Top 7 Scholarships That Cover Living Expenses in 2026

Introduction

What Does “Cover Living Expenses” Mean?

• It means the scholarship pays more than tuition, providing a stipend or allowance for living costs like accommodation, meals, and personal expenses.
• Some scholarships may include travel allowances, visa fees, or health insurance.
• When applying, always check the scholarship’s maintenance or living cost allowance section.

How This List is Organized

• Global reach and recognition
• Clear inclusion of living cost support
• Availability for the 2026 intake

• What it offers (especially living costs)
• Who is eligible
• Key tips for applying

The Top 7 Scholarships That Cover Living Expenses in 2026

1. Chevening Scholarship (United Kingdom)

• Full tuition fees for eligible programs
• Economy return airfare
• Monthly personal living allowance (stipend) for accommodation, meals, and daily expenses
• Arrival and departure allowances
• Support for one-year master’s programs

• Citizens of eligible countries (over 160)
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and at least two years’ work experience
• Intention to return to your home country after study

• Highlight leadership potential, international outlook, and future plans
• Choose three eligible UK courses and secure an offer before the deadline
• Budget carefully if studying in high-cost cities like London

2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (Europe)

• Covers tuition fees and includes a monthly allowance (approximately €1,000–€1,400)
• Travel and installation contributions for students
• Study in multiple European countries as part of the program

• Open to students worldwide
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Must be willing to study in multiple countries

• Apply early (usually October–January for the next academic year)
• Ensure your academic record meets program requirements
• Show readiness to study in multiple countries

3. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)

• Fully funded scholarships for master’s and PhD programs
• Tuition, living stipend, accommodation, travel, and health insurance

• Applicants from outside the USA aiming to study in the USA
• Graduate level (master’s/PhD)

• Prepare a strong research proposal or study plan
• Highlight how you will contribute to your home country
• Meet application deadlines for your region

4. DAAD Scholarship (Germany)

• Monthly stipend, travel allowance, tuition coverage, and health insurance
• Opportunities for master’s and PhD studies

• International students from many countries
• Bachelor’s degree and language proficiency in English or German

• Check specific DAAD programs for eligibility
• Prepare transcripts, motivation letters, and references
• Apply well ahead of deadlines

5. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (United Kingdom)

• Full tuition and fees
• Living expenses (monthly stipend)
• Travel allowance and book support

• International students (non-UK) applying to postgraduate programs
• Strong academic record, leadership potential, and commitment to improving the lives of others

• Gain admission to Cambridge first
• Provide a strong personal statement
• Secure excellent academic references

6. ETH Zurich Excellence Master’s Scholarship (Switzerland)

• Tuition fee waiver
• Living cost scholarship (approximately CHF 11,000 per semester)

• Outstanding international students seeking a master’s at ETH Zurich
• Meet ETH admission requirements

• Apply for the master’s program on time
• Provide strong academic documents and motivation letter
• Highlight potential contribution to ETH community

7. Monash University Scholarship (Australia)

• Full tuition for research programs
• Annual living allowance (around USD 35,600 per year for some programs)

• International research students
• Strong academic and research record

• Identify a research supervisor and propose a research topic
• Align program and scholarship application deadlines
• Provide detailed research plan and academic references

Summary Table

How to Choose the Right Scholarship

1. Degree level: Most of these scholarships target master’s or PhD students.
2. Country preference: Consider where you want to live and study.
3. Subject area: Some scholarships are broad; others are specific.
4. Eligibility by nationality: Verify your country qualifies.
5. Stipend adequacy: Compare the living allowance to local costs.

General Application Tips

• Start early and gather all necessary documents
• Read guidelines carefully to understand living cost coverage
• Write strong essays and personal statements
• Secure quality references
• Demonstrate leadership and impact
• Budget for living expenses, even if a stipend is provided

Conclusion