International Relations is a diverse field for students interested in careers related to diplomacy, international development, foreign policy, humanitarian work, global security, international organizations, political analysis, and public policy.

However, obtaining a high-quality international education can be expensive. Tuition fees, accommodation, flights, insurance, and everyday living costs can add up quickly, making studying abroad unaffordable without financial support.

Fortunately, international students planning to study International Relations or related disciplines in 2027 have several scholarship options to explore. Not all scholarships are explicitly labeled as “International Relations Scholarships.” Many scholarships may fund master’s degrees in fields such as international affairs, diplomacy, development studies, public policy, peace and conflict studies, security studies, political science, or other closely related areas.

For example, the UK Government’s Chevening Scholarship fully funds one-year master’s degrees in the UK. Another significant opportunity is the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programs, which offer full scholarships to the highest-ranked students worldwide. These scholarships can cover participation costs, travel expenses, visa fees, and living allowances.

This guide outlines the major scholarship opportunities available for 2027, the universities and programs you should consider, eligibility requirements, application strategies, necessary documents, deadlines, and common mistakes that could decrease your chances of success.

Why Study International Relations in 2027?

International Relations has become increasingly interdisciplinary.

Today’s international-relations graduate may work on issues involving:

Diplomacy
International security
Migration
Climate policy
International development
Global health
Human rights
Conflict resolution
International trade
Foreign policy
Peacebuilding
Regional integration
International law
Humanitarian affairs
Intelligence and security
Multilateral institutions

This makes the degree useful for students who don’t necessarily want to become diplomats.

A graduate might work for:

Government ministries
Embassies
International organisations
NGOs
Think tanks
Development agencies
Research institutions
Consulting firms
International businesses
Media organisations
Humanitarian organisations
Universities

For an international student, particularly someone from Africa or another emerging economy, a scholarship can provide more than tuition support. It can create access to international networks, research opportunities, professional contacts and alumni communities.

What Does “Fully Funded” Actually Mean?

Before applying, understand the difference between fully funded, tuition-free and partial scholarship.

A fully funded scholarship may cover some or most of the following:

Full tuition
Monthly living allowance
Accommodation or housing allowance
Airfare
Visa expenses
Health insurance
Books or study materials
Research expenses
Arrival allowance
Travel allowance

However, benefits differ significantly between scholarship programmes.

For example, Chevening describes its scholarships as fully funded and designed to enable scholars to undertake one-year master’s degrees in the UK.

Erasmus Mundus scholarships can cover participation costs and contribute to travel, visa and living expenses.

Therefore, never assume that a scholarship is fully funded simply because the word “scholarship” appears in its title.

Top Fully Funded International Relations Scholarships for 2027

1. Chevening Scholarships – United Kingdom

If you are looking for a prestigious scholarship for a master’s degree related to International Relations, Chevening should be near the top of your list.

Chevening is funded by the UK Government and supports outstanding emerging leaders from around the world to pursue one-year master’s degrees in the UK. The programme describes its awards as fully funded.

It is particularly relevant to applicants interested in:

International Relations
Diplomacy
Foreign policy
International development
Security studies
Human rights
Public policy
Political science
Conflict studies
International law
Global governance

2027–28 Chevening Timeline

For the 2027–28 scholarship cycle, applications opened on 4 August 2026 and close on 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.

The current timeline shows:

Applications open: 4 August 2026
Applications close: 6 October 2026
Shortlisting: mid-February 2027
Interviews: March–April 2027
Results: from mid-June 2027
Unconditional university offer deadline: 8 July 2027
Studies begin: September/October 2027.

What Makes Chevening Different?

Chevening is not simply looking for students with excellent grades.

The scholarship is strongly focused on:

Leadership
Influence
Networking
Career progression
Clear future impact

This is important for International Relations applicants because your application should show how your proposed master’s degree fits into a larger professional mission.

2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programme is another excellent route for international students.

Students from around the world can apply, and full scholarships are available to the best-ranked candidates.

Unlike a conventional master’s programme where you remain at one university, an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master can involve several universities in different countries.

The programme normally involves at least three institutions from at least three countries.

This model is particularly appropriate for International Relations because the subject itself is international.

Depending on the programme, you may study issues such as:

European integration
International security
Human rights
Migration
Global governance
Peace and conflict
International development
Public policy

Scholarship Benefits

Erasmus Mundus states that full scholarships can cover participation costs and contribute towards:

Travel
Visa
Living allowance

Application Period

In most cases, applications are submitted between October and January for programmes beginning the following academic year, although exact dates vary by programme.

