Fully Funded Online Degree Scholarships for International Students
ARTICLE
Fully Funded Online Degree Scholarships for International Students 2026–2027
Studying for an international degree no longer always requires moving to another country. A growing number of universities and governments now offer online and distance-learning degree programmes that students can complete from home.
The biggest challenge is funding. Many websites describe online scholarships as “fully funded,” even when they provide only a small tuition discount. Genuine full-funding opportunities for online degrees are much less common.
This guide covers verified online degree scholarships that provide full tuition or substantial financial support. Some opportunities are available only to applicants from specific countries, professions, or backgrounds, so always check the eligibility rules before applying.
Online Degree Scholarships at a Glance
| Scholarship | Study Level | Study Mode | Main Funding | Eligible Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India Online Scholarships for Afghan Students | Bachelor’s, Master’s | Online | Full tuition/course fees | Afghan nationals |
| e-VBAB Scholarships | Bachelor’s, Master’s and other programmes | Online | 100% scholarship | Eligible African countries |
| Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships | Master’s | Distance learning | Full compulsory study costs | Eligible Commonwealth countries |
| British Council Online TESOL Scholarships | Master’s | Online | Full tuition + funded UK visit | Selected countries |
| LSHTM First Generation Scholarship | Master’s | Distance learning | Full tuition | Eligible first-generation students |
| Aziz Foundation Scholarships | Master’s | Distance learning | Full tuition | Eligible UK-based applicants |
| Kern Award Scholarship | Master’s | Online | Full tuition | Eligible U.S. applicants |
| Tiri Scholarship | Master’s | Online | Full tuition | Eligible international affiliates |
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Read Guide →1. India Online Degree Scholarships for Afghan Students
The Government of India provides a major online scholarship opportunity specifically for Afghan nationals.
Under the Special Scholarship Scheme for Afghan Nationals, up to 1,000 scholarships are offered annually for online undergraduate and postgraduate programmes through the e-VidyaBharati system.
Students can study remotely while remaining in Afghanistan or another country. Participating Indian universities offer programmes in areas such as business, commerce, computer applications, humanities, arts and other subjects.
Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship mainly covers:
- Tuition fees
- Eligible online course fees
- Study through Indian universities
- Access to online academic resources
It is important to understand that this scholarship does not normally provide a monthly living allowance. Since students study remotely, the funding primarily covers eligible academic costs.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is designed for Afghan nationals.
Applicants for undergraduate programmes normally need an appropriate secondary-school qualification, while applicants for postgraduate programmes need a relevant bachelor’s degree.
The exact academic requirements depend on the university and programme selected.
Study Level
Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
Application Status
The scholarship is offered on an annual basis, but application dates can change each academic year. Applicants should check the official portal for the next application round.
2. e-VidyaBharati and e-ArogyaBharati Scholarships for African Students
The Government of India also supports students from partner African countries through the e-VidyaBharati and e-ArogyaBharati Network Project, commonly called e-VBAB.
This initiative allows eligible African students to study online with participating Indian universities and institutions.
Programmes may include:
- Business Administration
- Commerce
- Computer Applications
- Healthcare
- Humanities
- Arts
- Tourism
- Other academic and professional fields
Scholarship Benefits
Eligible students can receive a 100% scholarship toward approved online programmes.
Because the programme is delivered remotely, students can normally continue living in their home countries while studying.
Study Levels
Opportunities may include:
- Undergraduate degrees
- Postgraduate degrees
- Diplomas
- Certificates
Eligibility depends on nationality, the participating institution and the selected programme.
3. Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship is one of the strongest options for students looking for a funded online Master’s degree from a UK university.
The programme is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and administered through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
It supports students from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries who want to earn a postgraduate qualification without relocating permanently to the United Kingdom.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The award covers compulsory scholarship costs, including:
- Tuition fees
- Approved study-related costs
- Certain programme-related expenses
- Eligible residential programme costs where applicable
Scholarship recipients should not normally be required to pay compulsory study costs covered by the award.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants generally need to:
- Be a citizen of or hold eligible refugee status in a participating Commonwealth country
- Be permanently resident in an eligible country
- Have an appropriate undergraduate qualification
- Meet the admission requirements of the selected university
- Apply for an approved distance-learning programme
Eligible countries include Bangladesh, Ghana, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Maldives, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and several others.
