Gabriel was barely aware of the hands dragging him.
Boots scuffed against stone, voices murmured in the distance. His body swayed, bound in iron and cloth, but the pain in his side was distant, muffled beneath the heavy fog pressing against his mind.
He was slipping.
Falling.
And the past caught him like a snare.
The darkness behind his eyes swallowed him whole.
Some Time in the Past…
The air reeked of burnt incense and something rotting beneath the floorboards.
Gabriel knelt within the sigil he had carved into the stone a circle of forbidden inscriptions, pulsing with unnatural light.
A chalice of blackened water sat before him, the candle flames around it bending toward him, as if drawn to his breath.
This was a ritual that should never be done.
Yet he had no choice.
His hands trembled over the open grimoire. The words on the page blurred, then shifted twisting, rewriting themselves, as if mocking his understanding.
His heartbeat slammed against his ribs.
This was madness.
Exorcising oneself was impossible.
No priest was meant to tear the darkness from their own soul.
But Gabriel had already seen the mark on his flesh.
A sigil, not carved by mortal hands, but burned into him from within.
Malphas had already laid claim to him.
And Gabriel would rather tear himself apart than let it take root.
"Lux aeternam, expelle tenebras," he whispered.
Eternal light, expel the darkness.
The walls shuddered.
The air thickened, turning humid, suffocating.
A low vibration rippled through the floor, as if the stone itself was breathing.
Gabriel’s pulse quickened.
Then the first voice.
"Gabriel."
Soft. Desperate.
His fingers tightened around the edge of the grimoire.
He knew that voice.
Selene.
Slowly, he lifted his gaze.
She stood at the edge of the circle, bathed in dim candlelight. Her hair cascaded down her shoulders, black as a raven’s wing. Her eyes deep, drowning blue eld the same sorrow as the night he lost her.
His breath hitched.
"Gabriel, please. Stop."
His vision blurred.
For a single moment, he almost believed it was truly her.
But then her lips parted.
And it was not Selene’s voice that came next.
"You are already mine."
Gabriel’s body seized.
The sigil beneath him ruptured.
The walls pulsed, the candle flames twisting into elongated, blackened tongues.
Selene’s form shivered, her skin paling, her mouth widening far too wide.
Gabriel’s breathing turned ragged.
This was wrong.
This was not an exorcism.
This was a door opening.
And he had just invited it in.
The Awakening
A splash of cold water against his face ripped him from the dream.
Gabriel’s eyes snapped open.
The past dissolved into the harsh present.
The iron shackles dug into his wrists, heavy and unyielding.
He was no longer in his sanctuary.
He was in the hands of the Church.
And the pyre awaited.
Dragged Before the Holy Tribunal
Gabriel’s body hung between two armored guards, his weight dragging heavily against their grip.
His wrists were rubbed raw from the shackles, his face marred by bruises darkened skin swelling across his jaw, a cut splitting the corner of his mouth. His once-pristine coat was torn, drenched in sweat and dried blood.
His throat burned with thirst.
But his eyes remained sharp.
They wanted him broken.
Instead, they had dragged a breathing defiance before their sacred hall.
The air was thick with incense, cloying and suffocating. Torchlight flickered along the stone pillars, their flames casting jagged shadows across the council seated above him.
They sat in a perfect line seven inquisitors, their robes heavy with gold embroidery, the insignia of the Cross pinned to their chests.
Before them, a priest stood, aged and skeletal, his hands clutching a worn leather tome.
The book opened.
And the words of judgment began.
The Inquisition's Decree
"Audi, Domine, vocem servi tui. Condemnamus Gabriel Cross ad ignem purgatorium."
Hear, O Lord, the voice of Your servant. We condemn Gabriel Cross to the purging fire.
The priest’s voice droned in solemn Latin, the weight of the words pressing into the chamber like a final sentence written before the accused could even speak.
"Excommunicamus, et anathematizamus, et damnamus te, Gabriel Cross, in saecula saeculorum."
We excommunicate, curse, and damn you, Gabriel Cross, for all eternity.
A murmur of approval moved through the assembled clergy.
Then, one by one, the inquisitors spoke.
The first a cardinal leaned forward, his expression carved from stone.
"You have tainted the sacred rites with your abominations."
The second a bishop, narrowed his gaze.
"You have spoken words that should never pass human lips."
The third a pale, hollow-eyed man sighed almost mournfully.
"You have sought power beyond God’s will."
Each voice built upon the last, the accusations weaving into a noose.
Gabriel licked his cracked lips, his voice hoarse when he finally spoke.
"You condemn me for seeking knowledge."
The cardinal’s brows furrowed.
"We condemn you for arrogance."
"We condemn you for blasphemy."
"We condemn you for speaking with devils."
"We condemn you for the filth in your blood."
Gabriel laughed.
Rough. Weak. But real.
"You are all so blind."
The Sentence of Fire
The grand inquisitor the eldest among them, a man whose eyes had witnessed countless burnings stood.
"Gabriel Cross, you have forsaken the light."
The torches flickered violently.
"You have stepped beyond the veil, into knowledge not meant for man."
