27 Scholarship Opportunities Closing in October – October 7, 2026

France-South Africa Scholarship Programme 2026 The France–South Africa Scholarship Programme supports eligible students intending to undertake a master’s degree or PhD at a French university or higher education institution. The programme offers an opportunity to pursue advanced study and develop academic links with France. Applicants should review the eligible nationality and residence conditions, the proposed course’s admission requirements and the programme’s funding arrangements. A strong application should explain the intended study, academic preparation and future contribution Click here to apply | Deadline: Oct. 8

Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships 2027 The Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships recognise exceptional international students with strong academic achievement, creativity and leadership potential. The University of Toronto award covers tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years of first-entry undergraduate study. Candidates must be nominated by their secondary school and meet the requirements for September 2027 entry. Click here to apply | Deadline: Oct. 9 (school nomination); Oct. 16 (admission); Nov. 6 (scholarship)

Nordic Scholarship Programme 2027 for Researchers The Nordic Scholarship Programme offers a one-month research visit to the Nordic Africa Institute in Uppsala, Sweden. It is intended for master’s students, doctoral candidates and researchers working on Africa-related social science or humanities topics. Applicants may hold any citizenship but must be based at and affiliated with a university or research centre in Sweden, Finland, Denmark or Iceland. Support includes travel, accommodation, workspace and a daily subsistence allowance of SEK 450. Applicants submit a CV and a research outline explaining the value of the proposed visit. Click here to apply | Deadline: Oct. 11

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Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda 2026/2027 (Fully-funded) The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda supports academically talented young Africans facing social and economic barriers to higher education. The fully funded package includes tuition, campus accommodation, a laptop, learning materials, a monthly stipend and eligible travel support. Scholars also receive academic mentoring, psychosocial support, internships and career development opportunities. Applicants must meet university admission criteria, demonstrate financial or social need and show leadership and community engagement. The programme includes specific age limits and provisions for applicants facing prolonged hardship, including single mothers, refugees and young people with disabilities. . Click here to apply | Deadline: Oct. 12, 2026

Gates Cambridge Scholarships 2027-2028 (Fully-funded) The Gates Cambridge Scholarships provide full-cost postgraduate funding for outstanding applicants from countries outside the United Kingdom. Eligible study includes PhD, MLitt and selected one-year postgraduate programmes at the University of Cambridge. Funding covers university fees, a maintenance allowance, travel and relevant visa costs, with additional support available in specified circumstances. Selection considers academic ability, course choice, leadership potential and commitment to improving other people’s lives. Click here to apply | Deadline: Oct. 14 (as listed on Opportunity Desk; check application round)

DAAD/EPOS Scholarships for Young Professionals from Developing Countries 2027/2028 The DAAD/EPOS opportunity described in this post relates specifically to the MSc Environmental Governance programme at the University of Freiburg. It supports eligible professionals from developing countries who meet both the programme’s admission criteria and DAAD’s scholarship requirements. Funding includes a monthly allowance, insurance contributions and travel support, with some additional benefits available under defined conditions. Applicants generally need an above-average degree awarded within the stated timeframe and at least two years of relevant professional experience after graduation. Application documents must be combined into one PDF, while referees send their references directly to the programme. Click here to apply | Deadline: Oct. 15

Gulbenkian Institute for Advanced Study Scholarships 2027/2028 The Gulbenkian Institute for Advanced Study Scholarships support research residencies for internationally recognised scholars, with consideration also given to independent scholars, emeritus professors and artists. Residencies generally last between three and eight months and provide an environment for focused research and intellectual exchange across disciplines. Proposed work should not require laboratory facilities or be predominantly practical or applied. Applicants submit a CV, a concise description of the activities they intend to undertake and the names of two potential referees. The Opportunity Desk post does not specify an award amount, so candidates should consult the linked programme information. Click here to apply | Deadline: Oct. 15

Human Rights Advocates Program (HRAP) 2027-2028 (Scholarships available) The Human Rights Advocates Program at Columbia University offers grassroots advocates academic learning, practical skills, mentoring and networking in New York. It is designed for professionals such as community organisers, lawyers, journalists, teachers and social workers working on human rights issues. A very limited number of full scholarships are available; other admitted applicants may need to meet some expenses themselves. Candidates must demonstrate sustained advocacy experience, English fluency and institutional endorsement, and commit to returning to their organisation. Only one application per organisation is permitted, and full-time students and government officials are not eligible. Click here to apply | Deadline: Oct. 15