This means applicants targeting 2027 should begin searching the Erasmus Mundus catalogue well before the application deadline.

3. DAAD Scholarships – Germany

Germany is another major destination for students interested in International Relations, political science, development studies and international affairs.

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) administers numerous scholarship programmes for international students and graduates.

However, applicants should understand that DAAD is not one single scholarship.

Different DAAD programmes have different:

Eligibility criteria
Academic requirements
Nationality restrictions
Work-experience requirements
Deadlines
Funding levels
Eligible programmes

Therefore, search the DAAD scholarship database for programmes matching your profile.

One example is the Hilde Domin Programme, which supports at-risk students and researchers who cannot pursue their education in their home countries under certain circumstances.

For winter semester 2027/28, the current DAAD information lists nominations until 15 September 2026, followed by an application period from 17 September to 15 October 2026.

This specific programme is not a general International Relations scholarship, so applicants should not assume they qualify. Instead, it illustrates why students should search DAAD’s wider scholarship portfolio according to their individual circumstances.

4. Fulbright Foreign Student Program – United States

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the world’s best-known international scholarship routes.

It supports graduate-level study and research in the United States for eligible international students.

International Relations applicants can potentially explore fields including:

Political science
International affairs
Public policy
Peace studies
Development studies
Security studies
Area studies

However, Fulbright eligibility and application procedures vary by country.

Applicants should therefore use their country’s official Fulbright programme or U.S. Embassy information rather than relying on generic scholarship lists.

For students from countries such as Nigeria, the country-specific application process is especially important.

5. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships – United Kingdom

Commonwealth scholarships can be valuable for students from eligible Commonwealth countries.

Depending on the scholarship and year, eligible study areas can include development-related subjects, governance, policy and other fields relevant to international affairs.

Students should examine the specific year’s eligible countries, themes and participating programmes.

International Relations applicants should pay close attention to whether their chosen master’s course fits the scholarship’s development priorities.

6. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is another important opportunity for students interested in development-related disciplines.

It is particularly relevant if your International Relations interests overlap with:

International development
Economic development
Public policy
Governance
Infrastructure
Poverty reduction
Social development

This scholarship is not designed for every International Relations degree, so applicants should verify the list of participating programmes.

The strongest candidates are usually those who can demonstrate how their education will contribute to development in their home country.

7. Swedish Institute Scholarship Opportunities

Sweden has historically provided scholarship opportunities for international students through the Swedish Institute, including programmes supporting master’s study.

Students interested in International Relations should investigate programmes related to:

International development
Political science
Global studies
Peace and conflict
Sustainability
Human rights
Governance

Eligibility can depend on nationality, professional experience and the specific scholarship cycle.

Because scholarship conditions can change from one year to another, applicants should check the Swedish Institute’s official information before preparing an application.

8. Government Scholarships in France

France offers several scholarship routes for international students through government institutions, universities and other organisations.

International Relations applicants may find opportunities related to:

Political science
International affairs
Diplomacy
European studies
Development
Public policy
Security

One institution worth researching is Sciences Po, one of Europe’s prominent institutions for political science and international affairs.

Sciences Po offers programmes across political science, international affairs and related disciplines, while scholarship opportunities vary by programme and applicant profile.

Students should research the university’s current funding options rather than assuming every programme has a full scholarship.

9. Sciences Po Scholarships and Financial Aid

For students specifically interested in International Relations, Sciences Po deserves special attention.

Its academic environment is heavily connected to:

Political science
International affairs
Public policy
European affairs
Global governance
Diplomacy

Potential funding can come from university scholarships, government funding and external organisations.

The exact scholarship opportunities available to an international student depend on:

Nationality
Degree level
Programme
Financial circumstances
Academic profile

Therefore, prospective students should examine the current 2027 funding information for their chosen programme.

10. University-Specific International Relations Scholarships

Another route that students frequently overlook is university-funded scholarships.

Instead of searching only for scholarships named “International Relations,” search the websites of universities offering strong programmes in:

International Relations
Global Affairs
International Development
Political Science
Public Policy
Diplomacy

Examples of universities worth researching include:

United Kingdom

University of Oxford
University of Cambridge
London School of Economics and Political Science
King’s College London
University College London
University of Edinburgh
University of St Andrews
University of Warwick

United States

Harvard University
Princeton University
Georgetown University
Johns Hopkins University
Columbia University
Tufts University
George Washington University

Europe

Sciences Po
Graduate Institute Geneva
University of Amsterdam
Leiden University
Freie Universität Berlin
Hertie School
University of Copenhagen

The important point is to search for funding attached to the programme, not just scholarships carrying the exact phrase “International Relations.”

