International Scholarships Currently Accepting Applications This Month

Imagine receiving an email that begins with four words:

“Congratulations. You have been selected.”

For many students, that message can change everything.

It can mean leaving a university where you have struggled to afford tuition and moving to a world-class institution. It can mean studying in the United Kingdom, the United States, Italy, South Korea, Hong Kong, South Africa, or another country without having to carry the full financial burden yourself.

But there is one problem.

Most students discover these opportunities too late.

They hear about a scholarship after the deadline has passed. They find an opportunity on social media but cannot determine whether it is genuine. Or they see the words “fully funded” and immediately apply without checking whether they actually meet the eligibility requirements.

September is one of the months when this can happen particularly quickly.

Some major international scholarships have deadlines within days. Others are opening applications this month for study in 2027. And some opportunities require applicants to complete a university admission application separately from the scholarship application.

That means knowing what is open, who can apply, what the scholarship covers, and where the official application portal is can make a major difference.

This guide brings together several significant international scholarship opportunities that are open now or opening during September 2026, with a particular focus on opportunities available to international and African applicants.

Before applying, always check the official scholarship page because deadlines, eligibility rules, required documents, and application procedures can change.

Why September Is an Important Month for Scholarship Applicants

Scholarship applications do not follow one universal calendar.

Some opportunities open in January. Others open in March, June, September, October, or November. Some have fixed annual deadlines, while others depend on individual universities.

September is especially important because several major scholarship programmes begin their next application cycles around this period.

For example, the Chevening Scholarship opened its 2027–2028 application cycle in August 2026 and remains open through October. The Commonwealth Master’s and PhD scholarships for the 2027–2028 academic year are scheduled to open on September 8. The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme opened on September 1. Several university-level opportunities also have September deadlines. (chevening.org)

The important lesson is simple:

Do not wait until the last day of September to start looking.

Some deadlines arrive during the first week of the month.

The University of Pisa’s DSU scholarship, for example, has a September 7 deadline for its 2026–2027 application cycle. Schwarzman Scholars has a September 9 deadline for its U.S./Global application. POSTECH’s second international graduate admissions round closes September 11. (unipi.it)

And when a scholarship closes, you generally cannot negotiate your way into the application system.

So, if you find an opportunity that matches your profile, start immediately.

Scholarships to Consider This September 2026

Below are some of the most notable opportunities to investigate this month.

The list includes scholarships that are currently open as of early September, as well as major programmes scheduled to open later in September.

1. Schwarzman Scholars – Tsinghua University, China

Study level: Master’s

Location: Beijing, China

Programme: One-year master’s degree

Application deadline: September 9, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. EDT

Funding: Fully funded

For: International applicants, including eligible applicants from Africa

If you are looking for a prestigious scholarship that combines graduate education with leadership development, Schwarzman Scholars deserves serious attention.

The programme is hosted at Tsinghua University in Beijing and is designed around developing future leaders who can work across cultures and disciplines.

For the 2027–2028 class, the U.S./Global application is open until September 9, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The programme is scheduled to begin in August 2027. (Schwarzman Scholars)

One important eligibility requirement is that applicants must have completed, or be on track to complete, an undergraduate degree by August 1, 2027. Applicants must also meet the programme’s age and English-language requirements. (Schwarzman Scholars)

Schwarzman is not simply looking for students with good grades.

Its selection committee evaluates candidates through three major areas:

• Leadership
• Intellect
• Character

The programme itself advises applicants to present authentic examples of leadership, academic ability and their commitment to global progress. (Schwarzman Scholars)

Why you should pay attention

The deadline is extremely close.

If you are eligible and have already prepared your academic documents, this is one of the scholarships where you should prioritize completing the application rather than spending another week searching for dozens of alternatives.

Official application: Schwarzman Scholars application portal

2. University of Pisa DSU Scholarship – Italy

Study level: Bachelor’s, Master’s and eligible programmes

Location: Italy

Deadline: September 7, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.

