Medical & Nursing Scholarships for International Students

Pursuing a degree in medicine or nursing is both a noble ambition and a significant financial investment — especially for international students aiming to study abroad. Fortunately, in 2026 there are many medical & nursing scholarships for international students designed to not only cover tuition but also provide living stipends, travel allowances, health insurance, and research support. These scholarships are offered by governments, universities, foundations, and international health organizations, all committed to training the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Many fully funded scholarships for medical and nursing students provide substantial financial value that removes financial barriers entirely. For example, the Gates Cambridge Scholarships can provide recipients with up to £30,000 per year for 1–3 years, the Fulbright Foreign Student Program can offer up to $120,000+ for graduate medical study, and the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees in Public Health and Nursing can provide around €24,000 per year. These comprehensive funding packages ensure that students can focus fully on clinical training, research, and community impact without financial stress.

Medical and nursing scholarships often go beyond classroom learning by integrating research, community health projects, leadership development, and internships in world-class hospitals and health centers. Whether you aspire to specialize in surgery, public health, nursing leadership, or biomedical research, there are fully funded options available in 2026 that can support your dream. Below is a detailed guide to the top medical & nursing scholarships for international students, including eligibility requirements, benefits, deadlines, and application steps.

Scholarship Summary

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (Medical)

Courses Offered and Their Advantages

The Fulbright program supports Master’s and PhD study in areas such as Public Health, Clinical Research, Biomedical Sciences, Global Health, and related medical fields.
Advantages:

• Study or research at top-ranked U.S. universities

• Access to advanced clinical research labs and mentor networks

• Strong emphasis on leadership and global health impact

Program Period – Fulbright Foreign Student Program (Medical)

• 2 years for Master’s

• 3–4 years for PhD

Scholarship Coverage and Benefits – Fulbright Foreign Student Program (Medical)

• Full tuition fees

• Living allowance (up to $2,000–$3,000 USD per month)

• Health insurance

• Travel allowance to/from the USA

• Research and materials support

Eligibility Criteria – Fulbright Foreign Student Program (Medical)

• International applicants with a bachelor’s/master’s degree

• Strong academic and research track record

• Clear medical/public health research goals

How to Apply – Fulbright Foreign Student Program (Medical)

• Apply via your country’s Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy

• Submit academic transcripts, research proposal, SOP, and references

Website for Apply – Fulbright Foreign Student Program (Medical)

👉 Official Website: https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org

2. Gates Cambridge Scholarships

Courses Offered and Their Advantages

Gates Cambridge Scholarships support postgraduate study in medical and health sciences including Public Health, Epidemiology, Biomedical Research, and Health Policy at the University of Cambridge.
Advantages:

• World-class research environment

• Funding for conferences and research dissemination

• Professional mentorship and networking opportunities

Program Period – Gates Cambridge Scholarships

• 1–3 years, depending on the program and level

Scholarship Coverage and Benefits – Gates Cambridge Scholarships

• Full tuition covered

• Annual maintenance allowance (~£30,000+ GBP)

• Travel costs to/from the UK

• Conference, fieldwork, and research expenses

Eligibility Criteria – Gates Cambridge Scholarships

• Outstanding academic record

• Demonstrated leadership and research potential

• Acceptance to a qualifying Cambridge postgraduate program

How to Apply – Gates Cambridge Scholarships

• Apply online through the University of Cambridge admissions and indicate Gates Cambridge interest

• Submit transcripts, personal statement, research proposal, and references

Website for Apply – Gates Cambridge Scholarships

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

3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (Health & Nursing)

Courses Offered and Their Advantages

Erasmus Mundus offers joint Master’s programs in Global Health, Public Health, Nursing and Midwifery, Healthcare Management, and related fields across European partner institutions.
Advantages:

• Multi-country study and cultural immersion

• Double or joint degree from European universities

• Enhanced employability and international health exposure

Program Period – Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (Health & Nursing)

• 1–2 years

Scholarship Coverage and Benefits – Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (Health & Nursing)

• Tuition fee coverage

• Monthly living stipend (€1,000–€1,400)

• Travel allowance between partner universities

• Health insurance support

Eligibility Criteria – Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (Health & Nursing)

• Bachelor’s degree related to health sciences or nursing (varies by program)

• Strong academic record

• Motivation towards global health study

How to Apply – Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (Health & Nursing)

• Apply through the Erasmus+ portal for each specific health-related program

• Provide academic transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and references

Website for Apply – Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (Health & Nursing)

👉 Official Website: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu

4. DAAD Scholarships (Medical & Health Sciences)

Courses Offered and Their Advantages

The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) funds postgraduate study and research in Medicine, Nursing, Public Health, Biomedical Sciences, and Health Systems research.
Advantages:

• Tuition-free or low-tuition study in Germany

• Strong research infrastructure and clinical partnerships

• Opportunity to collaborate with European health institutes

Program Period – DAAD Scholarships (Medical & Health Sciences)

• 1–2 years for Master’s

• Up to 4 years for PhD

Scholarship Coverage and Benefits – DAAD Scholarships (Medical & Health Sciences)

• Monthly stipend up to €1,300 EUR

• Health insurance coverage

• Travel support

• Research materials funding

Eligibility Criteria – DAAD Scholarships (Medical & Health Sciences)

• Bachelor’s/master’s degree in relevant health field

• Admission to a German postgraduate medical or health sciences program

• Academic excellence and research potential

How to Apply – DAAD Scholarships (Medical & Health Sciences)

• Apply via the DAAD portal or relevant German university application

• Submit transcripts, research outline (for PhD), CV, and references

Website for Apply – DAAD Scholarships (Medical & Health Sciences)

👉 Official Website: https://www.daad.de

5. Commonwealth Scholarships (Health & Medicine)

Courses Offered and Their Advantages

Commonwealth Scholarships support master’s and doctoral study in fields like Public Health, Nursing, Medical Sciences, Epidemiology, Health Policy, and more at UK universities.
Advantages:

• Strong focus on development and service impact

• Networking with healthcare professionals worldwide

• Opportunity to build leadership capacity

Program Period – Commonwealth Scholarships (Health & Medicine)

• 1–3 years

Scholarship Coverage and Benefits – Commonwealth Scholarships (Health & Medicine)

• Full tuition coverage

• Monthly living allowance

• Travel support

• Research and thesis allowances

Eligibility Criteria – Commonwealth Scholarships (Health & Medicine)

• Citizen of a Commonwealth country

• Strong academic performance

• Commitment to contribute to healthcare in home country

How to Apply – Commonwealth Scholarships (Health & Medicine)

• Apply through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission portal

• Provide transcripts, personal statement, letters of recommendation

Website for Apply – Commonwealth Scholarships (Health & Medicine)

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

Final Thoughts

In 2026, medical & nursing scholarships for international students offer not just financial support but access to global networks, hands-on clinical experience, research opportunities, and leadership development. These programs help shape healthcare professionals who will lead, innovate, and improve health outcomes around the world.