Top 5 Study Abroad Scholarships Closing in February 2026

The dream of studying at a top-tier global university often comes with a daunting price tag. However, for the 2026-2027 academic cycle, the landscape for Indian students has never been more promising. If your goal is to secure funding exceeding ₹10 Lakhs, February 2026 is the most critical month on your calendar.

Many prestigious government-backed and university-specific scholarships close their doors during this window. These aren't just partial fee waivers; we're looking at "Full-Ride" opportunities that cover everything from business-class airfare to monthly stipends that allow for a comfortable lifestyle abroad. Whether you're targeting the historic hallways of Europe, the tech hubs of South Korea, or the research excellence of Japan, the path to a debt-free international education starts with these upcoming deadlines.

Here's what makes February 2026 critical:

• Critical Window: The majority of high-value applications close between February 1st and February 28th, 2026
• Diverse Options: Destinations range from Germany and the UK to Japan and South Korea

1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM)

EMJM is arguably the highest-paying master's scholarship in the world. It allows students to study in at least two different European countries, offering a truly international experience. You're not just getting a degree, you're collecting passport stamps and building a pan-European network.

• Countries: Multiple (e.g., Germany, France, Italy, Belgium)
• Top Universities: Depends on the program (e.g., TU Delft, KU Leuven, Sorbonne)
• Total Annual Value: ~₹25,00,000 to ₹35,00,000 per year
• Stipend: ~₹1,20,000/month (€1,400)
• Deadline: Feb 15–28, 2026 (Varies by specific program)
• What's Included: 100% Tuition, Travel Allowance (~₹3,00,000/year), Installation Allowance (~₹1,00,000), and full insurance

That stipend isn't survival money; it's living comfortably in Europe. We're talking weekends in Paris or Barcelona.

2. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) - Graduate

The South Korean government provides a massive package specifically to attract STEM and Business talent. It's one of the most comprehensive scholarships in Asia, and they genuinely want international students.

• Country: South Korea
• Top Universities: Seoul National University (SNU), KAIST, Yonsei
• Total Annual Value: ~₹18,00,000 to ₹22,00,000
• Stipend: ~₹85,000/month (₩1.2M - 1.5M)
• Deadline: Feb 25, 2026
• What's Included: Full tuition, 1-year language training (free), Airfare, and Research grants for STEM students (~₹20,000 extra per month)

The language training year is huge, you arrive with zero Korean skills, and they teach you for free before your program even starts. That's valuable beyond just the monetary aspect.

3. DAAD EPOS & Development Grants

Germany's top scholarship is designed for professionals and researchers looking to make a global impact. Because German public universities have no tuition fees, this stipend allows for an incredibly comfortable lifestyle. Germany basically subsidizes your entire education and then pays you on top of it.

• Country: Germany
• Top Universities: University of Bonn, University of Stuttgart, Heidelberg
• Total Annual Value: ~₹15,00,000 to ₹20,00,000
• Stipend: ~₹1,02,000/month (€934) for Masters; ~₹1,32,000/month (€1,200) for PhD
• Deadline: Feb 1–15, 2026 (For specific University-linked deadlines)
• What's Included: Travel grant, Health insurance, and Study/Research allowance (~₹45,000 annually)

4. MEXT University Recommendation (Japan)

While the Embassy track closes early, the University Recommendation track is active in February. This is a prestigious route to some of the world's most advanced research facilities. If you're into robotics, AI, or cutting-edge engineering, Japan is where it's happening.

• Country: Japan
• Top Universities: University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Osaka University
• Total Annual Value: ~₹15,00,000 to ₹18,00,000
• Stipend: ~₹90,000/month (¥147,000)
• Deadline: Late Feb 2026 (Varies by University)
• What's Included: 100% Tuition waiver, Economy airfare, and no visa fees

5. National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) - Govt of India

This is a vital resource for Indian students from specific backgrounds (SC/ST/Landless Labourers) looking to study at the world's top-ranked universities. It's designed to level the playing field and it does exactly that.

• Target Countries: USA, UK, Canada, Australia
• Total Annual Value: ~₹15,00,000 to ₹30,00,000
• Stipend: ~$15,400 (~₹13,50,000) for the USA or ~£9,900 (~₹10,80,000) for the UK per year plus tuition
• Deadline: Feb 15 – March 31, 2026 (Round 1)
• What's Included: 100% tuition, airfare, and annual maintenance allowance

If you're eligible for this scholarship, apply. Period.

6. Bonus: Think Big Postgraduate (University of Bristol)

For those specifically eyeing the United Kingdom, this scholarship helps bridge the gap created by high international tuition fees.

• Country: United Kingdom
• University: University of Bristol
• Total Annual Value: ~₹13,00,000 to ₹32,00,000
• Deadline: Feb 23, 2026
• What's Included: This is awarded as a direct fee waiver. While it doesn't offer a monthly stipend, covering up to ₹32 Lakhs in fees makes your living costs much easier to manage.

Navigating the Application Maze

Securing a scholarship above ₹10 Lakhs is competitive, but it's entirely achievable with the right strategy. The 2026-2027 cycle shows that selection committees are looking for more than just high grades, they want to see a clear vision of how you'll use your global education to contribute to your field.

Essential Checklist for February 2026:

• Standardized Tests: Most of these programs require IELTS or TOEFL scores. If you haven't taken your test yet, early February is your last chance to secure results before the deadlines. Don't procrastinate on this.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP): High-value scholarships like GKS and MEXT place huge weight on your SOP. Focus on your long-term goals and why that specific country is the right fit. Generic SOPs don't win ₹20 Lakh scholarships, specific, passionate ones do.
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Reach out to your professors or supervisors immediately. A rushed LOR rarely wins a ₹20 Lakh scholarship. Give them at least two weeks, ideally more.
• Financial Documentation: For the NOS scholarship, ensure your income certificates and category certificates are updated and valid for the 2026-27 period. Old documents will get your application rejected.

Conclusion

The road to an international degree in 2026 is paved with opportunities for those who stay organized. Missing a February deadline often means waiting an entire year for the next cycle. These scholarships are designed to ensure that talent, not your bank balance, determines where you study.

With the right preparation and a focus on these high-value grants, you can transition from an applicant to a global scholar. February 2026 is your month, don't let it slip away.

Need help shortlisting the right university or polishing your scholarship essays? Book a free consultation with a Leap Scholar expert today.