Top 10 Scholarships for Developing Countries in 2026

Many international organizations, governments, and universities provide fully funded scholarships for students from developing countries. These programs aim to support talented students who want to pursue higher education and contribute to the development of their home countries.

Below are the top 10 scholarships for developing countries in 2026.

1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship

The Erasmus Mundus program is one of the most prestigious scholarships funded by the European Union. It allows students to study in multiple European countries.

Benefits include:

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly stipend
• Travel allowance
• Health insurance

Many scholarships are specifically allocated to students from low-income and developing countries.

2. DAAD Scholarship (Germany)

The German Academic Exchange Service offers scholarships for students from developing countries to study in Germany.

Benefits include:

• Monthly stipend
• Travel allowance
• Health insurance
• Tuition support

Germany is also known for low or no tuition fees at public universities.

3. Chevening Scholarship (United Kingdom)

Chevening is a prestigious UK government scholarship designed to develop global leaders from developing countries.

Benefits include:

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly living allowance
• Travel costs
• Professional networking opportunities

4. Australia Awards Scholarship

This scholarship is funded by the Australian government and is designed specifically for students from developing nations.

Benefits include:

• Full tuition fees
• Living allowance
• Air travel expenses
• Health insurance

The program aims to strengthen partnerships between Australia and developing countries.

5. Joint Japan / World Bank Graduate Scholarship

This program supports students from developing countries pursuing graduate studies related to development fields.

Benefits include:

• Tuition coverage
• Monthly stipend
• Travel expenses
• Health insurance

6. Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals

This scholarship supports students from developing countries pursuing master’s degrees in Sweden.

Benefits include:

• Full tuition coverage
• Monthly stipend
• Travel grant
• Professional networking opportunities

7. Türkiye Scholarships

Türkiye Scholarships are government-funded scholarships for international students from developing countries.

Benefits include:

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation
• Monthly stipend
• Health insurance

8. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)

The Fulbright program is one of the most prestigious international scholarships for graduate studies.

Benefits include:

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly stipend
• Travel allowance
• Health insurance

9. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)

The Korean government offers scholarships for students from developing countries to study in South Korea.

Benefits include:

• Tuition coverage
• Monthly stipend
• Airfare
• Korean language training

10. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship funds outstanding students from around the world to study at Cambridge University.

Benefits include:

• Full tuition fees
• Annual stipend
• Travel allowance
• Research funding

Why Scholarships for Developing Countries Are Important

These scholarships help students from low-income and developing nations gain access to world-class education. Many programs focus on fields like public policy, development studies, climate change, technology, and entrepreneurship.

After completing their studies, scholars are often encouraged to return to their home countries and contribute to economic development, innovation, and social progress.