Studying abroad can be one of the most valuable investments a student makes, but the total cost can be difficult to manage.
Tuition is often only one part of the expense.
International students may also need to pay for:
- Accommodation
- Food
- Transportation
- Health insurance
- Books and study materials
- Visa expenses
- Flights
- Personal expenses
- Research costs
This is why students searching for international scholarships often look beyond tuition waivers and specifically search for scholarships that cover tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.
These scholarships can make studying abroad much more affordable and, in some cases, cover most of the major costs associated with an international degree.
However, the phrase “fully funded” can mean different things depending on the scholarship.
Some scholarships pay tuition and provide a monthly stipend. Others provide tuition, accommodation, health insurance, and travel allowances. Some may offer a stipend that students use to pay for housing and food themselves.
Understanding exactly what a scholarship covers is therefore essential before applying.
What Does a Scholarship That Covers Tuition, Accommodation and Living Expenses Mean?
A scholarship with comprehensive funding generally provides financial support for several major parts of your education.
A strong funding package may include:
Tuition fees
The scholarship pays all or most of your academic tuition.
Accommodation
The scholarship may provide university housing, a housing allowance, or money that can be used toward rent.
Living allowance
A monthly stipend helps cover:
- Food
- Transportation
- Utilities
- Personal expenses
- Basic daily needs
Health insurance
Some scholarships provide health insurance for the scholarship period.
Travel allowance
Some programs contribute toward airfare or international travel.
Visa support
Certain scholarships include assistance with visa-related expenses.
The exact package varies from one scholarship to another.
That is why you should always read the official funding terms instead of relying only on the phrase “fully funded.”
Why Tuition-Free Does Not Mean Fully Funded
This is one of the most important things international students need to understand.
Imagine a university gives you a 100% tuition scholarship.
That sounds excellent.
But you may still need to pay:
- €700 monthly rent
- €300 food
- €100 transportation
- Health insurance
- Books
- Visa costs
- Airfare
A tuition waiver can remove the largest academic expense while leaving you responsible for substantial living costs.
A genuinely comprehensive scholarship can be much more valuable because it addresses both tuition and living expenses.
What Is a Monthly Stipend?
A monthly stipend is money provided to a scholarship recipient to help cover living expenses.
Depending on the program, students may use the money for:
- Rent
- Food
- Transportation
- Mobile phone
- Internet
- Utilities
- Clothing
- Personal expenses
For example, a scholarship might provide:
Tuition: Fully covered
Accommodation: University housing
Living allowance: Monthly stipend
Insurance: Covered
Travel: Allowance provided
That is much closer to what students usually mean when they search for a fully funded scholarship.
1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s program is one of the most attractive options for international students looking for extensive financial support.
These master’s programs are delivered by international partnerships of universities.
Students can study in multiple countries during the same degree.
The European Commission states that Erasmus Mundus scholarship funding contributes toward travel, visa, installation, and subsistence costs. It also states that scholarship holders cannot be charged tuition fees or other mandatory participation costs by the project.
This combination makes Erasmus Mundus especially attractive to students who want:
- Tuition support
- Living support
- Travel assistance
- International study experience
Does Erasmus Mundus Pay for Accommodation?
Erasmus Mundus scholarships provide a subsistence contribution rather than necessarily giving every student a free dormitory room.
Students may use their scholarship funds to pay for accommodation and other living expenses.
The actual housing arrangement depends on the specific master’s program and the country where the student is studying.
Therefore, always check the individual Erasmus Mundus course website.
2. DAAD Scholarships in Germany
Germany is another excellent destination for students looking for scholarships that combine tuition support and living assistance.
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers numerous scholarships for international students, graduates, doctoral candidates, and researchers.
The exact benefits depend on the scholarship.
Some DAAD programs provide:
- Monthly scholarship payments
- Travel allowances
- Insurance
- Other financial support
The official DAAD scholarship database allows international applicants to search for scholarships according to destination, subject, academic status, and funding purpose.
Does DAAD Cover Accommodation?
This depends on the particular scholarship.
A DAAD scholarship may provide a monthly payment that students use for accommodation and living expenses rather than directly paying rent.
Some programs may provide additional allowances under certain circumstances.
For this reason, don’t assume that every DAAD scholarship includes a free dormitory.
Read the specific scholarship description.
