Scholarships for Low-Income Students Worldwide

Access to quality higher education remains one of the most powerful tools for social mobility, economic empowerment, and personal development — yet students from low-income backgrounds around the world face some of the toughest financial barriers to achieving this dream. Fortunately, in 2026 there are numerous scholarships for low-income students worldwide designed specifically to remove financial burdens and provide comprehensive support for tuition, living costs, travel, research, and academic supplies. These scholarships are offered by governments, universities, and international organizations with the mission to make education truly inclusive and globally accessible.

Some of the most impactful programs provide substantial financial assistance that goes far beyond simple tuition waivers. For example, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program can offer up to $100,000 USD per year for multi-year undergraduate or graduate degrees, the Gates Cambridge Scholarships can provide up to £30,000 per year plus living allowance for doctoral students, and the Commonwealth Scholarships can cover living stipend and full tuition for up to three years. These funding packages are life-changing — enabling students from economically disadvantaged families to study abroad without the stress of debt or financial strain.

What sets scholarships for low-income students apart is not just their financial value, but also their holistic approach to student success. Many programs provide mentorship, leadership training, career development, internships, and alumni networks to help scholars thrive academically and professionally. Whether you’re aspiring for undergraduate, master’s, or PhD study abroad, the opportunities outlined below represent some of the top fully funded scholarships available in 2026 for students from low-income backgrounds around the globe.

Scholarship Summary

1. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Courses Offered and Their Advantages

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program supports degree study in fields such as Engineering, Business, Health Sciences, Computer Science, Agriculture, and Social Sciences at partner universities around the world.
Advantages:

• Tailored leadership and mentorship programs

• Career development opportunities

• Peer support communities

Program Period – Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

• 4–5 years for undergraduate or graduate degrees depending on the education level.

Scholarship Coverage and Benefits – Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

• Up to $100,000 USD per year covering full tuition, accommodation, living expenses, travel costs, and health insurance.

• Leadership training and internship placement support.

• Community engagement and professional mentoring.

Eligibility Criteria – Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

• Low-income or disadvantaged background.

• Admission to a participating partner university.

• Strong academic performance and leadership potential.

How to Apply – Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

• Apply directly to partner institutions or via the program portal.

• Submit academic transcripts, personal statements, and letters of recommendation.

Website for Apply – Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

👉 Official Website: https://mastercardfdn.org

2. Gates Cambridge Scholarships

Courses Offered and Their Advantages

The Gates Cambridge Scholarships support postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge, including Master’s and PhD programs in areas such as Public Health, Engineering, Social Sciences, Technology, and Environmental Studies.
Advantages:

• World-class research environment

• Strong global network of leaders and scholars

• Opportunities for professional advancement and research deployment

Program Period – Gates Cambridge Scholarships

• Up to 3 years for standard postgraduate study.

Scholarship Coverage and Benefits – Gates Cambridge Scholarships

• Full tuition fees covered.

• Living allowance (~£30,000+ per year).

• Travel costs and Visa support.

• Access to academic and professional development resources.

Eligibility Criteria – Gates Cambridge Scholarships

• Applicants must demonstrate financial need.

• Outstanding academic achievement.

• Leadership potential and community commitment.

How to Apply – Gates Cambridge Scholarships

• Apply directly to the University of Cambridge and indicate Gates Cambridge Scholarship interest.

• Submit academic transcripts, research proposal/essay, and references.

Website for Apply – Gates Cambridge Scholarships

👉 Official Website: https://www.gatescambridge.org

3. Commonwealth Scholarships

Courses Offered and Their Advantages

Commonwealth Scholarships are offered for Master’s and PhD programs in areas including Development Studies, Natural Sciences, Technology, Education, and Health Sciences at universities across the United Kingdom.
Advantages:

• Supports scholars from low-income Commonwealth countries

• Provides academic, cultural and professional growth platforms

• Focus on global development impact

Program Period – Commonwealth Scholarships

• 1–3 years for postgraduate study.

Scholarship Coverage and Benefits – Commonwealth Scholarships

• Full tuition coverage.

• Monthly living allowance.

• Travel and study support.

• Thesis funding and research allowances.

Eligibility Criteria – Commonwealth Scholarships

• Must be a citizen of a Commonwealth developing country.

• Demonstrated academic excellence and leadership potential.

• Commitment to return to home country after studies.

How to Apply – Commonwealth Scholarships

• Apply online through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s portal.

• Provide academic records, personal statement, references.

Website for Apply – Commonwealth Scholarships

👉 Official Website: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk

4. Erasmus+ Scholarships

Courses Offered and Their Advantages

Erasmus+ Scholarships support undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD programs across universities in Europe spanning a wide range of academic areas including STEM, Business, Arts, Social Sciences, and Environmental Studies.
Advantages:

• Mobility across multiple European universities in certain programs

• Exposure to multicultural academic environments

• Enhanced employability after graduation

Program Period – Erasmus+ Scholarships

• 1–4 years depending on level of study.

Scholarship Coverage and Benefits – Erasmus+ Scholarships

• Monthly stipend and living expense support (varies by host country).

• Tuition support or waiver.

• Travel and relocation allowances.

Eligibility Criteria – Erasmus+ Scholarships

• Enrolled in an Erasmus+ partner program or institution.

• Demonstrated academic readiness.

• Motivation for cross-cultural exchange and academic excellence.

How to Apply – Erasmus+ Scholarships

• Apply via the university or program portal offering Erasmus+ opportunities.

• Provide academic transcripts and motivational statement.

Website for Apply – Erasmus+ Scholarships

👉 Official Website: https://erasmusplus.ec.europa.eu

5. AAUW International Fellowships

Courses Offered and Their Advantages

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships support women pursuing full-time graduate or postgraduate study in the United States, including Master’s and PhD programs in all academic areas.
Advantages:

• Promotes women’s leadership in research and academia

• Offers strong community and professional support networks

• Priority given to applicants demonstrating financial need

Program Period – AAUW International Fellowships

• 1–2 years full-time postgraduate study in the U.S.

Scholarship Coverage and Benefits – AAUW International Fellowships

• Stipend ranging from $20,000 to $30,000 USD for graduate study.

• Funding for travel and living costs.

• Support for professional development activities.

Eligibility Criteria – AAUW International Fellowships

• Must be a woman and international student.

• Evidence of financial need and academic excellence.

• Enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited U.S. institution.

How to Apply – AAUW International Fellowships

• Apply through the AAUW online portal.

• Provide academic transcripts, personal statement, and references.

Website for Apply – AAUW International Fellowships

👉 Official Website: https://www.aauw.org

Final Thoughts

In 2026, scholarships for low-income students worldwide are more accessible and impactful than ever before — offering not only financial relief but also academic support, leadership development, and global career pathways. These opportunities provide truly holistic support from undergraduate to doctoral levels and help bridge socioeconomic disparities in global education.

Whether you are just starting your academic journey or pursuing advanced research, there is a scholarship tailored to your goals. The key to success lies in early preparation, strong academic performance, compelling application essays, and strategic planning.