Complete list of scholarships at foreign universities for 2026

For many families, studying abroad seems unattainable due to the high costs. And this is understandable: a year of study at a private university in the US can cost tens of thousands of dollars. But the real picture looks different when you consider grants and scholarships.

Scholarships are not a rare exception, but rather a part of universities’ financial policies. In the US, Europe, and Canada, there is a system where a significant portion of students do not pay the full tuition fee. Some receive partial coverage, others receive full coverage, including accommodation.

It’s also important to distinguish between different types of financial aid. A university may offer a grant for academic achievements, support based on family income, or a targeted scholarship for a specific field of study. Understanding these differences helps you focus your efforts and apply to institutions where your chances are truly high.

In addition to universities and governments, there are many private and international funding programs. These are suitable for students pursuing master’s degrees, research programs, or those wishing to participate in exchange programs.

One of the most well-known programs remains the Fulbright Program. It focuses on education and research in the USA and covers tuition, living expenses, and other costs.

Erasmus+ is another major program that allows students to study in several European countries, receive a scholarship, and gain international experience. It is particularly popular among master’s students.

There are also corporate grants, funds from individual companies, and private initiatives that support students in STEM fields, business, sustainable development, and other areas.

Despite the variety of programs, the selection criteria are largely similar. Universities want to invest in those who will bring value to the academic and professional community.

High TOEFL or IELTS scores, good SAT or other exam results are fundamental to the profile, but extracurricular activities play an important role: projects, volunteering, research, and internships. The connection of these activities to the chosen field of study is especially valued.

The quality of the essay is of particular importance. It is through the essay that the admissions committee understands the candidate’s motivation, thinking, and maturity. A strong essay can compensate for weaknesses in the profile, and vice versa.

In 2026, competition for funding remains high, and those who act strategically will prevail. The first thing that truly works is starting early. It’s advisable to dedicate at least 1-2 years to preparing for admission; this time will be sufficient to build a strong profile.

The second key factor is uniqueness. Dozens of candidates may have similar TOEFL or IELTS scores, but the difference will be made, again, by the student’s personal brand: projects, initiatives, research, and experience that are logically connected to the chosen field of study. The more compelling the candidate’s story and motivation, the greater the trust from the admissions committee.

The third element is a well-planned application strategy. This means choosing the right programs, combining merit-based and need-based scholarships, understanding deadlines and requirements, and, if necessary, negotiating with the university for additional funding after receiving an offer.

Even strong candidates can lose out on funding opportunities due to simple mistakes, such as preparing their applications too late. When documents are compiled at the last minute, the quality of essays, recommendations, and the overall strategy suffers.

A second mistake is weak or generic motivation letters. Admissions committees read hundreds of applications, and general phrases without specific details are easily forgotten. The essay should showcase the student’s story, their thinking, experience, and goals, not just a desire to study abroad.

A third problem is the lack of real achievements in the chosen field. It’s not enough to simply want to enroll in a particular program; it’s important to have already accomplished something in that area. If a student writes about personal qualities, such as leadership, but cannot back it up with projects or initiatives, this also reduces credibility.

Finally, there’s the wrong choice of programs. Some scholarships may look attractive, but they don’t suit a particular profile. Without analyzing the requirements and realistic chances of success, it’s easy to waste time and not receive the desired amount of funding.

Up-to-date information on scholarships is always published on the official websites of universities and national educational portals. It’s worth keeping an eye on initiatives such as Fulbright and Erasmus+, as well as national education support funds.

It’s important to maintain your own calendar of deadlines. Many programs close 8-12 months before the start of studies, and missing the deadline automatically disqualifies you from participation, regardless of the strength of your profile.

Students who receive the maximum scholarships almost always work with deadlines in advance and submit their applications in the first waves of admissions, when the competition is lower.

To receive a scholarship abroad in 2026, it’s important to understand that there is no universal list of scholarships that will suit everyone. Only an individual approach works, taking into account the student’s profile, educational goals, and family’s financial capabilities.

A personal consultation helps to understand the details:

• to realistically assess your chances of receiving scholarships in the USA and Europe,
• to understand which funding programs are truly right for you,
• to determine which elements of your profile should be strengthened first,
• and to build a clear, step-by-step admission plan without unnecessary risks and chaos.

Sometimes, just one conversation with an expert is enough to reduce the cost of education by tens of thousands of dollars: