Scholarships, Career & Education

Top Fully Funded Scholarships for Healthcare Students in 2025-2026 [Apply Now]

Fully Funded Scholarships for Healthcare Students

Your Ultimate Guide to Studying Health Without the Financial Burden.

Healthcare is one of the noblest and most impactful career paths. Whether you’re training to become a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, public health expert, or health tech innovator, your role contributes to building healthier communities.

But here’s the hard truth: health education is expensive. Tuition, lab fees, accommodation, textbooks, and exams — they add up quickly. Fortunately, many institutions, governments, and global organizations offer fully funded scholarships that cover most (if not all) of your educational costs.

Below is a detailed guide to the most trusted fully funded scholarships for healthcare students in 2025 and 2026 — including eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and English language requirements.

What Does “Fully Funded Scholarships” Mean?

A fully funded scholarship typically covers:

  • Tuition and fees
  • Monthly living allowance
  • Travel costs (e.g., airfare)
  • Health insurance
  • Study materials or research funds (in some cases)

Unlike partial awards, these scholarships allow you to focus entirely on your studies — without the financial stress.

🎓Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships for Healthcare Students

1. Chevening Fully Funded Scholarships (UK)

For: Future health leaders from over 160 eligible countries.

  • Level: Master’s
  • Fields: Public Health, Medicine, Nursing, Global Health Policy, etc.
  • Deadline: November 5, 2025 (usually opens in August)
  • Covers: Full tuition, monthly stipend, visa costs, airfare, arrival allowance, thesis/research grant
  • English proficiency test required (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent) — waivers not accepted.
  • Host Country: United Kingdom (all UK universities)

📌 Why it stands out: Offers a leadership-focused, world-class health education and access to one of the strongest alumni networks worldwide.

👉 Apply & Learn More →

2. DAAD EPOS Fully Funded Scholarships – Public Health Track (Germany)

For: Professionals from developing countries.

  • Level: Master’s
  • Fields: Public Health, Health Management, and related areas
  • Deadline: September–October 2025 (varies by program)
  • Covers: Tuition, €934 monthly stipend, travel allowance, insurance
  • Language Requirement: IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge certificate (waiver possible if prior degree was in English)
  • Host Country: Germany

📌 Why it stands out: Combines academic excellence with hands-on public health training, all within Germany’s tuition-free education system.

👉 Apply & Learn More →

3. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)

For: International graduate students in health-related fields.

  • Level: Master’s and PhD
  • Fields: Public Health, Nursing, Biomedical Sciences, and more
  • Deadline: March–August 2025 (varies by country)
  • Covers: Tuition, stipend, airfare, health insurance
  • Language Requirement: TOEFL iBT or IELTS (waiver may be granted for English-taught degrees)
  • Host Country: United States

📌 Why it stands out: A globally respected program offering full financial support and academic freedom at U.S. institutions.

👉 Apply & Learn More →

4. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program (Multiple Countries)

For: Talented African students with leadership potential

  • Level: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
  • Fields: Medicine, Public Health, Health Economics, Nursing, etc.
  • Deadline: December–March (varies by university)
  • Covers: Tuition, accommodation, meals, books, travel, career support
  • Language Requirement: Varies; IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo usually accepted. Waivers are common.
  • Host Countries: USA, Canada, UK, and Africa (e.g., University of Edinburgh, McGill, Ashesi University)

📌 Why it stands out: Prioritizes access and leadership for underrepresented students across Africa.

👉 Apply & Learn More →

5. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

For: Postgraduate international health researchers.

  • Level: PhD and Postdoctoral
  • Fields: Biomedical Sciences, Health Technology, Public Health
  • Deadline: September 2025
  • Covers: Tuition, CHF 1,920/month, health insurance, airfare, housing allowance
  • Language Requirement: IELTS or TOEFL, based on university policy (waivers may apply)
  • Host Country: Switzerland

📌 Why it stands out: A research-focused program ideal for highly academic, innovation-driven healthcare candidates.

👉 Apply & Learn More →

6. Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) – Netherlands

For: Mid-career professionals from developing countries.

