There are many international scholarships that focus on individual students, but an increasing number of scholarships recognize that many applicants are married, have young children or are primary caregivers. In addition to receiving financial support, visa assistance, and settlement assistance, you will be able to study abroad with your spouse and/or dependents.
You can find a detailed description of scholarship programs available to dependents, what they cover, and how to apply for them here.
Families benefit from some scholarships
Scholarship providers understand that:
- The majority of applicants are professionals in mid-career with families
- Letting dependents behind is a stressful experience from an emotional and financial perspective
- The stability of the family is often associated with better academic performance among students
- Long-term benefits accrue to host countries from skilled immigrants with families
Consequently, some scholarship programs provide full or easy support for dependents.
Scholarships for spouses and children
1. Australia Awards Scholarships
The scholarship is one of the most family-friendly in the world.
The awardees may bring their spouses and children with them after arrival (or with you if they have been approved).
Support includes:
- Providing full tuition
- Monthly stipend
- Health insurance coverage for dependents
- Visa support for spouses and children
- Many children receive assistance with their schooling
This would be an ideal choice for families with mid-career professionals.
2. New Zealand Scholarships (NZ Manaaki)
Families of students are well supported here.
You may apply for dependent visas for your spouse and children.
Benefits include:
- Providing full tuition
- Stipend for living expenses
- Scholar’s travel tickets
- Spouses’ rights to work
- Public schools are inexpensive or free for children
This is an excellent choice if you are interested in studying sustainable development or public administration.
3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (EU)
Students may bring their families with them on their own resources, but Erasmus does not directly fund dependents.
Among the benefits are:
- There are some countries that provide generous monthly stipends to single parents.
- Extensive experience in multiple countries
- A long-term employment opportunity following graduation, with the possibility of reuniting the family
Suitable for those who plan to settle with family in the near future.
4. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (PhD)
There is an extremely family-friendly culture in Canada.
Vanier does not directly pay dependents, but it does offer the following benefits:
- The stipend is high (50,000 CAD per year)
- There is no restriction on the family’s ability to come on an open work permit or a study permit
- Children have free access to public schools
- There is an opportunity for PR after graduation
This is an excellent option for scholars with families.
5. Scholarships from Canadian provinces or universities (Master’s and Ph.D.)
Most Canadian universities provide sufficient financial support for dependents to live comfortably.
For example:
- UBC Awards for International Graduates
- Graduate Fellowship at the University of Manitoba
- Graduate Scholarships at the University of Saskatchewan
- Scholarship for Ontario Graduates
- McGill and Alberta scholarships
The benefits include stipends between 16,000 and 35,000 CAD per year, as well as the ability to work for spouses and educate children.
6. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program (United States)
The Fulbright program does not officially fund dependents, however:
- The J-2 visa allows family members to accompany the visa holder
- It is possible for spouses to obtain work permits
- The United States is a country where children attend school.
Due to the stipend varying from state to state, planning is essential, but this program offers a great deal of flexibility.
7. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
In the case of PhD or long-term research programs, some dependents are supported by the DAAD.
Support options include:
- Providing family members with an allowance
- Allowance for children
- Health insurance
- Family reunion visa support
Furthermore, Germany provides free education to school-aged children.
8. Government of Switzerland scholarships for excellence
In Switzerland, dependents are allowed to join through family reunion rules.
Families may not be fully funded, but the stipend is high, and spouse and children support may be available.
9. Scholarships offered by the Swedish Institute (SI)
Sweden’s residency rules allow scholars to bring their spouses and children even though SI does not directly fund dependents.
Dependents can access the following services:
- Free schooling
- Healthcare
- A spouse’s right to work
A strong background in social sciences, innovation, and development.
10. Scholarships offered by the Korean Government (GKS)
For PhD and long-term research students, GKS allows family accompaniment after the first year.
Support includes:
- Full tuition
- Allowance for settlement
- Monthly stipend
- Health insurance
Students are responsible for funding dependents, but they may be present legally.
Providing families with strong indirect support through scholarships and programs
Despite the fact that some scholarships do not directly fund dependents, they provide students with powerful benefits that allow them to bring their families to school. These include:
- University-funded PhD scholarships and the Norway Quota Scheme
- Scholarships for Finland’s universities
- The Netherlands offers OKPs and NFPs (family permitted, high stipend)
- Japan MEXT (family members welcome with dependent visas)
- Scholarships offered by the Commonwealth (family members are permitted under certain circumstances)
Stipends and work rights are provided by these programs, making relocation easier for families.
The typical scope of these scholarships
Among the benefits that may be available are:
- Tuition
- Monthly living allowance
- Health insurance
- Travel tickets for the scholar
- Research support
- Visa processing assistance
- Family allowance (in some programs)
- Open work permits for spouses (depending on the country)
- A free or subsidized education should be available to children
The most generous countries for families are Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Sweden, and Norway.
Criteria for Qualifying
Depending on the program, there are a variety of requirements, but most request:
- Strong academic credentials
- A clear understanding of your study and career goals
- Family-friendly program experience (especially)
- The personal statement is excellent
- Proficiency in English
- Admission to a recognized university
- Demonstration of financial planning for dependents
Some scholarships may require scholars to arrive alone at first, then bring their families later.
What You Can Do to Increase Your Chances of Winning These Scholarships
- Describe your family responsibilities in a mature and professional manner
- Explain how family support has helped you succeed academically
- Leadership and career development skills must be demonstrated
- Make your CV stand out for academic or professional purposes
- Consider programs that are known for their leadership and development capabilities
- Make sure you complete your application as soon as possible
- Make sure your personal statement and research proposal are strong
When you frame your application properly, the stability you have as a family member can actually strengthen it.
In conclusion
Study abroad with your spouse and children on a scholarship while you are on a fully funded program. Before applying for a scholarship, it is important to select the right scholarship and country, understand the family visa rules, and plan financially.
