For many students aspiring to study abroad, the dream often comes with a heavy financial burden. While tuition scholarships are helpful, they don’t always cover the full cost of international education. Expenses such as airfare and accommodation can quickly add up, making the opportunity inaccessible for students from low-income families. Fortunately, there are numerous fully funded scholarships that go beyond tuition, covering flight tickets, living costs, and accommodation, ensuring that talented students are supported every step of the way. In this article, we will explore some of the most generous scholarships in 2025 that include these crucial benefits, and guide you on how to apply for them.
Why Scholarships with Flight and Accommodation Matter
The costs of international education extend far beyond tuition:
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Round-trip airfare can cost between $500 and $2,000 depending on the destination.
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Accommodation in countries like the UK, USA, or Australia can exceed $800 per month.
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Living expenses, including food, transportation, and utilities, can be another $500 to $1,000 monthly.
These added expenses can make studying abroad financially impossible for deserving students, even if they receive a tuition waiver. Scholarships that cover flight and accommodation remove these barriers, offering a truly life-changing opportunity.
Top Scholarships in 2025 That Cover Flight and Accommodation
1. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Funded by the UK government, the Chevening Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and comprehensive scholarships available globally.
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Eligibility: Students from over 160 countries with leadership potential and a strong academic background.
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Benefits:
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Full tuition fees for a one-year Master’s program in the UK.
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Round-trip economy airfare to the UK.
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Monthly stipend for living expenses.
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Accommodation allowance.
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Arrival and visa application grants.
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Applications for the 2025 intake usually open in August and close in November.
2. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a wide range of scholarships to international students at both graduate and postgraduate levels.
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Eligibility: Students from developing or emerging countries with a completed Bachelor’s degree and at least two years of work experience.
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Benefits:
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Full tuition fees (if applicable).
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Monthly living allowance (around €934 for Master’s and €1,200 for PhD).
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Travel allowance covering international flight costs.
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Health insurance and accommodation support.
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DAAD is highly recommended for students in fields such as engineering, science, development, and public policy.
3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EU)
The Erasmus Mundus program offers scholarships for students to study in at least two different European countries through joint Master’s programs.
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Eligibility: Open to students worldwide with a relevant undergraduate degree.
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Benefits:
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Full tuition coverage.
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Monthly stipend for living expenses.
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Contribution to travel and installation costs.
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Flight tickets and relocation support.
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Health and accident insurance.
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This is an excellent opportunity to experience multiple European cultures while earning a high-quality degree.
4. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
Funded by the U.S. Department of State, the Fulbright Program provides international students with the chance to pursue graduate-level study and research in the U.S.
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Eligibility: Open to students from more than 160 countries.
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Benefits:
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Full tuition coverage.
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Round-trip airfare from the home country to the U.S.
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Monthly living stipend.
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Health insurance and accommodation costs.
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Cultural enrichment programs.
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Each country manages its own Fulbright selection process, so deadlines vary.
5. Australia Awards Scholarships
Offered by the Australian Government, these scholarships aim to support students from developing countries, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
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Eligibility: Citizens from select developing countries in Asia, Africa, the Pacific, and the Middle East.
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Benefits:
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Full tuition.
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Return airfare to and from Australia.
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Establishment allowance (to cover initial accommodation costs).
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Contribution to living expenses (CLE).
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Health cover for the entire study period.
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These scholarships are ideal for students interested in development, health, agriculture, and public administration.
6. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
This scholarship supports students from developing countries to pursue Master’s programs in development-related fields.
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Eligibility: Nationals of World Bank member countries who have relevant work experience and a Bachelor’s degree.
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Benefits:
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Full tuition for a selected Master’s program.
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Round-trip airfare to the host university.
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Monthly living stipend.
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Accommodation and health insurance support.
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Programs are offered in universities in the U.S., Europe, Japan, and Africa.
7. MEXT (Japanese Government) Scholarship
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) of Japan offers scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students.
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Eligibility: Open to students from a wide range of countries.
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Benefits:
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Full tuition fees.
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Round-trip airfare to and from Japan.
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Monthly allowance for living expenses.
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Accommodation arrangements through university dormitories or support for private housing.
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Applications are made through Japanese embassies or universities.
8. Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship Program
This scholarship supports students from IsDB member countries and Muslim communities in non-member countries.
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Eligibility: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD, and Postdoctoral students.
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Benefits:
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Tuition fees.
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Monthly stipend for living costs.
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Health insurance.
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Round-trip air ticket to and from the study destination.
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Accommodation support.
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The program aims to support students studying science, technology, education, and development.
Tips for Applying to Scholarships That Include Travel and Accommodation
Winning these prestigious scholarships requires preparation and a strategic approach. Here are some essential tips:
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Start Early: Many of these scholarships open applications 6–12 months before the academic year begins.
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Tailor Your Application: Customize your personal statement to align with the scholarship’s goals and values.
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Get Strong References: Ask mentors or professors who know your academic or professional strengths.
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Show Impact: Emphasize how you plan to use your education to give back to your community or home country.
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Be Authentic: Let your genuine motivation and goals shine through your essays.