A slow breath.
"For this, we send you to the flames."
A massive iron cross was carried forth by two monks, its weight dragging against the marble.
Gabriel was forced to his knees.
His breath shuddered.
Not in fear.
In understanding.
They believed fire could erase him.
They had no idea what they had just unleashed.
The Weight of Judgment
The decree had been spoken.
Gabriel was to burn.
The air in the chamber felt heavier, thick with the finality of the sentence. The inquisitors had no doubts, no hesitation. They had condemned men for far less.
The iron cross stood waiting.
The torches burned hotter.
And yet Gabriel did not bow.
He knelt on the cold stone, bound and bruised, but his gaze remained sharp, calculating. His mind worked through the impossibility of his survival, through the arrogance of men who thought they held dominion over forces beyond their understanding.
If they wanted a heretic’s execution, he would give them a prophet’s reckoning.
"You sentence me to fire," Gabriel said, voice hoarse but steady. "And yet you do not understand what you are destroying."
The High Inquisitor gave no reaction, his gaze like glass, unreadable.
Gabriel’s lips curled faintly.
"I know why you fear me. It is not because I stepped beyond the light." He exhaled slowly, watching the flicker of doubt among the younger clergy. "It is because you know I have seen what lies beyond it."
The Final Bargain
The Brotherhood leader, silent until now, finally stepped forward. The air around him wavered, as if reality itself strained to accommodate his presence.
"You wish to prove yourself?"
Gabriel exhaled.
"I wish to end this."
The inquisitors exchanged long, slow glances.
The Brotherhood’s leader folded his arms.
"One last chance, then. One last rite."
The High Inquisitor’s voice was quiet.
"Return to where it all began."
Gabriel’s heart slowed.
"Face Malphas."
The cardinal’s voice was like stone grinding against steel.
"If you survive this…"
The High Inquisitor’s eyes darkened.
"We will be forced to kill you."
Gabriel smirked.
"I wouldn’t have it any other way."
How to Find Fully Funded Undergraduate Law Scholarships for International Students (Excluding African Countries)
If you want to study law (LL.B. or equivalent) overseas but can’t afford full tuition and living costs, there are solid, realistic routes to fully funded undergraduate study — especially in countries that offer government scholarships, university scholarships, or tuition-free public universities. This guide focuses on non-African pathways (UK, Türkiye, China, Japan, Germany, Scandinavia and selected US/European institutional aid) and shows you where to look, how to prioritise, and how to improve your chances.
Quick reality check: what “fully funded” really means
“Fully funded” varies. Some scholarships cover everything — tuition, a living stipend, accommodation, health insurance and travel. Others are “full tuition + partial living support.” Your goal should be to target awards that match your needs (some will pay most costs; a smaller number cover all costs). This article highlights the strongest, verifiable routes for non-African applicants.
Where fully funded undergraduate law study is actually viable
The most reliable fully-funded routes for undergraduate law students outside Africa are:
- National government scholarships (Turkey’s Türkiye Scholarships, China’s CSC, Japan’s MEXT).
- Elite university scholarships that cover fees + living for selected international students (examples: Reach Oxford for eligible low-income countries).
- Countries with public tuition policies (Germany and some Nordic states historically) combined with scholarships or grants.
- Some US institutions that meet the demonstrated financial need of international undergraduates (rare and competitive).
Top programmes and places to prioritise
1) Reach Oxford / Oxford bursaries — a full route to study law at Oxford
If you qualify (Reach Oxford targets students from low-income countries outside the UK), this is one of the few undergraduate scholarships that can realistically cover the cost of an Oxford law degree (BA in Jurisprudence). Reach Oxford scholarships typically include course fees, living costs and one return air fare per year for the duration of study. Apply through the University of Oxford undergraduate admissions cycles and the scholarship pages.
Official: Reach Oxford — Oxford University. 0
2) Türkiye Scholarships — full undergraduate scholarships in Turkey
Türkiye Scholarships is a comprehensive government programme that funds full undergraduate degrees at Turkish universities. The award usually covers tuition, a monthly stipend, accommodation (or housing allowance), health insurance and a round-trip ticket. Turkey offers a number of reputable law faculties, and many programmes are now available in English — making Türkiye Scholarships a concrete path to a fully funded LL.B. for international students outside Africa. Apply through the official online portal during the annual application window.
Official: Türkiye Scholarships — official site. 1
3) Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) — fully funded bachelor’s tracks
The China Scholarship Council (CSC) administers state scholarships to international students at Chinese universities. CSC scholarships for undergraduate degrees typically cover tuition, accommodation (or an allowance), a monthly living stipend and basic medical insurance. China has an expanding list of English-taught law programmes and international campus partnerships — CSC is a practical route if you’re flexible about studying in East Asia.
Official info: China Scholarship Council — CSC Scholarships. 2
4) MEXT (Japan) — undergraduate scholarships and preparatory tracks
Japan’s MEXT scholarship (via embassy or university recommendation routes) funds undergraduate study, including language preparatory years where necessary. It covers tuition, a monthly allowance, and travel costs. Several Japanese universities now offer international programmes or “global law” tracks taught in English or with English options. If you’re open to East Asia and motivated to learn Japanese, MEXT is a very solid fully funded option.
