One of the biggest expenses for students studying abroad isn’t tuition, it’s accommodation.
Rent, utilities, and housing deposits can quickly become expensive, especially in countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, and the USA. Fortunately, some scholarships go beyond tuition and also provide:
- Free accommodation
- Housing stipends
- Monthly living allowances
- Residence hall support
For Nigerian students planning to study abroad in 2026, here are some of the best scholarships that help cover accommodation costs.
Why Accommodation Scholarships Matter
Accommodation support can significantly reduce your financial burden.
These scholarships help students:
- Save thousands in living expenses
- Focus more on academics
- Reduce financial stress abroad
- Afford better housing options
Top Scholarships That Cover Accommodation
Chevening Scholarship
One of the world’s most prestigious scholarships.
What it covers
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance
- Accommodation support through stipend
- Travel costs
Best for: Master’s students with leadership potential.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
A fully funded scholarship for studying across multiple European countries.
Coverage includes
- Tuition fees
- Monthly stipend for accommodation and living costs
- Travel expenses
- Insurance
Students often use the stipend to fully cover rent.
Australia Awards Scholarships
Designed for students from developing countries.
What it covers
- Tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Accommodation support
- Airfare and health insurance
Fulbright Program
A top scholarship for postgraduate students.
Coverage
- Tuition fees
- Housing and living allowance
- Health insurance
- Travel costs
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Ideal for PhD students.
What it offers
- High-value annual funding
- Living and accommodation support
- Research funding
MEXT Scholarship
A comprehensive scholarship program.
What it covers
- Tuition fees
- Monthly allowance for accommodation and living
- Airfare
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Excellent for research and postgraduate studies.
Coverage includes
- Monthly stipend
- Accommodation assistance
- Tuition support
New Zealand Government Scholarships
A fully funded scholarship option.
What it covers
- Tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Accommodation-related support
- Travel expenses
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
One of the most competitive scholarships globally.
Coverage
- Full tuition
- Accommodation and living allowance
- Travel support
- Family allowance (in some cases)
Universities Offering Accommodation Scholarships
Some universities also provide:
- Free residence halls
- Discounted student housing
- Accommodation bursaries
Examples include:
- University of Oxford
- University of Melbourne
- University of Toronto
How to Increase Your Chances
Apply early
Maintain strong academic performance
Write a strong personal statement
Highlight leadership and extracurricular activities
Apply for multiple scholarships
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying after deadlines
Ignoring accommodation details in scholarship offers
Submitting weak SOPs
Applying to only one scholarship
FAQs
1. Do fully funded scholarships cover accommodation?
Yes, many provide housing stipends or living allowances that cover rent.
2. Which scholarship gives free accommodation?
Programs like Chevening, Erasmus Mundus, and MEXT provide accommodation support.
3. Can Nigerian students apply for these scholarships?
Yes, most are open to Nigerian and other international students.
4. Are accommodation scholarships competitive?
Yes, especially fully funded government scholarships.
5. When should I apply?
Most applications open between August and December for the following academic year.
