Discover over 30 fully funded online scholarships for international students in 2026. This comprehensive guide details prestigious distance learning opportunities to help you study for a degree from anywhere in the world.
Pursuing a world-class education from an international university without leaving your home country is now more accessible than ever. With the rise of online and distance learning, a new wave of scholarships has emerged to support international students in achieving their academic goals.
For 2026, many universities and foundations are offering fully funded online scholarships that cover tuition, living stipends, and even technology costs, making a high-quality international degree a realistic possibility.
This guide provides a curated list of over 30 top online scholarships available to international students, giving you the information you need to find the perfect fit and begin your application journey. 🎓
Highlights of Fully Funded Online Scholarships
Flexibility: Study at your own pace and on your own schedule from anywhere in the world, allowing you to balance your studies with work or family commitments.
Cost-Effective: These scholarships eliminate the high costs of international travel and living expenses, which are often the biggest barriers for students.
Prestigious Degrees: Earn a degree from a globally recognized university, boosting your professional credentials and career prospects.
Global Networking: Despite being online, many programs offer virtual networking opportunities with fellow students and faculty from around the globe.
Access to Experts: Learn from leading academics and industry experts without the geographical limitations of a traditional campus.
Comprehensive Funding: Many of the scholarships listed cover the full cost of tuition and provide additional financial support for your studies.
Top 30+ Online Scholarships for 2026
Here is a list of some of the best online and distance learning scholarships for international students for the 2026 academic year. This is a mix of university-specific, government-funded, and private foundation scholarships.
UK-Based Opportunities 🇬🇧
University of Edinburgh Global Online Learning Scholarships: A range of scholarships for Master's-level distance learning programs.
University of Manchester Online Master’s Scholarships: Offers scholarships for various online Master's degrees.
Chevening Scholarships: While primarily for on-campus study, Chevening has previously offered a small number of scholarships for distance learning, so it's worth checking their official site for any updates for the 2026 cycle.
Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships: Supports students from Commonwealth countries to study for a UK Master's degree through distance learning.
University of Glasgow UK Study Online Scholarship: A competitive scholarship for online Master's programs across various fields.
Nottingham Trent University International Scholarships: Offers a range of scholarships, some of which may be applicable to their online courses.
Royal Holloway, University of London: Offers various scholarships for online and distance learning programs.
University of Birmingham: Provides some scholarships specifically for their online Master's programs in fields like Public Health and Business Administration.
SOAS University of London: Has funding opportunities for students pursuing online degrees in a range of subjects.
USA-Based Opportunities 🇺🇸
Columbia University Knight-Bagehot Fellowship: A prestigious program for journalists that includes a fully-funded online Master's in Business Administration (MBA).
Harvard University Scholarships: Harvard offers a limited number of scholarships and financial aid opportunities for its online programs, which can significantly reduce the cost.
Cornell University Scholarships: Cornell's online programs have a variety of scholarships, including those for their eCornell platform.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC): UIUC's iMBA and other online graduate programs offer various scholarships and assistantships.
University of Florida Online Scholarships: The university has dedicated scholarships for students enrolled in its online degree programs.
Arizona State University (ASU) Online Scholarships: ASU offers a comprehensive list of scholarships for international students in its online programs.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC): UNC offers scholarships for its top-ranked online programs, particularly in business and information science.
Global & Other Opportunities 🌍
DAAD Scholarships (Germany): The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships for both on-campus and some online programs at German universities.
The Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP): While primarily for on-campus study, some programs may offer a distance learning option, and it's always worth checking the list of eligible courses.
University of the People Scholarships: A tuition-free online university that offers scholarships to cover its minimal administrative fees.
Australia Awards Scholarships: A prestigious program funded by the Australian government that, while mostly for on-campus study, has included distance learning options in the past.
The OPEC Fund for International Development Scholarship: A program that supports young, aspiring students from developing countries to pursue a Master's degree, which can include online programs.
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP): This scholarship supports graduate students from developing countries to pursue a Master's degree, with some online options available through partner universities.
The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme: Provides a limited number of scholarships for postgraduate studies to students from select developing countries, which can be applied to distance learning programs.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree (EMJMD) Scholarships: While a program for on-campus study at multiple European universities, some degrees may have a blended learning approach that includes online components.
University of Southern Queensland (Australia) International Stipend and Fees Research Scholarship: This scholarship is for international students commencing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in 2026, which can be undertaken remotely in some cases.
How to Apply: A Guide to Success
Applying for an online scholarship requires a strategic and proactive approach. Follow these key steps to maximize your chances:
1. Identify Your Target Programs
Look for online programs that align with your career goals and academic background. Once you've found a program, check its official website for any specific scholarship opportunities for international students.
2. Check Eligibility Carefully
Each scholarship has unique eligibility criteria. Pay close attention to requirements regarding nationality, academic background, work experience, and language proficiency.
3. Prepare a Strong Application
Your application materials are your first impression. Ensure your essays and personal statements are compelling, your resume is up-to-date, and your letters of recommendation are from individuals who can speak highly of your abilities.
4. Meet All Deadlines
Online scholarship deadlines are often rigid. Start your application well in advance and keep a calendar of all key dates.
FAQs About Online Scholarships
Are online degrees from international universities recognized? Yes, degrees from reputable, accredited universities are recognized worldwide, regardless of whether they were earned online or on-campus.
Do I need a high GPA to apply for these scholarships? Yes, a strong academic record is a key factor for most competitive online scholarships.
Is it possible to receive a fully funded online scholarship? Yes, many of the scholarships on this list provide full tuition coverage, and some even include stipends for other expenses.
How do I prove my English proficiency for an online program? Most universities will require a TOEFL or IELTS score, just as they would for a traditional on-campus program.
Can I work while studying on an online scholarship? One of the major benefits of online study is the flexibility to continue working while pursuing your degree, which is not always possible with a traditional, on-campus scholarship.