering
Artificial Intelligence
Data Science
Computer Systems
Networks
Software
Information Security

Science

Physics
Chemistry
Mathematics
Biological sciences
Environmental sciences
Other research fields

Medicine & Health

NYCU’s Yangming campus offers programs in fields such as:

Medicine
Clinical medicine
Nursing
Physiology
Biomedical sciences
Biotechnology
Public health-related disciplines

NYCU’s international programs page also identifies newer international programs at the College of Medicine and College of Nursing.

Business & Management

International students can also find programs related to:

Business administration
Management
Finance
Information management
Communication
Economics-related fields

Important: Program availability changes by intake. Always check the official NYCU admission guidelines before choosing a program.

Spring 2027 NYCU Scholarship

Spring 2027 is particularly important because its admission cycle is already underway.

Spring 2027 Admission

Event	Date
Application opens	August 10, 2026
Application deadline	September 30, 2026
Admission results	November 13, 2026
Reply deadline	November 22, 2026
Classes begin	February 15, 2027

These dates come from NYCU’s official international admission information and academic calendar.

Spring 2027 Degree Levels

Master’s and PhD only.

Bachelor’s applicants should wait for the Fall 2027 intake.

Spring 2027 NYCU New Students Scholarship Deadline

This is an important correction that applicants should understand.

The official NYCU scholarship application system currently lists:

Spring 2027 NYCU New Students Scholarship

Opening: August 10, 2026
Deadline: November 13, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Result announcement: November 14, 2026
Eligible applicants: Foreign students

Therefore, September 15 is not the deadline for the Spring 2027 new-student scholarship.

The September 15 deadline shown on the NYCU scholarship system belongs to the 2027 Spring International Students Scholarship application for current students.

This distinction should be reflected clearly in any NYCU Scholarship 2027 article.

Fall 2027 NYCU Scholarship

Fall is the main intake for students interested in Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programs.

NYCU’s official 2026–27 academic calendar states:

Fall 2027 international degree application opens: December 20, 2026

Deadline: March 15, 2027

Fall 2027 Eligible Degrees

Bachelor’s
Master’s
PhD

Fall 2027 Application Window

Event	Date
Application opens	December 20, 2026
Application deadline	March 15, 2027
Semester	Fall 2027

The March 15 deadline is particularly important because it is an official university academic-calendar date, rather than merely a historical estimate.

NYCU Scholarship 2027 Deadlines

Here is the clearest way to present the different deadlines:

Intake / applicant type	Opening	Deadline
Spring 2027 international admission	Aug. 10, 2026	Sep. 30, 2026
Spring 2027 New Students Scholarship	Aug. 10, 2026	Nov. 13, 2026
Spring 2027 current-student scholarship	Jul. 15, 2026	Sep. 15, 2026
Fall 2027 international admission	Dec. 20, 2026	Mar. 15, 2027

Which deadline applies to you?

New applicant for Spring 2027: Follow the Spring 2027 admission deadline and the New Students Scholarship process.

Current NYCU student: The September 15, 2026 deadline applies to the current-student scholarship application.

New Bachelor’s applicant: Spring 2027 is not available; target Fall 2027.

NYCU Scholarship Language Requirements

Language requirements are program-specific.

NYCU has degree programs taught in English as well as programs where Chinese-language requirements may apply.

Applicants should therefore check:

Language of instruction
English-language requirement
Chinese-language requirement
Accepted certificates
Department-specific requirements

Do not assume that every NYCU program requires IELTS.

Likewise, do not assume that every program accepts an MOI certificate.

For students researching alternatives to IELTS, our guide to fully funded scholarships without IELTS covers other scholarship routes, but applicants should always verify the language requirement directly with NYCU.

Mandarin Requirement for NYCU Scholarship Recipients

One unusual feature of the NYCU scholarship is its Chinese-language requirement.

Under NYCU scholarship regulations:

Bachelor’s scholarship recipients: at least four Mandarin courses
Master’s and PhD scholarship recipients: at least two Mandarin courses

Students who have already taken Chinese courses or passed an accepted Chinese-language test can provide evidence for an exemption.

The current NYCU scholarship notice specifically mentions exemption documentation including a TOCFL Level 2 or higher certificate and NYCU Chinese Language Center documentation.

Important

The Mandarin requirement is a scholarship condition, not simply an admission requirement.

Some departments may also have additional Chinese-language requirements for graduation.

Can You Receive Another Scholarship?

NYCU restricts recipients from concurrently receiving certain Taiwan government-funded scholarships or grants.

The university’s current scholarship notice gives examples including:

Taiwan Scholarship
ESP Scholarship
UST Scholarship
TIGP Scholarship
NSNT Scholarship
ICDF Scholarship
NYCU Elite PhD
Scholarships sponsored by the applicant’s home government

This means you should carefully check whether another scholarship you hold is compatible with NYCU funding.

NYCU’s general scholarship FAQ notes that NYCU scholarship recipients may apply for some non-government-funded scholarships, but applicants should confirm compatibility with the other provider.

Required Documents for NYCU Scholarship

Documents vary according to whether you are a new applicant or current NYCU student and according to your degree/program.

For admission, applicants should generally prepare:

Passport
Recent photograph
Academic certificates
Academic transcripts
Proof of language proficiency, where required
CV/resume, where required
Study plan or statement of purpose, where required
Recommendation letters, where required
Research proposal, where required for research programs
Other department-specific documents

Scholarship documents for current students

For the current-student Spring 2027 scholarship, NYCU specifically lists:

Scholarship application declaration
Full official NYCU transcript
Conduct grades
Research report where applicable
Chinese-language exemption certificate, if applicable
Supplementary materials
Recommendation letter for graduate students

New students should follow the document list attached to their admission and scholarship application rather than using the current-student checklist.

NYCU Scholarship Application Process

Step 1: Choose Your Intake

First decide whether you are applying for:

Spring 2027
Fall 2027

Remember:

Spring 2027 → Master’s and PhD

Fall 2027 → Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD

Step 2: Find an Eligible Program

Visit NYCU’s official international programs and admission pages.

NYCU International Admissions & Programs

Check:

Degree
Department
Admission semester
Language
Eligibility
Required documents

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

Prepare your academic records, passport, language evidence and any program-specific materials.

Step 4: Submit the Admission Application

Complete the official NYCU international degree application before the relevant deadline.

For Spring 2027, the official admission deadline is September 30, 2026.

Step 5: Apply for the New Students Scholarship

For Spring 2027, the official scholarship system currently lists the New Students Scholarship from August 10 to November 13, 2026.

Step 6: Upload Required Scholarship Documents

Follow the exact instructions in the scholarship system.

