Undergraduate, Masters, PhDFully Funded Closed 59 days ago

ETS Fully Funded Scholarship

Last verified 21 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

The ETS Fully Funded Scholarship supports 14 outstanding undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students with financial aid, leadership development, mentorship, and networking opportunities, empowering them with financial need and strong academic commitment.

Provider: ETS
Host country: United States
Deadline: March 31, 2026
Region: North America

Official source

Topics

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

ETS Fully Funded Scholarship is open to African students applying to study in United States at the Undergraduate, Masters, PhD level, with fully funded funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: Undergraduate, Masters, PhD · applicants for United States
Funding: Fully Funded
Study level: Undergraduate, Masters, PhD
Deadline: March 31, 2026

Key eligibility criteria

Applicants must demonstrate financial need and academic commitment, be pursuing or planning to pursue an undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degree, and apply to one of the five ETS scholarship tracks, showing leadership potential, community involvement, or advocacy impact depending on the category.

What the fully funded award covers

Full tuition
Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Return airfare

About the ETS Fully Funded Scholarship (2026)

## Overview The ETS Fully Funded Scholarship for 2026–2027 is a prestigious program designed to support 14 exceptional students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees in the United States. This scholarship goes beyond financial aid, offering a holistic development experience that includes leadership training, mentorship, and invaluable networking opportunities. With over $7 million awarded to more than 500 scholars to date, ETS is committed to empowering students who demonstrate both financial need and a strong academic commitment. The program also emphasizes civic engagement, advocacy, and professional growth, nurturing future leaders who can make a significant impact on their communities and beyond. ## Benefits Successful recipients of the ETS Fully Funded Scholarship will enjoy a comprehensive package of benefits designed to support their academic journey and professional development. These benefits include: * **Full financial support:** Covering tuition and all academic expenses, alleviating the financial burden of higher education. * **Living support:** Depending on the specific scholarship track, recipients may also receive support for living expenses, ensuring a comfortable and conducive learning environment. * **Leadership development:** Access to tailored programs and workshops aimed at honing leadership skills, preparing scholars for influential roles. * **Mentorship:** Personalized guidance from experienced ETS executives and professionals, offering career advice and insights. * **Networking opportunities:** Exclusive access to a network of ETS executives, peers, and alumni, fostering connections that can open doors to future collaborations and opportunities. * **ETS Student Leadership Retreat:** An enriching experience designed to further develop leadership capabilities and foster a sense of community among scholars. ## Eligibility To be considered for the ETS Fully Funded Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria: * Demonstrate a clear **financial need** and a strong commitment to academic excellence. * Be currently pursuing or planning to pursue an **undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degree**. * Apply to one of the **five distinct ETS scholarship tracks**, each with its own specific focus and requirements. * Show evidence of **leadership potential, community involvement, or advocacy impact**, depending on the chosen scholarship category. The five ETS scholarship tracks are: 1. **Lenora M. Green Scholarship:** Dedicated to graduate students actively involved in civic engagement and advocacy. 2. **Robert “Bob” Moses Scholarship:** For underrepresented graduate students excelling in mathematics, education, or STEM fields. 3. **Dr. Lillian M. Lowery Scholarship:** Aimed at master’s students in education who are committed to expanding educational opportunities. 4. **ETS Presidential Scholarship for HBCU Students:** Specifically for eight junior and senior students enrolled at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. 5. **ETS Trenton Central High School (TCHS) Scholarship:** For graduating seniors from Trenton Central High School who exhibit strong academic performance, community engagement, and leadership qualities. ## Required Documents While the article does not explicitly list required documents, based on the eligibility criteria and common scholarship application practices, applicants should prepare the following: * **Academic records:** Transcripts and other relevant academic documents to demonstrate academic merit. * **Personal statement:** A compelling essay outlining academic goals, career aspirations, and how the scholarship aligns with personal and professional development. * **Evidence of leadership/community involvement:** This could include résumés, portfolios, letters of recommendation, or statements detailing participation in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or advocacy initiatives. Specific requirements will depend on the chosen scholarship track. * **Proof of financial need:** Documentation to substantiate financial circumstances, which may include tax returns, financial aid statements, or other relevant financial disclosures. ## Application Steps The application process for the ETS Fully Funded Scholarship is straightforward and requires careful attention to detail: 1. **Explore the five ETS scholarship options:** Thoroughly review each track to understand its specific focus and eligibility requirements. 2. **Select the track that fits your academic path and personal story:** Choose the scholarship that best aligns with your educational background, career goals, and personal experiences. 3. **Prepare application materials:** Gather all necessary documents, including academic records, a personal statement, and evidence of leadership or community involvement. 4. **Submit online application:** Complete and submit the application through the official ETS portal by the specified deadline. 5. **Await results:** Successful candidates will be notified in May 2026. ## Key Dates * **Application Deadline:** March 31, 2026 * **Recipients Notified:** May 2026 ## Selection Criteria The selection process for the ETS Fully Funded Scholarship is highly competitive and involves a thorough review of each application. Candidates are selected based on: * **Academic merit:** Demonstrated excellence in academic performance. * **Financial need:** Verified financial circumstances that necessitate scholarship support. * **Leadership potential:** Evidence of leadership qualities and the ability to inspire and guide others. * **Alignment with scholarship track:** How well the applicant's aspirations and experiences match the specific goals and focus of the chosen scholarship track. * **Community involvement/advocacy impact:** The degree of engagement in community activities and initiatives that demonstrate a commitment to making a positive difference. ## Tips For African applicants and all aspiring scholars, here are some tips to enhance your application for the ETS Fully Funded Scholarship: * **Thoroughly research each scholarship track:** Understand the nuances of each option and choose the one that truly resonates with your academic and personal journey. A tailored application is always more impactful. * **Craft a compelling personal statement:** This is your opportunity to tell your unique story, highlight your passions, and articulate how this scholarship will help you achieve your goals. Emphasize your academic commitment, leadership experiences, and how you envision contributing to your community. * **Showcase your leadership and community involvement:** Provide concrete examples of your contributions. Whether through volunteer work, student organizations, or personal initiatives, demonstrate your drive to make a positive impact. * **Seek strong letters of recommendation:** Choose individuals who know you well and can speak to your academic abilities, character, and potential. Provide them with ample time and information about the scholarship to ensure a well-crafted letter. * **Proofread meticulously:** A polished and error-free application reflects professionalism and attention to detail. Have someone else review your application for any grammatical errors or typos. * **Highlight your African perspective (where applicable):** If you are an applicant from Africa, consider how your unique background and experiences can enrich the program and align with the scholarship's goals, particularly in areas like civic engagement or addressing educational disparities. * **Start early:** Give yourself ample time to gather documents, write essays, and refine your application. Rushing can lead to critical errors or omissions. ## Official Source For further details and to access the application portal, please visit the official ETS Scholarships webpage: [ETS Scholarships – Official Page](https://www.ets.org/about/global-philanthropy/scholarships.html)