3. Commonwealth Scholarships
Commonwealth Scholarships are designed to support students from eligible Commonwealth countries.
Depending on the scholarship, funding can include:
- Tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Travel
- Other approved expenses
The exact benefits depend on the individual Commonwealth scholarship.
For students from eligible countries, these scholarships can provide an opportunity to pursue postgraduate study in the UK without having to personally finance the full cost.
4. Chevening Scholarships
Chevening is one of the best-known UK scholarship programs for international students.
It supports eligible applicants pursuing a one-year master’s degree in the United Kingdom.
Chevening funding can provide substantial support toward:
- Tuition
- Monthly living expenses
- Travel
- Arrival-related costs
- Visa expenses
- Other approved allowances
The exact package and current rules should always be checked on the official Chevening website.
Because Chevening is highly competitive, applicants should focus on building a strong academic, professional, leadership, and career profile.
5. Australia Awards Scholarships
Australia Awards are another important scholarship option for eligible international students.
Depending on the relevant program and country, Australia Awards can provide substantial financial support for students studying in Australia.
Benefits can include:
- Full tuition fees
- Return air travel
- Establishment allowance
- Living expenses
- Introductory academic program
- Health insurance
- Other approved support
The eligibility criteria and benefits vary according to the applicant’s country and scholarship category.
Students should check the official Australia Awards information for their specific country.
6. Fulbright Scholarships
Students considering the United States should investigate Fulbright opportunities.
Fulbright programs vary by country and program type, but scholarships can provide financial support for international graduate students and researchers.
Depending on the specific award, funding may cover:
- Tuition
- Living expenses
- Travel
- Health-related benefits
- Other approved educational costs
Applicants should check their country’s Fulbright program because eligibility and funding structures are not identical worldwide.
7. Stipendium Hungaricum
Hungary’s Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship program is another popular option for international students.
Depending on the scholarship conditions, benefits can include:
- Tuition-free education
- Monthly stipend
- Accommodation contribution or dormitory placement
- Medical insurance
The program is available to students from eligible partner countries.
One important detail is that the stipend may not cover every living expense in every city.
Students should budget carefully.
A scholarship can be officially classified as fully funded while still requiring students to contribute some personal money toward expenses.
8. Government Scholarships
Government-funded scholarships are often among the strongest opportunities for students seeking comprehensive financial support.
Examples include programs funded by:
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Canada
- Japan
- Hungary
- France
- South Korea
- European institutions
- Other national governments
Government scholarships can provide a combination of:
Tuition + stipend + accommodation + travel + insurance
But the package varies.
Always check the current official call.
9. University Scholarships
Universities also offer scholarships that may cover more than tuition.
For example, a university may offer:
100% tuition waiver + annual living stipend
Another may provide:
Full tuition + accommodation
Another may provide:
Tuition + monthly research allowance
University scholarships can be particularly valuable for PhD students because funding is often connected to research.
Fully Funded PhD Scholarships With Living Expenses
PhD students should not limit their search to traditional scholarships.
Look for:
- Funded PhD positions
- Doctoral research assistantships
- Graduate research scholarships
- Research fellowships
- Teaching assistantships
- Research assistantships
In some countries, a funded PhD position is essentially employment.
Instead of receiving a traditional scholarship, you may receive a salary or stipend.
This can provide stronger financial support than a simple tuition waiver.
Why PhD Funding Can Be Different
A PhD is often connected to a research project.
A university professor may receive funding for research and hire doctoral students to work on the project.
The student could receive:
- Salary
- Tuition coverage
- Research funding
- Health insurance
- Paid vacation
The structure varies by country.
For this reason, prospective PhD students should search for funded doctoral positions as well as scholarships.
Scholarships That Pay for Housing
Accommodation support can take several forms.
University accommodation
The scholarship places you in a university dormitory.
Housing allowance
The scholarship provides money specifically for rent.
Monthly stipend
You receive a general living allowance and use part of it for accommodation.
Accommodation reimbursement
The scholarship may reimburse approved housing expenses.
These are not identical.
Always check which type of housing support is provided.
Free Accommodation vs Accommodation Allowance
This distinction is important.
Suppose a scholarship says:
“Accommodation provided.”
You might expect a free private apartment.
But it could mean:
“University dormitory room provided.”
Another scholarship might say:
“Housing allowance: €300 per month.”
