Top Fully Funded PhD Scholarships for International Students: 2026 Guide

Pursuing a PhD abroad can be financially demanding, with tuition fees, accommodation, research costs, and travel expenses quickly accumulating. Fortunately, a range of fully funded PhD scholarships now makes it possible for international students to undertake advanced study without the financial strain. This guide explores some of the best fully funded PhD opportunities available in Australia, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Japan, helping you identify the right programme to support your academic journey.

Fully Funded PhD Scholarships for International Students in Australia

Australia is one of the top destinations for international PhD students, thanks to its world-class universities and generous funding schemes. Many institutions offer fully funded PhD scholarships for international students, which typically cover tuition, a living allowance, and research costs. Here are five top picks:

1. Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships

Funded by the Australian Government, the Research Training Program (RTP) is the most popular and widely accessible pathway for PhD funding. It provides comprehensive financial support, including full tuition coverage and an annual living stipend of approximately AUD 34,000. Some RTP awards also include health insurance and relocation allowances. Each university manages the program, so you must apply directly through your chosen institution.

2. University of Melbourne Research Scholarship (MRS)

The University of Melbourne Research Scholarship (MRS) combines the RTP benefits with additional institutional funding. It offers international PhD students full tuition coverage, a generous living allowance, a relocation grant, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). This scholarship supports research in all fields and is highly competitive.

3. Monash University Research Scholarships

Monash University offers several prestigious PhD scholarships for international students, including the Monash Graduate Scholarship (MGS) and the Maxwell King PhD Scholarship. These awards provide a living stipend and full tuition fee. Monash is known for fostering innovation and impactful research across multiple disciplines.

4. ANU PhD Scholarship

The Australian National University (ANU) provides competitive PhD scholarships for both domestic and international students that include a stipend, tuition coverage, and in some cases, relocation support. ANU’s reputation for research excellence makes it an outstanding choice for you if you are seeking global-impact studies.

5. UniSQ International PhD Stipend and Fee Scholarship

The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) offers international students financial assistance covering both tuition and a living stipend. This scholarship supports research projects in science, engineering, business, and education, providing a balanced academic experience.

READ MORE: Best Master’s Scholarships for International Students

Fully Funded PhD Scholarships for International Students in the U.S.

The United States is home to many of the world’s best universities, and most PhD programs are funded. Many schools provide fully funded PhD scholarships for international students through teaching or research assistantships. Here are five you should know about:

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most renowned PhD scholarships for international students in the U.S. Funded by the U.S. Government, it provides full tuition, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and a generous monthly stipend to cover living expenses. The program is open to students from over 160 countries and from diverse disciplines, from engineering and the sciences to social policy and the arts.

2. Stanford University Fellowships

Stanford University offers exceptional financial aid packages for its PhD students through fellowships and research or teaching assistantships. These fellowships typically cover full tuition, provide a competitive living stipend, and include health insurance. Stanford’s commitment to research-driven education ensures that recipients have access to state-of-the-art resources and global academic networks.

3. Harvard GSAS Fellowships

At Harvard University, every PhD student enrolled in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) is fully funded for at least 5 years, provided they remain in good standing. The package includes tuition fees, health coverage, and a multi-year living allowance through a mix of fellowships, research grants, and teaching opportunities. This ensures that international students can focus on research and innovation without financial strain.

4. MIT Presidential Fellowships

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers full funding for most of its doctoral programs through the MIT Presidential Fellowships. These awards typically include five years of full tuition remission, a monthly stipend, and health insurance. MIT’s collaborative and research-intensive environment makes it one of the best places for international students pursuing advanced research.

5. National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship

The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program primarily supports U.S. citizens, US nationals, and permanent residents. International students cannot apply directly for the fellowship, but they can benefit indirectly through university grants or departmental funding that receives NSF support. Awards are based on academic merit and research potential, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

READ MORE: 15 Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students without IELTS

Fully Funded PhD Scholarships for International Students in Canada

Canada continues to attract global researchers thanks to its strong academic institutions, cultural diversity, and government-backed funding programs. For those pursuing doctoral studies, there are numerous fully funded PhD scholarships for international students in Canada that cover tuition, living stipends, research costs, and health insurance. Below are five of the best options available for international PhD hopefuls.

1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships are the country’s most prestigious doctoral award. It offers CAD $50,000 per year for up to three years to outstanding PhD students pursuing studies in health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and the humanities. The scholarship values leadership, academic excellence, and research potential. Applicants are typically nominated by their universities, so it’s essential to secure institutional support early in the process.

2. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship program is available at several top universities across Ontario, including the University of Toronto, Queen’s University, and Western University. Each OGS is worth up to CAD $15,000 per year, with renewable options depending on academic performance. The scholarship promotes research excellence and attracts international talent to Ontario’s graduate schools.

3. University of Saskatchewan PhD Scholarships

At the University of Saskatchewan, most departments provide guaranteed funding to international PhD students, averaging around CAD $20,000 annually. Funding usually comes in the form of research or teaching assistantships, as well as internal scholarships. Saskatchewan’s vibrant research environment makes it an excellent destination for students interested in agriculture, health sciences, and engineering.

4. University of Waterloo Graduate Scholarships

The University of Waterloo offers competitive PhD funding packages that combine internal awards, faculty research grants, and external scholarships. Many international students receive full tuition coverage and annual stipends, depending on research merit and supervisor support. Waterloo’s strong focus on innovation and interdisciplinary research makes it a leading choice in Canada.

5. NSERC Doctoral Program

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) offers doctoral scholarships for research in science and engineering. The award provides funding for up to three years, covering tuition, research expenses, and a living stipend. International students may be eligible through partnered universities or co-supervised research programs.

