Pursuing higher education is a significant investment, not only in terms of tuition but also in daily living expenses such as housing, food, transport, and personal necessities. For many students—especially international, low-income, or first-generation college-goers—these costs can be as challenging as tuition fees. Fortunately, there are scholarships that pay living expenses in addition to covering tuition, books, and other academic fees.
This guide will help you identify, search for, and apply to scholarships that include living allowances, ensuring that financial hardship doesn’t stand between you and your educational goals.
Why Look for Scholarships That Cover Living Expenses?
While many scholarships focus on tuition, the cost of living often exceeds or equals the cost of academic fees, especially in expensive cities or countries. Scholarships that offer a monthly stipend or housing support can relieve financial stress and allow students to focus fully on their studies.
Living-expense scholarships are especially helpful for:
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International students studying abroad
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Students relocating to large cities
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Scholars with dependents or family responsibilities
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Those pursuing unpaid internships or research
Types of Scholarships That Include Living Expenses
1. Fully Funded Government Scholarships
Many governments provide comprehensive scholarships to attract international talent. These often include full tuition, travel, insurance, and monthly stipends for living.
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Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
Includes monthly stipends, airfare, tuition, and housing. For students from developing Commonwealth countries. -
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships (EU)
Covers tuition, travel, installation costs, and living expenses (up to €1,400 per month). -
Fulbright Program (USA)
Offers a monthly stipend to cover living expenses, housing, and travel for international graduate students. -
DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) awards cover tuition and monthly living stipends (€934–€1,200).
2. University-Based Scholarships
Some universities offer scholarships that not only waive tuition but also provide housing, food allowances, or cash stipends.
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Gates Cambridge Scholarships (UK)
Covers full cost of studying at the University of Cambridge plus £20,000+ per year for living expenses. -
Knight-Hennessy Scholars (Stanford University, USA)
Includes tuition, academic costs, and living stipend. Also offers relocation and travel grants. -
Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships (UK)
Covers 100% tuition and a generous living stipend (~£17,668 per annum).
3. Private Foundations and NGOs
Many global organizations and private foundations offer comprehensive scholarships, particularly for underrepresented communities.
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Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Partners with universities in Africa, Canada, and the U.S. to provide full scholarships, including living expenses, books, and travel. -
Rotary Peace Fellowships
For master’s degrees in peace and conflict studies. Covers full tuition, room and board, and transportation. -
Schwarzman Scholars (China)
One-year master’s program in global affairs at Tsinghua University. Includes room, board, personal stipend, and travel.
How to Find These Scholarships
Finding scholarships that pay for living costs requires a strategic approach. Here's a step-by-step method to help you locate the most suitable programs.
Step 1: Use Specialized Scholarship Platforms
Platforms like the following let you filter scholarships by benefits, location, and field of study:
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Scholarships.com
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ScholarshipPortal (Europe-focused)
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DAAD.de (for German programs)
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ScholarshipsforDev.com (Development-focused scholarships)
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OpportunityDesk.org
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Fastweb.com (USA-based)
When searching, use keywords like:
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“Fully funded”
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“Monthly stipend”
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“Living expenses included”
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“Accommodation support”
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“Comprehensive scholarship”
Step 2: Visit University Financial Aid Pages
Go directly to the financial aid or scholarship page of your target university. Look for phrases like:
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“Full ride scholarship”
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“Stipend for living costs”
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“Room and board included”
Universities such as Stanford, Oxford, Cambridge, Yale, and ETH Zurich regularly offer full scholarships with living support to select students.
Step 3: Follow Government and Embassy Websites
Government-sponsored programs often include full financial support. Follow:
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Your home country’s Ministry of Education
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Embassies of countries you want to study in (e.g., British Council, Campus France, Study in Canada)
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National scholarship boards or platforms (e.g., Chevening, Fulbright, MEXT)
Subscribe to newsletters and attend webinars they offer.
Step 4: Use Social Media and Online Forums
Scholarship information is increasingly shared on platforms like:
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LinkedIn – Follow scholarship pages, university accounts, and academic influencers.
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Twitter/X – Use hashtags like #Scholarships2025, #FullyFundedScholarship
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Facebook Groups – Join scholarship support groups by region or field.
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Reddit – Subreddits like r/scholarships or r/IntlToUSA have active communities.
Step 5: Ask University Advisors or Alumni
If you’re currently in high school or college, ask guidance counselors about scholarship opportunities. You can also reach out to alumni who have previously received scholarships to the universities or countries you’re targeting.
Tips for Winning Scholarships That Cover Living Costs
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Start Early
Fully funded scholarships are highly competitive. Begin your research at least 12–18 months in advance. -
Perfect Your Application
Prepare strong personal statements, academic resumes, and letters of recommendation tailored to the scholarship's mission. -
Highlight Financial Need + Merit
Many of these scholarships are need-based + merit-based, so demonstrate both academic excellence and financial hardship if applicable. -
Apply to Multiple Scholarships
Don’t rely on just one. Apply to multiple programs to increase your chances. -
Prepare for Interviews
Some fully funded scholarships include an interview round. Practice by researching common questions and aligning your answers with the scholarship's goals.
Common Fields Where Living Expenses Scholarships Are Available
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STEM – Through organizations like Erasmus, DAAD, and national science foundations.
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Public Policy & International Affairs – Via Schwarzman, Fulbright, and Rotary.
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Healthcare & Medicine – Programs in Europe and Asia often provide fully funded medical studies.
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Arts and Humanities – Institutions like Oxford and Cambridge offer full scholarships including living stipends.