Funding: Financial support, tuition exemption and accommodation/rent support for eligible students

The DSU Toscana scholarship is another opportunity that international students should examine immediately.

The University of Pisa confirms that applications for the 2026–2027 DSU scholarship are due by September 7, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Applications are submitted online through the Sportello Studente portal. (unipi.it)

The scholarship is administered through DSU Toscana, the regional student-support system.

Depending on the applicant’s economic circumstances and student status, the support can include:

• Tuition-fee exemption
• University accommodation or a rent subsidy for eligible students living away from home
• Financial support
• Access to student services

The official DSU Toscana announcement confirms that applications for bachelor’s, master’s and single-cycle degree students run until September 7 at 1:00 p.m. (ARDSU)

This opportunity is particularly interesting because it is not limited to the stereotypical “perfect student” profile.

Financial circumstances can play an important role in eligibility and award determination.

Important warning

Do not confuse the DSU scholarship with admission to the University of Pisa.

They are related, but they are not the same process.

If you are considering Pisa, read the admission requirements for your chosen programme and separately follow the DSU scholarship instructions.

Official scholarship information: University of Pisa DSU Scholarship

Official DSU Toscana portal: DSU Toscana scholarship page

3. POSTECH International Graduate Admissions – South Korea

Study level: Master’s, PhD and graduate programmes

Location: South Korea

Current application deadline: September 11, 2026

Funding: University financial aid, assistantships and fellowship opportunities

POSTECH is one of South Korea’s major science and technology universities, and its international graduate admissions cycle is currently open.

The university’s official admissions page shows that the second international application round for the 2026–2027 cycle runs from July 6 through September 11, 2026. (adm-g.postech.ac.kr)

This one deserves an important clarification.

It is better described as a funded graduate admissions opportunity rather than a single standalone scholarship.

POSTECH’s financial-aid system includes teaching and research assistantships, fellowships and other forms of support.

According to POSTECH, its 2026 regular assistantship amounts are listed at approximately:

• Master’s: KRW 1,850,000 per month
• PhD: KRW 2,200,000 per month

The university notes that actual amounts can vary by laboratory and that advisors may provide additional allowances. (adm-g.postech.ac.kr)

POSTECH also lists external fellowship opportunities, including the Global Korea Scholarship and other programmes.

For international graduate students, financial support can therefore be connected to admission, assistantships and specific fellowships rather than a single universal scholarship application. (adm-g.postech.ac.kr)

Who should consider it?

This is especially worth investigating if you are interested in:

• Computer science
• Engineering
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Materials science
• Life sciences
• Environmental science
• Biotechnology
• Related STEM disciplines

The university lists numerous graduate academic areas, including Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and others. (adm-g.postech.ac.kr)

Official graduate admissions: POSTECH Graduate Admissions for International Students

Official financial-aid information: POSTECH Graduate Financial Aid

4. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – University of Cape Town

Study level: Undergraduate and postgraduate

Location: South Africa

Eligibility: African applicants meeting the programme’s criteria

Undergraduate deadline: September 30, 2026

Postgraduate deadline: October 31, 2026

Funding: Comprehensive/full-cost support for successful scholars

For African students, this is one of the opportunities worth putting high on the September scholarship calendar.

The University of Cape Town, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is accepting applications for the 2027 intake of its Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. (uct.ac.za)

The programme is designed for academically talented young people who face significant social and economic barriers to higher education.

The scholarship provides comprehensive support.

According to UCT, this can include:

• Full tuition fees
• Accommodation
• Living expenses
• Medical aid
• Study visa support where applicable
• Travel
• A laptop
• Academic support
• Mentoring
• Leadership development
• Career development
• Entrepreneurship training

(uct.ac.za)

There is an important distinction concerning deadlines.

UCT states that the scholarship application deadline is September 30, 2026 for undergraduate applicants, while the postgraduate deadline is October 31, 2026. (uct.ac.za)

However, UCT also states that its undergraduate academic applications for the 2027 intake are already closed, while postgraduate applications remain open.