Afghanistan is not currently an eligible Commonwealth country.
Available Universities and Courses
Approved programmes change between scholarship rounds. The 2026 selection included programmes at institutions such as:
- Imperial College London
- University of London
- University of Southampton
- University of Leeds
- Open University
- Cranfield University
- Leeds Beckett University
Students should check the new list when the next application cycle opens.
4. Imperial College London Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship
Imperial College London participated in the 2026 Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship programme for eligible postgraduate students.
The scholarship supported part-time postgraduate study in the School of Public Health.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants received:
- Full overseas tuition fees
- Online postgraduate study
- Access to Imperial College London’s academic resources
Five awards were listed for the 2026/27 academic year.
The 2026 application round has closed, but students interested in future intakes should monitor both Imperial College London and Commonwealth Scholarship Commission announcements.
5. University of Southampton Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
The University of Southampton offered Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships for selected online Master’s programmes for the 2026/27 academic year.
Eligible programmes included:
- MSc Gerontology
- MSc Global Ageing and Policy
The programmes are delivered through distance learning.
Scholarship Benefits
The scholarships cover full tuition fees.
Applicants must also satisfy the academic and English-language requirements of the programme.
The 2026 deadline has passed. Applicants interested in future rounds should check whether these courses participate again.
6. University of London Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
The University of London participates in Commonwealth Distance Learning funding for selected programmes.
For the 2026/27 cycle, eligible students could receive a full fee waiver for qualifying distance-learning Master’s study.
One notable option was the MA Human Rights programme.
Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship can cover:
- Full course fees
- Eligible compulsory scholarship costs
Applicants normally need to apply for university admission as well as complete the Commonwealth scholarship application.
The 2026/27 application round is closed.
7. British Council Fully Funded Online TESOL Scholarships
The British Council introduced fully funded online Master’s scholarships in cooperation with UK universities.
The programme is particularly attractive for experienced English teachers and teacher educators because scholars can continue working in their home countries while completing their degree online.
Participating universities for the 2026 programme included the University of Portsmouth and the University of Stirling.
Scholarship Benefits
This is more comprehensive than a simple tuition waiver.
Funding can include:
- Full Master’s tuition fees
- Return flights for a UK academic visit
- Accommodation during the visit
- Living support during the visit
- Eligible visa costs
- Support toward an English-language test
The programmes also include a short academic study visit to the United Kingdom.
Eligible Countries
The 2026 scheme targeted educators from selected countries, including:
- Bangladesh
- Ghana
- India
- Kenya
- Sri Lanka
- Türkiye
Eligibility depends on the participating university and country.
Study Level
Master’s degree.
The 2026 scholarship application deadline was 30 April 2026. Students interested in a future intake should monitor announcements for a new round.
8. University of Portsmouth Online MA TESOL Scholarships
The University of Portsmouth offered fully funded scholarships for its distance-learning MA TESOL programme.
Students complete most of their studies remotely while continuing to live and work in their home countries.
The programme is part-time and designed particularly for English-language education professionals.
Funding
The scholarship includes:
- Full tuition
- Return travel for the academic visit
- Accommodation during the UK visit
- Limited living support during the visit
- Eligible visa and language-test support
Applicants first need to secure admission to the relevant Master’s programme before completing the scholarship application.
9. University of Stirling Online MSc TESOL Scholarship
The University of Stirling also participated in the British Council’s online scholarship initiative.
Successful candidates study MSc TESOL online on a part-time basis.
The scholarship provides full tuition and associated eligible costs, including support for a short academic visit to the UK.
This opportunity is particularly relevant to experienced English teachers and teacher educators in eligible countries.
10. LSHTM First Generation Scholarship for Distance Learning
The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine offers distance-learning postgraduate programmes in areas related to global and public health.
For 2026/27, the LSHTM First Generation Scholarship provided full tuition support to eligible first-generation students from underrepresented backgrounds studying through distance learning.