Leon Levy Scholarships in Neuroscience 2027 The Leon Levy Scholarships in Neuroscience support early-career postdoctoral researchers at eligible institutions within New York City’s five boroughs. The three-year award helps researchers develop innovative investigations and move towards independent scientific careers. Benefits include a stipend linked to the NIH postdoctoral rate, institutional fringe benefits, a technology and travel allowance and potential support for care costs. Scholars also receive mentoring, professional development and access to a research community. Applicants must meet the programme’s qualification, appointment and immigration-status requirements and propose work at an eligible host institution Click here to apply | Deadline: Oct. 16

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027/2028 (Fully-funded) Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships support full-time taught master’s study at UK universities for eligible applicants from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries. Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the scholarships target candidates who could not otherwise afford UK study. Awards cover approved tuition fees, airfare and a living allowance, with additional support available under specified conditions. Applicants must meet nationality, residence and academic requirements and explain the development impact of their proposed study. Supporting documents and references are required, and applicants should also check their nominating agency’s procedures. Click here to apply | Deadline: Oct. 20, 2026

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2027/2028 (Fully-Funded) Commonwealth PhD Scholarships support doctoral research at UK universities for eligible Commonwealth applicants who could not otherwise afford the opportunity. The programme prioritises research that addresses development needs and strengthens research and teaching capacity in applicants’ home countries. Funding includes tuition fees, approved travel and a living allowance, with additional support for eligible fieldwork and family circumstances. Candidates should demonstrate academic strength, a credible research proposal and clear development impact. Applications require academic records, references and supporting documentation, and relevant nomination requirements must also be followed. Click here to apply | Deadline: Oct. 20 2026

University of Global Health Equity Master of Science in Health Professions Education Program (MSc-HPE) 2027 The University of Global Health Equity offers a Mastercard Foundation funded pathway for its Master of Science in Health Professions Education in Rwanda. The programme prepares experienced health educators and academic leaders to design curricula, strengthen teaching, improve quality assurance and lead education reforms across Africa. It combines online learning with intensive campus sessions, mentorship and professional networking. Applicants should review the scholarship pathway’s eligibility requirements and demonstrate how their training will improve health professions education and equitable healthcare delivery. Click here to apply | Deadline: Oct. 25

Maria Rosario Lazzati Niada Scholarship for Afghan Women 2027-2028 The Maria Rosario Lazzati Niada Scholarship supports Afghan women who hold a university degree and want to pursue a two-year master’s programme at the Geneva Graduate Institute. It aims to expand access to advanced study in international relations and development and create pathways into academic, diplomatic and international careers. The award provides CHF 25,000 annually, with second-year renewal dependent on satisfactory progress. Applicants must supply a motivation letter, CV, academic qualifications and transcripts, alongside the required English proficiency evidence and academic references. Click here to apply | Deadline: Oct. 26

ABCD Future Environmental Leaders Scholarships 2027 The ABCD Future Environmental Leaders Scholarships support doctoral students from developing countries undertaking nine-month research stays in Germany. Two awards are available for projects that translate environmental research into practical solutions, with placements at RWTH Aachen, TU Dresden or UNU Resource Nexus. Support includes a monthly living allowance of €1,200, insurance assistance, travel funding and potential research materials support. Applicants must be enrolled full time in a PhD begun within the past three years and submit a research plan, academic records and institutional support documents. Click here to apply | Deadline: Oct. 31

Leading Scholarship to Attend the One Young World Summit 2026 (Fully-funded to Cape Town, SA) The Leading Scholarship enables young leaders to attend the One Young World Summit in Cape Town, South Africa. It is designed to improve access for outstanding changemakers, particularly those from countries underrepresented in international forums. The award includes summit access, hotel accommodation, meals and travel to and from Cape Town. Eligible applicants are aged 18–35 and should demonstrate a record of meaningful change, leadership and innovative responses to local or global challenges. Visa fees and associated application expenses remain the participant’s responsibility. Opportunity Desk lists October 31 as the application deadline. Click here to apply | Deadline: Oct. 31

SHE-CAN Scholar Program 2026-2027 (Funded) The SHE-CAN Scholar Program helps talented young women from low-income households access undergraduate education and leadership development in the United States. Scholars receive guidance towards full-ride college scholarships, mentorship and support with eligible application, travel and study-related costs. Candidates should demonstrate strong academic performance, community leadership and a commitment