Top Legit Scholarship Websites for International Students (2026 Guide)

 Top Legit Scholarship Websites for International Students (2026 Guide)

Last Updated : February, 2026

Discover trusted scholarship websites for international students in 2026. Explore verified platforms to find fully funded undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships.

Top Legit Scholarship Websites for International Students (2026 Guide)

Finding genuine scholarship opportunities online can be overwhelming. Many websites list outdated opportunities, while others may contain misleading information.

To help students save time and avoid scams, this guide highlights trusted and widely recognized scholarship platforms that regularly publish legitimate funding opportunities for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD studies.

Why Use Verified Scholarship Websites?

Using reliable scholarship platforms helps you:

• Access updated opportunities

• Avoid fraudulent offers

• Discover fully funded programs

• Filter scholarships by country or level of study

• Get official application links

Always verify information on the official university or scholarship provider’s website before applying.

1. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

The Mastercard Foundation partners with universities across Africa, Europe, and North America to provide fully funded scholarships for talented students facing financial challenges.

You must apply directly through participating universities.

Best for: African students seeking fully funded undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities.

2. DAAD Scholarship Database (Germany)

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a comprehensive database of scholarships for international students interested in studying in Germany.

Best for: Master’s and PhD programs in Germany.

3. Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom)

Chevening is the UK government’s global scholarship program that supports future leaders pursuing one-year master’s degrees in the UK.

Best for: Leadership-focused postgraduate applicants.

4. Fulbright Program (United States)

The Fulbright Program provides scholarships for international students to study, conduct research, or teach in the United States.

Best for: Graduate students and researchers.

5. Commonwealth Scholarships

Commonwealth Scholarships support students from eligible Commonwealth countries to study in the UK and other participating nations.

Best for: Master’s and PhD candidates from developing Commonwealth countries.

6. Scholarship Portal (scholarshipportal.com)

Scholarship Portal is a large database that allows students to search for scholarships across Europe and other regions.

Best for: Filtering opportunities by country and level of study.

7. University Official Websites

Many universities offer their own scholarships for international students. Always check the official “Scholarships” or “Financial Aid” page of your chosen university.

Best for: Institution-specific funding opportunities.

How to Identify Legitimate Scholarships

When searching online, look for:

• Official website domains (usually ending in .edu, .ac, .gov, or recognized institutional domains)

• Clear eligibility requirements

• Transparent application instructions

• No request for payment to apply

Avoid platforms that guarantee selection or request processing fees.

Tips for Applying Successfully

• Start preparing early

• Keep academic transcripts ready

• Prepare a strong personal statement

• Request recommendation letters in advance

• Track deadlines carefully

Applying to multiple scholarships increases your chances of success.

Final Advice

Scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying abroad, but it is important to rely on trusted sources when searching for opportunities.

Always confirm details directly on the official scholarship provider’s website before submitting your application.

Staying organized and proactive can improve your chances of securing funding.

Trusted Scholarship Websites for International Students (2026)

🔗 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – Find partner university opportunities and official application info: https://mastercardfdn.org/all/scholars/

🔗 DAAD Scholarship Database – Official German Academic Exchange Service scholarships: https://www.daad.de/en/

🔗 Chevening Scholarships (UK) – Government‑funded master’s scholarships: https://www.chevening.org/

🔗 Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA) – U.S. government scholarship and exchange: https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org/

🔗 Commonwealth Scholarships – Scholarships for Commonwealth nations: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/

🔗 ScholarshipPortal – Europe scholarship search engine: https://www.scholarshipportal.com/

🔗 StudyPortals Scholarship Search – Global scholarship finder covering all regions: https://www.studyportals.com/

👉 You Might Also Like : 📕 Checklist of Items You Need to Start Gathering for the Mastercard                                                  Foundation  Scholarship

                      👉 See Also : 📕  Scholarship Application Resources(free Downloads)

                           👉Read also:📕Mastercard Foundation Scholarship At ALU