Applicants therefore need to pay close attention to their specific admission situation. (uct.ac.za)

This is a perfect example of why scholarship applicants should never look at a scholarship deadline in isolation.

You may have a scholarship deadline, but your university admission deadline could be earlier.

Official scholarship information: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT

5. Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme

Study level: PhD

Location: Hong Kong

Application period: September 1 – December 1, 2026

Funding: HK$344,400 annual stipend + HK$14,400 annual travel allowance

Number of fellowships: 400 for the 2027/28 academic year

If you are already a strong graduate student or researcher planning to pursue a PhD, this opportunity deserves attention.

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme opened its 2027/28 application cycle on September 1, 2026.

The initial application deadline is December 1, 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time. (cerg1.ugc.edu.hk)

The scheme is designed to attract high-quality international PhD students to Hong Kong universities.

The Research Grants Council says applicants are expected to demonstrate qualities including:

• Strong academic performance
• Research ability or potential
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Leadership ability

(ugc.edu.hk)

The financial package is substantial.

For the 2027/28 scheme, the official information lists an annual stipend of HK$344,400 and a conference/research-related travel allowance of HK$14,400 per year, normally for three years. The scheme plans to award 400 fellowships. (ugc.edu.hk)

Applicants can select up to two programmes or departments at one or two participating universities.

There is also a crucial procedural requirement:

The fellowship application is not the entire university admission process.

Applicants must submit the initial fellowship application through the Research Grants Council and then complete the relevant university admission applications. (cerg1.ugc.edu.hk)

That is why starting early matters.

If you are interested in this scholarship, September is not the month to procrastinate. It is the month to begin.

Official application: Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme application system

Official programme information: Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme

6. Chevening Scholarships – United Kingdom

Study level: Master’s

Location: United Kingdom

Application deadline: October 6, 2026 at 11:00 UTC

Funding: Fully funded

Current status: Applications open

Chevening is one of the world’s best-known international scholarship programmes, and its 2027–2028 application cycle is currently open.

Applications opened on August 4, 2026 and close on October 6, 2026 at 11:00 UTC. (chevening.org)

The programme is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and partner organisations.

It is aimed at individuals who demonstrate leadership potential and want to use their education and experience to create positive change.

But there is something prospective applicants need to understand immediately:

Chevening is not designed for someone who has just completed undergraduate studies without relevant work experience.

For the current cycle, applicants must have at least 2,800 hours of work experience, acquired after completing their undergraduate degree, over a minimum of two years. Eligible experience can include full-time work, part-time work, voluntary work and internships. (chevening.org)

This makes Chevening particularly relevant to professionals and graduates who have already built meaningful experience outside the classroom.

The application process is also competitive.

Applicants should not treat the essays as ordinary personal statements.

You need to demonstrate your leadership, networking, career direction, motivation and intended impact with convincing evidence.

The good news

You still have time.

Unlike scholarships with September 7 or September 9 deadlines, Chevening remains open for more than a month from the beginning of September.

That means you can take time to:

1. Confirm eligibility.
2. Research your preferred UK courses.
3. Build your examples.
4. Draft your essays.
5. Review your application.
6. Submit before the deadline.

Official Chevening application information: Chevening Scholarships

Chevening application timeline: Official Chevening application timeline

7. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships – United Kingdom

Study level: Master’s

Location: United Kingdom

Opening date: September 8, 2026

Deadline: October 20, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. BST

For: Eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries

This is another major scholarship opportunity that applicants should put on their September calendar.

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission has confirmed that applications for the 2027/28 Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships will open on September 8, 2026 and close on October 20, 2026 at 16:00 BST. (cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk)

The scholarships are intended for talented applicants from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK.

The programme focuses on sustainable development and six development themes.

Applicants should therefore think beyond simply saying:

“I want to study in the UK.”

A strong application needs to connect the proposed study to a genuine development problem and explain how the applicant’s education can create measurable impact.