Best Universities for International Relations

University of Oxford

Oxford offers several postgraduate routes relevant to international affairs, politics, public policy and global governance.

Students interested in competitive funding should investigate Oxford’s major graduate scholarship programmes alongside their chosen course.

University of Cambridge

Cambridge is another prestigious option for applicants interested in politics, international studies, public policy and related disciplines.

Funding opportunities can include university-wide scholarships and external awards.

London School of Economics and Political Science

LSE is particularly relevant to International Relations because of its strength in:

International Relations
Political Science
Economics
International political economy
Public policy

Students should research both departmental and university-wide funding.

King’s College London

King’s has a strong reputation in:

International affairs
War studies
Security
Politics
Conflict studies

This makes it particularly attractive for students interested in international security and geopolitical analysis.

Georgetown University

Georgetown’s location in Washington, D.C. gives students proximity to:

U.S. government institutions
Embassies
International organisations
Think tanks
NGOs
Policy organisations

Its School of Foreign Service is particularly well known in international affairs.

Johns Hopkins University

The School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) is another major institution for students interested in:

Diplomacy
International economics
Security
Foreign policy
International development

Sciences Po

Sciences Po is one of Europe’s strongest choices for students interested in political science and international affairs.

Its location in France also provides access to European institutions and international networks.

Eligibility Requirements for International Relations Scholarships

Although requirements differ, most major scholarships look for several common characteristics.

1. Strong Academic Background

You will normally need a bachelor’s degree for a master’s scholarship.

Competitive scholarships may require excellent academic results.

However, academic excellence alone does not guarantee selection.

2. Relevant Academic Background

Your previous degree does not always need to be titled “International Relations.”

Applicants may come from:

Political Science
Law
Economics
History
Sociology
Journalism
Development Studies
Public Administration
International Studies
Security Studies

The important issue is whether your background supports the programme you want to study.

3. Professional Experience

Some major scholarships place significant emphasis on professional experience.

Chevening, for example, is designed for emerging leaders and has specific work-experience requirements. Applicants should review the current eligibility guidance before applying.

4. Leadership Potential

For scholarships such as Chevening, leadership is central.

Your leadership doesn’t necessarily have to come from holding a government position.

It could involve:

Community projects
NGO work
Student leadership
Professional initiatives
Advocacy
Entrepreneurship
Public-interest projects
Volunteer work

The key is demonstrating measurable impact.

5. Career Plan

A scholarship committee wants to know what happens after graduation.

Weak:

“I want to study International Relations because I am passionate about global politics.”

Stronger:

“After completing my master’s degree, I intend to develop a policy research initiative focused on regional security cooperation in West Africa and use the expertise gained through the programme to support evidence-based policy development.”

The second example connects:

Education → Career → Impact

That is much more persuasive.

6. English-Language Requirement

Many international programmes are taught in English.

Depending on the university, you may need:

IELTS
TOEFL
Cambridge English
PTE
Another recognised qualification

Some institutions may provide exemptions where previous education meets their criteria.

Never assume an IELTS waiver applies simply because your country uses English.

Documents You May Need

Prepare these documents early:

International passport
Bachelor’s certificate
Academic transcripts
CV
Motivation letter
Personal statement
Scholarship essays
Recommendation letters
Proof of English proficiency
Employment certificates
Evidence of leadership
Evidence of community involvement
Research proposal, if required
University admission application
Portfolio, where applicable

Some scholarships may request additional documents later in the selection process.

How to Apply for Fully Funded International Relations Scholarships

Step 1: Identify Your Target Degree

Decide whether you want:

MA International Relations
MSc International Relations
Master of International Affairs
Master of Global Affairs
MA Diplomacy
Peace and Conflict Studies
Security Studies
International Development
Public Policy

This dramatically expands your scholarship options.

Step 2: Build a Scholarship Spreadsheet

Create columns for:

Scholarship	University	Country	Degree	Deadline	Tuition	Living Allowance	IELTS	Work Experience

This simple system can prevent missed deadlines.

Step 3: Check Eligibility Before Writing Anything

Don’t spend three weeks writing an application only to discover that you don’t meet the nationality or work-experience requirement.

Check:

Nationality
Degree
Academic grade
Work experience
Age, if applicable
Language requirement
Course eligibility
Residence requirements

Step 4: Select the Right Universities

For scholarships such as Chevening, course selection matters.

