Studying abroad is a dream for many, but the cost can feel overwhelming. Tuition fees are only one part of the equation—students also need to factor in living expenses, health insurance, and international travel. This is where fully funded scholarships come in, as they not only pay tuition but also cover accommodation, stipends, and airfare. For ambitious students who want to focus on academics without worrying about financial stress, scholarships that include living expenses and travel costs are the most valuable opportunities.
Below is an overview of the best scholarships worldwide that provide comprehensive funding packages, including living allowances and travel grants.
1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships (Europe)
Funded by the European Union, the Erasmus Mundus program supports Master’s students studying across multiple European universities.
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Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend (around €1,000–€1,200), travel expenses, installation allowance, and insurance.
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Why It Stands Out: Students study in at least two European countries and often graduate with a joint or double degree.
2. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is one of the world’s largest scholarship providers.
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Coverage: Tuition-free education at public universities, a monthly stipend (€850–€1,200), travel allowance, and health insurance.
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Why It Stands Out: Germany offers globally recognized education with no tuition fees at public universities, making DAAD highly competitive.
3. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
The Fulbright Program, sponsored by the U.S. government, is a prestigious award for international students pursuing Master’s or PhD degrees.
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Coverage: Tuition fees, airfare, health insurance, and a monthly living stipend.
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Why It Stands Out: Beyond financial support, Fulbright offers access to leadership programs, networking opportunities, and cultural exchange activities.
4. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
The UK government’s Chevening Scholarships are designed for outstanding students with leadership potential.
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Coverage: University tuition, living stipend, round-trip airfare, and additional allowances for arrival, departure, and visa costs.
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Why It Stands Out: Chevening builds a powerful global alumni network and offers exclusive access to UK cultural and political events.
5. Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)
The Australia Awards, funded by the Australian government, support students from developing countries.
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Coverage: Full tuition fees, return airfare, establishment allowance, living stipend (AUD 1,200–2,000 monthly), and health insurance.
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Why It Stands Out: Graduates are expected to return home and contribute to national development, making it a scholarship with both global and local impact.
6. New Zealand Government Scholarships (New Zealand)
The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships fund undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
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Coverage: Tuition, living allowance (NZD 531 per week), establishment grant, travel costs, health insurance, and research support.
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Why It Stands Out: Provides one of the most generous living stipends while promoting leadership and skill development for home-country growth.
7. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program (France)
The Eiffel Program, funded by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attracts top international talent.
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Coverage: Monthly allowance (€1,181 for Master’s, €1,700 for PhD), international airfare, health insurance, and cultural activities.
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Why It Stands Out: While it doesn’t cover tuition, most French universities charge low fees, making the living and travel support very valuable.
8. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (Sweden)
The Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarship targets high-achieving Master’s students from non-EU countries.
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Coverage: Full tuition fees, monthly stipend (SEK 11,000), travel grant, and insurance.
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Why It Stands Out: Sweden’s strong emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and gender equality makes it attractive for future leaders.
9. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Switzerland)
The Swiss government funds talented researchers, PhD, and postdoctoral students.
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Coverage: Tuition waiver, monthly stipend (CHF 1,920), airfare, health insurance, and housing allowance.
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Why It Stands Out: Switzerland combines cutting-edge research facilities with full financial support for international scholars.
10. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (Multiple Countries)
The JJ/WBGSP supports students from developing countries pursuing Master’s degrees in development-related fields.
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Coverage: Tuition, living allowance, round-trip airfare, travel allowance, and health insurance.
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Why It Stands Out: Focuses on building capacity in developing nations by funding future leaders in development and policy.
Why Choose Scholarships That Cover Living and Travel Costs?
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Reduces Financial Burden – Covers not just tuition but also housing, meals, and day-to-day expenses.
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Encourages Equal Access – Enables students from lower-income families to study abroad.
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Promotes Cultural Exchange – Travel and cultural allowances ensure students fully immerse themselves in host countries.
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Boosts Focus on Studies – Without financial stress, students can concentrate on academic and personal growth.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Success
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Start Applications Early – Many scholarships open 6–12 months before the academic year begins.
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Demonstrate Leadership – Programs like Chevening and Fulbright prioritize leadership potential.
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Highlight Social Impact – Show how your education will benefit your home country.
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Prepare Strong References – Academic and professional recommendations are crucial.
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Apply Broadly – Don’t limit yourself to one scholarship; explore multiple options.
Conclusion
The true value of a scholarship lies not just in covering tuition but in supporting a student’s entire academic journey. Scholarships that include living expenses and travel costs—such as Erasmus Mundus, Fulbright, Chevening, and Australia Awards—give international students the freedom to focus on learning and cultural exchange without financial worries.