For many students, studying abroad is a life-changing opportunity that opens doors to world-class education, global exposure, and career growth. However, the financial aspect often discourages talented students from pursuing this dream. While tuition fees are the most obvious cost, living expenses, accommodation, and travel costs can be equally overwhelming. Fortunately, several fully funded scholarships not only waive tuition fees but also provide financial support for daily living and international travel.
In this article, we highlight some of the top scholarships that cover living expenses and travel costs, offering students the chance to study without financial strain.
Why Scholarships That Cover Living and Travel Costs Matter
While tuition-free education is a relief, students still need to pay for:
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Housing and accommodation
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Meals and daily living
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Health insurance
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Transportation within the host country
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Airfare from their home country
For international students, these additional expenses often amount to thousands of dollars annually. Scholarships that cover living expenses and travel costs make studying abroad accessible to students who would otherwise be unable to afford it.
Top Scholarships That Cover Living and Travel Costs
1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships (EU-Wide)
The Erasmus Mundus program is one of the most generous scholarships offered by the European Union. It allows students to pursue a joint master’s degree across multiple universities in Europe.
Coverage includes:
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Full tuition fees
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Monthly stipend for living expenses
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Travel costs and installation allowance
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Health insurance
Students also gain cultural exposure by studying in at least two different European countries.
2. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides financial support to international students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees in Germany.
Benefits include:
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Monthly living stipend
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Health and accident insurance
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Travel allowance to and from Germany
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Full or partial tuition fee support (depending on the program)
Germany is already known for low-cost or tuition-free education, making DAAD one of the most attractive scholarships globally.
3. Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom)
The Chevening Scholarships, funded by the UK government, are designed for outstanding students with leadership potential. They are primarily for one-year master’s programs.
Coverage includes:
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Full tuition fees
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Monthly living allowance
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Economy-class airfare to and from the UK
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Arrival and departure allowances
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Visa application fee reimbursement
In addition to financial aid, Chevening offers access to a global professional network.
4. Fulbright Scholarships (United States)
The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world, available for graduate study, research, and teaching in the U.S.
Benefits include:
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Tuition fees
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Monthly living stipend
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Round-trip airfare
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Health insurance
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Book and research allowances
This scholarship not only covers finances but also fosters cross-cultural exchange between the U.S. and other countries.
5. Eiffel Excellence Scholarships (France)
The French government funds the Eiffel Excellence Scholarships to attract top international students for master’s and PhD programs.
Coverage includes:
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Monthly allowance for living expenses (€1,181 for master’s and €1,700 for PhD)
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International airfare
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Local travel reimbursement
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Health insurance
Although tuition fees are not directly covered, France’s affordable public university system makes this scholarship highly beneficial.
6. Australian Awards Scholarships (Australia)
Funded by the Australian Government, these scholarships target students from developing countries, especially in Asia, Africa, and the Pacific.
Benefits include:
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Full tuition fees
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Living expenses contribution
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Return airfare to and from Australia
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Establishment allowance (for housing and study materials)
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Overseas student health cover
Recipients also gain opportunities for professional networking and leadership development.
7. Swedish Institute Scholarships (Sweden)
The Swedish Institute (SI) offers fully funded master’s scholarships to students worldwide, focusing on leadership and sustainability.
Coverage includes:
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Full tuition fees
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Monthly living stipend
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Travel grant to and from Sweden
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Insurance during the study period
Sweden’s emphasis on innovation and sustainability makes this scholarship ideal for future changemakers.
8. Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary)
Hungary’s Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship program has grown in popularity for international students pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees.
Benefits include:
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Full tuition fees
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Monthly stipend for living expenses
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Free accommodation or housing allowance
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Health insurance
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Contribution to travel expenses
This makes Hungary one of the most affordable European destinations for international students.
9. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Switzerland)
Switzerland offers prestigious scholarships for postgraduate students and researchers.
Coverage includes:
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Monthly stipend for living costs
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Tuition fee waiver (in many cases)
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Health insurance
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Housing allowance
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Round-trip airfare
These scholarships are particularly popular for students in science, technology, and innovation-related fields.
10. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)
This scholarship is aimed at students from developing countries who wish to pursue master’s programs in development-related fields at participating universities worldwide.
Coverage includes:
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Full tuition fees
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Monthly living stipend
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Round-trip airfare
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Health insurance
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Travel allowance
It prepares students to return home and contribute to economic and social development.
Tips for Applying to Scholarships That Cover Living and Travel Costs
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Apply Early – Deadlines are usually 6–12 months before the academic year starts.
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Prepare a Strong Application – Showcase academic excellence, leadership, and extracurricular involvement.
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Write a Compelling Personal Statement – Emphasize your career goals and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.
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Gather Strong Recommendations – Ask professors or mentors who can highlight your strengths.
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Apply to Multiple Programs – Increasing your chances by applying broadly across scholarships.
Final Thoughts
Securing a scholarship that covers living expenses and travel costs is more than just financial relief—it provides peace of mind and allows students to focus on their academic journey. Programs like Erasmus Mundus, DAAD, Chevening, Fulbright, and Eiffel Excellence demonstrate that world-class education can be accessible to talented students, regardless of their financial background.