Scholarships That Cover Both Tuition and Living Expenses Abroad

Thinking about studying abroad? It’s one of the most life-changing decisions you can make, but let’s be honest, it can also get really expensive. Tuition fees are only one part of the picture. Once you add in accommodation, meals, transportation, health insurance, and all the little day-to-day costs, the price tag often doubles (sometimes even triples).

That’s where the best scholarships step in. The ones worth aiming for don’t just cover your tuition, they also take care of living expenses, which means you can focus on your education and experience instead of stressing about money. These are often called “fully funded” or “full-ride” scholarships. Sure, they’re rare and competitive, but they do exist, and students win them every year.

Below are some of the top programs, what they actually cover, the eligibility criteria, and practical tips to help you stand out when you apply.

Why Scholarships that Cover Tuition and Living Expenses Are Game-Changers

• Whole cost of attendance: Tuition is just one slice. Rent, food, transport, insurance, books — these often add up to 30-60% or more of total costs abroad. A scholarship that covers only tuition still leaves a large financial burden.

• Less stress, better performance: Scholars with living expenses covered can focus more on study, research, networking, rather than working part-time jobs.

• More equitable access: Students from low or middle-income families are more likely to be excluded if only tuition is funded. Full scholarships that include living expenses level the playing field and open doors for talent that might otherwise be left behind.

What “Full Funding” Typically Includes

A fully funded scholarship usually doesn’t just stop at paying your tuition fees. The strongest ones also give you the financial cushion you need to live and study comfortably in another country. That means support for things like accommodation, meals, travel, health insurance, books and study materials and monthly allowance. Here are common components in scholarships that truly cover both tuition and living costs:

A note: Amounts vary significantly by country and cost of living. What is “sufficient” in one location may be tight in another.

Best Fully Funded Scholarships Abroad in 2025

Here are specific examples of scholarships currently active (or recently active) that cover both tuition and living expenses. These are competitive, but inspirational and good benchmarks for what to aim for.

Tips for Choosing Scholarships Based on Your Study Level

Not every scholarship is designed the same way, what works for an undergraduate may not be the best fit for someone applying to a Master’s or PhD. Since we’re focusing on scholarships that cover both tuition and living expenses abroad, here’s how you can target the right opportunities depending on where you are in your academic journey:

If you’re an Undergraduate (or finishing high school):

• Focus on programs made for undergraduates, often offered by host-country governments. A great example is the GKS Undergraduate Track in South Korea.

• Many universities also provide generous entrance scholarships or excellence awards that fully fund tuition and give a stipend. Don’t overlook these, sometimes the university itself is your best bet.

If you’re going for a Master’s:

• Cast a wide net. Government-funded programs like Chevening (UK), GKS (Korea), and DAAD (Germany) are popular choices. You can also apply to Erasmus Mundus, which supports joint Master’s programs across Europe.

• At this stage, your leadership experience, prior research, and a clear vision for your future matter a lot. Many selection committees weigh these qualities heavily.

If you’re aiming for a PhD:

• A strong research proposal is your golden ticket. If you have published work, that’s even better, it shows you’re ready for advanced research.

• Look for funding from both universities (like fellowships or teaching assistantships) and international grant programs. PhD scholarships can be competitive, but the opportunities are often broader if you demonstrate real research potential.

In short, your study level shapes not just where you apply but also how you present yourself. Align your applications with what funders are looking for at each stage, and you’ll stand out more easily.

Upcoming Trends to Watch

• Higher stipends in response to inflation: Some scholarship bodies are periodically updating their living allowances or stipend amounts to better match rising costs. Candidates should check latest fixed amounts rather than past announcements.

• Hybrid/remotely-started programmes (online + on-campus): In some cases, scholars may begin parts of their studies online (especially under global disruptions), shifting when travel or relocation becomes possible. This may affect travel allowance or stipend timing.

• Greater emphasis on community impact, sustainability, interdisciplinary research: More scholarships are favouring proposals with clear impact back home, environmental/sustainability themes, or that cross disciplinary lines.

• Expanded eligibility and diversity criteria: Scholarships are paying more attention to inclusivity such as gender, minority/diaspora students, first-generation scholars, etc.

• More support for non-STEM / Social Sciences / Humanities: Historically STEM fields get more funding; now many major grants are expanding into arts, humanities, policy, etc.

For a comprehensive guide, see the The Changing Landscape of Scholarships and Financial Aid.

Caution: What to Watch Out For

• Some “scholarships” that claim “full funding” might exclude major costs (e.g. travel, visa, insurance).

• Stipends may vary a lot depending on location, so what seems generous in one country might be barely enough somewhere with high living costs. E.g. CHF 11,000 per semester in Switzerland may sound high, but rent + food + transport in Zurich are expensive.

• Competitiveness: many of these programs have thousands of applicants; rejections are common even for strong candidates, so resilience is key.

How to Find & Apply Successfully

Here are some practical steps to increase your odds:

1. Map your profile and priorities
   Before jumping into applications, take a step back. Which country do you prefer for your academic journey? At which level—Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD? Which field matches both your academic strength and long-term goals? Knowing your priorities helps you target scholarships that fit you instead of applying blindly.
2. Stick to reliable sources and check deadlines
   Not all scholarship information online is accurate. Trustworthy places to start include:

• Well-known scholarship portals (e.g., Scholars4Dev, Edufund Global)

• Official government or embassy websites

• University scholarship and departmental funding pages And remember: deadlines are strict. Missing even one means waiting another year.

