by Quick answer: The best time for when to apply for scholarships is 9 to 12 months before your course starts. Most big awards for a September 2027 start close between October 2026 and January 2027. So start your research about 12 to 18 months ahead, and submit at least a week before each deadline.
This guide shows when to apply for scholarships, the key deadlines for major awards and a simple timeline you can follow.
Last verified: 1 October 2026 against official scholarship websites.
When to apply for scholarships: the short version
Scholarship deadlines come long before the course itself. In fact, many awards close almost a year before classes begin.
For example, Chevening closes in early October for courses that start the following September. Because of this, you need your plan in place by summer.
As a rule, follow three steps:
- 12 to 18 months before: research courses and scholarships, and book English tests.
- 9 to 12 months before: apply to universities and scholarships.
- 3 to 6 months before: attend interviews, accept offers and plan your visa.
When to apply for scholarships: key deadlines for 2027
| Scholarship | Applications | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Chevening (UK) | Opened 4 August 2026 | 6 October 2026, 11:00 UTC |
| Commonwealth Master’s (UK) | Through your national nominating agency | 20 October 2026, 16:00 BST |
| Erasmus Mundus (Europe) | Directly to each programme | Most between October and January |
| DAAD (Germany) | DAAD portal or the course itself | Varies by programme and country |
Dates change every year. So check the official page before you plan.
Chevening Scholarships
Chevening funds one-year master’s degrees in the UK. The Chevening scholarship deadline for the 2027/28 cycle is 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC. Applications opened on 4 August 2026. After that, shortlisting follows in mid-February 2027 and interviews run from March to April. Finally, results come from mid-June 2027.
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
These awards pay for a one-year taught master’s in the UK. They are open to people from eligible Commonwealth countries, such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, India and Pakistan. The Commonwealth scholarship deadline set by the CSC is 16:00 BST on Tuesday 20 October 2026. However, you do not apply to the CSC directly. Instead, you apply through your national nominating agency, which often sets an earlier deadline.
The award covers approved tuition fees, return airfare and a living stipend of £1,712 (one thousand, seven hundred and twelve pounds) a month, or £2,000 (two thousand pounds) in the London area.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
There is no central Erasmus Mundus portal. Instead, you apply to each master’s programme directly. Most programmes take applications between October and January for the next academic year. So check each programme website for its own date.
DAAD scholarships
DAAD dates depend on the programme and your country. In most cases, they repeat the previous year’s window. For details, read our guide to the DAAD scholarship deadline.
When should you start applying for scholarships?
Start 12 to 18 months before your course. That gives you time to book English tests, request references and draft essays. Also, some awards need a university offer first, while others do not. So read each rule early.
If you are still at university, you can apply in your final year. In that case, most awards accept a predicted or expected degree result.
Can I apply for scholarships before being accepted?
Yes, for many awards. For example, Chevening lets you apply before you hold an offer. However, you must secure an unconditional offer before you can take up the award. On the other hand, many university scholarships only consider students who already applied for the course.
When to apply for scholarships: a month-by-month plan
- June to August: shortlist courses and awards, and book an English test.
- August to October: apply for Chevening and Commonwealth awards.
- October to January: apply for Erasmus Mundus and most university scholarships.
- February to April: prepare for interviews and send any missing documents.
- May to July: accept offers, then start your student visa.
Common timing mistakes
- Waiting for your degree results before you start.
- Missing the earlier deadline of a national nominating agency.
- Forgetting time zones. For instance, 11:00 UTC is midday in Lagos.
- Asking referees for letters a few days before the deadline.
- Submitting on the last day, when portals often slow down.
Frequently asked questions
When should you apply for scholarships for a September start?
Apply between August and January of the year before. For example, a September 2027 student should apply from August 2026.
Is it too late to apply for scholarships this year?
Not always. Some university awards stay open until spring. Still, the biggest fully funded awards close by October or November.
How many scholarships can I apply for?
There is usually no limit. However, each application needs its own tailored essay, so plan your time.
Related guides
Browse current scholarships in the UK, USA, Europe and Canada. Then check the UK student visa financial requirements so your funding and visa plan line up.
