Government Scholarships for International Students 2026-27: Chevening, DAAD and Australia Funding Updates
Government-backed scholarships can help international students pursue higher education abroad by providing financial support for tuition, living expenses or other approved study costs. Popular options include the UK’s Chevening Scholarship, Germany’s DAAD scholarship programmes and Australian government-funded awards.
However, scholarship application periods and funding arrangements differ by programme. As of 11 October 2026, the Chevening application window for Indian applicants for the 2027-28 academic year has closed, Australia’s Destination Australia programme is no longer accepting new funding rounds, and DAAD continues to publish opportunities with individual deadlines.
Students should verify the status of each award before preparing an application and should not assume that every scholarship covers all expenses or is currently open.
Scholarship Status at a Glance
| Programme | Country | Status on 11 October 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Chevening Scholarship | United Kingdom | Indian applicants: 2027-28 applications closed on 6 October 2026 |
| Destination Australia | Australia | No new programme funding rounds since 1 July 2024 |
| DAAD scholarships | Germany and other eligible study destinations | Multiple programmes with different eligibility criteria and deadlines |
These statuses refer to the official information available for the named programmes. Applicants should check the relevant programme website for changes, country-specific rules and other funding opportunities.
1. Chevening Scholarship 2027-28: Study in the UK
Chevening is the UK Government’s international scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and partner organisations. It supports eligible applicants with leadership potential who want to pursue a qualifying one-year master’s degree at a UK university.
For Indian applicants, the 2027-28 application period ran from 4 August to 6 October 2026. The official Chevening country page now marks applications as closed.
What funding does Chevening provide?
Chevening describes its awards as fully funded scholarships. The award package is intended to support eligible scholars with approved study and living-related costs under the programme’s terms. Applicants should read the official award conditions for the exact benefits and obligations.
Who should consider Chevening?
The programme is intended for applicants who meet the eligibility criteria and demonstrate leadership potential. Indian candidates should review the official requirements concerning citizenship, work experience, academic qualifications, eligible courses and the obligation to return to their home country for the required period after the award.
What can applicants do now?
Because the 2027-28 window for Indian applicants has closed, students should prepare for a future cycle rather than relying on an expired application link. They can research eligible university courses, review the selection criteria and gather supporting information ahead of the next announcement.
2. Destination Australia Scholarship: Current Programme Status
Destination Australia was an Australian Government programme intended to support eligible domestic and international students studying at participating tertiary education providers in regional Australia.
The Australian Government Department of Education states that there will be no further Destination Australia Programme funding rounds from 1 July 2024. Students who already hold eligible awards can continue to receive support for the remainder of their studies, for up to four years, provided they continue to satisfy the programme’s conditions.
As a result, students should not treat Destination Australia as a newly opened scholarship for the 2026-27 intake.
What alternatives can students explore?
International students interested in studying in Australia can investigate other verified options, including Australia Awards Scholarships for eligible applicants from participating countries and scholarships offered directly by Australian universities.
Australia Awards have their own eligibility rules, priority fields and country-specific application schedules. The 2027 intake application period ran from 1 February to 30 April 2026, so students should check the relevant country profile for the next available round.
University awards may have separate deadlines and may be partial rather than fully funded. Always confirm whether the award covers tuition, living costs, travel or only a portion of study expenses.
Read the Australian Government’s Destination Australia status update.
Explore Australia Awards through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Explore official information about financial assistance for international students in Australia.
3. DAAD Scholarships: Study and Research Opportunities in Germany
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a range of scholarship and funding programmes for international students, graduates, researchers and other eligible applicants. Opportunities differ according to nationality, academic level, subject, host institution and the intended period of study or research.
Unlike a single annual scholarship with one deadline, DAAD operates multiple programmes. Each has its own application procedure, eligibility requirements and funding conditions.
What can DAAD funding cover?
Depending on the programme, support may include a monthly stipend, insurance contributions, travel assistance or other approved benefits. The exact package varies, and some opportunities are designed for specific countries, subjects or academic groups.
Applicants should not assume that every DAAD award pays all tuition fees and living expenses. Read the programme-specific funding details and check any costs that remain the students responsibility.
