For many students, tuition fees are only part of the challenge of studying abroad or even in their home country. Living expenses — such as rent, food, transportation, and books — can often become a significant financial burden. Scholarships that not only cover tuition but also provide a monthly allowance can make a world of difference, allowing students to focus fully on their studies instead of worrying about money.
This article lists some of the top scholarships worldwide that offer monthly stipends, along with details about eligibility, benefits, and application requirements.
1. Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)
Provider: Australian Government
Coverage:
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Full tuition fees
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Return airfare
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Establishment allowance
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Monthly living allowance (stipend)
Details:
Australia Awards Scholarships are aimed at students from developing countries in Asia, the Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East. In addition to covering tuition, students receive a monthly stipend to support living costs during their stay in Australia.
Eligibility:
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Must be from an eligible country.
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Meet academic and English language requirements.
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Commit to returning to your home country after completion of studies.
2. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
Provider: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Coverage:
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Monthly allowance of €934 for graduates and €1,300 for doctoral students
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Health insurance
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Travel allowance
Details:
DAAD offers scholarships for a wide range of degree programs, particularly postgraduate studies. It is one of the most generous scholarships in Europe, providing monthly support to help with living costs in Germany.
Eligibility:
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Strong academic records
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Relevant work or research experience for postgraduate programs
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Proficiency in English or German, depending on the course
3. Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom)
Provider: UK Government
Coverage:
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Full tuition fees
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Monthly living allowance
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Travel costs to and from the UK
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Additional grants for essential expenses
Details:
Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding emerging leaders from around the world to pursue a one-year master’s degree in the UK. The monthly allowance varies depending on the location of study.
Eligibility:
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At least two years of work experience
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Strong academic qualifications
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Demonstrated leadership potential
4. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program (France)
Provider: French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Coverage:
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Monthly allowance of €1,181 for master’s students and €1,700 for doctoral students
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International return travel
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Health insurance and cultural activities
Details:
The Eiffel Program attracts top international students for master’s and PhD programs in French institutions. The monthly allowance is designed to help students meet living expenses in France.
Eligibility:
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Must be nominated by a French higher education institution
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Outstanding academic performance
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Age limit: 25 years for master’s, 30 years for PhD
5. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (United States)
Provider: U.S. Government
Coverage:
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Tuition fees
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Monthly stipend for living expenses
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Health insurance
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Travel costs
Details:
The Fulbright Program supports graduate students, young professionals, and artists from abroad to study and conduct research in the United States. The monthly allowance depends on the host city’s cost of living.
Eligibility:
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Strong academic background
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Demonstrated leadership skills
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Proficiency in English
6. MEXT Scholarship (Japan)
Provider: Japanese Government
Coverage:
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Monthly stipend of ¥117,000 for undergraduate students and ¥143,000 for research students (amount may vary)
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Tuition fee waiver
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Travel allowance
Details:
The MEXT Scholarship supports international students in pursuing undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies in Japan. The monthly allowance is generous enough to cover living costs in most Japanese cities.
Eligibility:
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Must be recommended by the Japanese embassy or a Japanese university
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Strong academic record
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Willingness to learn Japanese
7. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (Europe)
Provider: European Commission
Coverage:
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Full tuition fees
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Monthly allowance of €1,000 for living costs
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Travel and installation allowances
Details:
Erasmus Mundus programs are prestigious joint master’s degrees offered by a consortium of universities in different European countries. Students receive a monthly stipend throughout the program’s duration.
Eligibility:
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Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
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Academic excellence
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Language proficiency in English or other languages required by the program
8. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Canada)
Provider: Government of Canada
Coverage:
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$50,000 per year (includes living expenses) for three years
Details:
This scholarship targets doctoral students who demonstrate leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement. The generous funding allows students to focus solely on their research without financial stress.
Eligibility:
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Excellent academic performance
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Research potential
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Nomination by a Canadian institution
9. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (Sweden)
Provider: Swedish Institute (SI)
Coverage:
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Full tuition fees
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Monthly living allowance of SEK 12,000
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Travel grant and insurance
Details:
This program supports master’s students from specific countries to study in Sweden, with a monthly stipend that helps cover accommodation and daily expenses.
Eligibility:
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Relevant work experience
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Proven leadership and community involvement
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Strong academic background
10. New Zealand Government Scholarships
Provider: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Coverage:
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Full tuition
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Living allowance of NZ$531 per week
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Establishment and travel allowances
Details:
This scholarship targets students from developing countries to study full-time in New Zealand. The weekly stipend ensures that recipients can live comfortably during their studies.
Eligibility:
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From an eligible country
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Academic excellence
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Commitment to contributing to the development of your home country
Tips to Secure a Scholarship with a Monthly Allowance
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Start Early: Many of these programs have deadlines 6–12 months before the course start date.
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Research Eligibility Carefully: Some are country-specific, while others focus on specific fields of study.
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Prepare Strong Application Documents: Include a compelling statement of purpose, recommendation letters, and proof of achievements.
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Apply to Multiple Programs: Increase your chances by applying to several scholarships at once.
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Highlight Your Potential: Show how you will contribute to the academic community and your home country after graduation.
Final Thoughts
Scholarships that pay a monthly allowance not only reduce the financial burden of tuition but also ensure that students can meet their living expenses without stress. Programs like the Australia Awards, DAAD, Chevening, Eiffel, and MEXT have helped thousands of students achieve their educational goals while living comfortably abroad. By planning ahead, tailoring your applications, and demonstrating your academic and leadership potential, you can increase your chances of securing one of these life-changing opportunities.