For many students, scholarships are more than just a way to pay tuition—they are a lifeline that makes higher education possible. While some scholarships only cover tuition fees, others go a step further by providing a monthly allowance to cover living expenses such as accommodation, food, books, and transportation. These fully or partially funded scholarships are particularly valuable for international students, who often face high costs when studying abroad.
Below is a comprehensive list of scholarships that pay monthly allowance, offered by governments, universities, and international organizations. These programs not only reduce financial pressure but also allow students to focus on their studies and professional growth.
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
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Overview: One of the most prestigious scholarships in the world, Fulbright supports graduate students, young professionals, and artists from over 160 countries to study or conduct research in the United States.
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Coverage: Tuition fees, health insurance, travel costs, and a monthly stipend for living expenses.
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Highlight: Focuses on cultural exchange and academic excellence, creating a strong global alumni network.
2. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
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Overview: Funded by the UK government, Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding future leaders and professionals.
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Coverage: Full tuition fees, travel costs, visa fees, and a monthly living allowance.
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Highlight: Recipients gain access to leadership programs, exclusive events, and a global network of alumni.
3. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
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Overview: The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is one of the largest providers of international scholarships.
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Coverage: Tuition (if applicable), travel costs, health insurance, and a monthly stipend of around €934 for master’s students, with higher amounts for doctoral candidates.
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Highlight: Germany offers high-quality education with little to no tuition fees, making DAAD one of the most attractive options.
4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships (Europe)
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Overview: Funded by the European Union, Erasmus Mundus supports students worldwide who enroll in joint master’s programs at two or more European universities.
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Coverage: Full tuition fees, travel allowance, insurance, and a monthly stipend of €1,000 to €1,200.
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Highlight: Students graduate with degrees from multiple European institutions, boosting global employability.
5. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK & Commonwealth Countries)
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Overview: Designed for students from developing Commonwealth countries, these scholarships support master’s and PhD studies in the UK.
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Coverage: Tuition, travel, study grants, and a monthly living allowance.
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Highlight: Focuses on students committed to contributing to the development of their home countries.
6. Gates Cambridge Scholarships (UK)
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Overview: Established by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, these scholarships support international students at the University of Cambridge.
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Coverage: Full tuition, travel, visa fees, and a monthly stipend of around £20,000.
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Highlight: Highly competitive, targeting students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.
7. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (Sweden)
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Overview: Sweden offers fully funded scholarships to talented students from non-EU countries.
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Coverage: Full tuition fees, travel allowance, insurance, and a monthly living allowance of SEK 11,000.
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Highlight: Aimed at students with leadership qualities and a commitment to contributing to sustainable development.
8. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program (France)
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Overview: Funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, this scholarship attracts international students to French universities.
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Coverage: Tuition support, travel costs, health insurance, and a monthly stipend of €1,181 for master’s students and €1,700 for PhD students.
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Highlight: Focuses on fields such as engineering, political science, and economics.
9. Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)
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Overview: A government-funded program supporting students from developing countries in Asia, Africa, and the Pacific.
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Coverage: Full tuition, travel expenses, health insurance, and a fortnightly stipend for living costs.
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Highlight: Encourages long-term development cooperation and fosters strong bilateral ties.
10. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Switzerland)
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Overview: Offered to postgraduate researchers and artists, these scholarships encourage international collaboration in Swiss universities.
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Coverage: Full tuition, health insurance, and a monthly allowance of CHF 1,920.
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Highlight: Supports advanced research and fosters international academic partnerships.
11. Rotary Foundation Global Grants
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Overview: Funded by Rotary International, these scholarships support graduate-level or research studies abroad.
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Coverage: Tuition, travel, supplies, and a monthly stipend for living costs.
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Highlight: Focuses on projects aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus, such as peace, health, and community development.
12. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships
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Overview: 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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Coverage: Full tuition, airfare, and a monthly allowance of ¥117,000 or more depending on study level.
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Highlight: Provides opportunities to experience Japan’s rich culture alongside academic excellence.
Tips for Applying to Scholarships with Monthly Allowance
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Start Early: Many scholarships open a year before the academic session begins.
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Focus on Eligibility: Match your profile with the scholarship’s goals—whether merit-based, need-based, or field-specific.
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Prepare Strong Essays: Show your academic achievements, leadership skills, and future plans.
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Collect Recommendations: Letters from professors or employers strengthen your application.
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Apply Widely: Submit applications to multiple programs to increase your chances.
Conclusion
Scholarships that provide a monthly allowance are invaluable because they not only cover tuition but also help students manage daily expenses, allowing them to concentrate on their studies. Programs like Fulbright, Chevening, DAAD, Erasmus Mundus, and MEXT are among the most prestigious opportunities worldwide, offering financial security and international exposure.
