Pursuing higher education abroad is a dream for millions of students around the world. However, while scholarships that cover tuition fees are relatively common, managing monthly living expenses remains a major challenge for international students. Rent, food, transportation, health insurance, and study materials can easily add up to thousands of dollars per year—making the dream of studying abroad feel out of reach for many.
Thankfully, there are numerous scholarships that not only cover tuition fees but also provide a monthly living allowance, making international education significantly more accessible. These scholarships are typically fully funded and are offered by governments, universities, and international organizations. This article explores some of the top scholarships with monthly stipends, eligibility criteria, and tips to improve your chances of securing one.
Why Living Allowance Scholarships Matter
While tuition-free or reduced tuition scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying abroad, students still need funds to survive day-to-day. A monthly living allowance allows students to focus on their studies rather than juggling part-time jobs or worrying about rent and groceries.
Living stipends can cover:
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Accommodation (on-campus or off-campus)
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Meals and groceries
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Transportation
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Healthcare and insurance
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Books and learning materials
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Personal expenses
These benefits make living allowance scholarships not just financial aids, but complete student support packages.
Top Scholarships Offering Monthly Living Allowances
Here are some of the most prestigious international scholarships that include monthly stipends:
1. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
DAAD is one of the world’s largest funding organizations for international students. The scholarship includes full tuition, travel allowance, health insurance, and a generous monthly stipend.
Key Benefits:
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Covers entire living expenses in Germany
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Offers language training support
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Open to students from over 100 countries
2. Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom)
Chevening is a highly competitive scholarship that not only pays full tuition but also includes a monthly stipend for living expenses, travel costs, and visa fees.
Highlights:
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Funded by the UK government
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Covers travel to/from the UK
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Access to exclusive networking events and professional development
3. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
The Fulbright Program offers full funding for tuition, airfare, health insurance, and living expenses. Each grantee receives a monthly stipend tailored to the cost of living in their host city.
Notable Perks:
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Includes cultural enrichment activities
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Offers academic and visa support
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Strong alumni network globally
4. Australia Awards Scholarships
Australia Awards are prestigious, long-term scholarships that support study and research in Australia. They cover full tuition, travel, health insurance, and generous living allowances.
Benefits:
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Introductory academic program upon arrival
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Fieldwork allowances for research-based degrees
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Access to alumni development initiatives
5. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)
This scholarship includes full tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, insurance, and travel expenses. It is ideal for young professionals with leadership experience.
Advantages:
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Opportunity to study at top Swedish universities
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Leadership and networking programs
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Part of a global community of future changemakers
6. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (Europe)
Erasmus Mundus offers fully funded master's degrees taught jointly by a consortium of European universities. Apart from the monthly stipend, it also covers tuition, travel, and installation costs.
What Makes It Special:
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Study in multiple European countries
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Cultural and academic diversity
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Joint or double degrees upon completion
7. MEXT Scholarships (Japan)
MEXT (Monbukagakusho) scholarships are among the most generous in Asia. They provide complete financial coverage, including a monthly allowance, tuition waiver, travel fees, and language training.
Other Features:
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No need for Japanese language knowledge at the start
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Available for many academic fields
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Offers full integration into Japanese culture and academia
8. Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP/GKS)
The Korean government offers GKS to attract international students to top Korean universities. The scholarship includes airfare, tuition, settlement allowance, language training, and monthly stipend.
Why It’s Attractive:
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Full cultural immersion
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Coverage for Korean language courses
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Expanding global job market in Korea
Tips to Secure Scholarships with Living Allowance
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Start EarlyApplication deadlines for major scholarships are often 6–12 months before the academic year begins. Plan ahead to prepare your documents and meet deadlines.
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Write a Strong Personal StatementExplain clearly your goals, achievements, and why you deserve the scholarship. Tailor your essay to the specific values and objectives of the scholarship program.
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Maintain Excellent Academic RecordsStrong grades and relevant coursework are essential for most competitive scholarships.
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Demonstrate Leadership and Extracurricular InvolvementMany scholarships look for well-rounded applicants with community service, professional experience, or leadership potential.
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Get Quality ReferencesChoose referees who know your academic or professional abilities well and can write compelling recommendations.
Conclusion
Living abroad as an international student can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be impossible. Scholarships that include a monthly living allowance remove the financial stress of managing day-to-day expenses while pursuing higher education. With options available across Europe, Asia, North America, and Australia, students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to access world-class education without financial hardship.