The CSC’s selection guidance emphasizes factors such as:

• What the applicant wants to learn
• How the proposed study relates to their objectives
• How well the applicant has researched the course and institution
• The development need being addressed
• Expected outcomes
• Potential beneficiaries
• How the applicant intends to apply their new skills

(cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk)

Another important point is that Commonwealth Master’s applicants generally apply through a nominating agency rather than simply sending a direct application to the CSC.

Nominators can also impose their own deadlines and eligibility rules.

The CSC specifically warns applicants that they must meet both the nominator’s requirements and the CSC requirements. (cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk)

So if you are from an eligible Commonwealth country, September is the time to identify your nominating agency and understand its process.

Official scholarship information: Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships

8. Commonwealth PhD Scholarships – United Kingdom

Study level: PhD

Location: United Kingdom

Opening date: September 8, 2026

Deadline: October 20, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. BST

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission is also opening its 2027/28 Commonwealth PhD Scholarship applications on September 8.

The deadline is the same: October 20, 2026 at 16:00 BST. (cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk)

These scholarships are designed for high-quality graduates with the potential to undertake world-class research with developmental impact.

The CSC explains that the programme seeks researchers who can contribute to development needs in Commonwealth countries while strengthening teaching, research and institutional capacity. (cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk)

Applicants must meet the programme’s eligibility requirements, including having an appropriate first degree by the relevant study period.

As with the Master’s scholarship, applicants need to understand the nomination process.

The CSC does not simply accept every candidate who submits a form.

Candidates must apply through an eligible nominating agency, and those agencies may set their own deadlines.

Why this opportunity matters

If you are already working toward a research career, the Commonwealth PhD Scholarship can offer more than financial support.

It can connect your research to international academic networks and give you access to a UK research environment.

Official scholarship information: Commonwealth PhD Scholarships

9. NTHU International Student Scholarship – Taiwan

University: National Tsing Hua University

Study level: Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD

Location: Taiwan

Current application period: August 3 – September 30, 2026

Scholarship: Tuition/credit-fee waiver plus monthly support depending on level and award

National Tsing Hua University is another university worth watching this month.

Its Spring 2027 international degree application period runs from August 3 to September 30, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Taiwan Time. Scholarship results are expected in late December 2026. (NTHU INTERNAITONAL TALENT CULTIVATION)

NTHU’s international student scholarship can provide:

• Tuition and credit-fee waivers
• Monthly support for eligible students
• Approximately NT$5,000 per month for eligible bachelor’s and master’s students
• Higher monthly support for eligible doctoral students, depending on the scholarship category

The university’s scholarship information confirms that international students apply through the same online system used for the international degree programme. (NTHU INTERNAITONAL TALENT CULTIVATION)

This is important because the scholarship isn’t something you should discover after being admitted.

You should indicate your interest in the scholarship during the application process where required.

NTHU’s current Spring 2027 application includes both undergraduate and graduate programmes, giving students at different academic levels a reason to investigate the opportunity.

Official application: NTHU International Student Application System

Official scholarship information: NTHU International Student Scholarship

10. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)

Study destination: South Korea

Study levels: Undergraduate and graduate, depending on the annual track

Funding: Airfare, tuition, language training and study allowances for eligible awardees

Application timing: Government announcements and application windows vary by track and country

The Global Korea Scholarship is another programme students should monitor during this period.

The Korean government’s Study in Korea platform explains that GKS provides support that can include airfare, language training, tuition and study allowances. (Study in Korea)

For the undergraduate programme, the general government schedule shows the announcement in September and application submission through embassy or university channels during September–October. (Study in Korea)

However, this is one opportunity where applicants should not assume there is one universal deadline for every country.

Embassies and participating universities can have their own submission schedules.

Therefore, a student should check the GKS announcement applicable to their nationality and the specific embassy or university route.

This is especially important because applying through the wrong channel or after a local deadline can eliminate an otherwise eligible applicant.

Official Korean government scholarship information: Study in Korea – Government Scholarship Program

How to Increase Your Chances of Winning an International Scholarship

Finding scholarships is only half the job.

