In 2026, airfare will be one of the most unpredictable costs for international students. A “fully funded” scholarship is only really complete if it covers the cost of return airfare. These awards pay for an economy-class flight from your home country to your study destination at the start of your course and a return flight after you graduate.
The following top scholarships for the 2026/2027 school year clearly cover all travel expenses.
1. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
The Chevening Award is the UK government’s most important award for Master’s students. They take care of all the details, including your flights, so you don’t have to pay anything.
- Travel Coverage: Full payment of economy-class airfare to and from the UK along an approved route.
- Extra Travel Benefits: * Arrival Allowance: A one-time payment of about £600 to help with getting to the airport and settling in.
- Departure Allowance: The last payment you get to cover your trip back to the airport when you leave.
- TB Testing: If you need a tuberculosis test for your trip, you can get up to £75.
- Intake for 2027: Applications for the 2027/2028 cycle usually open in August 2026.
2. Scholarships for Australia Awards
The Australian government awards these scholarships to students from developing countries. They are well-known for how thorough they are when it comes to travel and moving.
- Travel Coverage: Round-trip economy-class airfare to and from Australia.
- Establishment Allowance: A one-time payment (about AUD 5,000–$6,000) to help with setting up housing, buying textbooks, and getting around the area at first.
- Travel for fieldwork: If you’re a research student who meets the requirements, the scholarship may even pay for extra airfare to go back to your home country for fieldwork.
- The application period for the 2027 intake is now open and will close on April 30, 2026.
3. The Fulbright Programme for Foreign Students in the US
The Fulbright Program is the best exchange scholarship in the US. It pays for all of the major costs for Master’s and PhD students.
- Travel Coverage: Round-trip airfare from your home country to the United States and back.
- Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO): Many areas offer a funded in-person orientation before you leave. The session covers all of your travel and lodging needs.
- 2026/2027 Status: The people who were chosen for this cycle will leave for the U.S. in July or August of 2026. The application process for the 2027/2028 cycle is different in each country, but it usually starts in early 2026.
4. The MEXT Scholarship in Japan
The Japanese government (MEXT) scholarship is one of the few that lets you travel in a very organised way through the Japanese embassy.
- Travel Coverage: The scholarship will pay for your flight to Japan at the beginning of your studies and your flight back home when you finish.
- The Process: The Japanese Embassy usually buys the tickets for you, so you don’t have to pay for them and wait for a refund.
- Important: The student is usually responsible for getting to and from their home and the nearest international airport.
5. The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Programme (JJ/WBGSP)
This scholarship is for mid-career professionals from developing countries who want to get a master’s degree in a field related to development.
- Travel Coverage: Two-way economy class air travel between your home country and the host university.
- Travel Allowance: Scholars get a US $600 travel allowance for each trip in addition to their ticket. This money can be used for things like luggage or ground transportation.
- The second application window for the 2026 intake is open until May 29, 2026.
6. Comparing the benefits of travel and moving (2026)
- Chevening (UK): Flight, arrival and departure allowances, and visa fees.
- Australia Awards: Flight, a large establishment allowance, and health insurance.
- World Bank (Global): Flight and $600 in cash for each trip, plus tuition.
- Fulbright (USA): Money for a flight, orientation, and health insurance.
- Gates Cambridge (UK): Two round-trip plane tickets, a visa, and a health surcharge.
7. Travel-Funded Applicants: Strategic Advice
- Only approved routes: Most scholarships, especially the Chevening and Australia Awards, will only pay for tickets booked through their approved travel agents. You might not get your money back if you book your flight.
- The “2-Year Rule”: Most scholarships that pay for your flight (like Chevening, Australia Awards, and Fulbright) require you to go back to your home country for at least two years after you finish your studies.
- Extra Baggage: Even though the flight is free, fees for “extra baggage” are not usually covered. If you plan to bring extra suitcases, set aside $100 to $200.
Final Thoughts
The Australia Awards are the best scholarship for travel in 2026 because they give a huge “establishment allowance” on top of the flight. The World Bank Scholarship is excellent for professionals because it gives you an extra $600 in cash for each trip.
