Are you dreaming of pursuing a fully funded Master’s or PhD abroad in 2026, but feel overwhelmed by the process — especially the part about getting a university admission letter? Good news: there are many scholarships that don’t require you to have a university offer at the time of application.
This blog post is your step-by-step guide to:
- The top fully funded scholarships that don’t require an offer letter upfront,
- How to start your journey — even if you’re totally new to this,
- Application timelines and strategies to help you win.
Why Go Abroad on a Scholarship?
Studying abroad with a fully funded scholarship can change your life. These scholarships cover:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly stipends (€1,000–€2,000+)
- Free accommodation or housing allowance
- Airfare and health insurance
- Research grants, networking, and job opportunities after graduation
But the biggest challenge most students face is the confusing process: “Do I need to get into a university first?” Not always.
Let’s break it down.
Scholarships That Don’t Require an Admission Letter First
These programs allow you to apply directly for the scholarship. If selected, you’ll then either:
- Get guided to apply to specific universities, OR
- Submit your admission offer later, before funding starts.
Top Scholarships Open for 2026 Intake
| Scholarship Name | Level | Need Admission Offer Before Applying? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevening (UK) | Master’s | ❌ No | Aug–Nov 2025 |
| DAAD EPOS (Germany) | Master’s & PhD | ❌ No (submit before start) | Oct–Dec 2025 |
| Erasmus Mundus (EU) | Master’s | ❌ No (admission is part of process) | Oct 2025–Jan 2026 |
| Schwarzman Scholars (China) | Master’s | ❌ No | April–Sept 2025 |
| Vanier CGS (Canada) | PhD | ✅ Yes (must be nominated by university) | July–Oct 2025 |
| Commonwealth Master’s (UK) | Master’s | ⚠️ Yes (by nomination deadline) | Sept–Nov 2025 |
| Australia Awards | Master’s & PhD | ❌ Usually No | Feb–May 2026 |
Tip: Always double-check deadlines on the official scholarship websites and start preparing at least 6–8 months in advance.
Where (and How) to Start
Here’s a simple step-by-step plan to start your fully funded journey:
1. Choose Your Target Scholarship(s)
Research which scholarship fits your:
- Degree level (Master’s/PhD)
- Field of study (STEM, social sciences, public policy, etc.)
- Country of interest
- Citizenship eligibility
Start with:
- chevening.org
- daad.de
- erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu
- schwarzmanscholars.org
- vanier.gc.ca
- australiaawards.gov.au
2. Gather Core Documents
Most scholarships need the following:
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor/Master’s)
- CV or resume
- Statement of Purpose or Motivation Letter
- Letters of Recommendation (2–3)
- English Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL — not always required)
Start preparing these early! Especially your motivation letter, which plays a HUGE role.
3. Track Deadlines
Create a Google Sheet or Trello board to manage:
- Scholarship deadlines
- Required documents
- Countries and programs you’re applying to
Scholarships like Erasmus Mundus open in October, while Chevening and DAAD open in August–September. Planning = peace of mind.
4. Apply Even Without University Admission
These scholarships allow you to apply before securing admission. Here’s how it works:
- Apply for the scholarship first.
- If selected, they’ll guide you through the university application.
- Submit your university offer letter only after selection (or before starting the program).
For DAAD EPOS, for example, applicants apply to both the scholarship AND a partner university — but they don’t need a confirmed offer when applying.
Pro Tips for Winning a Scholarship
- Tailor your SOP for each scholarship — show leadership, impact, and goals.
- Highlight your research interests (especially for PhD).
- Join scholarship groups on Reddit, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay updated.
- Practice interviews — many scholarships include a panel interview round.
Also Read; Top Fully Funded Scholarships Without IELTS 2025 for International Students
Bonus: Scholarships That Open in Mid to Late 2025
Start preparing now for these:
- Chevening (UK) — Master’s | chevening.org
- DAAD EPOS (Germany) — Master’s & PhD | daad.de
- Erasmus Mundus (EU) — Master’s | erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu
- Schwarzman Scholars (China) — Master’s | schwarzmanscholars.org
- Australia Awards — Master’s & PhD | australiaawards.gov.au
You don’t need to wait for a university acceptance letter to start your scholarship journey. In fact, most top-tier scholarships expect you to apply before admission. So don’t delay.
Take the first step now:
Pick your top 2–3 scholarships, bookmark their official sites, and begin gathering your documents.
The future you want — and deserve — might just be a few well-prepared applications away.
Need Help?
If you want help writing your motivation letter, building your CV, or getting a personalized list of scholarships based on your field, just drop a comment or message!
