In 2026, a number of top international scholarships will give out more money to include “family allowances”. These programmes understand that PhD candidates and professionals in the middle of their careers need to move with their spouse or children. Most undergraduate scholarships are only for one person, but the following postgraduate awards give your dependents extra money.
1. Research Grants and DAAD EPOS (Germany)
One of the most family-friendly funding organisations in Europe is the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
- Family Allowance: If your spouse and children come with you to Germany for more than six months, you can get a monthly family allowance.
- Value (2026): About €276 a month for a spouse and €194 a month for each child, plus your own allowance of €992 to €1,300.
- Additional Benefits: DAAD also provides a monthly rent subsidy if your housing costs exceed a certain percentage of your stipend, and insurance coverage for family members can often be subsidised.
- 2027 Intake Status: The deadlines for the 2027 intake are usually between August and October 2026.
2. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship in the UK
The Gates Cambridge Trust provides students at the University of Cambridge a “Family Allowance” that is among the highest in the world.
- Family Allowance: You can get a Family Allowance of up to £11,604 for one child and up to £16,548 for two or more children (2025/26 rates; these rates will probably go up a little for 2026/27).
- Conditions: This allowance is only for people who have kids; the scholarship does not currently offer a separate allowance for a spouse.
- Status of the 2027 intake: Applications for the 2027 cycle will be accepted starting in September 2026.
3. The Fulbright Programme for Foreign Students in the US
The Fulbright program is different for each country, but a lot of bilateral agreements include help for “J-2” visa dependents, which are spouses and children.
- Family Support: Not all countries give money to dependents, but Fulbright does provide the J-2 Visa sponsorship and, often, extra health insurance for family members.
- Stipend Adjustment: If you are travelling with dependants, some Fulbright commissions will give you a “Maintenance Allowance” increase. However, the amount depends on the rules of your home country’s commission.
- 2027 Intake Status: The deadlines for the 2027 cycle are between May and October 2026.
4. Scholarships for PhDs in the Commonwealth (UK)
Commonwealth Master’s scholarships are for one person, but their PhD scholarships (for fragile states and the least developed countries) offer strong family support.
- Family Allowance: The package includes a spouse allowance of about £290 per month and a child allowance of £290 per month for the first child and £143 per month for the second and third children.
- Requirements: The scholar’s family must live at the same address in the UK.
- Status of the 2027 Intake: Applications for the 2027 cycle usually open in September or October of 2026.
5. Scholarships for Excellence from the Swiss Government
Switzerland gives researchers and PhD students special “family supplements” to help them pay for the high cost of living.
- Family Allowance: Scholars can get a monthly child allowance if they bring their kids with them to Switzerland for the whole grant period.
- Extra Help: Some Swiss cantons give scholars with families a one-time “installation grant” or housing help.
- Intake Status for 2027: The deadlines depend on the country and fall between September and December 2026.
6. Scholarships for Australia Awards
The Australian government helps families a lot, as long as their dependents meet the visa requirements.
- Spouse and child support: The scholarship mostly pays for the student, but it also gives family members the paperwork they need to get a visa. Scholars who have families may be able to get a higher level of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) that covers family members.
- In many Australian states, such as Western Australia and New South Wales, children of Australia Awards scholars can go to public schools for free or at a lower cost.
- 2027 Intake Status: The deadline for applications for the 2027 cycle is April 30, 2026.
Important Tips for Moving Your Family in 2026
- Visa Proof of Funds: Some embassies, especially those in the UK and the US, may ask for proof of extra savings to make sure your family is fully supported, even if you receive a family allowance.
- Health Insurance: Always check to see if the scholarship covers “family health insurance”. If not, the premium can be a big cost in the US or Australia.
- School Expenses: If you have kids in school, Australia or Germany should be your top choices. In these countries, international students’ kids often get free or heavily subsidised public education.
