Scholarships for Students from the Global South 2026
Discover the latest fully-funded and partially-funded scholarships open to students from the Global South. Filter by region, funding level, and deadline to find opportunities that match your profile.
544 opportunities listed
Frequently Asked Questions
What are fully-funded scholarships?
Fully-funded scholarships cover all major expenses — tuition, monthly stipend, flights, health insurance, and sometimes research or living allowances. Common examples include Chevening, Fulbright, DAAD, MEXT, and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
How do I apply for scholarships from the Global South?
Most scholarships require a completed application form, academic transcripts, language proficiency scores (IELTS/TOEFL), a personal statement or motivation letter, recommendation letters, and proof of nationality. Always apply directly through the official organization's website.
Which scholarships are open to African students?
Many programs specifically target African students — the Mastercard Foundation, African Union Commission, MasterCard, Equity Leaders Program, and Commonwealth scholarships among others. Use the region filter to see all opportunities open to applicants from Africa.
Are there scholarships without IELTS requirements?
Yes. Some European programs (particularly in Germany, France, and the Netherlands) accept alternative English proficiency proof such as medium of instruction letters or institutional tests. Check each listing's eligibility section for specifics.
When should I start applying for scholarships?
Most scholarships open 6–12 months before the academic year starts. Begin preparing documents (transcripts, recommendation letters, language tests) at least a year in advance to meet deadlines comfortably.