3. Double-check if “living expenses” are really included
   Some programs market themselves as “fully funded” but only cover tuition. Always check the fine print, does it include accommodation, stipend, insurance, and travel? When in doubt, reach out to past recipients or contact the scholarship office directly.

4. Budget for the extras
   Even the most generous scholarships may not cover everything. Be ready to manage costs like visa fees, textbooks, personal items, or travel beyond the basics. Always plan a little cushion into your budget.

5. Build a strong application package
   Your application is your voice so make it count. Focus on:

• Solid academic transcripts and relevant projects

• Recommendation letters that highlight leadership and resilience

• A clear statement of purpose or research proposal (especially for graduate study)

• Evidence of community service, leadership, or plans to give back after graduation

6. Apply early and to multiple options
   Fully funded scholarships are highly competitive. The earlier you apply, the more time you have to refine your documents. Plus, casting a wider net increases your chances. Many governments and universities launch new opportunities every year, so keep checking.

7. Learn the country-specific process
   Each major scholarship has its own system. For example:

• Fulbright applications often go through national commissions or embassies

• Chevening is managed by the British Council

• DAAD may involve German embassies or partner universities. Some even require nominations, interviews, or pre-screenings so don’t wait until the last minute to figure this out.

Role of Embassies and National Scholarship Agencies

Government bodies and embassies often play central roles in scholarship administration, and knowing how to engage them well can make a difference.

• Nomination and local selection: Many large scholarships (e.g. Fulbright, DAAD, Chevening) require applications to go through the local embassy or national commission in your home country. They may also interview candidates locally.

• Information & support: Embassies often provide informative sessions, webinars, or guidance for applications. They may clarify documentation, translation needs, visa issues, or legal requirements.

• Verification and certification: Documents like transcripts, diplomas, or police clearance certificates may need attestation from local / government offices. Embassy staff sometimes assist or guide through these legalizations.

• Alumni networks & post-award obligations: National agencies or embassies often maintain alumni networks. Scholarships may require scholars to return home after studies, submit reports, or use the knowledge locally. These obligations are often enforced via the embassy or national offices.

Common Mistakes Applicants Make (& How to Avoid Them)

Submitting Generic Applications

• Many students send the same essay to multiple scholarships, making their application look impersonal.

• How to avoid: Carefully read the scholarship’s mission and values. Tailor your personal statement or essay to show how your goals align with the program (e.g., highlight leadership for Chevening, research potential for DAAD).

Missing Deadlines & Ignoring Instructions

• A late application or failing to follow instructions (like document formats, translations, or word limits) can result in immediate rejection.

• How to avoid: Create a timeline or use a scholarship application tracker. Double-check guidelines before submission and submit at least a few days before the deadline.

Weak Recommendation Letters

• Vague or generic references can weaken your profile, especially if submitted at the last minute.

• How to avoid: Approach recommenders early. Provide them with your CV, achievements, and scholarship details so they can write specific, strong, and supportive letters.

Not Meeting Language Requirements

• Submitting expired IELTS/TOEFL scores or failing to meet the minimum language requirement is a common reason for rejection.

• How to avoid: Check score requirements for each scholarship well in advance. Prepare early, retake the test if needed, and keep valid certificates ready before applying.

Poor Financial Awareness

• Many assume that completely funded covers everything, but in expensive cities, stipends may not stretch far. This lack of awareness can also show up in interviews.

• How to avoid: Research the cost of living in your host city (housing, food, transport). Mention in your application or interview how you plan to budget responsibly.

Lack of Research on the Program

• Some applicants don’t understand the specific goals of a scholarship, applying blindly without alignment.

• How to avoid: Visit the official scholarship website, read alumni experiences, and note program focus areas (e.g., leadership, community service, innovation). Highlight these in your essays.

• Overlooking Proofreading

• Spelling mistakes, poor grammar, or inconsistencies in CV and essays signal carelessness.

• How to avoid: Proofread multiple times, or ask a mentor/friend to review. Use tools like Grammarly for error checks before submission.

Actionable Next Steps for You

• Make a shortlist of 3-5 scholarships that match your profile (country/institution/level).

• For each, write down every document requirement & deadline; prepare early.

• Reach out (via email) to past scholars if possible — to ask about how much living stipend really was, and what extra costs they faced.

• Build up profile elements: leadership / community work / internships / good letters.

Final Takeaway

When you look closely, scholarships that pay for both tuition and living costs abroad do more than fund your studies, they unlock an entirely new chapter of life. They take away the stress of constant budgeting, part-time jobs, or worrying about rent, and instead give you the freedom to focus on what truly matters: learning, building connections, and shaping your future.

Yes, these opportunities are competitive, but they’re also very real. Thousands of students secure them every year not because they’re perfect, but because they prepared early, applied widely, and told their story in a clear and compelling way. If you’re serious about studying abroad, start mapping your options now.

Remember, your dream university or research project doesn’t have to stay a dream. With the right scholarship, you could be packing your bags sooner than you think.

Start with one action today: bookmark 3 scholarships and set their deadlines in your calendar. Small steps lead to big wins!

Reference Links

• DAAD Studying in Germany, Scholarship programmes & DAAD database.

• Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA) official site.

• Chevening Scholarships (UK) official site (including finances & FAQ).

• Federal Student Aid (U.S) for scholarships & aid.