Step 7: Submit Before the Deadline

NYCU warns that late or incomplete applications are not considered.

Step 8: Monitor Your Email

Scholarship and admission decisions are communicated through NYCU’s official systems/email.

Where to Apply for the NYCU Scholarship

Use NYCU’s official scholarship application system:

NYCU International Student Scholarship Application System

For admission information:

NYCU Office of International Affairs

Avoid third-party agents claiming they can guarantee a scholarship or admission.

NYCU specifically states that it has not outsourced the international admission process to agencies, apart from activities related to dissemination, promotion and assistance with necessary procedures.

NYCU Scholarship Selection Process

Scholarship selection is competitive.

NYCU explains that satisfying the minimum academic requirement does not guarantee an award.

The final allocation can depend on:

Number of applicants
Available scholarship budget
Department/college review
University-level review
Academic performance
Scholarship category
Program and advisor arrangements

For graduate students, NYCU’s current-student scholarship notice also states that match-funding from the advisor, department/institute or college is compulsory in principle for the graduate current-student scholarship award.

NYCU Scholarship Renewal Requirements

Scholarship recipients must maintain the academic performance required under NYCU’s scholarship regulations.

Undergraduate

Minimum GPA: 3.0

Master’s / PhD

Minimum GPA: 3.5

Failure to meet the applicable academic requirements can affect scholarship continuation or renewal.

NYCU Scholarship for Bachelor’s Students

Yes, NYCU offers international undergraduate scholarships.

However, Bachelor’s applicants should target Fall 2027, because the Spring 2027 international degree intake is for graduate programs only.

The published scholarship range for undergraduate students is:

NT$5,000–21,000 per month

plus possible tuition support.

The current scholarship regulations also establish a 3.0 GPA academic benchmark for undergraduate scholarship eligibility/continuation.

NYCU Scholarship for Master’s Students

Master’s students can apply through eligible international degree programs.

The published stipend range is:

NT$7,000–25,000 per month

with possible:

Full tuition and credit-fee waiver, or
Local-student tuition/credit-fee rates

The graduate scholarship GPA benchmark is:

3.5

NYCU Scholarship for PhD Students

PhD students can also receive NYCU scholarship support.

The published general stipend range is:

NT$10,000–30,000 per month

plus possible tuition support.

NYCU also has special doctoral scholarship arrangements, so PhD applicants should check their specific department and scholarship category rather than relying only on the general stipend range.

Is NYCU Scholarship Available for Pakistani Students?

The NYCU scholarship is designed for international/foreign students, so Pakistani applicants can explore eligible NYCU international degree programs.

However, nationality alone does not guarantee admission or scholarship selection.

Pakistani applicants should check:

Program eligibility
Academic qualification
Language requirements
Passport requirements
Required document legalization/verification
Scholarship conditions

The final decision is made through NYCU’s international admission and scholarship process.

Is IELTS Required for NYCU Scholarship 2027?

There is no single IELTS requirement for every NYCU program.

The language requirement depends on the selected degree program and department.

Applicants should check the official admission guidelines for:

IELTS
TOEFL
Other accepted tests
English-medium education evidence
Chinese-language requirements

Do not publish “NYCU Scholarship 2027 without IELTS” as a universal claim.

Instead, verify the language requirement of your chosen program.

NYCU Scholarship 2027 vs Taiwan Government Scholarships

NYCU’s scholarship is a university scholarship.

Taiwan also has government-funded opportunities, such as the Taiwan Scholarship.

These are different funding routes.

Our government vs university scholarships guide explains the main differences between these two categories.

This distinction also matters because NYCU scholarship recipients generally cannot simultaneously receive certain Taiwan government-funded scholarships or grants.

NYCU Scholarship 2027 vs Other Taiwan Scholarships

Students interested in Taiwan should compare NYCU with other opportunities rather than applying to only one university.

For example, our Taiwan scholarship directory can be used to explore other funding opportunities in Taiwan.

Students looking for completely funded routes can also compare options in our fully funded scholarships directory.

Important Tips for NYCU Applicants

Apply for the correct intake

If you want a Bachelor’s degree, don’t apply for Spring 2027 expecting undergraduate admission.

Spring 2027 is graduate-only.

Check the department

NYCU’s academic programs have their own requirements.

Don’t confuse scholarship deadlines

The September 15 deadline is associated with the current-student Spring 2027 scholarship application.

The Spring 2027 New Students Scholarship deadline is November 13, 2026.

Don’t assume maximum funding

NT$21,000, NT$25,000 or NT$30,000 are published stipend ranges, not guaranteed awards for every applicant.

Maintain your GPA

For continuing scholarship eligibility:

Bachelor’s: 3.0
Graduate: 3.5

Prepare Chinese-language documentation

If you already have a recognized Chinese qualification, keep your certificate available because it may be relevant to the Mandarin-course exemption.

Apply early

Do not wait until the final hours to upload documents.

NYCU Scholarship 2027 Important Dates

Spring 2027

International degree admission

Opens: August 10, 2026
Deadline: September 30, 2026
Results: November 13, 2026
Reply deadline: November 22, 2026
Classes begin: February 15, 2027

New Students Scholarship

Opens: August 10, 2026
Deadline: November 13, 2026
Announcement: November 14, 2026

Fall 2027

Application opens: December 20, 2026
Application deadline: March 15, 2027
Semester: Fall 2027

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NYCU Scholarship 2027?

The NYCU International Student Scholarship is financial support offered by National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University to eligible international degree students. It can include monthly stipends and tuition support.

Which country offers the NYCU Scholarship?

The scholarship is offered in Taiwan by National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University.

What degrees are supported?

NYCU scholarship opportunities cover Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD students, depending on the intake and program.

Can Bachelor’s students apply for Spring 2027?

No. Spring 2027 international degree admission is for graduate programs only. Bachelor’s applicants should target Fall 2027.

When does Fall 2027 NYCU admission open?

Fall 2027 international degree applications open on December 20, 2026.

What is the Fall 2027 deadline?

The official NYCU academic calendar lists March 15, 2027 as the deadline for international degree applications for Fall 2027.

What is the NYCU scholarship GPA requirement?

NYCU lists a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for undergraduate students and 3.5 for graduate students for scholarship eligibility/continuation.

How much is the NYCU monthly stipend?

Published NYCU scholarship regulations list:

Bachelor’s: NT$5,000–21,000
Master’s: NT$7,000–25,000
PhD: NT$10,000–30,000

Actual awards depend on the scholarship allocation and budget.

Does NYCU provide tuition support?

Yes. Depending on the award, tuition and credit fees may be fully waived or charged according to local-student rates.