Chevening requires applicants to select three different eligible master’s course choices. The courses must meet its eligibility requirements, including being full-time, taught master’s programmes based in the UK and generally lasting between nine and twelve months.

Your university choices should therefore support the same career objective.

Step 5: Prepare Your CV

Your CV should highlight:

Education
Employment
Leadership
Research
Volunteer activities
Publications
Awards
Professional memberships
Community impact

For International Relations scholarships, don’t simply list activities.

Show results.

Instead of:

Volunteer, youth organisation.

Use:

Coordinated a youth civic-education project reaching 300 secondary-school students across three communities.

Numbers make impact easier to understand.

Step 6: Write a Powerful Motivation Letter

Your motivation letter should answer:

Why International Relations?

Explain the problem or question that drives your interest.

Why this programme?

Identify specific modules, research centres, faculty expertise or academic strengths.

Why this university?

Explain what makes it appropriate.

Why this scholarship?

Show how the scholarship would enable your goals.

What will you do after graduation?

Give a credible career plan.

Step 7: Make Your Scholarship Essay Evidence-Based

Don’t write:

“I am an excellent leader.”

Show the leadership.

Explain:

What problem existed?
What did you do?
Who benefited?
What changed?
What did you learn?
How will the experience influence your future?

This approach is much more persuasive.

Step 8: Apply for University Admission Separately

One of the biggest mistakes applicants make is assuming that applying for a scholarship automatically means they have applied to the university.

Often, these are separate processes.

Chevening explicitly requires applicants to apply to their selected UK courses separately.

You therefore need a timeline for:

Scholarship application + University application

Step 9: Apply Before the Deadline

Never wait until the final day.

Technical problems, missing documents and payment issues can happen.

For the current 2027–28 Chevening cycle, the deadline is 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.

For Erasmus Mundus, many applications typically fall between October and January, but each programme sets its own deadline.

Step 10: Prepare for Interviews

If shortlisted, prepare to discuss:

Leadership
Career goals
International challenges
Your chosen programme
Your home country’s needs
Your achievements
Your failures
Your future plans

You should be able to explain your entire application without contradicting anything you wrote.

How to Write a Winning International Relations Scholarship Essay

A strong essay often follows this structure:

Paragraph 1: Your problem

Identify an international or local problem that has shaped your academic or professional interests.

Paragraph 2: Your experience

Explain what you have done about it.

Paragraph 3: Your academic motivation

Explain what knowledge you need.

Paragraph 4: Why this university

Mention specific academic opportunities.

Paragraph 5: Your career plan

Explain what you will do after graduation.

Paragraph 6: Your impact

Explain how your education will benefit your community, country or region.

Common Reasons International Relations Scholarship Applications Fail

Poor Programme Fit

Applying for an International Relations programme without explaining why it connects to your background can weaken the application.

Generic Essays

If your essay could be submitted to ten different scholarships without changing a sentence, it is probably too generic.

No Evidence of Leadership

Don’t simply claim leadership.

Show it.

Unclear Career Plan

“I want to work internationally” is not a career plan.

Specify:

Sector
Role
Problem
Geographic focus
Intended impact

Weak University Research

Demonstrate that you understand the institution.

Ignoring Instructions

If a scholarship asks for 500 words, don’t submit 1,500.

Last-Minute Application

Submitting hours before the deadline creates unnecessary risk.

Scholarship Strategy for African Students

Students from Nigeria and other African countries should consider building applications around issues that affect their communities.

Potential themes include:

Regional security
Peacebuilding
Migration
Youth unemployment
Democratic governance
Climate security
Public policy
International development
Trade integration
Humanitarian response
Gender equality
Conflict prevention
Education
Global health

But don’t manufacture a passion simply because it sounds impressive.

Your proposed field should connect naturally to your experience.

Is International Relations a Good Degree for Career Development?

Yes, but the value depends heavily on what you do with the degree.

An International Relations degree can be combined with practical skills such as:

Data analysis
Policy research
Languages
Economics
Project management
Public speaking
Writing
Negotiation
Geographic information systems
Statistics
Cybersecurity
Research methodology

For example, an International Relations graduate who can analyse geopolitical data may have a broader skill set than someone with only theoretical knowledge.

International Relations Specializations to Consider

If you want to improve your career prospects, consider specializing.

International Security

Suitable for interests in:

Terrorism
Defence
Intelligence
Cybersecurity
Geopolitics

International Development

Suitable for:

NGOs
Development agencies
World Bank-related work
UN organizations
Government development programs

Diplomacy

Useful for students targeting:

Foreign ministries
Embassies
Diplomatic missions
International organisations

International Political Economy

Combines politics and economics.