Relevant distance-learning programmes at LSHTM include subjects such as:
- Public Health
- Clinical Trials
- Epidemiology
- Global Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Health-related disciplines
Funding
The scholarship covers full tuition fees for eligible students.
This should be considered a full-tuition scholarship rather than a scholarship that provides a general monthly living stipend.
The 2026/27 scholarship round is closed. Future applicants should monitor the university’s funding page because available scholarships can change each year.
11. Aziz Foundation Distance Learning Scholarships
The University of London also offers scholarships supported by the Aziz Foundation.
For the 2026/27 academic year, up to four Master’s scholarships were available.
Eligible distance-learning programmes included:
- LLM Law
- MSc Data Science
- MSc Cyber Security
Scholarship Value
The scholarship covers the full programme fee for eligible recipients.
However, eligibility is highly specific. These scholarships are intended for applicants who meet the Aziz Foundation’s requirements, including criteria connected with active involvement in British Muslim communities.
This is therefore not a general international scholarship available to applicants living anywhere in the world.
12. Kern Award Scholarship at the University of Birmingham
The Kern Award Scholarship supports students studying the University of Birmingham’s MA Character Education.
The programme is delivered online through distance learning and can be completed part-time.
Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Tuition support for all years of the eligible programme
The award is specifically targeted at eligible applicants from the United States.
Applications are expected to reopen for the 2027 intake.
13. Henriatta Selle Tiri Online Degree Scholarship
The University of Maryland, Baltimore offers the Henriatta Selle Tiri Scholarship for eligible international participants connected to UMB international affiliates and associated local organisations.
It supports access to online graduate degree programmes.
Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship provides full tuition support.
However, this is a specialised scholarship rather than an open worldwide competition. Applicants must satisfy the programme’s affiliation and eligibility requirements.
Are Online Degree Scholarships Really Fully Funded?
Not always.
The term “fully funded” needs special attention when discussing online programmes.
For an on-campus scholarship, fully funded often means tuition, accommodation, living allowance, insurance and travel.
An online student normally remains at home. As a result, many online scholarships consider complete tuition coverage to be the main form of full funding.
There are three common funding types:
| Funding Type | What It Usually Means |
|---|---|
| Fully funded | All required programme costs are covered and additional support may be included |
| Full tuition | 100% of tuition is covered but living and personal expenses are not |
| Partially funded | Only part of tuition or other costs is covered |
Applicants should always check exactly what the scholarship pays before accepting an offer.
Can You Get a Fully Funded Online Bachelor’s Degree?
Yes, but opportunities are limited.
The Government of India’s online scholarship programme for Afghan nationals is one of the clearest examples of a government-supported opportunity covering eligible academic fees for online undergraduate study.
The e-VBAB initiative also provides online undergraduate opportunities to eligible students from participating African countries.
Most other major international distance-learning scholarships focus on Master’s degrees.
Can You Get a Fully Funded Online Master’s Degree?
Yes.
There are more funding opportunities for online Master’s degrees than online Bachelor’s degrees.
Strong options include:
- Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
- British Council online TESOL scholarships
- Government of India online scholarships
- Selected University of London scholarships
- LSHTM distance-learning scholarships
- University-specific full-tuition awards
Availability changes every academic year.
Are There Fully Funded Online PhD Scholarships?
Fully funded PhD programmes are common at research universities, but fully funded online PhD scholarships are much harder to find.
Most fully funded doctoral programmes require students to conduct research on campus, work with supervisors in person, teach, use laboratories or participate directly in a university research group.
Applicants should therefore be cautious about websites advertising large numbers of “fully funded online PhD scholarships.”
Always verify that both the PhD programme and the scholarship officially permit remote study.
Do Online Scholarships Provide a Monthly Stipend?
Usually not.
A monthly stipend is mainly intended to cover living costs for students who relocate for university.
Because online students normally continue living in their home countries, many online scholarships cover tuition without providing monthly living expenses.
Some programmes may provide additional support for:
- Internet access
- Books
- Study materials
- Examination costs
- Residential visits
- Travel
- Visa expenses for short academic visits
The exact package depends on the scholarship.