Is NYCU Scholarship fully funded?

Not necessarily for every recipient. NYCU combines different scholarship components, and students can receive monthly stipends, tuition awards, or both.

Is IELTS mandatory?

There is no single IELTS requirement for all NYCU programs. Check the language requirements of your selected department.

Do NYCU scholarship recipients have to learn Chinese?

Yes. NYCU scholarship regulations require scholarship recipients to take Mandarin courses unless they qualify for an exemption. Undergraduate recipients generally need four courses, while Master’s and PhD recipients need two.

Can I receive NYCU Scholarship and Taiwan Scholarship together?

Generally, NYCU scholarship recipients cannot simultaneously receive prohibited Taiwan government-funded scholarships or grants. Check the current scholarship regulations before accepting another award.

Where do I apply?

Use the official NYCU International Student Scholarship Application System:

NYCU Scholarship Application System

For admission, use the official NYCU Office of International Affairs website.

Does meeting the GPA requirement guarantee a scholarship?

No. NYCU explicitly states that meeting the minimum grade requirement does not guarantee an award. Selection is affected by budget, applicant numbers and committee review.

Final Conclusion

The NYCU Scholarship 2027 is a strong option for international students seeking degree study in Taiwan, particularly those interested in technology, engineering, computer science, medicine and research-intensive fields.

The most important point for the 2027 cycle is to separate the Spring and Fall intakes.

For Spring 2027, NYCU international degree admission is for Master’s and PhD programs, with applications running from August 10 to September 30, 2026. The separate Spring 2027 New Students Scholarship is listed on NYCU’s official scholarship system from August 10 to November 13, 2026.

For Fall 2027, NYCU’s official academic calendar lists international degree applications from December 20, 2026 to March 15, 2027, covering Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD applicants.

The scholarship can provide monthly financial support and tuition assistance, with published stipend ranges of NT$5,000–21,000 for Bachelor’s, NT$7,000–25,000 for Master’s, and NT$10,000–30,000 for PhD students. However, the actual award depends on the scholarship allocation, program and available budget.

Students should therefore choose their program first, verify its admission requirements and funding category, and then submit a complete application through the official NYCU systems.

Official NYCU Links

Explore More Scholarships

Students interested in Taiwan can browse our Taiwan scholarship opportunities, while applicants comparing different funding models can read our government vs university scholarships guide.

You can also explore our NYCU International Student Scholarship 2026 guide for historical context and our fully funded scholarships without IELTS for 2027 for other international opportunities.

September 9, 2026

King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship 2026–27 Apply Now

The King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship 2026–27 is an international study opportunity at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. KAU has officially announced that applications for non-Saudi students living inside and outside Saudi Arabia will open on September 16, 2026, and close on October 6, 2026 through the official Study in Saudi platform.

The important point for applicants is that KAU does not have one identical funding package for every program. The Study in Saudi platform currently lists KAU programs under different funding categories, including Full Scholarship, Partial Scholarship, and Paid Study. Some international Master’s and PhD programs are currently listed as full scholarships, where the sponsoring entity covers all scholarship costs.

In this guide, we explain the latest King Abdul Aziz University Scholarshipapplication dates, eligibility, funding, programs, documents, language requirements, application process, and important points to check before applying.

Current status: Applications are not open yet. The official KAU application window begins September 16, 2026.

King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship 2026–27 — Quick Summary

Category	Details
Scholarship	King Abdulaziz University Scholarship
University	King Abdulaziz University (KAU)
Country	Saudi Arabia
Location	Jeddah
Academic year	2026–27
Applicants	Non-Saudi students
Study levels	Undergraduate and postgraduate programs
Application opens	September 16, 2026
Application deadline	October 6, 2026
Application platform	Study in Saudi
Funding	Depends on the selected program
Full scholarships	Available for eligible programs
Application fee	Check the selected program and application portal
Official university	King Abdulaziz University

KAU’s official announcement confirms the September 16–October 6, 2026 application period for non-Saudi undergraduate and postgraduate applicants applying from inside or outside Saudi Arabia.

What Is the King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship?

The King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship, commonly referred to as the King Abdulaziz University Scholarship, is an international scholarship opportunity connected with study at King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia.

KAU maintains an international student scholarship program for non-Saudi students. Its official scholarship information describes international scholarship opportunities as funded educational scholarships and lists benefits such as a monthly stipend, healthcare, accommodation subject to availability, subsidized meals, annual round-trip airfare, and certain academic allowances.

However, applicants should distinguish between KAU’s international scholarship framework and the individual programs currently displayed on Study in Saudi. The platform shows the funding category attached to each program, and those categories can differ.

This distinction is important because not every KAU program should automatically be described as fully funded.

Is the King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship Fully Funded?

Some KAU programs are offered as full scholarships, but funding is program-specific.

The official Study in Saudi platform currently lists KAU programs with different funding categories.

For programs marked Full Scholarship, the platform states that:

The sponsoring entity covers all scholarship costs and the student bears no financial burden.

For other programs, the platform can show Partial Scholarship, where the sponsoring entity covers part of the tuition and the student pays the remaining amount. Some programs are also listed as Paid Study.

Therefore, applicants should not assume that every KAU degree is fully funded.

Full Scholarship

For eligible programs marked Full Scholarship, the Study in Saudi platform states that the sponsoring entity covers all scholarship costs. Current KAU listings include full-scholarship Master’s and PhD programs in areas such as engineering, computer science, environmental sciences, physics, business, and other fields.

Partial Scholarship

A partial scholarship covers only part of the applicable costs. The student may still be responsible for the remaining tuition or other expenses.

Paid Study

Paid-study programs require the student to cover the applicable tuition and living costs. The Study in Saudi KAU listings currently include paid-study options alongside scholarship programs.

Always check the funding type attached to your exact program before submitting an application.

King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship Benefits

Benefits depend on the scholarship category and the final award.

KAU’s official international student scholarship information lists the following benefits for its international scholarship program:

Monthly stipend
Arrival allowance for scholarship students
Healthcare services
Accommodation, subject to availability
Academic, social, cultural and training support
Access to the central library
Subsidized meals
Thesis printing allowance for Master’s and PhD students
Graduation allowance for shipping books
Annual round-trip airfare to the student’s home country

The exact package available to an applicant should be confirmed through the selected program’s Study in Saudi listing and final scholarship/admission decision.

Who Can Apply for the King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship?

