Looking for fully funded study abroad scholarships in 2026? Vietnamese students can access over 80 government and university scholarship programmes across Australia, the UK, the US and Canada. Australia Awards Scholarships will offer 35 fully funded places covering tuition, living costs and airfares. The UK Chevening scheme is expected to fund at least 15 one‑year master’s degrees. The US Fulbright Programme targets 20 Vietnamese graduates, while Canada’s Vanier Graduate Scholarships allocate 166 awards globally with Vietnamese candidates eligible. Leading universities in these countries also provide merit‑based tuition waivers of 25–100 %. Most applications close between April and November 2025. Below you will find a detailed breakdown of eligibility, award values, key deadlines and expert advice to help you build a competitive application.
2026 Key Scholarship Opportunities at a Glance
| Scholarship | Country | Viet‑specific awards (2026) | Coverage | Application window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia Awards | Australia | 35 | Full tuition, living allowance (AUD 30,000+/year), return airfare, health cover | Feb – Apr 2025 |
| Chevening | UK | 15+ | Full tuition, monthly stipend, travel costs, visa fees | Aug – Nov 2025 |
| Fulbright Vietnam | US | Up to 20 | Tuition, monthly maintenance grant, round‑trip airfare, health insurance | Apr – Aug 2025 |
| Vanier Graduate Scholarships | Canada | Global allocation (166) | CAD 50,000 per year for 3 years (tax‑free) | Jul – Nov 2025 |
| University of Sydney Int’l | Australia | Unlimited (merit‑based) | Up to 40 % tuition reduction | Varies (multiple rounds) |
| UBC International Scholars | Canada | Specific country quotas | Full tuition + living costs for 4 years | Dec 2025 for 2026 entry |
| Monash Int’l Leadership | Australia | 4 full‑fee places | 100 % tuition + annual allowance | Oct 2025 |
All figures reflect 2026 intake data published by respective programme administrators.
Australia Government Scholarships: Australia Awards
The Australia Awards Scholarships, funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, remain the most comprehensive option for Vietnamese students. In 2026 the programme will allocate 35 fully funded scholarships to Vietnamese citizens, targeting fields such as public policy, environmental science, engineering, public health and education.
What the award includes
- Full tuition fees for the duration of the course (up to 2 years for a master’s)
- A living stipend currently set at AUD 30,000+ per year (2026 rate adjusted for CPI)
- Return economy class airfares
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Pre‑departure English training if required
Eligibility snapshot
- Vietnamese citizen residing in Vietnam at the time of application
- At least 2 years of work experience in a relevant field
- Meet the English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0, or equivalent)
- Commit to return to Vietnam for at least 2 years after completing the course
2026 timeline Applications open in February 2025 and close in April 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews in August–September 2025, with final outcomes released in December 2025.
United Kingdom Government Scholarships: Chevening & GREAT
Chevening is the UK government’s global scholarship programme, and Vietnam is a priority country. For the 2026/27 academic year, at least 15 awards are expected. Chevening funds a one‑year taught master’s degree at any UK university.
Financial package
- 100 % of tuition fees (no upper cap)
- Monthly stipend (approximately £1,200–£1,500 depending on location)
- Return airfare to the UK
- Visa application fees
- Arrival and departure allowances
What makes a strong Chevening applicant
- Demonstrated leadership and networking potential
- At least 2 years of work experience (paid, voluntary or internships)
- A clear career plan and strong academic background
- Offer from a UK university by 14 July 2026 (unconditional)
In addition, the GREAT Scholarships programme offers £10,000–£15,000 towards tuition fees for Vietnamese students at selected UK universities. Around 12 Vietnamese students benefit each year. Popular participating universities include the University of Edinburgh, University of Warwick, and University of Southampton.
United States Scholarships: Fulbright Vietnam Programme
The Fulbright Programme, administered by the US Department of State, has supported Vietnamese scholars since 1992. In 2026 it plans to award up to 20 fully funded grants for master’s or PhD study in the United States.
Benefits
- Tuition and mandatory fees
- Monthly maintenance stipend (approx. USD 1,500–2,000 depending on city)
- Round‑trip airfare
- Health and accident insurance (ASPE)
- Visa sponsorship support
Fields of study Fulbright Vietnam particularly welcomes applications in social sciences, humanities, law, public health, environmental studies, STEM, and education. Business administration (MBA) candidates may also apply but face stiff competition.
Selection criteria
- Vietnamese citizen with a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
- High academic achievement (GPA 3.0/4.0 minimum, but 3.5+ competitive)
- TOEFL iBT score of 90+ or IELTS 7.0+
- Community engagement and clear research or study objectives
The 2026 cycle is expected to open in April 2025 and close in August 2025. Interviews take place in October–November 2025 with final results around March 2026.
Canada Government Scholarships: Vanier and Banting
Canada does not run a dedicated government scholarship programme exclusively for Vietnam, but Vietnamese students can compete for prestigious national awards.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Value: CAD 50,000 per year for 3 years
- Number: 166 globally
- Target: Doctoral students (PhD) at Canadian institutions
- Criteria: Academic excellence, research potential, and leadership skills
- Deadline: University nomination by November 2025 for 2026 start
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships For PhD graduates pursuing postdoctoral research in Canada, the Banting programme offers CAD 70,000 per year for 2 years (140 awards globally). Vietnamese researchers with a strong publication record are encouraged to apply.
Additionally, many Canadian universities offer their own entrance scholarships—see the university section below.
Top University Scholarships for Vietnamese Students
Beyond government programmes, leading institutions in all four countries provide generous funding that can significantly reduce costs.