That does not necessarily mean your entire rent is covered.
Therefore, check:
- Type of accommodation
- Location
- Room arrangement
- Monthly value
- Utilities
- Whether meals are included
- Whether the accommodation is guaranteed
Scholarships That Pay Living Expenses
A living stipend is often the most important part of a scholarship for international students.
Why?
Because tuition can be waived, but you still need money to survive.
A monthly stipend can help pay for:
- Rent
- Food
- Public transport
- Utilities
- Internet
- Study materials
- Personal expenses
The value of the stipend should always be compared with the local cost of living.
A €1,000 Stipend Is Not the Same Everywhere
Consider two cities.
City A
Rent: €350
Food: €250
Transportation: €50
Utilities: €100
Personal expenses: €100
A €1,000 stipend may be manageable.
City B
Rent: €750
Food: €300
Transportation: €100
Utilities: €150
Personal expenses: €150
The same €1,000 stipend may be difficult.
This is why students should research the cost of living before accepting a scholarship.
Scholarships With Tuition and Living Expenses in Europe
Europe has many scholarship opportunities that combine academic and living support.
Students can investigate:
- Erasmus Mundus
- DAAD
- Government scholarships
- University scholarships
- Research fellowships
- National scholarship schemes
Countries worth investigating include:
- Germany
- France
- Hungary
- Italy
- Sweden
- Finland
- Netherlands
- Belgium
- Austria
- Poland
The funding level varies considerably.
Scholarships With Tuition and Accommodation in Germany
Germany is attractive because many public universities have relatively low tuition costs compared with universities in countries such as the United States.
However, students still need money for:
- Housing
- Food
- Health insurance
- Transportation
- Semester contributions
DAAD scholarships can provide monthly financial support, depending on the program.
Students should therefore calculate the difference between the scholarship stipend and actual local expenses.
Scholarships With Tuition and Living Expenses in the UK
The UK is one of the most popular destinations for international students.
Students can investigate:
- Chevening
- Commonwealth Scholarships
- GREAT Scholarships
- University scholarships
- Research funding
- PhD studentships
The major advantage of a comprehensive scholarship is that it can reduce both tuition and living costs.
This is especially important in expensive cities.
Scholarships With Tuition and Living Expenses in Australia
Australia offers a number of government and university scholarships.
Potential benefits may include:
- Tuition coverage
- Living allowance
- Travel
- Health insurance
- Establishment support
Research students should investigate university research training programs as well as government scholarships.
Scholarships With Tuition and Living Expenses in Canada
Canada is another popular destination for international students.
Potential funding sources include:
- University scholarships
- Graduate research funding
- Teaching assistantships
- Research assistantships
- Government scholarships
- Doctoral funding
For graduate students, a funding package can combine several sources.
For example:
Tuition waiver + research assistantship + teaching assistantship
can create a strong overall funding package.
Scholarships With Tuition and Living Expenses in the USA
American universities can be expensive, but graduate students may have access to assistantships.
Common forms include:
Teaching Assistantship
You assist with teaching undergraduate courses.
Research Assistantship
You work on a research project.
Graduate Assistantship
You perform academic or administrative duties.
In exchange, the university may provide:
- Tuition waiver
- Monthly stipend
- Health insurance
For many master’s and PhD applicants, assistantships can be more useful than searching only for the word “scholarship.”
Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students
If you are an international student, the first thing to check is eligibility.
Some scholarships are open globally.
Others are limited to specific countries.
Some target:
- Developing countries
- Commonwealth countries
- Specific regions
- Women
- Specific academic disciplines
- Public-sector professionals
- Researchers
- Young professionals
Never assume that being an international student automatically makes you eligible.
Scholarships for Nigerian Students
Nigerian students can investigate international scholarship opportunities offered by:
- Commonwealth programs
- European programs
- German organizations
- Australian government programs
- Universities
- Research institutions
- Foundations
The Federal Ministry of Education also publishes information on international scholarship opportunities and education-related announcements.
However, each opportunity has its own eligibility requirements.
Scholarships for Master’s Students
Master’s applicants should prioritize scholarships that provide:
Tuition + monthly stipend + accommodation or housing allowance.
Some strong categories to research include:
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
- Chevening
- Commonwealth
- DAAD
- Government scholarships
- University scholarships
A master’s scholarship can dramatically reduce the financial burden of studying abroad.