Official guidance: Study in Japan — MEXT scholarships. 3
5) Germany & Nordics — low / no tuition and strong scholarship ecosystems
Germany’s public universities traditionally charge no tuition for undergraduate programmes, and Germany’s DAAD lists targeted scholarships and funding for international students. While DAAD often focuses on graduate funding, the combination of low tuition and external grants can make an undergraduate law degree affordable to effectively free in many cases. Nordic countries (Norway, Sweden) historically offered very low or zero tuition for international students — policies change, so always verify the current rules for non-EU students, but these countries remain attractive for low-cost LL.B. study. See DAAD for Germany details and national pages for Norway/Sweden updates.
DAAD scholarships & study in Germany: DAAD — scholarships. For Norway policy changes, recent coverage is available via study portals. 4
Other institutional routes (US & Europe) — meet full need or big institutional aid
In the US, law is a graduate degree (JD). However, some US universities are famously generous to undergraduates and will meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for selected international students — an indirect way to get a “fully funded” undergraduate education (then you would apply for graduate law later). Institutions that have historically provided such support change their policies, so check each school’s financial aid rules. For example, recent high-profile moves expanded free tuition policies at some elite US institutions for students below certain income thresholds.
Recent policy examples and lists of need-meeting colleges: see institutional financial aid pages and curated lists such as CollegeVine’s guide. 5
How to prioritise applications — a realistic plan
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Build a targeted application plan that blends realistic reach and safer options. Here’s a simple prioritisation strategy:
- Eligibility first: Only apply where you meet the formal criteria (age, nationality, school grades, language requirements). Don’t waste time on programmes where you’re ineligible.
- Government scholarships: Prioritise Türkiye (Türkiye Scholarships), CSC (China), and MEXT (Japan) if you’re open to those countries — their cycles are predictable and slots are explicitly for degree study.
- Elite university scholarships: If you have exceptional academic achievement and extraordinary circumstances, consider Reach Oxford and other university bursaries that target developing-country applicants (but note slots are limited).
- Low-tuition countries: Consider Germany and Nordic options where the baseline cost is lower — combine with local grants and part-time work where permissible.
Practical documents checklist & timeline
Start preparing 12–18 months before you intend to begin study. Common documents and requirements:
- Official high school transcripts and certificates (with certified translations if needed).
- Passport, recent passport photos, ID documents.
- Language test scores (IELTS/TOEFL) or national equivalents — check each scholarship’s rules.
- Motivation/personal statement — tailored to each scholarship and university.
- Reference letters (teachers, school counsellors) — request early and give them a short brief.
- Medical certificates or health forms (some government scholarships require them).
| When | Priority actions |
|---|---|
| 12–18 months out | Research programmes, shortlist scholarships & universities; schedule language tests. |
| 9–12 months out | Prepare documents, request references, draft essays, apply to government scholarship windows. |
| 6–9 months out | Apply to universities and institutional scholarships; follow embassy timelines where relevant. |
| 3–6 months out | Visa processes, housing, pre-departure checks and travel arrangements. |
Concrete tips that improve success rates
- Tailor each application: Don’t copy-paste the same statement. Match your story to the scholarship’s aims (development, academic excellence, cultural exchange).
- Show impact: Government scholarships often favour applicants who explain how they’ll use their legal training to deliver concrete public or community benefits.
- Get referees on board early: Provide them your CV and a one-page summary of what the scholarship wants to see.
- Prepare for interviews: Many top scholarship schemes interview short-listed candidates — practice answers that are concise and evidence-based.
- Watch deadlines closely: Government cycles (CSC, MEXT, Türkiye) are annual and strict — missing the window usually means waiting a year.
Where to find official information (start here)
Bookmark these official pages and follow their updates — they are the authoritative sources for eligibility, application windows and required documents:
- Reach Oxford — University of Oxford. 6
- Türkiye Scholarships — official portal. 7
- China Scholarship Council — CSC guidance. 8
- Study in Japan — MEXT scholarships. 9
- DAAD — scholarships in Germany. 10
Common pitfalls to avoid
Be wary of third-party “scholarship” sites that require payment or ask for personal data upfront. Focus on official government portals, university pages and internationally recognised scholarship platforms. Also, beware of application fraud; if a scholarship requires payment to process an application, it’s likely illegitimate.
Final blueprint — if you can act now
- Choose 3 scholarship tracks (e.g., Türkiye Scholarships, CSC, Reach Oxford).
- Confirm you meet the eligibility rules for all three; if not, replace with a realistic alternative (Germany/DAAD, Nordic university grants).
- Collect transcripts and secure two referees within the next 2–4 weeks.
- Draft tailored statements and apply as soon as the application portals open.
Main official sources used while preparing this guide: Reach Oxford (University of Oxford), Türkiye Scholarships official site, China Scholarship Council (CSC), Study in Japan (MEXT) pages, DAAD (Germany) scholarship pages, recent reporting on tuition policies and institutional financial aid. 11