  • Level: Short courses & master’s degrees
  • Eligible Regions: Africa, Asia, Latin America, Middle East
  • Fields: Public Health, Sexual & Reproductive Health, Water & Sanitation, and more
  • Next Deadline: October 2025 (tentative, based on previous cycles)
  • Covers: Full tuition, visa, travel, insurance, and monthly living expenses
  • Language Requirement: IELTS, TOEFL, or proof of English proficiency (varies by institution)
  • Host Country: Netherlands

📌 Why it stands out: Ideal for working healthcare professionals seeking short-term training or master’s degrees focused on practical development impact.

👉 Apply & Learn More →

7. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Canada)

For: High-achieving doctoral students (PhD).

  • Level: PhD
  • Eligible Countries: All countries
  • Fields: Health Research, Public Health, Biomedical Science
  • Deadline: November 2025
  • Covers: $50,000/year for 3 years
  • Language Requirement: Most applicants must submit scores from IELTS, TOEFL iBT, or PTE — this is typically a required component.
  • Host Country: Canada

📌 Why it stands out: One of the most prestigious research scholarships in North America, emphasizing innovation and leadership.

👉 Apply & Learn More →

8. Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship Programme)

  • Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
  • Eligible Countries: IsDB Member Countries and Muslim communities in non-member
  • Fields: Medicine, Public Health, Health Policy, Environmental Health, etc.
  • Deadline: March–April (varies by country)
  • Covers: Tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance, travel, thesis support
  • Language Requirement: English language test scores (IELTS or TOEFL) are usually required, though some universities may offer waivers based on prior education.

📌 Why it stands out: Supports students from developing countries committed to giving back to their communities.

👉 Apply & Learn More →

9. Türkiye Scholarships (Turkiye Burslari)

  • For: International students aiming to study in Turkey.
  • Level: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
  • Fields: Medicine, Nursing, Public Health, Biomedical Sciences
  • Deadline: Typically January–February 2026 (check official portal)
  • Covers: Full tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance, accommodation, travel costs, and Turkish language courses (if needed)
  • Language Requirement: IELTS, TOEFL, or proof of English proficiency; Turkish language courses are provided if studying in Turkish
  • Host Country: Turkey

📌 Why it stands out: Türkiye Scholarships provide full financial support to international students and prioritize leadership, cultural exchange, and academic excellence. The program also offers opportunities to engage in research, internships, and community projects.

👉 Apply & Learn More

10. Erasmus+ Health Mobility Grants (Europe)

  • For: Students, recent graduates, or healthcare professionals seeking short-term international exchange in Europe
  • Level: Short-term / Exchange Programs
  • Fields: Medicine, Nursing, Public Health, Health Technology
  • Deadline: Varies by host institution (typically 6–12 months before program start)
  • Covers: Tuition support, living allowance, travel costs; some programs offer full scholarships covering accommodation and insurance
  • Language Requirement: Usually English; specific programs may require local language proficiency depending on the host country
  • Host Countries: Multiple European countries (e.g., Germany, Netherlands, Spain, France)

📌 Why it stands out: Erasmus+ promotes cross-border healthcare education, hands-on experience in clinical settings, and networking with global peers. It’s ideal for gaining exposure to international healthcare systems and best practices.

👉 Apply & Learn More

Quick Summary Table for the Top Scholarships

ScholarshipCountryLevelFieldsDeadline 2025/26CoverageLanguage Requirement
CheveningUKMaster’sPublic Health, Medicine, Nursing, Global Health PolicyNov 5, 2025Full tuition, stipend, visa, airfare, thesis/research grantIELTS/TOEFL
DAAD EPOSGermanyMaster’sPublic Health, Health ManagementSept–Oct 2025Tuition, monthly stipend (€934), travel, insuranceIELTS/TOEFL/Cambridge
Fulbright Foreign StudentUSAMaster’s & PhDPublic Health, Nursing, Biomedical SciencesMar–Aug 2025Tuition, stipend, airfare, health insuranceTOEFL iBT / IELTS
MasterCard Foundation ScholarsUSA, Canada, UK, AfricaUG & PGMedicine, Public Health, Health Economics, NursingDec–MarTuition, accommodation, meals, books, travel, career supportIELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo
Swiss Government ExcellenceSwitzerlandPhD & PostdocBiomedical Sciences, Health Technology, Public HealthSept 2025Tuition, CHF 1,920/mo, insurance, airfare, housingIELTS/TOEFL
Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP)NetherlandsShort courses & Master’sPublic Health, Sexual & Reproductive Health, Water & SanitationOct 2025Full tuition, visa, travel, insurance, living expensesIELTS/TOEFL/English proficiency
Vanier Canada GraduateCanadaPhDHealth Research, Public Health, Biomedical ScienceNov 2025$50,000/year for 3 yearsIELTS/TOEFL/PTE
Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)Member & Muslim communitiesUG, Master’s, PhDMedicine, Public Health, Health Policy, Environmental HealthMar–Apr 2025 (varies by country)Tuition, stipend, health insurance, travel, thesis supportIELTS/TOEFL
Türkiye ScholarshipsTurkeyUG & PGMedicine, Nursing, Public HealthVariesTuition, monthly stipend, health insurance, travelIELTS/TOEFL (waivers may apply)
Erasmus+ Health Mobility GrantsEuropeShort-term / ExchangeHealth, Medicine, Public HealthVariesTuition & living support (partial/full)Varies by program

