You should look for fully funded scholarships if you want to study abroad without having to worry about paying for school, rent, food, and other daily costs. These are the best scholarships because they pay for both your tuition and living expenses, so you can study without worrying about money.
This guide will tell you what these scholarships are, what they cover, some of the best ones, and how to get one.
What are scholarships that pay for living expenses and tuition?
People often call these fully funded scholarships.
Usually, a fully funded scholarship pays for
- All tuition costs
- Monthly living allowance (stipend)
- Housing or accommodation help
- Costs of travel (plane tickets)
- Insurance for health
To put it simply, they cover all of your study abroad costs.
A lot of these scholarships come with extra benefits, like money for research, books, and help moving.
What do they really cover?
1. Fees for tuition
- All of your school fees are paid.
- Applies to bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programmes
2. Costs of living
You get a monthly payment to cover:
- Food
- Getting around
- Costs for yourself
Some scholarships give more than $1,000 a month, depending on the country.
3. Place to stay
- Housing for free OR
- Monthly rent help
4. Costs of travel
- Tickets for a round-trip flight
- Visa fees at times
5. Insurance for health
- Health insurance while you’re in school
Best Scholarships That Pay for Tuition and Living Expenses (2026)
1. The Chevening Scholarship (UK)
One of the most prestigious scholarships that pays for everything.
What it covers:
- All tuition costs
- Monthly payment
- Costs of travel
- Fees for visas
Best for:
- Leaders and professionals of the future
2. USA Fulbright Scholarship
A scholarship that is known around the world.
What it covers:
- School fees
- Costs of living
- Go on a trip
- Funding for research
Best for:
- Excellence in research and academics
3. DAAD Scholarship in Germany
The main scholarship in Germany.
What it covers:
- Monthly payment
- Money for travel
- Insurance for health
- Education that doesn’t cost anything
Why people like it:
- A lot of people agree
- No tuition costs at many colleges
4. Scholarship from MEXT (Japan)
The Japanese government pays for everything.
What it covers:
- Fees for school
- Monthly payment
- Housing
- Price of tickets
A very good choice for students from other countries.
5. Türkiye Burslari Scholarship (Turkey)
A very generous scholarship.
What it covers:
- School fees
- Monthly payment
- Housing
- Tickets for flights
- Insurance for health
Very easy for African students to get to.
6. The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
The main scholarship in South Korea.
What it covers:
- School fees
- Money for living
- Go on a trip
- Training in a language
7. The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship in Europe
A top-notch scholarship in Europe.
What it covers:
- Full cost of school
- Monthly payment
- Costs of travel
Lets you study in more than one country.
8. Scholarship for Australia Awards
The Australian government paid for it.
What it covers:
- School fees
- Costs of living
- Go on a trip
- Allowances for starting a business
9. Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary)
A well-known scholarship in Europe.
What it covers:
- Fees for school
- Monthly payment
- Help with housing
- Health insurance
10. Scholarship from the Chinese Government (CSC)
One of the biggest programmes in the world.
What it covers:
- School fees
- Housing
- Monthly payment
11. Graduate Research Scholarship from the University of Melbourne
What it covers:
- Full school cost It’s one of the biggest programmes.
- Living allowance (about $39,500 per year).
- Help with your travel
12. Scholarships from the Saudi government
What it covers:
- School fees
- Monthly payment
- Housing
- Travel costs
Countries That Give Full Scholarships
For the highest chance, you should focus on these countries:
- The UK
- The United States
- Germany
- Canada
- Australia
- The country of Japan
- People in China
- Turkey
- Korea is in the South
- Hungary
These countries always offer scholarships that pay for both school and living costs.
Different kinds of scholarships that pay for everything
Scholarships from the government
- Fully paid for
- Very dependable
- A lot of slots
For example,
- Chevening
- Fulbright
- DAAD
- MEXT
Scholarships paid for by the University
- Offered by the most prestigious colleges
- Sometimes alone
For example,
- Melbourne University
- Programmes at Oxford and Cambridge
Scholarships from private foundations
- Paid for by the groups
For example,
- Foundation of Mastercard
- Cambridge Gates
What makes these scholarships challenging to obtain?
These scholarships are difficult to get because:
- They pay for everything.
- They draw applicants from all over the world.
- There aren’t many of them.
But every year, thousands of students win them.
Requirements for eligibility
To be eligible, you usually need:
- Good school grades
- Statement of purpose:
- Letters of support
- Experience in leadership in or outside of school
Some scholarships also ask for:
- Experience at work
- Effect on the community
Plan for Applying Step by Step
Step 1: Pick the Right Scholarships
Pay attention to:
- Programmes fully funded
- Countries that accept many people
Step 2: Get your papers ready
You will need:
- Transcripts from school
- CV
- Statement of purpose:
- Letters of recommendation
- Passport
Step 3: Apply Early
Most due dates are:
- From September to March
Applying early raises your chances of success.
Step 4: Apply to Multiple Scholarships
At least apply to:
- Five to ten scholarships
Step 5: Get ready for the interviews.
You may have to interview for scholarships.
Be ready to say:
- Your objectives
- Your studying plan
- What will you do in the future?
Benefits of These Scholarships
- No financial burden
- Get in to the most prestigious colleges and universities
- Exposure to other countries
- Job opportunities
- Networking around the world
Things You Shouldn’t Do
- Putting off applying
- Send in the weaks personal statements
- Not paying attention to eligibility requirements
- Apply for just one scholarship
Tips from the pros on how to get fully funded scholarships
Focus on the Effect
Scholarships look for students who will:
- Do something that matters
- Give back to society
Make a Strong Profile
- A high GPA
- Roles of leadership
- Work as a volunteer
Make your personal statement strong.
This is the most critical.
It should make clear:
- Who you are
- Your objectives
- Why you should get the scholarship
Stay the same
Every year, if necessary, apply.
Last Thoughts
The best way for international students to study abroad for free is to get scholarships that pay for their tuition and living expenses. These programmes are fully funded, so you don’t have to worry about money and can focus on your education and future.
Even though there is a lot of competition, you can still be successful if you:
- Use this wisely
- Make strong papers
- Stay the same
If you do things the right way, you can get a fully funded scholarship that will change your academic and career path.