Australia
- University of Sydney Vice‑Chancellor’s International Scholarship: up to AUD 40,000 (multiple awards). Offers 25–50 % tuition fee reduction for high‑achieving international students.
- Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships: full fee offset and a living allowance of AUD 37,000 per year for research master’s and PhD students (approx. 350 awarded annually).
- Monash University International Leadership Scholarship: 4 full‑fee awards for exceptional undergraduates or postgraduates. Covers 100 % tuition and an annual stipend of AUD 36,200.
United Kingdom
- Gates Cambridge Scholarship: full‑cost award for postgraduate study at Cambridge. 80+ awards globally, with Vietnamese students having won in previous years.
- Clarendon Fund (Oxford): full tuition and college fees, plus a grant for living expenses. Awarded automatically to outstanding PhD candidates.
- University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships: between £6,500 and £26,000 per year. Vietnamese applicants are explicitly eligible.
United States
- Harvard Kennedy School – Vietnam Program: specific fellowship for Vietnamese public policy professionals (full tuition + stipend).
- AAUW International Fellowships: for women pursuing graduate study in the US; up to USD 50,000.
- University of Oregon ICSP Scholarship: partial to full tuition waivers for international students, renewable each year.
Canada
- University of British Columbia International Scholars Programme: four‑year full‑tuition and living‑cost awards for outstanding undergraduates. Country‑specific quotas apply.
- University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship: full tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence support for 4 years. About 37 students selected globally each year.
- McGill University Entrance Scholarships: merit‑based awards from CAD 3,000 to CAD 12,000, with some renewable.
How to Prepare a Winning Scholarship Application in 2026
-
Start with a timeline spreadsheet. List every scholarship, its deadline, required documents, and referee details. Missing a deadline is the single most common reason for rejection.
-
Craft a narrative, not a CV. Scholarship panels read thousands of applications. Your personal statement should tell a coherent story: where you come from, what problem you want to solve, how this degree fits in, and what you will give back to Vietnam. Quantify impacts—for instance, “I led a team of 10 volunteers to deliver clean water to 500 households” is stronger than “I volunteered in my community.”
-
Secure strong reference letters early. Approach referees at least 8 weeks before the deadline. Provide them with a brief summary of the scholarship, your CV, and bullet points highlighting the qualities the scholarship looks for (leadership, academic excellence, community spirit).
-
Don’t ignore language tests. Book IELTS/TOEFL/PTE well in advance. Chevening requires a valid IELTS UKVI for the visa process; Australia Awards accepts IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, or PTE Academic. Many candidates delay tests and miss out.
-
Prepare for interviews. Most fully funded programmes have an interview stage. Expect behaviour‑based questions: “Describe a time you led a team through a challenge” or “How will your study contribute to Vietnam’s development?” Practise with a mentor or record yourself.
-
Apply to multiple scholarships and universities simultaneously. Diversifying your applications increases the odds. Create a spreadsheet tracking each application’s status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the best fully funded scholarships for Vietnamese students in 2026?
The top choices are Australia Awards Scholarships, UK Chevening, US Fulbright, and Canada’s Vanier Graduate Scholarships. They cover full tuition, living costs, airfares, and health insurance. University‑run full‑ride options such as the Gates Cambridge, Melbourne Graduate Research, and UBC International Scholars are also highly competitive and comprehensive.
Q: When is the deadline for the 2026 Australia Awards Scholarship?
Applications for 2026 intake are expected to open in February 2025 and close in April 2025. Always confirm exact dates on the official Australia Awards Vietnam website, as they can shift by a few weeks each year.
Q: Can I apply for multiple scholarships at the same time?
Yes, applying to several programmes is allowed, but you must check each scheme’s conditions. Most government scholarships prohibit simultaneous holding of another major government‑funded award. If you are offered more than one, you will need to choose.
Q: Do I need a university admission letter before applying for Chevening or Fulbright?
Chevening requires an unconditional offer from a UK university by the scholarship deadline (mid‑July 2026). Fulbright expects you to apply to US universities in parallel. Australia Awards initially shortlists candidates and then supports them through the university application process. Always read the specific guidance of the scholarship you are targeting.
Q: Are there part‑scholarships for students who do not win fully funded awards?
Absolutely. Many universities offer partial tuition waivers ranging from 25 % to 50 %. Examples include the University of Sydney Vice‑Chancellor’s Scholarship (up to AUD 40,000), Bristol’s Think Big Awards, and UBC’s merit‑based International Major Entrance Scholarship. These can be combined with external funding or family support to make study abroad affordable.
Q: What are the English language requirements for government scholarships?
Most require an IELTS score between 6.5 and 7.0 overall, with no band lower than 6.0. TOEFL iBT equivalents are usually 90–100. Some programmes, such as Vanier, ask the host university to verify English proficiency, so requirements vary by institution. Always check the specific scholarship’s official website.
References
-
Australia Awards Vietnam – Official Page
https://www.dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/australia-awards/australia-awards-scholarships
The authoritative source for award conditions, eligibility, and timelines published by the Australian Government. -
Chevening Scholarships – Vietnam Country Page
https://www.chevening.org/scholarship/vietnam/
Managed by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office; lists all benefits and application guidance for Vietnamese citizens. -
Fulbright Vietnam – U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Vietnam
https://vn.usembassy.gov/education-culture/fulbright-program-vietnam/
Official programme details, priority fields, and selection criteria directly from the U.S. Department of State. -
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships – Government of Canada
https://vanier.gc.ca/
The definitive resource for application procedures, nomination deadlines, and award values.
All URLs verified against 2026 programme pages. Data is drawn from official administrators and reflects the policies applicable to the 2026 academic intake.