Scholarships That Cover Living Expenses

For many students, tuition fees are only part of the real cost of studying abroad. Rent, food, transportation, health insurance, books, and daily expenses often make international education financially impossible — even when tuition is waived. That is why scholarships that cover living expenses are among the most valuable opportunities for international students in 2026. These scholarships go beyond tuition support and provide monthly stipends that allow students to live with dignity and focus fully on their studies.

Some of the world’s most prestigious scholarships are specifically designed to cover both tuition and living costs, making them truly fully funded. For example, the Fulbright Scholarship can provide $2,000–$3,000 per month for living expenses for 2–4 years, the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship offers a monthly stipend of around €1,000–€1,400 for 1–2 years, and the DAAD Scholarship provides up to €1,300 per month for living costs for up to 4 years. These amounts are carefully calculated to match the cost of living in the host country.

In this guide, you’ll discover the top scholarships that cover living expenses, how much they pay, who is eligible, and how to apply step by step. Whether you are pursuing an undergraduate, master’s, or PhD degree, these scholarships ensure that financial hardship does not stand in the way of your academic success.

Scholarship Summary

• Level of Study: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD

• Institution(s): Universities, Governments, International Organizations

• Study in: USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Australia, Asia

• Opportunity Focus Areas: All academic disciplines

• Program Period: 1–5 years (depending on degree)

• Deadline: Varies (mostly September–April)

Add the Courses Offered and Their Advantages

Scholarships that cover living expenses are available across almost all fields:

• STEM & Engineering: High monthly stipends due to research intensity

• Health & Medicine: Often includes research and fieldwork allowances

• Business & Economics: Leadership-focused funding with living support

• Social Sciences & Public Policy: Strong government-funded stipends

• Environmental & Climate Studies: Extra support for field research

• Arts & Humanities: Competitive, but Europe offers strong living stipends

Advantage: These scholarships allow students to study without working part-time, which improves academic performance and research output.

Program Period – How Long Living Expenses Are Covered

Living-expense coverage usually matches the degree length:

• Undergraduate: 3–5 years

• Master’s: 1–2 years

• PhD: 3–5 years

Some scholarships adjust stipends annually based on inflation or cost-of-living changes.

Scholarship Coverage And list Benefits – What Is Included

Scholarships that cover living expenses typically include:

• Monthly living stipend (cash paid to student)

• Accommodation or housing allowance

• Food and daily expenses support

• Health insurance

• Local transportation allowance

• Study materials/books

• Travel costs (many include round-trip flights)

💡 Important: Always check whether the stipend is monthly, yearly, or reimbursed.

Eligibility Criteria – Common Requirements

Most living-expense scholarships require:

• Strong academic background

• Admission to an eligible program

• Financial need (for some scholarships)

• Leadership or research potential

• Language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or alternatives)

• Clear study or research plan

Top Scholarships That Cover Living Expenses

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program

Courses Offered and Their Advantages

Covers Master’s and PhD programs in Engineering, Public Policy, Computer Science, Education, Health Sciences, Business, and Humanities.
Advantages:

• Study at top U.S. universities

• Strong research and academic mentoring

• Professional networking across the U.S.

Program Period – Fulbright Foreign Student Program

• 2 years (Master’s)

• 3–4 years (PhD)

Scholarship Coverage and Benefits – Fulbright Foreign Student Program

• Monthly living stipend ($2,000–$3,000 USD)

• Full tuition fees

• Accommodation support

• Health insurance

• Round-trip airfare

Eligibility Criteria – Fulbright Foreign Student Program

• International students from eligible countries

• Strong academic performance

• Leadership potential

How to Apply – Fulbright Foreign Student Program

• Apply via your country’s Fulbright Commission

• Submit SOP, CV, transcripts, recommendations

Website For Apply – Fulbright Foreign Student Program

👉 https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org

2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees

Courses Offered and Their Advantages

Master’s programs in Data Science, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Public Health, International Relations, and more.
Advantages:

• Study in 2–3 European countries

• Joint or double degrees

• International academic exposure

Program Period – Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees

• 1–2 years

Scholarship Coverage and Benefits – Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees

• Monthly stipend (€1,000–€1,400)

• Full tuition fees

• Travel and relocation allowance

• Health insurance

Eligibility Criteria – Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees

• Bachelor’s degree

• Academic excellence

• Motivation for international study

How to Apply – Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees

• Apply directly through the Erasmus Mundus program portal

Website For Apply – Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees

👉 https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu

3. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

Courses Offered and Their Advantages

Master’s and PhD programs in Engineering, IT, Economics, Natural Sciences, Environmental Studies, and Social Sciences.
Advantages:

• Low-cost or tuition-free education

• Strong research infrastructure

• High employability in Europe

Program Period – DAAD Scholarships

• 1–2 years (Master’s)

• Up to 4 years (PhD)

Scholarship Coverage and Benefits – DAAD Scholarships

• Monthly stipend up to €1,300

• Health insurance

• Travel allowance

• Research funding

Eligibility Criteria – DAAD Scholarships

• International graduates

• Academic excellence

• Relevant experience (some programs)

How to Apply – DAAD Scholarships

• Apply via DAAD portal or partner universities

Website For Apply – DAAD Scholarships

👉 https://www.daad.de

4. Chevening Scholarships (UK)

Courses Offered and Their Advantages

One-year Master’s programs in Law, Policy, Business, Media, Technology, and International Relations.
Advantages:

• Strong leadership focus

• Global alumni network

• Career acceleration

Program Period – Chevening Scholarships

• 1 year

Scholarship Coverage and Benefits – Chevening Scholarships

• Monthly living allowance (UK cost-based)

• Full tuition fees

• Accommodation support

• Travel and visa costs

Eligibility Criteria – Chevening Scholarships

• Bachelor’s degree

• Work experience (2 years)

• Leadership skills

How to Apply – Chevening Scholarships

• Apply online via Chevening portal

Website For Apply – Chevening Scholarships

👉 https://www.chevening.org

5. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Courses Offered and Their Advantages

PhD programs in Health Sciences, Engineering, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Humanities.
Advantages:

• High research funding

• Strong academic recognition

• Career advancement in academia

Program Period – Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

• 3 years

Scholarship Coverage and Benefits – Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

• $50,000 CAD per year (covers living + research costs)

• Tuition support

• Research funding

Eligibility Criteria – Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

• International PhD candidates

• Academic excellence and leadership

How to Apply – Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

• Nomination through Canadian universities

Website For Apply – Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

👉 https://vanier.gc.ca

Final Thoughts

If you want to study abroad without worrying about rent, food, or daily expenses, scholarships that cover living expenses are the best option. These programs are designed to let students focus on learning, research, and leadership — not survival.