The bigger challenge is becoming the type of applicant a selection committee remembers.

Thousands of students may meet the minimum eligibility requirements.

Your goal is to show why you deserve serious consideration.

Here are some practical ways to improve your application.

1. Stop writing generic personal statements

One of the biggest mistakes applicants make is writing statements that could belong to anyone.

For example:

“I have always wanted to make a difference in my community.”

That sounds positive, but it tells the selection committee very little.

Instead, show them what you actually did.

What problem did you notice?

What did you do?

Who benefited?

What changed?

What did you learn?

What will you do with the opportunity?

Specificity creates credibility.

2. Turn your experiences into evidence

You don’t necessarily need to have founded a multinational organisation.

Leadership can appear in many forms.

Perhaps you:

• Led a student organisation
• Organised a community project
• Tutored younger students
• Built a technology project
• Volunteered
• Created educational content
• Helped solve a problem in your community
• Worked with a local organisation
• Started a small business
• Conducted research
• Developed an initiative at school

The important question is not simply:

“What position did you hold?”

It is:

“What changed because of what you did?”

3. Research the university before writing

A scholarship application becomes much stronger when the applicant clearly understands where they want to study.

Don’t simply write:

“University X is one of the best universities in the world.”

Thousands of applicants can write that.

Instead, investigate:

• Specific courses
• Research groups
• Professors
• Laboratories
• Modules
• Academic facilities
• Research opportunities
• University initiatives
• Relevant community programmes

Then connect those things to your goals.

This is particularly important for programmes such as Commonwealth scholarships, where the CSC explicitly evaluates how well applicants have researched their proposed study and institution. (cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk)

4. Build a strong academic story

Scholarship committees want to understand your academic journey.

Don’t just list grades.

Explain progression.

Maybe your early academic performance was average but improved dramatically.

Maybe you became interested in a field after a particular experience.

Maybe your undergraduate project revealed a problem you now want to research.

A good application connects the dots:

Past → Present → Future

Your past explains what shaped you.

Your present shows what you are doing now.

Your future explains what you intend to accomplish with the scholarship.

5. Make your future impact believable

Avoid making enormous promises that you cannot explain.

Saying:

“I will transform Africa.”

is not a plan.

Instead:

“After completing my master’s degree, I intend to return to my country and develop…”

Then explain:

• What you will develop
• Who it will serve
• Why the problem matters
• What skills you will gain
• How you will measure progress

Specific plans are easier for a committee to believe.

6. Choose scholarships strategically

Don’t apply to every scholarship you see.

Instead, divide opportunities into three categories:

Category A: Strong match

You meet the requirements and your academic/professional profile fits the programme.

Apply aggressively.

Category B: Possible match

You meet most requirements but need to investigate certain conditions.

Research further.

Category C: Poor match

You don’t meet the eligibility criteria.

Don’t waste your time.

This strategy is much better than submitting twenty weak applications.

One excellent application can be more valuable than ten rushed ones.

Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Scholarships

Mistake 1: Waiting until the deadline

A scholarship deadline isn’t the time to begin searching for your passport, transcript and recommendation letter.

Start early.

Some applications require multiple documents, references, essays and separate university applications.

Mistake 2: Trusting social media posts blindly

A TikTok video, Facebook post or WhatsApp message may introduce you to a scholarship.

That’s fine.

But the final verification should happen on the official website.

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission specifically warns applicants to be cautious about third-party websites requesting personal information or supporting documentation. (cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk)

Mistake 3: Paying someone who promises selection

Be extremely cautious if someone says:

“Pay me and I will guarantee your scholarship.”

Legitimate scholarship programmes select candidates through formal processes.

No consultant can legitimately guarantee that a highly competitive scholarship committee will select you.

Mistake 4: Applying without checking eligibility

A scholarship can be fully funded and still be completely unsuitable for you.

