Scholarships opening in 2026 offer students the opportunity to fund their education through fully funded and partially funded programs. These scholarships are available for local and international students at undergraduate, postgraduate, and postgraduate research levels.
This guide provides early information, eligibility requirements, application timelines, and tips to help you prepare before applications officially open.
What is a scholarship?
A scholarship is a financial award to support a student’s education, like tuition, books, or living costs, that you don’t have to pay back, unlike a loan, and it’s granted based on criteria like academic merit, financial need, talents (sports, arts), or community involvement, provided by schools, organizations, or individuals. They make education accessible, reduce debt, and offer recognition, opening doors to better opportunities for deserving students.
List of Scholarships Opening in 2026
For the 2026 academic year, many prestigious global scholarships open their application windows throughout 2025 and early 2026. Because application timelines for 2026 entry vary by country and program, it is helpful to categorize them by their typical “opening” months.
1. United Kingdom
- Chevening (UK Government): The premier fully-funded scholarship for a one-year Master’s. Applications usually open in August 2025 and close in early November 2025 for the 2026/27 academic year.
- Commonwealth Scholarships: Generally open in September/October 2025 for students from Commonwealth countries.
- Gates Cambridge: For postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge. Applications open in September 2025.
2. Europe
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters: These are highly competitive, fully-funded programs involving multiple European universities. Applications typically open in October or November 2025 and close in January 2026.
- Swiss Government Excellence: Aimed at researchers and artists. Most countries have an application window that opens in August 2025 and closes in October/November 2025.
- Government of Ireland (GOI-IES): This is one of the few that opens in the same year as entry. The call for 2026 usually opens in late January 2026 with a deadline in March.
3. North America
- Fulbright Program: Deadlines are set by individual country commissions. In many regions, the application cycle for 2026/27 begins as early as February 2025.
- Knight-Hennessy Scholars (Stanford): For graduate study at Stanford. Applications typically open in July 2025 and close in October 2025.
Key High School/Undergraduate Scholarships (USA)
If you are currently a high school student looking for 2026 college funding:
- Coca-Cola Scholars Program: Applications open August 1, 2026 (for the 2027 cycle, but the 2025/26 cycle closes Sept 2025).
- Coolidge Scholarship: Full-ride for high school juniors. The deadline is typically December 2025 for 2026 entry.
- Robertson Scholars: For Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill. Deadlines are usually in January 2026.
Eligibility Requirements for 2026 Scholarships
Eligibility requirements for 2026 scholarships are strict and typically focus on academic excellence, leadership potential, and specific professional experience. Because you are applying for the 2026 academic year, many of these requirements must be met during the 2025 application window.
Below is a breakdown of the core requirements for the most prominent global scholarships.
1. Chevening Scholarship (United Kingdom)
- Education: Must hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies you for a UK Master’s (typically a 2:1 or equivalent).
- Work Experience: Must have at least 2,800 hours (roughly 2 years) of work experience.
- Note: For 2026 entry, Chevening has updated its rules: work experience must be gained after graduation to count toward the total.
- Course Choices: You must apply to three different eligible UK university courses and receive an unconditional offer from at least one by July 2026.
- Return Policy: You must agree to return to your country of citizenship for a minimum of two years after your scholarship ends.
2. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
- Education: Requires a Bachelor’s degree (4 years of study). Students with a 3-year degree may need an additional year of study to be eligible for US graduate schools.
- Testing: Most tracks require the GRE (General) or GMAT (for Business/MBA).
- English Proficiency: High scores on TOEFL (usually 90+ iBT) or IELTS (7.0+) are required.
- Experience: Preference is often given to those who have not had extensive recent experience in the US.
3. Rhodes Scholarship (University of Oxford)
- Age: Generally must be aged 18–24 on October 1, 2025. There are age extensions (up to 27 or 28) for candidates who completed their first degree later than usual or for medical students.
- Academic Standing: Extremely high. Usually requires a First Class Honours degree or a GPA of 3.7/4.0 or higher.+1
- Character: Based on the four “Rhodes Criteria”: academic excellence, energy to use talents to the full, truth/courage/devotion to duty, and moral force of character/leadership.
4. Erasmus Mundus (Europe)
- Degree: Must have a first cycle degree (Bachelor’s) equivalent to 180 ECTS (3 years of study).
- Deadline Check: For 2026 entry, you must have completed your degree by the scholarship deadline (often December 2025 or January 2026).
- Residence: You must provide proof of residence (e.g., a certificate from your place of work or study) to determine your category (Program vs. Partner country).
5. MEXT Scholarship (Japan)
- Age:
- Undergraduate: Must be born on or after April 2, 2001.
- Research/Graduate: Must be born on or after April 2, 1991.
- Language: Must be willing to learn Japanese. While some programs are in English, the “Research Student” track often requires a basic proficiency or willingness to undergo intensive language training.
- Arrival: You must be able to arrive in Japan between April 1 and April 7, 2026.
Regardless of the scholarship, you will almost certainly need the following “Standard Kit” for 2026 applications:
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended start date.
- Official Transcripts: Translated into English if the original is in another language.
- Letters of Recommendation: Usually two academic and one professional.
- Health Certificate: Required for MEXT and often for Fulbright/Chevening after the interview stage
How to Prepare for Scholarships Opening in 2026
To stay ahead:
- Gather academic transcripts early
- Prepare a strong personal statement
- Request recommendation letters in advance
- Research multiple scholarship options
Early preparation improves success rates significantly.
Why You Should Apply Early
Applying early for scholarships opening in 2026 helps you:
- Avoid technical issues
- Secure limited funding opportunities
- Increase acceptance chances
- Reduce financial stress
Early applicants often have an advantage.
Thank you for visiting GHResults.com — we wish you all the best on your journey ahead, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!