READ MORE: 11 Best Fully Funded Scholarships for Second Class Lower and Third Class Graduates

Fully Funded PhD Scholarships for International Students in the U.K.

The United Kingdom remains one of the most sought-after destinations for postgraduate education, and with good reason. From its world-class universities to its long-standing tradition of research excellence, the U.K. attracts thousands of scholars each year. Additionally, there are numerous fully funded PhD scholarships for international students in the U.K. that cover tuition and living expenses, helping you focus entirely on your academic goals. Here are five of the most notable options available.

1. Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most prestigious PhD scholarships for international students in the U.K., fully funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. It covers tuition fees, a generous stipend, airfare, and health insurance, making it one of the most comprehensive awards globally. Recipients pursue research in various fields at the University of Cambridge and become part of an inspiring global network of scholars committed to improving lives.

2. Clarendon Fund at Oxford University

The Clarendon Fund offers approximately 140 new scholarships every year to outstanding graduate students at the University of Oxford. These awards cover full tuition and provide a substantial annual living allowance. The scholarship is open to all academic disciplines, and it is highly competitive

3. Imperial College President’s PhD Scholarships

At Imperial College London, the President’s PhD Scholarships support some of the world’s most talented researchers. The award covers full tuition fees and provides an annual stipend to help with living costs. Imperial’s strong focus on science, technology, and innovation makes it an ideal destination if you are in the STEM field

4. UKRI Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs)

The U.K. Research and Innovation (UKRI) funds Doctoral Training Partnerships across multiple universities and disciplines. These programs support PhD students with tuition coverage and stipends, often tied to major research projects. Many DTPs are open to international students, particularly those with research proposals aligned with UKRI’s priorities in sustainability, health, and technology.

5. University of Brighton International Research Scholarships

The University of Brighton offers several fully funded PhD scholarships for international students, supporting innovative projects across the arts, sciences, and social disciplines. These awards often include a stipend, tuition waiver, and access to professional development resources.

READ MORE: 10 Best Paying Part-Time Jobs in Japan for International Students

Fully Funded PhD Scholarships for International Students in Japan

Japan has long been recognised as a global leader in technology, innovation, and academic excellence. For students aiming to pursue advanced research in Asia, several fully funded PhD scholarships in Japan offer comprehensive financial support, cultural immersion, and access to cutting-edge facilities. Below are five of the most prominent opportunities available.

1. MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship

The MEXT Scholarship, funded by the Japanese government, is the most well-known PhD scholarship for international students in Japan. It covers full tuition fees, airfare, a monthly living allowance, and accommodation support. Students can apply through the Japanese Embassy in their home country or directly through a host university.

2. JSPS Doctoral Fellowships

The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) offers doctoral and postdoctoral fellowships for researchers in various academic fields. This scholarship provides a monthly stipend, a research allowance, and travel expenses, helping scholars focus entirely on their research goals in Japan’s vibrant academic environment.

3. ADB–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP)

Jointly funded by the Asian Development Bank and the Government of Japan, this program supports postgraduate and selected PhD programs in development, sustainability, and economics. It covers tuition, a living stipend, travel costs, and medical insurance.

4. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship

This prestigious scholarship funds researchers from developing countries pursuing PhD programs related to global development, infrastructure, and policy reform. Read more about it, how to apply, and the eligibility criteria by clicking on this link.

5. University-Specific Fellowships (Tokyo, Kyoto, RIKEN)

Top institutions like the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, and RIKEN offer fully funded PhD fellowships covering tuition, research expenses, and stipends. It is essential to check the universities and read about the available scholarships and their eligibility criteria, so that you can apply accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can international students get fully funded PhDs?

Yes, international students can absolutely get fully funded PhD scholarships at many top universities worldwide. Countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Japan actively welcome international researchers through government and institutional funding programs. These scholarships usually cover full tuition, a living stipend, research expenses, and, sometimes, travel and health insurance.

Which country offers a free PhD for international students?

Several countries offer tuition-free or fully funded PhD opportunities for international students. Germany and Norway, for instance, have public universities that charge little to no tuition fees, even for non-EU students. Meanwhile, countries like Australia, the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. don’t offer “free” PhDs in the strict sense, but they do provide generous, fully funded scholarships that cover all major costs. Canada’s Vanier CGS and Australia’s Research Training Program (RTP) are excellent examples. These programs not only eliminate financial barriers but also provide stipends to cover living expenses, making them effectively free for recipients.

What is the easiest fully funded scholarship for international students?

While no fully funded scholarship is truly “easy” to get, since they are all competitive, some programs are more accessible than others, depending on your background. University-based scholarships (like the University of Melbourne Research Scholarship or University of Waterloo Graduate Scholarship) are often easier to apply for because the process is tied to your admission application. In other words, once you’re accepted into a PhD program, you’re automatically considered for funding. Preparing early, securing strong references, and aligning your research interests with your target institution’s priorities can significantly boost your chances.

Are there fully funded online PhD programs?

Yes, although less common, fully funded online PhD programs are available through select universities and distance-learning initiatives. These are especially designed for working professionals or researchers who need flexibility due to location or career commitments. Institutions such as Walden University (USA), the University of Birmingham (U.K.), and Athabasca University (Canada) offer online doctoral programs with partial or full funding opportunities, often through research grants or teaching assistantships. However, most fully funded PhD scholarships are still geared toward on-campus programs because they include access to laboratory facilities, mentorship, and academic networking opportunities.

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Finding and applying for fully funded PhD scholarships for international students can seem overwhelming, but it’s absolutely achievable with the right strategy. Whether you’re drawn to Australia’s research innovation, America’s academic depth, Canada’s inclusivity, the U.K.’s tradition, or Japan’s technological excellence, there’s a funding opportunity waiting for you.