Check:

• Nationality
• Age
• Academic level
• Degree requirements
• Work experience
• English-language requirements
• Field of study
• Residency
• Application route

Chevening, for example, has a specific work-experience requirement. (chevening.org)

Schwarzman Scholars has specific age, degree-completion and English-language requirements. (Schwarzman Scholars)

Mistake 5: Using the same essay everywhere

Your Chevening application should not sound identical to your Commonwealth application.

Each scholarship has different objectives.

Your writing should reflect what the specific programme values.

Mistake 6: Exaggerating your achievements

Don’t invent leadership positions.

Don’t manufacture volunteering experience.

Don’t falsify documents.

Universities and scholarship organisations can verify information, and false information can result in disqualification or withdrawal of an award.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these scholarships really fully funded?

Some are fully funded, while others provide substantial but different forms of financial support.

For example, Rhodes, Schwarzman, Chevening and many Commonwealth awards are designed as major funded opportunities, while university and regional scholarships can have different coverage structures.

Always read the official funding terms before assuming “fully funded” means every possible expense is covered.

Can undergraduate students apply for international scholarships?

Yes.

However, undergraduate opportunities are generally more limited than postgraduate opportunities.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT includes undergraduate opportunities, while NTHU currently has international undergraduate and graduate applications open. GKS also has undergraduate routes. (uct.ac.za)

Can African students apply?

Yes, depending on the scholarship.

African students are eligible for many international programmes, but eligibility depends on the individual scholarship.

The Mastercard Foundation programme at UCT specifically targets talented young Africans facing significant social and economic barriers. (UCT News)

The Commonwealth programmes are available to citizens of eligible Commonwealth countries.

Other programmes, such as the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme, accept eligible applicants internationally. (ugc.edu.hk)

Do I need IELTS for every scholarship?

No.

English-language requirements differ significantly.

Some scholarships require proof of English proficiency, while others may accept alternative evidence or follow university-specific rules.

For example, Schwarzman Scholars has explicit English-language requirements for eligible applicants. (Schwarzman Scholars)

Never assume that because one scholarship requires IELTS, every scholarship does.

Can I apply for more than one scholarship?

Yes, in many cases.

There is nothing inherently wrong with applying for multiple scholarships, provided you meet the eligibility requirements and comply with each programme’s rules.

In fact, applying strategically to multiple suitable opportunities can improve your overall chances.

Do I need work experience?

Not always.

Some scholarships require it.

Chevening is a major example: applicants need at least 2,800 hours of eligible work experience after completing their undergraduate degree. (chevening.org)

Other scholarships, especially undergraduate programmes, may focus more heavily on academic achievement, leadership potential, financial circumstances or community involvement.

Can I apply if my grades are not perfect?

Sometimes.

A strong academic record is important for many competitive scholarships, but selection can involve more than grades.

Leadership, research potential, community involvement, personal circumstances, academic progression, career goals and the quality of your application can also matter depending on the programme.

That does not mean grades are irrelevant.

It means you should understand the whole selection criteria rather than automatically disqualifying yourself.

Is the scholarship application the same as university admission?

Not necessarily.

This is one of the most important things to understand.

Some scholarships require you to apply to the university separately.

The Commonwealth Master’s process, for example, involves the scholarship application and university course planning, while the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme requires applicants to submit university admission applications after obtaining an HKPFS reference number. (cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk)

UCT similarly explains that the Mastercard Foundation scholarship application is separate from the academic application to UCT. (uct.ac.za)

Always check both processes.

Official Scholarship Application Portals

This is the section you should bookmark.

Do not rely on random scholarship blogs, Telegram channels or social media links when submitting sensitive documents.

Use the official sources below.

Schwarzman Scholars – China

Official Schwarzman Scholars application portal

Deadline: September 9, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. EDT.

University of Pisa DSU – Italy

Official University of Pisa DSU scholarship information

Deadline: September 7, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.

POSTECH – South Korea

Official POSTECH International Graduate Admissions

Current round deadline: September 11, 2026.

University of Cape Town Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Official UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application information

Undergraduate scholarship deadline: September 30, 2026.

Postgraduate scholarship deadline: October 31, 2026.

