Studying in the United States or the United Kingdom on a scholarship is possible for Algerians. There are two main kinds of funding: government scholarships (Chevening, Fulbright), very selective but comprehensive, and university scholarships, which are easier to get. Here are the requirements and timeline for each.
Chevening: a funded one-year master's in the UK
Chevening is the UK government's scholarship program. In Algeria, it is run by the British Embassy.
What it covers: tuition, a monthly living allowance, return flights and several other costs.
Main requirements:
- be an Algerian citizen;
- hold a degree that gives access to a UK master's;
- have at least 2 years of work experience;
- apply for eligible one-year master's courses at UK universities;
- commit to returning to Algeria for at least 2 years after the scholarship.
Timeline:
| When | Step |
|---|---|
| August | Applications open |
| Early October | Applications close (October 6, 2026 for 2027-2028) |
| March to April | Interviews at the embassy |
| Mid-June | Results |
| Early July | Deadline to provide an unconditional offer |
The next round is expected from August 2027: start preparing your IELTS and university offers now.
Fulbright: a funded master's in the USA
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is funded by the State Department and run by Amideast in the MENA region. In Algeria, the call is published by the US Embassy.
What it covers: tuition, a monthly stipend, limited health benefits.
Main requirements:
- be Algerian and live in Algeria throughout the selection;
- hold a degree equivalent to a US bachelor's (4-year classical licence, or LMD licence plus master's);
- have at least 2 years of work experience after graduation;
- be proficient in English (TOEFL or IELTS);
- clinical fields (medicine, nursing) are excluded.
Good to know: Fulbright grantees travel on a J-1 visa and must then live two years in their home country before certain US visas (rule 212(e)).
Timeline: for 2027, the call was published in spring 2026, with a deadline of June 4, 2026 and interviews in Algiers at the end of June. Watch the embassy's exchange programs page from spring 2027.
University scholarships: the easiest route
Many universities give automatic discounts to international students, with no separate application:
| University | Scholarship |
|---|---|
| Avila University (USA) | $25,815 a year for a bachelor's (price down to $15,725) |
| Avila University (USA), master's | $2,500 a year |
| Coventry University (UK) | £2,000 a year |
In the US, private universities are often the most generous. A good average and a good English score increase the amount.
5 tips to win a scholarship
- Start a year ahead: deadlines fall long before the start of classes.
- Take your English test early. See our guide to IELTS in Algeria.
- Tell your impact story: Chevening and Fulbright look for future leaders, not just good grades.
- Apply to several universities to compare scholarship offers.
- Keep a funded plan B: competition is fierce, even for excellent profiles.
We find the universities that give the best scholarships for your profile. See our universities and the real cost of studying in the USA.