Scholarships for PhD Students
PhD students should investigate:
- Government scholarships
- University fellowships
- Research assistantships
- Teaching assistantships
- Funded doctoral positions
- Research grants
A PhD funding package can sometimes provide both tuition coverage and a monthly salary.
This can be more financially sustainable than a traditional scholarship.
Scholarships for Undergraduate Students
Fully funded undergraduate scholarships are generally less common than graduate scholarships, but they do exist.
Students can investigate:
- Government programs
- University scholarships
- International foundations
- Country-specific scholarship schemes
Undergraduate applicants should be particularly careful about the distinction between:
full tuition
and
fully funded.
A tuition scholarship may still leave accommodation and living expenses unpaid.
How to Check What a Scholarship Covers
Before applying, create a simple table.
| Expense | Covered? |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Yes/No |
| Accommodation | Yes/No |
| Monthly stipend | Yes/No |
| Health insurance | Yes/No |
| Flight | Yes/No |
| Visa | Yes/No |
| Books | Yes/No |
| Research costs | Yes/No |
| Family support | Yes/No |
This will quickly show whether the scholarship is genuinely suitable.
Questions to Ask Before Accepting a Scholarship
Ask:
Is tuition fully covered?
Not just partially.
Is accommodation included?
Or do you receive a housing allowance?
How much is the monthly stipend?
Is the stipend paid every month?
Is health insurance included?
Is airfare included?
Are visa costs covered?
Are there additional university fees?
Does the funding continue for the entire degree?
These questions can prevent unpleasant financial surprises.
Scholarship Duration Matters
A scholarship might cover:
One year
while your degree lasts:
Two years.
That creates a funding gap.
Before accepting a scholarship, check whether funding covers:
- Entire master’s degree
- Entire PhD
- Only standard program duration
- Foundation year
- Research extension
- Thesis period
Never assume that funding continues indefinitely.
What Happens If Your Scholarship Ends Early?
Some scholarships have strict duration limits.
If you need additional time, you may need to:
- Request an extension
- Find additional funding
- Pay your own expenses
- Apply for another grant
PhD students should pay particular attention to this because doctoral research can take longer than expected.
Fully Funded Does Not Mean Luxury
A fully funded scholarship is designed to support your education and reasonable living expenses.
It does not necessarily mean you will have:
- A private apartment
- Unlimited spending money
- Business-class flights
- Luxury accommodation
A scholarship may provide a modest but sufficient stipend.
Your goal should be to understand whether the funding is realistically enough for the city and program.
How to Budget Your Scholarship
Suppose your monthly stipend is €1,200.
You might create a budget like this:
| Expense | Monthly budget |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | €500 |
| Food | €250 |
| Transportation | €80 |
| Phone/internet | €50 |
| Study materials | €50 |
| Personal expenses | €120 |
| Emergency savings | €100 |
| Total | €1,150 |
That leaves €50 as a small buffer.
Your actual numbers will depend on the country and city.
How to Find These Scholarships
Use searches such as:
“fully funded master’s scholarships 2027 tuition accommodation stipend”
“fully funded scholarships international students 2027 living expenses”
“fully funded PhD scholarships 2027 monthly stipend”
“scholarship tuition accommodation monthly stipend international students”
Then verify the result on the official scholarship website.
Don’t Trust Every Scholarship List
Many scholarship websites copy old information.
A scholarship advertised as:
“2027 Fully Funded Scholarship”
may actually be an old 2025 or 2026 article.
Always check:
- Publication date
- Official deadline
- Current application portal
- Current eligibility
- Current funding package
A current official source is more reliable than an old article.
Common Scholarship Scams
Be careful if someone promises:
“100% guaranteed scholarship.”
Or:
“Pay $100 and we will secure your scholarship.”
Or:
“You have already won; send your processing fee.”
Legitimate scholarship programs generally have transparent application and selection procedures.
Verify everything through the official organization.
Should You Use a Scholarship Agent?
You can apply directly to most major scholarship programs.
An agent may offer help with:
- Document preparation
- University selection
- Application review
But you should never assume an agent is officially connected to a scholarship provider.
If someone claims to represent a scholarship, verify the relationship directly with the institution.
How to Improve Your Chances
Fully funded scholarships are competitive.