What the Fully Funded ETS Fully Funded Scholarship covers

The award components below were extracted from the sponsor's published description. Always cross-check the exact figures, ceiling amounts and conditions on the official site before you budget around them.

Full tuition
Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Return airfare

ETS Fully Funded Scholarship eligibility for United States applicants

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Applicants must demonstrate financial need and academic commitment, be pursuing or planning to pursue an undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degree, and apply to one of the five ETS scholarship tracks, showing leadership potential, community involvement, or advocacy impact depending on the category.

Documents required for the ETS Fully Funded Scholarship application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Research proposal or statement of purpose (500–2,000 words for PhD)
Published or unpublished writing sample (PhD and research-led Masters)
Standardised test scores where required (SAT or ACT for many U.S. universities)
Secondary-school leaving certificate (WAEC, KCSE, NSC, EGSECE or equivalent)
Financial-need declaration or family-income statement (sponsor-specific template)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the ETS Fully Funded Scholarship 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open https://www.ets.org/about/global-philanthropy/scholarships.html and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "Applicants must demonstrate financial need and academic commitment, be pursuing or planning to pursue an undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degree, and apply to one of the five ETS scholarship tracks, showing leadershi…". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Identify a supervisor whose research aligns with yours, exchange emails, and either obtain a conditional offer or confirmation that they will host your project. Many ETS awards require this before the funding application opens.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a focused 1,000–2,000-word research proposal and a separate personal statement. Tailor every paragraph to the sponsor's stated priorities — generic recycled essays are the most common reason strong applicants are rejected.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://www.ets.org/about/global-philanthropy/scholarships.html, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Aim to have the full draft complete by 30 Jan 2026. Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit by March 31, 2026 (aim 7 days early)
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours before the 31 Mar 2026 deadline. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, ETS will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

ETS Fully Funded Scholarship deadline & application timeline

Working backwards from the sponsor's stated deadline (March 31, 2026). Dates assume a smooth, single-attempt timeline — start earlier where you can.

12 months out
5 Apr 2025
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
2 Oct 2025
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
31 Dec 2025
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
1 Mar 2026
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
31 Mar 2026
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

Visit official site

Editorial verification note

Imported from afterschoolafrica.com editorial listing.

Last checked 5/21/2026

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the ETS Fully Funded Scholarship?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Undergraduate, Masters, PhD level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by ETS, and be able to relocate to United States for the duration of the programme.

Is the ETS Fully Funded Scholarship fully funded?+

Funding model: Fully Funded. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is March 31, 2026. Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

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