This can be valuable for students interested in:

Trade
Global finance
Development
Economic diplomacy

Peace and Conflict Studies

Ideal for students interested in:

Peacebuilding
Mediation
Conflict prevention
Humanitarian work

2027 Application Timeline

A sensible preparation schedule looks like this.

August–September 2026

Research scholarships
Shortlist universities
Review eligibility
Prepare CV
Identify referees

September–October 2026

Submit early scholarship applications
Complete Chevening application if eligible
Prepare university applications

October–December 2026

Search Erasmus Mundus programmes
Prepare applications
Apply to European universities
Research DAAD opportunities

January 2027

Submit remaining scholarship applications
Complete university applications
Monitor emails

February–April 2027

Prepare for interviews
Respond to university requests
Submit additional documents

May–July 2027

Evaluate offers
Confirm scholarship
Arrange finances
Apply for visa

September/October 2027

Begin your master’s programme.

Final Checklist Before You Submit

Before clicking Submit, ask yourself:

Does the scholarship accept my nationality?
Do I meet the academic requirements?
Do I have the required work experience?
Is my programme eligible?
Have I applied to the university?
Is my CV accurate?
Are my essays original?
Have I answered every question?
Are my references ready?
Is my English evidence acceptable?
Have I checked the word limits?
Have I submitted before the deadline?
Have I saved confirmation of submission?

If the answer to all of these is yes, your application is in a much stronger position.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a fully funded International Relations scholarship in 2027?

Yes. International students can pursue several fully funded or substantially funded routes, including Chevening and eligible Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters.

However, not every scholarship advertised for International Relations covers every expense.

What is the best scholarship for International Relations?

There is no single best scholarship for everyone.

Chevening is particularly attractive for one-year master’s study in the UK and is explicitly fully funded.

Erasmus Mundus is especially attractive for students who want a multinational European master’s experience and access to full scholarships.

Can I apply for Chevening to study International Relations?

Yes, provided your selected course meets Chevening’s eligibility requirements and you satisfy the scholarship’s other criteria.

Chevening requires three eligible master’s course choices.

Do I need work experience for International Relations scholarships?

It depends on the scholarship.

Some scholarships place significant emphasis on professional experience, while others focus more heavily on academic achievement.

Always check the specific scholarship’s eligibility criteria.

Can I apply for International Relations scholarships with a degree in another field?

Potentially, yes.

Relevant backgrounds can include:

Law
Political Science
Economics
History
Journalism
Sociology
Development Studies
Public Administration

The university determines whether your previous qualification satisfies the academic requirements.

Are Erasmus Mundus scholarships fully funded?

Some Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters offer full scholarships to top-ranked students. Erasmus+ says these can cover participation costs and contribute to travel, visa and living expenses.

Not every Erasmus Mundus programme necessarily has the same scholarship availability, so check the individual programme.

When should I start applying for 2027 scholarships?

Ideally, start during 2026.

Some 2027 scholarship applications open months before the academic year begins. For example, the 2027–28 Chevening application deadline is 6 October 2026.

Erasmus Mundus applications are commonly submitted between October and January.

Official Websites to Explore

Chevening Scholarships

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

Final Thoughts

Fully funded scholarships in International Relations can make pursuing an expensive overseas master’s degree a feasible option. However, earning one requires more than just good academic performance.

The strongest candidates typically show a combination of academic preparation, relevant experience, leadership skills, a clear career trajectory, and a convincing rationale for how their education will create a measurable impact.

For students planning to apply for 2027, Chevening and Erasmus Mundus are two significant scholarship programs to consider. Chevening offers fully funded scholarships for eligible one-year master’s degrees in the UK, while Erasmus Mundus provides full scholarships for selected joint master’s programs and can cover costs such as participation fees, travel, visas, and living expenses.

Don’t limit your search to scholarships specifically named “International Relations.” Some of the best opportunities may be linked to degrees in related fields such as international affairs, diplomacy, political science, development studies, public policy, peace and conflict studies, security studies, or global governance.

Start your preparation well before the application deadline. Create a shortlist of programs, thoroughly research each scholarship, prepare your CV and supporting documents, identify strong referees, and craft a compelling personal story.

Most importantly, demonstrate how your proposed degree aligns with realistic future goals. Scholarship committees are not just investing in your education; they are seeking individuals who will use that education to contribute to their communities, professions, and society at large.

For those applying in 2027, the time to begin preparation is now.