Bonus: Scholarships for Medical Travel and Exchange Programs

While these aren’t always fully funded, many short-term international health exchange programs cover nearly all costs:

  • Global Health Corps Fellowships (Africa, U.S.)
  • WHO Internship Programme
  • United Nations University Health Fellowships
  • ERASMUS+ Health Mobility Grants (Europe)

📌 These are great for current students or recent graduates seeking global health experience.

How to Stand Out in Fully Funded Applications

Here are a few tested tips to increase your success rate:

  1. Start early – Most top scholarships close 6–12 months before classes begin.
  2. Highlight impact – Emphasize how your goals will benefit your community.
  3. Strong references – Ask mentors who can vouch for your dedication.
  4. Tell your story – Your healthcare journey often matters more than a perfect GPA.
  5. Meet technical requirements – Language tests, transcripts, and health certificates matter.

FAQs

1. What are fully funded scholarships for healthcare students?

Fully funded scholarships for healthcare cover all major expenses such as tuition, accommodation, living costs, travel, and sometimes even insurance. They are often offered by governments, universities, or international organizations to support talented students pursuing careers in medicine, nursing, public health, or related fields.

2. Who is eligible for fully funded scholarships for healthcare students?

Eligibility criteria vary by program, but most require academic excellence, a strong motivation to work in healthcare, and sometimes proof of financial need. Many scholarships also target students from developing countries, including Ethiopia and other African nations.

3. Will I need IELTS or TOEFL for the application of the above scholarships?

Most international scholarships require proof of English proficiency, commonly through tests like IELTS or TOEFL. However, some programs accept alternatives such as a letter from your university confirming English was the medium of instruction.
If you’re applying for UK programs, here’s a step-by-step Chevening Scholarship 2026 Guide to help you prepare.

4. Are undergraduate students eligible for completely funded scholarships?

Yes, several programs like Türkiye Fully Funded Scholarships and specific university scholarships offer full funding for undergraduate studies in health-related fields. Always check the specific requirements of each scholarship.

5. What documents are usually required for application?

These usually include academic transcripts, a personal statement or essay, letters of recommendation, proof of English proficiency, a copy of the passport, and sometimes a resume or CV.

6. When should I start applying for scholarships?

Most major scholarship programs open between August and January for the next academic year, so it’s best to begin preparing your application materials several months in advance. If you’re applying for UK programs, here’s a step-by-step Chevening Scholarship 2026 Guide to help you prepare.

7. Can I work while studying under a scholarship?

Some of the scholarships allow for part-time employment during study time, while others do not. Read the terms and conditions of the scholarship before accepting.

8. What are my chances of getting a fully funded scholarship?

Fully funded scholarships are competitive, but strong academic records, leadership potential, community service, and a compelling personal statement can significantly increase your chances.

👉 How to Write a Winning Scholarship Application – Step-by-step tips to help you craft compelling essays, gather strong references, and avoid common mistakes when applying for these fully funded scholarships.

💬 Healthcare is more than a career — it’s a calling. And your calling should never be blocked by financial barriers. Thanks to these fully funded scholarships, you can access world-class education, connect with global leaders, and transform your community — without drowning in student debt. Take the next step today: Choose one or two scholarships from this list, mark your deadlines, and begin your application now.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Scholarship details (deadlines, coverage, and eligibility) may change without notice. Always check the official scholarship website before applying.

This post was last modified on September 22, 2025