Studying abroad can be life-changing but it can also be expensive. Many students focus on scholarships that pay tuition fees, but what about the costs of living like rent, food, travel, books, and daily expenses? Fortunately, there are high-value scholarships that not only cover tuition but also provide stipends or allowances to help you live comfortably while studying overseas.

This post highlights top scholarship opportunities around the world that cover living costs (or a significant portion of them) not just tuition and how to apply for them.

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)

The Fulbright Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and comprehensive international scholarships.

What It Covers

Tuition fees
Monthly living stipend
Travel & relocation costs
Health insurance
Books and research allowance

Ideal for

Master’s and PhD candidates from eligible countries including Nigeria, India, Ghana, Kenya, etc.

Why It’s Valuable

• Supports living expenses robustly
• Great for research collaborations
• Recognised globally

Apply via your country’s Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy EducationUSA office.

2. Chevening Scholarships (UK)

Awarded by the UK government, Chevening is a fully funded international scholarship.

What It Covers

Full tuition fees
Monthly living allowance
Annual travel to/from the UK
Arrival allowance
Homeward departure allowance
Study tour funding

Ideal for

Outstanding professionals and future leaders with 2+ years’ work experience.

Why It’s Valuable

• Covers a generous living stipend
• Access to leadership events and a global alumni network

Apply through the Chevening website during the annual application window (usually August–November).

3. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Canada)

For research-focused postgraduate students (PhD or sometimes combined master’s/PhD).

What It Covers

$50,000 CAD per year for three years
Living stipend
Research support

Ideal for

High-calibre doctoral candidates in social sciences, health sciences, engineering, natural sciences.

Why It’s Valuable

• One of Canada’s most prestigious research awards
• Covers substantial living support on top of tuition

Applications are submitted through Canadian institutions — contact your chosen university for procedures.

4. Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)

Funded by the Australian Government, this scholarship supports students from Asia, Africa, and the Pacific.

What It Covers

Full tuition fees
Return airfare
Living stipend
Overseas student health cover (OSHC)
Arrival and departure allowances

Ideal for

Students from eligible developing countries pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.

Why It’s Valuable

• Designed to support full living costs
• Strong focus on development outcomes and skills transfer

Apply through the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) or your country’s scholarship portal.

5. Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (Ireland)

A competitive programme for international students studying in Irish institutions.

What It Covers

€10,000 grant (which can be used for living expenses)
The rest of student’s support depends on the university and other awards

Ideal for

Undergraduate and postgraduate students with strong academic records.

Why It’s Valuable

While not fully funded, the grant is designed to offset living costs in Ireland.

6. New Zealand Scholarships (New Zealand)

Offered by the New Zealand Government for eligible candidates.

What It Covers

Tuition fees
Living allowance
Establishment allowance
Medical insurance
Travel costs

Ideal for

Students from select regions including Africa, Asia, and Pacific.

Why It’s Valuable

• Living allowance supports daily needs
• Selections based on academic potential and development impact

7. Erasmus Joint Master Degrees (Europe)

These are prestigious scholarships co-funded by the European Union.

What It Covers

Tuition waiver
Monthly living stipend (~€1,000/month)
Travel and installation grants

Ideal for

Students applying to eligible Erasmus Mundus master programmes across EU countries.

Why It’s Valuable

• Covers both living and travel expenses
• Allows study in multiple European countries

Apply through the Erasmus+ portal or the consortium running your chosen programme.

8. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides generous support for international students.

What It Covers

Monthly stipend (depending on level)
Travel allowance
Health insurance
Study materials

Ideal for

Masters and PhD candidates in STEM, arts, development, and social sciences.

Why It’s Valuable

• Health insurance plus a monthly living rate (~€850/month)
• Research and study grants available

Apply via DAAD’s official portal or through your university’s international office.

9. Orange Knowledge Programme (Netherlands)

Funded by the Dutch Government for students from selected countries.

What It Covers

Tuition fee contribution
Living allowance
Travel grant
Insurance

Ideal for

Professionals, mid-career students, and development-focused learners.

Why It’s Valuable

• Strong emphasis on skills development and leadership

10. Country-Specific Fully Funded Scholarships

Many countries run scholarships that include living stipends, such as:
South Africa – NRF (National Research Foundation) Scholarships
China – Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) — includes monthly stipend + housing allowance
Turkey – Türkiye Scholarships — monthly stipend + accommodation + health insurance

Always check eligibility, as terms vary by nationality, level, and programme.

How to Maximize Scholarship Success

1. Start Early

Begin research at least 6–12 months before application deadlines.

2. Prepare Strong Documents

• Personal statement / SOP
• Recommendation letters
• Academic transcripts
• CV highlighting leadership and community impact

3. Focus on Impact, Not Just Grades

Scholarships that fund living costs tend to focus on leadership potential, community involvement, goals, and vision — not just GPA.

4. Contact University International Offices

They often have updated lists of funded scholarships, internal awards, and cost-of-living grants.

5. Apply to Multiple Scholarships

Don’t put all your hopes on one; cast a wide net for the best chance.

FAQs