The 2026–27 KAU announcement specifically targets non-Saudi students residing both inside and outside Saudi Arabia and covers undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Potential applicants include:

International students living outside Saudi Arabia
Non-Saudi students legally residing in Saudi Arabia
Students applying for Bachelor’s programs
Students applying for Master’s programs
Students applying for PhD programs
Applicants who meet the requirements of an eligible KAU program

The exact requirements depend on the degree, program, applicant category, and funding type.

King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

Because KAU offers many different academic programs, applicants should treat the following as a general eligibility framework, not as one universal checklist for every program.

General Requirements

Applicants should generally:

Be a non-Saudi applicant for the relevant international admission route.
Hold the academic qualification required for the selected program.
Meet the program’s academic requirements.
Submit authentic academic documents.
Meet the applicable language requirements.
Meet any age requirement specified for the selected degree or program.
Satisfy medical and health requirements where applicable.
Comply with Saudi educational and immigration regulations.

For postgraduate international scholarships, KAU’s official scholarship information currently specifies additional requirements, including academic qualifications recognized in the applicant’s home country, a minimum Very Good grade where grading applies, good conduct, medical fitness, and two academic recommendations.

Important: Requirements Are Program-Specific

Do not rely on a generic scholarship checklist alone.

Before applying, open the specific KAU program on Study in Saudi and check:

Degree level
Program name
Gender eligibility where applicable
Language of instruction
Academic qualification
Scholarship type
Required documents
Program duration
Additional admission requirements

The Study in Saudi platform itself notes that programs are being added and updated continuously.

Age Requirements for King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship

Age requirements can differ by degree and admission route.

For KAU’s international postgraduate scholarship information, the current published requirements state:

Master’s: Applicant must not exceed 30 years
PhD: Applicant must not exceed 35 years

The same KAU page also specifies academic, recommendation, conduct and medical requirements for these international scholarship applicants.

For Bachelor’s applicants, do not rely on older online scholarship lists that quote a universal age limit. Instead, verify the requirement shown for the specific 2026–27 program in Study in Saudi.

Academic Requirements of King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship

Academic requirements depend on the degree and program.

Bachelor’s

Bachelor’s applicants need the secondary/high-school qualification required by their selected KAU program and must satisfy any additional academic conditions shown in the Study in Saudi listing.

Master’s

Master’s applicants generally need a recognized Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field.

KAU’s international scholarship information specifies a minimum Very Good academic grade where the grading system applies.

PhD

PhD applicants generally need a recognized previous qualification appropriate for the doctoral program.

The selected department may also impose additional academic, research or language requirements.

English Language Requirements for King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship

English requirements depend on the selected program and language of instruction.

For KAU’s international postgraduate scholarship requirements, the university currently lists:

Test	Minimum Score
TOEFL iBT	61
TOEFL CBT	173
TOEFL PBT	500
IELTS	5.0

These scores are published by KAU for its international student scholarship requirements. Program-specific requirements should still be checked before applying.

Do not assume that IELTS 5.0 applies to every KAU program. Some programs may have different language requirements or use Arabic as the language of instruction.

If you’re specifically searching for opportunities where IELTS may not be required, you can also see our guide to fully funded scholarships without IELTS.

Available King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship Programs

KAU offers a broad range of academic disciplines.

Current Study in Saudi listings show international scholarship programs in areas including:

Computer Science
Information Technology
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Environmental Sciences
Physics
Nuclear Engineering
Mining Engineering
Business Administration
Accounting
Communications and Media
English Language
Education
Family Sciences
Other academic fields

For example, current KAU listings include Computer Science Master’s and PhD programs under the Full Scholarship category, as well as Information Technology and engineering programs.

Program availability can change

Study in Saudi states that programs are being added and updated continuously, so applicants should check the platform again when applications open.

Required Documents

The exact document requirements depend on the selected program.

Applicants should prepare the following where applicable:

Valid passport
Recent passport-size photograph
High-school certificate for Bachelor’s admission
Bachelor’s degree for Master’s admission
Master’s degree or relevant qualification for PhD admission
Academic transcripts
English-language certificate, if required
Arabic-language evidence, if required
Curriculum vitae for programs that request it
Statement of purpose or motivation letter, if required
Research proposal for applicable postgraduate programs
Academic recommendation letters where required
Medical documents where requested
Proof of legal residence for applicants applying from inside Saudi Arabia, where required
Certified translations where applicable
Any additional documents specified by KAU or the selected program

Important

Do not assume that every applicant needs every document above.

For example, a Bachelor’s applicant should not automatically prepare a PhD research proposal simply because it appears on a general scholarship checklist.

Follow the document requirements displayed for your specific KAU program.

How to Apply for the King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship?

Applications for the 2026–27 cycle will be submitted through the Study in Saudi platform. KAU’s official announcement confirms the application window of September 16 to October 6, 2026.

Step 1: Visit Study in Saudi

Start from the official:

Study in Saudi — Official Application Platform

Avoid unofficial agents or third-party application websites.

Step 2: Create or access your account

Step 3: Complete your profile

Enter your:

Personal information
Nationality
Passport information
Education history
Contact information
Other requested details

Step 4: Search for King Abdulaziz University

Search for King Abdulaziz University within the Study in Saudi platform.

You can also browse KAU’s current program listings:

King Abdulaziz University programs on Study in Saudi

Step 5: Select your program

Check the specific:

Degree
Field
Language
Eligibility
Scholarship type
Duration
Required documents

This step is particularly important because KAU’s programs can have different funding categories.

Step 6: Upload your documents

Upload clear and valid documents in the formats requested by the platform.

Make sure your:

Name
Date of birth
Passport number
Academic information

are consistent across your application.

Step 7: Review the application

Before submitting, carefully check every section.

Pay particular attention to:

Program selection
Scholarship/funding category
Academic history
Uploaded documents
Contact information

Step 8: Submit before October 6

Submit your application before the official closing date.

Application deadline: October 6, 2026.

Step 9: Track your application

Continue checking your Study in Saudi account and the email address associated with your application for updates.

King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship 2026–27 Deadline

The official KAU announcement gives the following dates:

Application opens: September 16, 2026

Application closes: October 6, 2026

The announcement was published by KAU on September 8, 2026.

Important Timeline

Stage	Date
Official announcement	September 8, 2026
Applications open	September 16, 2026
Application deadline	October 6, 2026

There is currently no reason to describe the application as open before September 16.

Is the King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship Open Now?

Applications will open on:

September 16, 2026

and close on:

October 6, 2026.

This makes the current status:

Opening soon

Applicants should use the time before September 16 to prepare their documents and identify eligible KAU programs.

Is King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship Available for Bachelor’s Students?

Yes, KAU’s current Study in Saudi listings include Bachelor’s programs.

However, the funding category and eligibility can differ between programs.

