You don’t need a passport to start your scholarship applications in 2026. You will need a passport to travel internationally and get a visa, but many global scholarship providers let you use other forms of ID when you first apply.
The most important thing is to show a “valid government-issued ID” that proves your nationality and date of birth.
Use your National Identity Card (NIN/ID).
You can use your National ID card instead of a passport when you apply for many big international scholarships.
- The Hungarian government will let applicants upload a scanned copy of their National ID card if they don’t have a passport yet in 2026.
- Türkiye Scholarships: The Turkish application system (TBBS) will start the process with any valid ID card or identity document.
- Erasmus Mundus (EU): Most Erasmus consortia let you apply with a national identity card as long as it indicates that you are a citizen of that country.
Send in an “Explanation Letter” or other paperwork.
If a scholarship portal only asks for your passport number and you haven’t got one yet, you can often give them temporary proof.
- Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC): For the 2026/2027 cycle, applicants who can’t show a passport for “objective reasons” can send in valid documents that show their full English name, gender, nationality, and date of birth.
- The “Passport-in-Progress” Strategy: Many people send in a copy of their passport application slip (the receipt that shows you applied for the document) along with a short letter explaining when the official document will be ready.
Focus on pathways that start with “Admission.”.
In the UK and Australia, many scholarships are “automatic” once you get into college.
- Getting into college: Most colleges will check your academic eligibility using your birth certificate or national ID.
- The Delayed Requirement: In the UK, you’ll only need your passport once you reach the CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) stage, which is usually 3–4 months after you first apply. In Australia, you’ll only need it once you reach the COE (Confirmation of Enrolment) stage.
Look for Local and Regional Scholarships
A passport is almost never needed if you are applying for scholarships in your own country or region, like the MTN Foundation in Nigeria or regional grants in India.
- These providers usually ask for a birth certificate, state of origin certificate, or voter’s card as proof of identity.
- Later on, winning a local scholarship can give you the money you need to pay for your international passport application.
Reminders and Deadlines for 2026
You can apply without a passport, but you need to start getting one as soon as you can.
- Visa Processing: You can’t get a student visa if your passport isn’t valid. Most embassies require that your passport be valid for at least six to twelve months after you plan to leave.
- standardised tests: If you’re taking the IELTS, TOEFL, or GRE in 2026, make sure to check with your local testing center to see what identification they require. Many of them will only let you into the exam hall if you have a physical passport.
Final Thoughts
Don’t hit “submit” until your passport arrives. To get a spot in the 2026 application pool, use your national ID, a birth certificate, or a receipt for a “passport in progress.” You should have your official passport ready to upload by the time the scholarship board makes its final decision (usually 3–5 months after the deadline).