How to find a suitable DAAD scholarship
- Open the official scholarship database: Search using your country of origin, subject and academic level.
- Check the target group: Confirm that your nationality, qualification and intended study or research activity match the programme.
- Review the deadline: Application dates vary by funding opportunity and may be set well in advance of the study period.
- Prepare the required documents: These may include academic records, a CV, a motivation letter, references, a research proposal or language evidence, depending on the award.
- Follow the stated procedure: Some programmes require direct applications through DAAD, while others involve universities or nominating institutions.
DAAD lists selected calls for 2027 study and research, but the availability of a particular award depends on the applicant’s country and programme. Check the database rather than assuming all scholarships are open at the same time.
Are These Scholarships Completely Government-Funded?
Funding depends on the individual programme. Chevening is described as a fully funded award, subject to its official terms. Destination Australia recipients continue to receive their existing support under the programme rules, but there are no new funding rounds. DAAD awards have different funding packages and cannot all be described as completely government-funded scholarships covering every expense.
Before applying, check the award letter or programme guidance for:
- Tuition fees and any university charges.
- Monthly living allowance and its duration.
- Travel costs and insurance arrangements.
- Research, equipment or study-related allowances, where applicable.
- Visa, accommodation and other expenses that may not be covered.
- Conditions for retaining the award and any post-study obligations.
A scholarship may provide substantial financial support without covering every cost. Applicants should plan their budgets using the official terms of the specific award they intend to pursue.
Documents Commonly Required for International Scholarships
Requirements vary, but students may be asked to prepare some of the following documents:
- Valid passport or accepted identity documentation.
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- CV or résumé.
- Statement of purpose or motivation letter.
- Letters of recommendation or academic references.
- Proof of language proficiency, where required.
- Course admission documents or evidence of university applications.
- Research proposal or portfolio for relevant programmes.
This is a general preparation list, not a universal requirement. Use the current official checklist for each scholarship and submit documents in the format requested by the programme administrator.
How to Avoid Scholarship Scams
Students should be cautious of websites and agents that promise guaranteed selection or demand unofficial fees for access to government scholarships.
- Start from the official government or scholarship-provider website.
- Verify application dates and eligibility directly from the official notice.
- Do not share passwords, banking PINs or one-time passwords with agents.
- Check whether an application fee is explicitly mentioned by the official provider.
- Be sceptical of guaranteed scholarship offers sent through unsolicited messages.
- Keep copies of submitted forms and official confirmation messages.
Legitimate scholarship selection is competitive and depends on the programme’s published rules. An unofficial agent cannot guarantee an award.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Chevening applications open for Indian students in October 2026?
No. The official Chevening India page marks the 2027-28 application round as closed. The listed deadline was 6 October 2026.
2. Is Destination Australia accepting new scholarship applications?
The Australian Government says there will be no further funding rounds from 1 July 2024. Existing eligible recipients can continue to receive support under the programme conditions.
3. Are DAAD scholarships open for 2027?
Some DAAD calls list funding opportunities for 2027, but availability depends on the specific programme, country, academic level and deadline. Applicants should search the official database.
4. Are all DAAD scholarships fully funded?
No universal funding claim can be made for all DAAD awards. The amount and types of support depend on the individual programme and its conditions.
5. Can Indian students apply for Chevening?
Indian citizens can apply when an eligible application round is open and they meet the programme criteria. The 2027-28 round is currently closed, so candidates should monitor the official India page for future announcements.
6. What are the alternatives to Destination Australia?
Eligible applicants can explore Australia Awards Scholarships and university-specific awards. Eligibility, funding and deadlines differ, and some opportunities are limited to particular countries or fields of study.
7. What documents should I prepare?
Academic records, a CV, a motivation letter, references and language evidence are commonly requested, but the exact checklist depends on the scholarship. Follow the official instructions for each award.
8. Where should I verify scholarship deadlines?
Use the official Chevening website, the Australian Government Department of Education or Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the DAAD scholarship database. Avoid relying on third-party deadlines without official confirmation.