The current KAU program database includes Bachelor’s listings under different categories, including international and resident routes. For example, some listings show partial scholarship or paid-study arrangements, while other KAU programs are listed as full scholarships.

Therefore, Bachelor’s applicants should not assume that every Bachelor’s program is fully funded.

Is King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship Available for Master’s Students?

Yes.

The current Study in Saudi database contains numerous KAU Master’s programs marked Full Scholarship for international applicants.

Examples include programs in:

Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Environmental Sciences
Computer-related fields
Mining Engineering
Physics
Communications and Media
Education
Other disciplines

The database is dynamic, so applicants should check the program listing when the application window opens.

Is King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship Available for PhD Students?

Yes.

KAU’s current Study in Saudi listings include international PhD programs under the Full Scholarship category.

Examples include:

Computer Science
Information Technology
Mechanical Engineering
Structural Geology and Remote Sensing
Accounting
Business Administration
Communications and Media
Other fields

The KAU international scholarship page also specifically publishes postgraduate requirements for Master’s and PhD applicants.

Can Pakistani Students Apply?

Pakistani applicants should check the specific KAU program and nationality eligibility shown in Study in Saudi when applications open.

The current KAU announcement is specifically for non-Saudi students inside and outside Saudi Arabia, rather than listing individual nationalities.

Therefore, Pakistani applicants should verify the nationality and program requirements directly in the application system instead of relying on third-party lists.

Does the King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship Require IELTS?

There is no single IELTS rule that applies to every KAU program.

For KAU’s international postgraduate scholarship requirements, the university currently lists IELTS 5.0 as one accepted English-language benchmark, alongside specified TOEFL scores.

However, the language requirement depends on the selected program.

Therefore:

Do not assume that IELTS is universally required or universally waived. Check the language requirement of your selected KAU program.

What Is the Difference Between Full and Partial KAU Scholarships?

This is one of the most important things applicants should understand.

Funding type	Meaning
Full Scholarship	The sponsoring entity covers all scholarship costs
Partial Scholarship	The sponsoring entity covers part of the tuition; the student pays the remaining amount
Paid Study	Student bears the applicable tuition and living costs

These categories are currently visible in KAU’s Study in Saudi program listings.

This is why applicants should always check the funding category attached to their specific program.

How Competitive Is the King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship?

KAU does not guarantee admission simply because an applicant meets the minimum requirements.

Selection can depend on:

Academic qualifications
Program capacity
Program-specific requirements
Document verification
Language requirements
Applicant competition
University and relevant authority review

Meeting minimum eligibility requirements therefore does not guarantee admission or a scholarship.

For applicants comparing different funding routes, our guide on government vs university scholarships explains how university-based funding differs from government scholarship programs.

Tips for a Strong KAU Application

1. Choose the funding category carefully

Do not select a program simply because it says “scholarship.”

Check whether it is:

Full Scholarship
Partial Scholarship
Paid Study

2. Check the program requirements

KAU has many programs, and requirements can differ.

3. Prepare documents early

Have your passport, transcripts, certificates and required language documents ready before September 16.

4. Keep your information consistent

Your name and personal details should match your passport and academic documents.

5. Don’t rely on old scholarship lists

The Study in Saudi database is dynamic and programs can be added or updated.

6. Avoid agents promising guaranteed admission

No third party can guarantee that KAU will select your application.

7. Apply through the official platform

Use Study in Saudi rather than an unofficial application website.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Assuming every KAU program is fully funded
Applying without checking the program-specific requirements
Using outdated age requirements
Assuming IELTS rules are identical for every program
Uploading incomplete documents
Using unofficial application websites
Waiting until the final day to submit
Choosing the wrong degree level
Confusing partial scholarships with full scholarships
Assuming that meeting the minimum requirements guarantees selection

Frequently Asked Questions about King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship

What is the King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship?

The King Abdul Aziz Scholarship refers to international scholarship opportunities associated with King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia. KAU offers international scholarship opportunities across different academic programs and levels.

When does the King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship 2026–27 open?

The application period opens on September 16, 2026.

What is the King Abdul Aziz Scholarship deadline?

The official deadline is October 6, 2026.

Is the King Abdul Aziz Scholarship fully funded?

Some KAU programs are fully funded, but not all programs have the same funding type. Study in Saudi currently lists KAU programs as Full Scholarship, Partial Scholarship and Paid Study.

What does a KAU full scholarship cover?

For programs listed as Full Scholarship, Study in Saudi states that the sponsoring entity covers all scholarship costs. KAU’s international scholarship information also lists benefits such as stipends, healthcare, accommodation subject to availability and airfare for eligible scholarship students.

Can Bachelor’s students apply?

Yes. KAU has Bachelor’s programs listed on Study in Saudi, but the funding category and requirements depend on the specific program.

Can Master’s students apply?

Yes. KAU currently lists numerous Master’s programs for international applicants under the Full Scholarship category.

Can PhD students apply?

Yes. KAU currently lists international PhD programs under the Full Scholarship category.

Is IELTS required?

It depends on the program. KAU’s published international postgraduate scholarship requirements list IELTS 5.0 or specified TOEFL scores, but applicants should check the language requirements of their selected program.

Where do I apply?

Applications are submitted through the official Study in Saudi platform during the announced application window.

Apply through Study in Saudi

Can I apply before September 16?

The 2026–27 KAU application window begins on September 16, 2026. Before then, applicants can prepare their documents and review available programs.

Does applying guarantee a scholarship?

No. Applicants must meet the requirements of their selected program, and final admission/scholarship decisions depend on the relevant selection process and available places.

Final Thoughts | King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship

The King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship 2026–27 is a significant opportunity for international students interested in studying at King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia.

The most important update for applicants is that KAU has officially announced the September 16–October 6, 2026 application window for non-Saudi students applying from inside and outside Saudi Arabia.

The King Abdul Aziz University Scholarship should not be treated as one universal funding package. KAU’s current Study in Saudi listings show full scholarships, partial scholarships and paid-study programs. Applicants should therefore select their degree and program first, then verify the exact funding category and requirements before submitting an application.

If you’re comparing this opportunity with other funded options, you can also explore our fully funded scholarships, scholarships by country, and scholarships without IELTS.

Official Links

More Here

September 8, 2026

Yonsei Scholarship 2027 Apply Fast

The Yonsei Scholarship 2027 is an important opportunity for international students who want to study at Yonsei University in South Korea. For the Spring 2027 intake, Yonsei University is currently accepting applications through its international undergraduate admission process.

