While securing a fully funded scholarship is the ultimate dream for many students, the competition is incredibly fierce. Partially funded scholarships are often the smart student’s secret weapon. Because they cover significant portions of your expenses—such as large tuition fee waivers, living stipends, or accommodation allowances—rather than the entire cost, they typically have much higher acceptance rates.
If you are planning to study abroad in 2026, here are three of the best partially funded scholarships currently accepting applications from international students, complete with full details and direct application links.
1. University of Twente Scholarship (UTS) – Netherlands
The University of Twente Scholarship (UTS) is a highly sought-after award for excellent international students from non-EU/EEA countries applying for a Master’s program (MSc) in the Netherlands.
What it Covers (Value): The UTS awards between €3,000 and €22,000 for one academic year. For students enrolled in two-year Master’s programs, the scholarship can be renewed for the second year (awarding the same amount) if you maintain strong academic progress. Note: This scholarship is meant to compensate for study-related costs. The university does not dictate how you spend it, allowing you to use it for tuition, housing, or books.
Eligibility Criteria:
You must be an international student from a non-EU/EEA country.
You must have applied for and received a (conditional) admission letter to a qualifying Master’s program at the University of Twente starting in September 2026.
You must demonstrate academic excellence (typically belonging to the top 5% to 10% of your graduating class).
English language proficiency: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 90.
Important Dates:
Round 1 Deadline: February 1, 2026
Round 2 Deadline: May 1, 2026
How to Apply: You must first secure academic admission to the university. Once admitted, you will receive a student number, which you use to log in and apply for the UTS online.
Official Apply Link: University of Twente Scholarship Portal
2. Think Big Scholarships (University of Bristol) – United Kingdom
The University of Bristol has invested millions of pounds into its flagship “Think Big” scholarship scheme to attract the brightest international talent. These awards act as massive tuition fee waivers for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
What it Covers (Value):
Undergraduate Students: Awards are valued at £6,500 or £13,000 per year, applied as a direct discount to your tuition fees for up to four years of study.
Postgraduate Students (Master’s): Awards are valued at £6,500, £13,000, or £26,000 applied to your first year of study.
Eligibility Criteria:
You must be classed as an overseas (international) student for fee-paying purposes.
You must have applied for a full-time, in-person undergraduate course (excluding Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Science) or a Master’s program starting in September 2026.
You must hold an active application or offer from the university.
Important Dates:
Application Deadline: April 10, 2026 (10:00 AM UK time).
How to Apply: Submit your admission application to the University of Bristol via UCAS or their direct postgraduate portal to get your Student ID. Then, apply for the funding using the International Scholarships online application form.
Official Apply Link: Think Big Scholarships Portal
3. Universit̩ de Montr̩al Exemption Scholarships РCanada
The Université de Montréal (UdeM) is one of the top-ranked French-speaking research universities in the world. Their exemption scholarship program is designed to help international students globally by drastically reducing the extra tuition fees typically charged to non-Canadians.
What it Covers (Value): Instead of a cash stipend, this scholarship reduces your overall tuition burden to make studying in Canada affordable.
Undergraduate: Up to $12,900+ CAD per year in tuition exemptions.
Master’s: Over $10,000 CAD per year in tuition reductions.
Ph.D.: Often waives the entire international tuition differential, allowing you to pay the same low fees as domestic Quebec students.
Eligibility Criteria:
You must hold a study permit and not be a permanent resident or citizen of Canada.
You must be enrolled full-time in a study program at UdeM.
Language Note: While it is a Francophone university, many graduate research programs and Ph.D. tracks offer extensive bilingual or English-language support.
Important Dates:
Deadlines vary by your intended intake (Winter, Summer, or Fall 2026/2027), but priority fall intake deadlines usually close around February 1, 2026.
How to Apply: This is the easiest scholarship on the list to apply for because there is no separate application form. Once you apply for admission to a qualifying degree program at the university, your file is automatically evaluated for the exemption scholarship.
Official Apply Link: UdeM Admissions & Scholarships
Final Tip for Partially Funded Scholarships
Because partially funded scholarships do not cover absolutely everything, you are legally allowed (and encouraged!) to combine them with other external grants, government stipends, or part-time work opportunities in your host country to make your international education fully affordable.
