Looking for Masters Scholarships With No Application Fee in 2026? Discover 15 top universities offering free, fully funded opportunities for international students.
Applying for a master’s degree abroad can be exciting, but also expensive. Between tuition, visa costs, and living expenses, even application fees can feel like an extra burden. Luckily, many universities and organizations around the world now offer Masters Scholarships With No Application Fee to make higher education more accessible.
In this guide, you’ll find 15 top Masters Scholarships With No Application Fee for 2026, complete with eligibility details, benefits, and links to official programs. Whether you’re planning to study in the USA, UK, Canada, or Europe, these scholarships can help you save hundreds of dollars in application costs and open doors to world-class education.
Let’s explore your best options for 2026 Masters Scholarships With No Application Fee
Why Apply for Masters Scholarships With No Application Fee?
Application fees for international universities can range from $50 to $150 per school. When applying to several programs, these costs quickly add up. Choosing scholarships and universities with no application fee helps you:
Save money — especially if you’re applying to multiple schools.
Apply freely — explore more options without financial pressure.
Access fully funded opportunities — many no-fee programs also cover tuition, housing, and living costs.
Encourage equal access — many institutions waive fees to promote diversity and inclusion.
If you’re aiming for 2026 admissions, these Masters Scholarships With No Application Fee will help you apply smart and strategically.
Top 15 Masters Scholarships With No Application Fee (2026)
Below are 15 fully funded or partially funded scholarships for master’s programs that do not require an application fee. Each includes the host country, key benefits, and how to apply.
1. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) is one of the most prestigious scholarship providers worldwide. It supports international students pursuing postgraduate degrees in Germany – with no application fee required.
Check on How to Apply for DAAD Scholarships in Germany 2026 Guide
Key Features:
Covers tuition, travel, monthly stipend, and health insurance.
Open to all disciplines.
Requires proof of English or German proficiency (IELTS or TestDaF).
Expert Tip:
Apply early and contact potential supervisors in your field. Many German universities close applications around October–December 2025 for the 2026 intake. Also read How to Apply for a German Student Visa (2026) for easy DAAD visa application
2. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (Sweden)
Sweden offers tuition-free education for EU/EEA citizens and numerous scholarships for non-EU students. The Swedish Institute Scholarship (SISGP) covers tuition, living expenses, and travel.
Highlights:
No application fee for many Swedish universities.
Open to over 40 countries.
Emphasizes leadership and sustainable development.
Website: www.si.se
3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships (Europe)
The Erasmus Mundus program offers fully funded master’s degrees through a consortium of European universities. Most programs do not charge application fees. Check on How to Apply for Erasmus Mundus Scholarships 2026 Guide
Benefits:
Full tuition coverage, travel allowance, and monthly stipend.
Opportunity to study in 2–3 countries.
Exposure to multicultural learning environments.
Expert Advice:
Check each Erasmus program website – deadlines vary by course. Start preparing your motivation letter and recommendation letters early.
4. University of Oslo International Master’s Scholarships (Norway)
Norwegian universities generally do not charge tuition or application fees for international students. The University of Oslo provides scholarships for outstanding applicants worldwide.
Perks:
No tuition or application fee.
Some living grants available.
Programs taught entirely in English.
Experience Insight:
Studying in Norway combines high-quality education with affordable living compared to other European countries.
5. University of Alberta Graduate Scholarships (Canada)
The University of Alberta in Canada offers several scholarships for master’s students and waives the application fee for selected programs and countries.
Scholarship Benefits:
Tuition fee waiver and living allowance.
Automatic consideration — no separate application needed.
Multiple research and course-based programs.
Tip:
Check if your country qualifies for an automatic fee waiver before submitting your application.
6. KAUST Fellowship (Saudi Arabia)
The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) offers a fully funded fellowship for master’s and PhD students worldwide with no application fee.
Includes:
Full tuition support.
Free housing and healthcare.
Monthly stipend (~$2,000–$3,000).
Pro Tip:
Highlight your research experience – KAUST focuses on innovation and advanced scientific projects.
7. University of Vienna Master’s Scholarships (Austria)
The University of Vienna provides tuition-free master’s programs in English with no application fees. Selected programs also include scholarship opportunities for international students.
Scholarship Coverage:
Tuition waiver.
Monthly grants depending on the department.
Website: www.univie.ac.at
8. Czech Government Scholarships (Czech Republic)
The Czech Republic’s Ministry of Education offers scholarships for international students, especially from developing countries, to study in public universities with no application fee.
Details:
Covers full tuition and living expenses.
Taught in English or Czech.
Focus on science, engineering, and economics fields.
9. University of Helsinki Scholarships (Finland)
Finland’s universities are globally recognized for academic excellence. The University of Helsinki offers a range of Masters Scholarships With No Application Fee, making it an ideal option for 2026.
Benefits:
Tuition and living cost coverage.
No application fee.
Automatic consideration during admission.
Expert Advice:
Finland values motivation letters — make yours personal, clear, and authentic.
10. University of Geneva Excellence Masters Fellowships (Switzerland)
The University of Geneva offers the Excellence Masters Fellowship for students pursuing master’s in science or related fields — no application fee is required.
Scholarship Perks:
CHF 10,000–15,000 per year.
Covers tuition and research support.
Pro Tip:
Mention research interests that align with faculty expertise for better selection chances.
11. Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (Netherlands)
Leiden University offers the LExS program for exceptional international students. While some Dutch universities charge application fees, Leiden waives them for scholarship applicants.
Coverage:
Partial or full tuition waiver.
Focus on academic excellence and leadership.
Note:
Submit your application early, as deadlines for 2026 may open by October 2025.
12. University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships (Australia)
The University of Melbourne automatically considers all master’s applicants for its Graduate Research Scholarships — and there’s no separate application fee.
Benefits:
100% fee remission and living allowance.
Relocation and health coverage.
Open to both domestic and international students.
Expert Tip:
Melbourne’s scholarship selection is competitive — strong academic results and clear research proposals help.
13. University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship (Japan)
The MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship by the Japanese government supports master’s students at top universities like the University of Tokyo. Applications are completely free.
Benefits Include:
Full tuition, airfare, and monthly allowance.
Japanese language training.
Prestigious and globally recognized.
Advice:
Prepare early — applications usually open between April and June 2025 for the 2026 intake.
14. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
The Fulbright Scholarship is one of the world’s most competitive fully funded scholarships. There is no application fee, and it covers all study-related costs.
Coverage:
Tuition, airfare, and living stipend.
Health insurance and visa support.
Pro Tip:
Each country has its own Fulbright commission — check your local embassy website for specific eligibility and deadlines.
15. University of Oulu International Scholarships (Finland)
The University of Oulu offers merit-based scholarships for international master’s students — with no application fee.
Scholarship Benefits:
Full or partial tuition coverage.
High acceptance rate for motivated applicants.
Strong focus on technology and research.
Experience Insight:
Finland’s universities are among the most transparent in their selection process — applications are straightforward and digital.
How to Apply for Masters Scholarships With No Application Fee
1. Research early:
Start researching scholarships at least 6–8 months before the deadlines. This gives you time to gather the right information, compare programs, and prepare strong application materials. Early preparation also helps you avoid last-minute stress.
2. Prepare documents:
Keep your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and English proficiency test results ready in advance. Organizing these early ensures you won’t miss deadlines due to missing paperwork. Double-check that all documents meet the required format and translation standards.
3. Write a strong motivation letter:
Your motivation letter should clearly explain why you want to study that program and how it fits your career goals. Tailor each letter to the specific scholarship or university to show genuine interest. A personalized approach always stands out to selection committees.
4. Check deadlines carefully:
Scholarship deadlines often close earlier than regular admission deadlines—many by December 2025 for the 2026 intake. Mark all dates on your calendar and set reminders to submit before the final day. Submitting early also gives time for corrections if needed.
5. Apply directly on official websites:
Always submit your scholarship applications through official university or government websites. Avoid third-party platforms that may charge hidden fees or share inaccurate information. Authentic sites usually end with .edu, .gov, or official scholarship domains.
Tips for Writing a Winning Masters Scholarships With No Application Fee
1. Be authentic:
Be honest about your story, goals, and motivations. Scholarship committees value real experiences and clear purpose over exaggerated claims. Show passion and sincerity in every sentence.
2. Highlight achievements:
Include academic accomplishments, research projects, and volunteer work that reflect your potential. Use specific examples to show how your experiences relate to the scholarship’s goals. Achievements supported by evidence make your application credible.
3. Stay within word limits:
Follow the specified word or page count strictly. Keeping your essay concise and focused demonstrates discipline and clarity. Review each paragraph to ensure every sentence adds value.
4. Ask for feedback:
Before submitting, ask a trusted professor, mentor, or friend to review your application. Fresh eyes can catch grammatical errors or unclear ideas. Constructive feedback helps you polish your final draft.
5. Follow instructions:
Read and follow all application guidelines carefully, from file formats to naming conventions. Even minor mistakes, like missing documents or incorrect uploads, can lead to disqualification. Attention to detail shows professionalism and commitment.
Expert Insight:
Many successful applicants mention how their goals align with the scholarship’s mission — such as innovation, leadership, or community impact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are Masters Scholarships With No Application Fee?
These are scholarship programs that allow you to apply without paying an application fee. Many also offer full funding, covering tuition, travel, and living costs.
2. Can I get a fully funded master’s degree without paying any fees?
Yes. Programs like DAAD, Erasmus Mundus, and Fulbright cover all expenses including tuition, living costs, and airfare — no application fees required.
3. Do universities waive application fees for international students automatically?
Not always. Some universities waive them for applicants from specific countries or scholarship applicants. Always check the official website before applying.
4. Are Masters Scholarships With No Application Fee available every year?
Yes. These scholarships are offered annually, though deadlines and eligibility criteria can change each year. Always confirm details for the 2026 intake.
5. How do I increase my chances of winning a scholarship?
Maintain strong academic performance, write a compelling motivation letter, and apply early. Also, apply to multiple scholarships to increase your chances.
Conclusion
Finding Masters Scholarships With No Application Fee (2026) can save you both money and time while opening the door to a world-class education. From Germany’s DAAD to Japan’s MEXT and Europe’s Erasmus Mundus, these programs make global study possible for talented students from all backgrounds.
Start preparing early – gather your documents, refine your motivation letter, and focus on universities that align with your goals. With commitment and careful planning, you can secure a place at one of the world’s top universities without paying any application fee.
Call to Action
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