The online application period runs from September 1 to September 17, 2026, while original documents must arrive at Yonsei’s Office of Admissions by September 30, 2026. Applicants can apply to both the regular International Track and the Global Leaders College (GLC) International Track.

One important point before applying: Yonsei Scholarship 2027 is not the name of one single universal fully funded scholarship. Yonsei offers several scholarship and financial-aid opportunities for undergraduate international students, including scholarships associated with the Underwood International College, Global Leaders College, regular undergraduate degree programs, and the Korean Government Scholarship Program.

In this guide, we explain the Spring 2027 admission process, eligibility, available scholarships, required documents, deadlines, application steps, and how to improve your chances.

If you are comparing South Korean opportunities, you can also explore our Global Korea Scholarship 2027 guide and our broader fully funded scholarships.

Yonsei Scholarship 2027 Overview

Category	Details
University	Yonsei University
Country	South Korea
Intake	Spring 2027
Study level	Undergraduate
Application opens	September 1, 2026
Online application deadline	September 17, 2026, 5:00 PM KST
Original documents deadline	September 30, 2026, 5:00 PM KST
Interview	October 31, 2026, for applicable programs
Admission results	December 4, 2026, 5:00 PM KST
Tuition payment	January 2027
Semester begins	March 2027
Application fee	KRW 200,000 for most international tracks; KRW 230,000 for Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy
Main scholarship routes	UIC, GLC, Undergraduate Degree Program, GKS

The dates above come from Yonsei University’s official Spring 2027 international student admission guide and admission notice.

What Is the Yonsei Scholarship 2027?

The term Yonsei Scholarship 2027 is commonly used to describe scholarship opportunities available to students applying to Yonsei University.

However, Yonsei itself does not describe Spring 2027 as one single scholarship with one universal funding package. The university offers different scholarships depending on the college, program, academic performance, financial circumstances, and scholarship category.

For international undergraduate students, the main routes include:

Underwood International College (UIC) scholarships
Global Leaders College (GLC) scholarships
Undergraduate Degree Program scholarships
Korean Government Scholarship Program (GKS)

This distinction matters because not every international applicant will automatically receive a full scholarship.

Is Yonsei Scholarship 2027 Fully Funded?

Not in the sense of one universal scholarship covering every expense for every recipient.

Yonsei offers different forms of financial assistance. Depending on the scholarship, support can include full or partial tuition coverage and other financial aid.

For example, Yonsei states that UIC scholarships include admission, merit-based, and need-based scholarships, while GLC offers need-based and merit-based financial aid.

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is a separate government-funded route and should not be confused with Yonsei’s university scholarships.

Therefore, applicants should check the exact scholarship conditions applicable to their program instead of assuming that admission automatically means a fully funded award.

Yonsei Scholarship 2027 Eligibility

The Spring 2027 international admission route is intended for eligible international applicants.

According to Yonsei’s official application guide, applicants generally need to meet the following requirements.

International Nationality Requirement

For the international student admission route, the applicant must be a foreign national whose parents are both foreign nationals.

Yonsei also states that applicants who hold Korean nationality, including certain dual-nationality situations, cannot apply through the foreign-nationality admission route. The nationality determination is based on the date of application.

High School Requirement

Applicants must have graduated or be expected to graduate from an eligible high school in Korea or abroad.

For Spring 2027 applicants, expected graduates generally need to complete graduation by February 2027, with a specific exception for students graduating from Japanese high schools, who may graduate by March 2027.

Education Must Be Recognized

Yonsei’s 2027 guide states that qualifications such as GED, homeschooling, and cyber-learning are not accepted as equivalent educational qualifications for this admission route.

This is important for applicants whose secondary education followed a non-traditional pathway.

Language Requirements for Yonsei University

Language requirements depend on the program and admission track.

For most international undergraduate programs other than Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, and Pharmacy, Yonsei’s 2027 guide allows applicants to demonstrate language ability through one of several recognized routes involving Korean or English education, standardized examinations, or recognized language test results.

For applicants to:

College of Medicine
College of Dentistry
College of Nursing
College of Pharmacy

Yonsei requires TOPIK Level 5 or higher, or completion of Level 5 or higher at the Yonsei Korean Language Institute, according to the 2027 admission guide.

Does Yonsei Require IELTS?

Not necessarily for every program.

The Spring 2027 guide does not impose one universal IELTS score for all international undergraduate applicants. Instead, the accepted language evidence depends on the relevant admission unit and the language requirements specified in the guide.

Therefore, applicants should not assume that they automatically need IELTS 6.0 or another fixed score simply because they are applying to Yonsei.

Check the exact requirements for your selected program before taking an English test.

Yonsei University Spring 2027 Admission Tracks

Applicants can apply through the relevant international admission routes.

International Track

This is the main foreign-nationality admission route for eligible international students.

Applicants select one recruitment unit within the track.

Global Leaders College International Track

The Global Leaders College provides an international-focused undergraduate pathway.

For Spring 2027, applicants can apply to both the regular International Track and the GLC International Track, provided they satisfy the relevant requirements.

However, applicants must submit the required documents separately for each application when applying to both tracks.

Global Leaders College at Yonsei

Global Leaders College, or GLC, is an undergraduate college designed for international and overseas Korean students.

Yonsei’s current scholarship information lists five GLC majors:

International Commerce
Korean Language & Culture Education
Cultural Media
Bio & Living Engineering
Applied Information Engineering

The GLC route can therefore be particularly relevant for international students looking for an undergraduate program with a strong international-student focus.

Yonsei Scholarship 2027 Benefits

Because Yonsei offers several scholarship categories, the benefits vary.

Underwood International College Scholarships

Yonsei states that UIC scholarships are divided into:

Admission scholarships
Merit-based scholarships
Need-based scholarships

Other scholarships may also be announced for eligible UIC students.

The exact award and eligibility depend on the relevant scholarship.

Global Leaders College Scholarships

GLC provides several forms of financial aid, including:

Need-based scholarships
Merit-based scholarships
Freshman scholarships
Work-based scholarships
Activity-based scholarships
Work-study scholarships
Leadership/volunteer-related scholarships

The university’s GLC scholarship page provides the detailed conditions and application arrangements for these awards.

Undergraduate Degree Program Scholarships

Yonsei also lists scholarships for its regular undergraduate degree program. These include financial-aid opportunities for undergraduate students in the Korean-language degree program.

Korean Government Scholarship Program

International students can also explore the Korean Government Scholarship Program, commonly known as GKS.

This is a separate government-funded scholarship rather than a standard Yonsei university scholarship. Yonsei’s official scholarship page directs international students to this option.

We already cover the government route in our Global Korea Scholarship 2027 guide.