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme

Official Hong Kong PhD Fellowship application system

Application period: September 1 – December 1, 2026.

Chevening Scholarships

Official Chevening scholarship portal and information

Deadline: October 6, 2026 at 11:00 UTC.

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships

Official Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship information

Opens: September 8, 2026.

Deadline: October 20, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. BST.

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships

Official Commonwealth PhD Scholarship information

Opens: September 8, 2026.

Deadline: October 20, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. BST.

Global Korea Scholarship

Official Study in Korea government scholarship information

Application schedules vary by track, embassy and university.

NTHU International Student Scholarship – Taiwan

Official NTHU International Student Application System

Current application deadline: September 30, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Taiwan Time.

Official NTHU International Student Scholarship information

A Simple September Scholarship Action Plan

If you are serious about securing an international scholarship, don’t simply bookmark this article and forget about it.

Turn the information into a plan.

September 3–4

Check your eligibility.

Create a spreadsheet containing:

• Scholarship name
• Country
• Degree level
• Deadline
• Eligibility
• Required documents
• Recommendation letters
• Application portal
• Status

September 4–6

Prioritize urgent deadlines.

If you qualify for the University of Pisa DSU scholarship, investigate it immediately because the deadline is September 7.

If you qualify for Schwarzman Scholars, prioritize it because the deadline is September 9.

If POSTECH fits your academic profile, investigate the September 11 deadline. (unipi.it)

September 7–15

Prepare for the next wave.

The Commonwealth Master’s and PhD applications open September 8.

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme is already open.

Chevening remains open.

This is when you should be working on longer applications rather than rushing them at the last minute.

September 15–30

Complete applications with later deadlines.

Pay particular attention to:

• UCT Mastercard Foundation
• NTHU
• Commonwealth
• Chevening
• Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme

And remember that some scholarships require university admission separately.

The Most Important Thing to Remember

Scholarships are not simply about finding a website and pressing “Apply.”

They are about matching your story to the opportunity.

If you are an undergraduate student, look for programmes that specifically accept undergraduate applicants.

If you are a master’s applicant, prioritize scholarships designed for postgraduate study.

If you are a researcher, look for PhD fellowships and research funding.

If you are a professional with several years of experience, programmes such as Chevening may become particularly relevant.

And if your financial circumstances are one of the major barriers preventing you from accessing higher education, investigate programmes that explicitly consider financial or socioeconomic barriers, such as the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT. (UCT News)

Don’t apply simply because a scholarship says “fully funded.”

Apply because you are a strong match for what the scholarship is trying to achieve.

Final Thoughts: Your Scholarship Could Be Closer Than You Think

There is a dangerous habit among students who want to study abroad.

They keep waiting.

They wait until their grades are perfect.

They wait until they have more certificates.

They wait until they have more leadership experience.

They wait until somebody sends them the “perfect scholarship.”

And eventually, the deadline passes.

The reality is that there will probably never be a moment when you feel completely ready.

You have to start with what you have.

Maybe your academic record isn’t perfect.

Maybe your leadership experience is small.

Maybe you have never travelled outside your country.

Maybe you don’t have an impressive-looking CV yet.

That doesn’t automatically mean you have no chance.

It means you need to identify the opportunities where your profile actually fits and build the strongest application you can.

September 2026 offers several opportunities worth investigating, from the urgent deadlines of the University of Pisa, Schwarzman Scholars and POSTECH to longer application windows such as Chevening and the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme. Major Commonwealth Master’s and PhD opportunities are also opening this month, while UCT and NTHU have September application activity worth examining. (unipi.it)

But don’t confuse finding an opportunity with applying successfully.

Read the requirements.

Prepare your documents.

Write honestly.

Research the university.

Show evidence of your achievements.

Explain your future goals.

And most importantly, submit before the deadline.

A scholarship cannot change your future if you never apply for it.

So if you found an opportunity in this article that matches your profile, don’t just save this page.

Open the official application portal.

Check the requirements.

Start your application.

Your next email could be the one that changes everything.