A strong application should demonstrate:
Academic excellence
Strong grades can help.
Relevant experience
Internships, employment, research, or volunteering can strengthen your application.
Leadership
Show actual examples of leadership.
Clear goals
Explain what you plan to do after graduation.
Strong motivation
Connect the program to your future.
Community impact
Explain how your education could benefit others.
Why Your Career Plan Matters
Scholarship committees want to understand why they should invest in you.
Don’t simply write:
“I want to study abroad because I want a better education.”
Explain what you intend to do with that education.
For example:
“After completing my master’s degree in environmental engineering, I plan to work on sustainable water-management projects and develop affordable treatment systems for communities facing water-access challenges.”
A specific plan is much stronger.
A Practical Application Strategy
Instead of applying randomly, create three groups.
Group A: Highly competitive
Apply to prestigious scholarships where your profile is a strong match.
Group B: Good match
Apply to scholarships where your qualifications meet most requirements.
Group C: Backup opportunities
Apply to university funding, research positions, and less competitive programs.
This gives you a more balanced application strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which scholarships cover tuition and living expenses?
Several major scholarship programs can provide both tuition and living support, depending on the specific award.
Examples worth researching include Erasmus Mundus, DAAD, Commonwealth Scholarships, Chevening, Australia Awards, Fulbright programs, Stipendium Hungaricum, and university-funded scholarships.
Which scholarships cover accommodation?
Some scholarships provide accommodation directly, while others provide a monthly stipend or housing allowance that can be used to pay rent.
Always check the exact scholarship benefits.
Does Erasmus Mundus cover living expenses?
Yes. Erasmus Mundus scholarships provide a contribution toward subsistence costs, as well as travel, visa, and installation costs.
Does DAAD provide a monthly stipend?
Many DAAD scholarships provide monthly financial support, although the amount and benefits vary by scholarship.
Check the specific DAAD award before applying.
Does a fully funded scholarship pay for food?
If the scholarship provides a living stipend, students can generally use that money toward food and other daily expenses.
However, the scholarship may not label food as a separate benefit.
Does a fully funded scholarship pay rent?
It may.
Some programs provide accommodation directly, while others provide a stipend or housing allowance.
Can I bring my family on a scholarship?
That depends on the scholarship, immigration rules, and your financial situation.
A scholarship intended for one student does not necessarily provide financial support for dependents.
Can I work while receiving a scholarship?
This depends on the scholarship rules and immigration regulations of the country.
Some scholarships restrict employment.
Always check the conditions before accepting paid work.
Are fully funded scholarships available for 2027?
Yes, scholarships and funding opportunities will be available for programs beginning in 2027, but individual opening dates and deadlines vary.
Start checking official scholarship pages early.
Final Thoughts
A scholarship that covers tuition, accommodation, and living expenses can completely change the economics of studying abroad.
Instead of worrying about how to pay university tuition while simultaneously paying rent and buying food, students can focus more of their energy on their education and research.
But applicants need to look beyond the phrase “fully funded.”
A scholarship can cover full tuition but provide no accommodation.
Another can provide tuition and a monthly stipend but expect you to find your own housing.
Another may provide a dormitory room but only a modest living allowance.
The strongest approach is to examine every component of the funding package.
For master’s applicants, Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are particularly worth investigating because the official Erasmus+ rules provide scholarship contributions toward travel, visa, installation, and subsistence costs, while scholarship holders cannot be charged tuition fees or other mandatory participation costs by the project.
For Germany, the DAAD scholarship database is an excellent starting point because it allows international applicants to search for funding according to academic status, destination, subject, and purpose.
Students should also investigate Commonwealth, Chevening, Australia Awards, Fulbright, Stipendium Hungaricum, university scholarships, and funded doctoral positions.
Most importantly, calculate your expected expenses before accepting an offer.
A scholarship providing €1,000 per month in a low-cost city may be more comfortable than one providing €1,500 in an extremely expensive city.
Look at the complete package:
Tuition + accommodation + stipend + insurance + travel + visa support + duration.
That is the real measure of whether a scholarship is fully funded for your individual circumstances.
If you are planning to study abroad in 2027, start preparing your documents early, monitor official scholarship announcements, and apply only through legitimate channels.
A strong scholarship application is not simply about finding money for university. It is about finding the right program, the right funding package, and the right academic opportunity for your long-term goals.