GLC Freshman Scholarship

For students entering Global Leaders College, freshman scholarships are particularly important.

The official GLC scholarship information includes freshman scholarship opportunities for eligible incoming students.

One of the freshman scholarship routes considers outstanding academic performance in high school. GLC also states that certain freshman scholarship awards do not require a separate scholarship application because eligible students are selected through the relevant process.

This makes academic performance during secondary school particularly important for applicants targeting GLC.

GLC Merit-Based Scholarships

GLC also provides merit-based scholarships after enrollment.

The official scholarship information specifies academic-performance conditions for its merit awards. Students must meet the required credit and GPA conditions for the applicable scholarship.

This means your scholarship opportunities do not necessarily end once you receive admission.

Maintaining strong grades can help you compete for future financial support.

GLC Need-Based Scholarships

GLC also provides need-based financial assistance.

These awards consider financial circumstances and supporting documentation in addition to academic requirements. The specific eligibility conditions can depend on the scholarship category.

Students should therefore prepare appropriate financial documents if they intend to pursue need-based aid.

Yonsei Scholarship 2027 Fields of Study

Yonsei University offers a broad range of undergraduate academic areas.

The university’s undergraduate structure includes fields such as:

Humanities
Social Sciences
Business
Economics
Science
Engineering
Computer Science
Artificial Intelligence
Life Sciences
Biotechnology
Education
Nursing
Pharmacy
Medicine
Dentistry
Arts
Theology
International studies

The exact programs available through the Spring 2027 international admission route depend on the recruitment unit listed in Yonsei’s official application guide.

The 2027 guide also reflects changes to Yonsei’s academic structure, including the introduction of Artificial Intelligence Convergence College recruitment units and changes involving computer science and advanced computing programs.

Therefore, applicants interested in computer science or AI should check the 2027 guide rather than relying on an older Yonsei major list.

Documents Required for Yonsei Scholarship 2027

Applicants need to prepare both admission documents and supporting documents.

The exact checklist depends on the applicant’s educational background and nationality, but the official Spring 2027 guide includes the following major categories.

1. Online Application

After completing the online application, applicants must print the completed application form for submission with their original documents.

2. Academic History Record

Applicants must complete Yonsei’s required academic history record, listing the schools they attended.

3. Personal Statement

The Personal Statement is a required part of the application.

Applicants should use it to explain their academic background, interests, motivation, goals, and reasons for applying to the selected program.

Yonsei provides an official English Personal Statement form with the Spring 2027 application materials.

4. High School Graduation Certificate

Applicants must provide a high school graduation certificate or expected-graduation certificate.

Depending on where the qualification was obtained, the document may need:

Apostille certification
Consular legalization
Official translation
Notarization

Yonsei’s requirements differ depending on whether the applicant completed high school in Korea, China, or another country.

5. High School Transcripts

Applicants must provide academic records covering their high school education.

For applicants educated outside Korea or China, Yonsei generally requires appropriately authenticated academic records, with translation requirements where documents are not issued in Korean or English.

6. Passport Copies

Applicants must submit nationality-identification documents for themselves and their parents.

A passport copy is the standard document where available.

7. Proof of Family Relationship

International applicants may need to submit a birth certificate or another document demonstrating the relationship between the applicant and parents.

Requirements vary depending on nationality.

For example, Yonsei specifies different documents for applicants from China and Japan.

8. Language-Proficiency Documents

Applicants must submit the language evidence required for their selected recruitment unit.

The acceptable evidence depends on the program and may include Korean or English educational records, standardized tests, or recognized language qualifications.

Apostille and Document Legalization

This is one of the most important parts of the Yonsei application.

Applicants who obtained their high school qualifications outside Korea or China generally need properly authenticated documents.

If documents are not issued in Korean or English, Yonsei requires an appropriate translation and authentication process.

Do not wait until the online application deadline to begin this process.

An applicant can complete the online application by September 17 but still fail to submit the required original documents by September 30.

Yonsei Scholarship 2027 Application Process

The application process has several stages.

Step 1: Choose Your Admission Track

Decide whether you are applying through:

International Track
GLC International Track

Eligible applicants may apply to both tracks.

Step 2: Select Your Recruitment Unit

Within each admission track, applicants select the appropriate recruitment unit.

Yonsei states that an applicant can select one recruitment unit within each track.

Step 3: Read the Official 2027 Guide

Before completing the application, carefully read Yonsei’s current Spring 2027 guide.

We recommend using the official Yonsei Spring 2027 application guide rather than an older guide because requirements and academic structures can change.

Step 4: Complete the Online Application

The Spring 2027 application is submitted online through Yonsei’s admissions system.

The application window is:

September 1, 2026, 10:00 AM KST → September 17, 2026, 5:00 PM KST.

Step 5: Pay the Application Fee

The official Spring 2027 guide lists:

KRW 200,000 for the general international track
KRW 230,000 for applicants to Medicine, Dentistry, or Pharmacy
KRW 200,000 for the GLC International Track

Once the application is completed and the fee has been paid, Yonsei states that the application cannot normally be cancelled or the application fee refunded.

Step 6: Print Your Application

After completing the online application, print the application materials required for submission.

Step 7: Prepare the Original Documents

Collect your:

Academic certificates
Transcripts
Passport copies
Parent nationality documents
Family relationship documents
Language evidence
Personal statement
Other required documents

Make sure authentication and translation requirements have been satisfied.

Step 8: Mail the Original Documents

Yonsei requires applicants to send the original documents by postal mail.

The documents must arrive at the Office of Admissions by September 30, 2026 at 5:00 PM KST.

Step 9: Track Your Application

After submission, applicants can use Yonsei’s admissions system to check relevant application information and results.

Step 10: Check the Admission Result

The Spring 2027 international admission result is scheduled for:

December 4, 2026 at 5:00 PM KST.

Yonsei Scholarship 2027 Timeline

Event	Date
Application opens	September 1, 2026 — 10:00 AM KST
Online application deadline	September 17, 2026 — 5:00 PM KST
Original documents deadline	September 30, 2026 — 5:00 PM KST
Interview	October 31, 2026
Admission results	December 4, 2026 — 5:00 PM KST
Tuition payment	January 2027
Spring semester	March 2027

The October 31 interview applies to applicants to the College of Medicine, College of Dentistry, and College of Pharmacy. The official guide specifies that the interview is conducted in person at the Sinchon Campus.

Important Yonsei Scholarship 2027 Deadline

The deadline most applicants need to remember is:

September 17, 2026 at 5:00 PM KST

This is the deadline for the online application.

But there is a second deadline that is equally important:

September 30, 2026 at 5:00 PM KST

This is the deadline by which the original documents must arrive at Yonsei’s Office of Admissions.

