Higher education can open doors to better careers, global exposure, and personal growth. However, the cost of college or university—especially for international students—often extends far beyond tuition fees. Accommodation and meals can account for a significant portion of student expenses. Fortunately, there are fully funded scholarships that go beyond covering tuition and also include free housing and meals. These scholarships not only remove the financial burden but also allow students to focus entirely on their studies and development.
In this guide, we explore the top scholarships that provide comprehensive support—including room and board—alongside tuition, travel, and living allowances. Whether you're an undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral student, this list features excellent opportunities from around the world.
Why Scholarships With Housing and Meals Matter
Many scholarship seekers prioritize tuition funding but overlook the additional costs involved in studying abroad or even locally. According to data from several international universities, room and board can cost between $5,000 to $15,000 per year, depending on the country and city. Scholarships that include housing and meals offer critical advantages:
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Reduced financial pressure
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More predictable monthly expenses
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Safe, on-campus accommodation
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Nutritious meals, often with multiple dining options
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Greater focus on academics and networking
Let’s explore the top scholarships around the world that provide this level of support.
Top Scholarships Offering Free Housing and Meals
1. Gates Cambridge Scholarship – United Kingdom
Level: Master's and PhD
Host: University of Cambridge
Nationality: Open to non-UK citizens
Benefits:
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Full tuition
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Annual stipend for living costs
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Free accommodation (either university housing or allowance for private rent)
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Meals (when living in college housing)
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Travel, visa, and family allowance (if applicable)
This prestigious scholarship supports outstanding applicants who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to improving lives globally. Most scholars are housed in one of Cambridge’s historic colleges, where meals are also subsidized or included.
2. KAIST Scholarship – South Korea
Level: Undergraduate, Master's, and PhD
Host: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
Nationality: All countries eligible
Benefits:
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Full tuition
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Monthly allowance (KRW 350,000–500,000)
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Free on-campus housing
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Subsidized meals
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Health insurance
KAIST is a world-class research university in South Korea. Students who win the scholarship enjoy a complete package that ensures comfort, safety, and focus on innovation and study.
3. Yale University – USA (Need-Based Scholarships)
Level: Undergraduate
Host: Yale University
Nationality: All nationalities
Benefits:
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Full tuition coverage based on need
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Free housing and meals (included as part of the financial aid package)
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Health insurance and personal expenses coverage for low-income students
Though not a traditional scholarship, Yale’s need-blind admission and full-need financial aid ensures that students from all backgrounds receive the support they require, including housing and meals.
4. UWC Scholarships – Various Countries
Level: Pre-university (International Baccalaureate)
Host: United World Colleges (17 campuses globally)
Nationality: Over 150 countries
Benefits:
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Full tuition
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Accommodation and meals
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Travel costs in many cases
United World Colleges (UWC) provides holistic education focused on global peace and sustainability. The scholarships are highly competitive and target exceptional students, often from underrepresented backgrounds.
5. Fulbright Foreign Student Program – USA
Level: Master's and PhD
Host: Various U.S. Universities
Nationality: Open to citizens from 160+ countries
Benefits:
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Tuition fees
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Monthly stipend
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Free housing or housing allowance
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Meal stipend or university meal plans
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Travel costs and health insurance
The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious government-funded initiatives globally. Fulbright scholars are often placed in on-campus housing with dining options or receive stipends to cover meals and rent.
6. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program
Level: Master's
Host: Universities worldwide
Nationality: Developing countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East
Benefits:
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Tuition fees
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Living expenses (including housing and meals)
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Travel costs
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Loan-grant mix (50% loan, 50% grant)
Although partially repayable, the Aga Khan Foundation offers one of the most comprehensive scholarship packages for academically excellent students with financial need.
7. Khalifa University Scholarships – UAE
Level: Undergraduate, Master's, and PhD
Host: Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi
Nationality: All nationalities
Benefits:
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Full tuition
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Monthly stipend (up to AED 12,000)
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Free university housing
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Meals or meal allowance
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Medical insurance and travel allowance
As one of the UAE’s top research institutions, Khalifa University attracts top talent from around the world. Scholars benefit from modern housing facilities and structured meal plans.
8. Turkiye Burslari Scholarship – Turkey
Level: Undergraduate, Master's, and PhD
Host: Public universities in Turkey
Nationality: All international students
Benefits:
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Free tuition
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Free dormitory accommodation
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Monthly living allowance
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Free meals at dormitories
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Travel tickets and health insurance
This Turkish government scholarship offers a fully immersive academic and cultural experience, making it one of the most generous and inclusive programs globally.
9. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship – Canada
Level: Undergraduate
Host: University of Toronto
Nationality: Non-Canadian international students
Benefits:
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Full tuition
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Free residence on campus
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Meal plans included
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Books and incidental expenses
This scholarship recognizes academic excellence, creativity, and leadership potential among high school students worldwide.
10. Holland Government Scholarship (Orange Tulip Scholarship)
Level: Bachelor’s and Master’s
Host: Dutch research universities
Nationality: Varies by country (partner countries only)
Benefits:
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Partial or full tuition waiver
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Monthly stipend for housing and meals (in some cases)
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Travel allowance and insurance
While not all Holland Scholarships include full accommodation and meal support, many participating universities offer housing grants and meal vouchers as part of their international support system.
Tips to Win Scholarships That Cover Housing and Meals
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Start Early: Many fully funded scholarships close their applications 6–12 months before the academic year begins.
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Meet Language Requirements: Most scholarships require proof of English (IELTS/TOEFL) or local language proficiency.
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Customize Your Application: Tailor each personal statement or essay to the specific scholarship’s mission and values.
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Highlight Financial Need: Clearly explain your financial background if the scholarship includes need-based criteria.
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Gather Strong Recommendations: Choose referees who can vouch for your academic potential and character.
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Demonstrate Leadership: Scholarships that include comprehensive support often look for future changemakers, not just strong academics.
Final Thoughts
Scholarships that include free housing and meals are more than just financial awards—they provide peace of mind, stability, and a supportive environment that allows students to flourish academically and personally. Whether you're applying to a top-tier university like Cambridge, or seeking a full ride in South Korea or Turkey, these scholarships represent a path toward a debt-free and life-changing educational experience.