11 fully funded scholarships and fellowships closing before January 2027
If you are searching for fully funded scholarships closing before January 2027, this list gives you a clear place to start. The deadlines below cover undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral opportunities in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and more.
This is a strong application season for students and researchers who want to plan ahead. Some deadlines fall in late September and October 2026, so start with the earliest ones first, then move through the November, December, and January dates.
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1. Caltech Scholarships 2027
Caltech Scholarships 2027 are a strong fit if you want undergraduate or PhD study at one of the world’s best-known science institutes. The package is especially useful because undergraduate aid can cover tuition, housing, and other costs, while incoming PhD students receive comprehensive support in Pasadena, United States.
2. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships are ideal for strong doctoral applicants who want major funding in Canada. The scholarship is fully funded, open to all fields of study, and welcomes students from all countries. It is a good choice if you can show leadership and high scholarly achievement alongside your research potential.
3. Marshall Scholarship 2027
The Marshall Scholarship 2027 is one of the most prestigious routes for academically outstanding United States citizens who want master’s or doctoral study in the United Kingdom. It is fully funded and supports study in almost any academic field, making it a flexible and highly respected option for top applicants.
4. Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027–2028
Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 to 2028 is a powerful opportunity for international applicants aiming for a master’s or PhD at the University of Cambridge. It is fully funded and values not only academic excellence, but also leadership and commitment to society, which makes it attractive for well-rounded candidates.
5. CERN Doctoral Student Program 2027
CERN Doctoral Student Program 2027 offers a serious research environment for doctoral students who want to work in Geneva on thesis-related research. The programme is fully funded and runs for 12 to 36 months, with supervision from experienced scientists and engineers in a European and international setting.
6. Oxford University Weidenfeld Hoffmann Scholarship and Leadership Programme
The Oxford University Weidenfeld Hoffmann Scholarship and Leadership Programme is worth a close look if you are from a developing or emerging economy and want graduate study at Oxford. It covers 100% of course fees, adds a living costs grant, and includes leadership development and mentoring.
7. Fully Funded PhD Positions in Applied Macroeconomics and Political Economy at ETH Zurich, Switzerland 2026
These fully funded PhD positions at ETH Zurich suit candidates who want to work in Applied Macroeconomics and Political Economy. The opportunity stands out because it invites outstanding applicants from around the world and focuses on individualized research projects with supervisors, plus engagement with the KOF Swiss Economic Institute.
8. Harvard Academy Scholars Program 2027 in USA
Harvard Academy Scholars Program 2027 is a strong postdoctoral option for PhD scholars from around the world who want research and training at Harvard University. It is fully funded, includes an annual stipend, and supports research, making it attractive for early-career scholars building an academic profile.
9. Fulbright U.S. Student Program
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program supports individually designed study, research, or creative projects abroad. It is a good match for U.S. graduating seniors, graduate students, young professionals, and artists who want a flexible, fully funded grant across a wide range of fields.
10. NASA Hubble Fellowship Programme (NHFP)
The NASA Hubble Fellowship Programme is a major choice for recent postdoctoral scientists in astrophysics. It offers up to three years of funding and supports theory, observation, experimentation, or instrument development, so it is a strong fit if you want independence in a highly competitive research field.
If one of these opportunities fits your goals, do not wait until the last week. Build your shortlist now, prepare your documents early, and compare each deadline carefully because several close in September and October 2026. For more application strategy, see How to build a scholarship application timeline you will actually keep and Fully funded vs partially funded scholarships, what the fine print means.
Questions students ask
Which fully funded scholarships close first in this list?
The earliest deadlines are Harvard Academy Scholars Program 2027 on 18 September 2026, Marshall Scholarship 2027 on 29 September 2026, and the ETH Zurich PhD positions on 30 September 2026. If you want a fast start, begin with those three.
Can international students apply for these fully funded opportunities?
Yes, several are open internationally, including Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 to 2028, CERN Doctoral Student Program 2027, Oxford Weidenfeld Hoffmann Scholarship, ETH Zurich PhD positions, and Harvard Academy Scholars Program.
Do these opportunities cover undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral study?
Yes. Caltech Scholarships 2027 cover undergraduate and PhD study, Gates Cambridge and Oxford are for graduate study, Vanier and CERN are doctoral, and Harvard Academy Scholars and the NASA Hubble Fellowship are postdoctoral opportunities.