Do not confuse these two dates.

Submitting the online form before September 17 does not mean your application is complete if the required original documents do not arrive by September 30.

How to Increase Your Chances of a Yonsei Scholarship

Admission and scholarship selection can be competitive, so applicants should prepare more than the minimum documents.

Maintain Strong Academic Performance

Academic performance is particularly important for merit-based and freshman scholarships.

This is especially relevant for GLC, where outstanding freshman scholarships consider high-school academic performance.

Choose a Program That Matches Your Background

Your selected program should make sense based on your previous education and interests.

For example, a student applying to an engineering or computing program should be able to demonstrate relevant mathematics, science, programming, engineering, or project experience where appropriate.

Write a Strong Personal Statement

Avoid generic statements about how prestigious Yonsei is.

Instead, explain:

Why you selected Yonsei
Why you selected the specific program
What you have studied previously
What you want to learn
What you want to accomplish
How the program fits your future plans

Prepare Documents Early

Authentication can take time.

If your documents require an Apostille, consular confirmation, translation, or notarization, start before the application period gets close to the deadline.

Check the Language Requirements Carefully

Do not assume that one language certificate works for every program.

Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy have stricter Korean-language requirements in the 2027 guide.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Calling Yonsei Scholarship a Single Fully Funded Award

Yonsei offers multiple scholarship programs.

Do not assume every admitted international student receives the same funding package.

Mistake 2: Missing the Online Deadline

The online application closes on September 17 at 5:00 PM KST.

Mistake 3: Forgetting the Original Documents

Your original documents must arrive by September 30 at 5:00 PM KST.

Mistake 4: Using an Old Application Guide

Yonsei’s academic structure and admission requirements can change.

Use the current Spring 2027 guide, which was published by Yonsei on May 29, 2026.

Mistake 5: Ignoring Nationality Rules

The international admission route has specific rules concerning the nationality of the applicant and parents.

Dual nationality involving Korean citizenship can make an applicant ineligible for the foreign-nationality route.

Mistake 6: Waiting to Authenticate Documents

Apostille and consular legalization can take time. Begin preparing these documents as soon as possible.

Mistake 7: Assuming GKS and Yonsei Scholarships Are the Same

GKS is a Korean government scholarship, while Yonsei offers its own university scholarships.

Keep the two application routes separate.

Yonsei Scholarship 2027 vs GKS

Students often search for both Yonsei Scholarship 2027 and GKS 2027, but they are not identical.

Feature	Yonsei Scholarships	GKS
Provider	Yonsei University	Korean Government
University	Yonsei	Participating Korean universities
Funding	Varies by scholarship	Government-funded package
Selection	Depends on scholarship	GKS selection process
Application	Yonsei admission/scholarship route	Separate GKS route
Degree levels	Primarily depends on Yonsei program	Undergraduate and graduate routes depending on cycle

Yonsei itself lists GKS separately from its university scholarship programs.

For a broader explanation, our government vs university scholarships guide explains the difference between the two types.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Yonsei Scholarship 2027?

Yonsei Scholarship 2027 refers broadly to the scholarship opportunities available at Yonsei University for eligible students. Yonsei offers multiple undergraduate scholarship routes rather than one universal scholarship.

Is Yonsei Scholarship 2027 fully funded?

Not every Yonsei scholarship is fully funded. Scholarship benefits vary by program and award. Some scholarships can provide full or partial tuition support, while other financial-aid programs have different benefits.

Who can apply for Yonsei Spring 2027?

Eligible international applicants whose parents are both foreign nationals can apply through Yonsei’s international admission route, subject to the university’s nationality, education, language, and program-specific requirements.

What is the Yonsei University application deadline for Spring 2027?

The online application deadline is September 17, 2026 at 5:00 PM KST.

When are the original documents due?

Original documents must arrive at Yonsei University’s Office of Admissions by September 30, 2026 at 5:00 PM KST.

When will Yonsei announce Spring 2027 admission results?

Yonsei has scheduled the Spring 2027 international admission results for December 4, 2026 at 5:00 PM KST.

Can I apply to both International Track and GLC?

Yes. Yonsei officially permits concurrent applications to the International Track and GLC International Track, although applicants must submit the required documents for each application.

What is GLC at Yonsei University?

Global Leaders College is an undergraduate college at Yonsei offering programs including International Commerce, Korean Language & Culture Education, Cultural Media, Bio & Living Engineering, and Applied Information Engineering.

Does Yonsei offer scholarships for international students?

Yes. Yonsei offers multiple scholarships and financial-aid opportunities for international students, including UIC, GLC and undergraduate degree program scholarships. Students can also explore GKS.

Does Yonsei offer merit scholarships?

Yes. Yonsei and GLC provide merit-based scholarship opportunities. GLC’s scholarship structure includes freshman and continuing-student merit opportunities.

Can I apply for GKS through Yonsei?

Yonsei is a participating university for the relevant GKS routes, but GKS is a separate government scholarship process. Applicants should follow the current GKS application instructions rather than assuming the Yonsei admission application automatically applies for GKS.

Does Yonsei require IELTS?

There is no single universal IELTS requirement for all Spring 2027 international undergraduate applicants. Language evidence depends on the admission unit and the requirements in the official guide.

What language requirement applies to Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy?

For these fields, Yonsei’s Spring 2027 guide requires TOPIK Level 5 or higher or completion of Level 5 or higher at the Yonsei Korean Language Institute.

How much is the application fee?

For Spring 2027, the application fee is KRW 200,000 for the general International Track, KRW 230,000 for Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy, and KRW 200,000 for the GLC International Track.

Can I apply with GED or homeschooling?

Yonsei’s Spring 2027 international admission guide states that GED, homeschooling, cyber-learning, and similar alternative qualification methods are not recognized for this admission route.

Final Thoughts

The Yonsei Scholarship 2027 opportunity is worth considering for international students who want to pursue undergraduate study in South Korea, but applicants should understand that Yonsei offers multiple scholarship routes rather than one universal fully funded award.

The immediate priority for Spring 2027 applicants is the application deadline:

September 17, 2026 at 5:00 PM KST.

After submitting the online application, applicants must ensure that their required original documents arrive at Yonsei by September 30, 2026 at 5:00 PM KST.

Applicants should also carefully review the current 2027 guide because Yonsei’s academic structure, recruitment units, language requirements, and document requirements can differ between programs.

For students looking for additional South Korean opportunities, we recommend comparing the Global Korea Scholarship 2027 with university-specific funding and exploring our scholarships by country and fully funded scholarships.

Official Yonsei Sources

September 7, 2026