Can International Students Apply?
Yes, but nationality requirements vary significantly.
Some scholarships are international but restricted to particular groups.
For example, Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships are limited to eligible Commonwealth countries, while India’s Special Scholarship Scheme for Afghan Nationals is specifically designed for Afghan students.
Other programmes may be limited by profession, residence, employment or financial background.
Never assume that “international students” means applicants from every country.
Do You Need IELTS for Online Degree Scholarships?
It depends on the university.
Online study does not automatically remove English-language requirements.
Universities may accept:
- IELTS
- TOEFL
- Other recognised English tests
- Previous education completed in English
- University-specific evidence of English proficiency
Some scholarships may even reimburse an approved English test, while others require applicants to pay for it themselves.
Check both the scholarship requirements and the university admission requirements.
Documents Usually Required
Requirements differ, but applicants should normally prepare:
- Passport or national ID
- Academic transcripts
- Degree or school certificate
- CV or résumé
- Motivation statement
- Recommendation letters
- Proof of English proficiency
- Employment evidence when required
- Proof of nationality or residence
- University admission offer when required
Some scholarships require applicants to obtain university admission before submitting the funding application.
How to Apply for Fully Funded Online Degree Scholarships
Start by choosing a scholarship for which your nationality, academic level and professional background are eligible.
Read the official scholarship rules carefully. Then check the eligible universities and degree programmes.
Prepare your academic documents and apply for university admission if an offer is required before the scholarship application.
Complete the official scholarship form, upload all required documents and submit everything before the deadline.
Do not pay unofficial agents who claim they can guarantee selection. Scholarship decisions are normally made by universities, governments or official scholarship committees.
How to Find More Online Scholarships
Search specifically for terms such as:
- Online Master’s scholarship
- Distance learning scholarship
- Full tuition online scholarship
- Online degree scholarship
- Distance learning Master’s funding
- Online Bachelor’s scholarship
Searching for a specific university and programme can also produce better results than searching only for “fully funded scholarships.”
Always confirm the opportunity on the university, government or scholarship provider’s official website.
Important Warning About Online Scholarship Scams
Online scholarships are sometimes used in misleading advertisements.
Be careful when a website promises:
- Guaranteed admission
- Guaranteed scholarship selection
- A degree without studying
- No university application
- Instant degree certificates
- Scholarship money after paying an agent
- Large monthly payments without clear official information
A genuine scholarship should clearly identify the university, degree, eligibility requirements, application procedure and funding provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there fully funded online degree scholarships?
Yes. Governments, universities and international organisations offer some full-tuition and fully funded online degree scholarships. However, they are considerably less common than scholarships for on-campus study.
Can I study online for free with a scholarship?
Yes. A full-tuition scholarship can reduce your university tuition to zero. You may still need to pay personal expenses such as internet, equipment or other costs unless the scholarship specifically covers them.
Are there online scholarships for international students?
Yes. Commonwealth, British Council, Government of India and university-specific schemes provide online study opportunities to eligible international applicants.
Are online Bachelor’s scholarships available?
Yes, although there are fewer options than at Master’s level. India’s scholarship programmes for Afghan and eligible African students are important examples.
Are online Master’s scholarships available?
Yes. Master’s students currently have the widest range of substantial distance-learning scholarship opportunities.
Can Afghan students receive fully funded online scholarships?
Yes. The Government of India has offered 1,000 annual online scholarships for Afghan nationals at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The funding covers eligible tuition or online course fees rather than a monthly living stipend.
Does Commonwealth offer online scholarships?
Yes. Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships support selected Master’s programmes offered remotely by participating UK universities.
Can I study at a UK university without travelling to the UK?
Yes. Many UK universities offer recognised online and distance-learning degrees. Some scholarships allow recipients to complete most or all academic study from their home country.
Do online students receive accommodation?
Normally no. Online students generally remain in their home country, so accommodation is usually unnecessary. A scholarship may provide accommodation if the programme includes a short residential visit.
Is an online degree the same as a scholarship?
No. An online degree describes how you study. A scholarship describes how your education is funded. You must check both the degree programme and the scholarship separately.
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