In the pursuit of higher education, scholarships are often the key to unlocking academic dreams—especially for students who face financial constraints. While many scholarships cover tuition fees alone, an increasing number now include monthly living allowances to support everyday expenses like housing, food, transport, and books. These stipend-based scholarships are especially beneficial for international students or those pursuing degrees in high-cost cities or countries.
This article explores some of the most notable scholarships that pay a monthly living allowance, how to apply for them, and the long-term benefits they provide.
Why Monthly Living Allowances Matter
Many students assume that securing a scholarship that covers tuition is enough—but the reality is, education costs go far beyond the classroom. Living expenses can easily outpace tuition, especially in major cities like London, New York, or Sydney.
Here’s why monthly stipends are so valuable:
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Financial Security: Covers rent, groceries, and day-to-day essentials.
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Study-Focused Life: Reduces the need to work part-time, allowing students to fully focus on academics.
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Mental Health Support: Alleviates stress associated with financial uncertainty.
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Travel and Networking: Enables participation in conferences, internships, or study trips.
Top Scholarships Offering Monthly Living Allowances
Below are prestigious scholarships that not only cover tuition but also provide generous monthly stipends for living costs.
1. DAAD Scholarships – Germany
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Amount: €934–€1,300/month
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Eligibility: International students applying for master’s or PhD programs
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Duration: 12–36 months
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers fully funded scholarships that include tuition-free education at top German universities and a generous monthly stipend. Additional benefits include health insurance, travel allowances, and language courses.
2. Chevening Scholarships – United Kingdom
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Amount: ~£1,200/month (varies by city)
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Eligibility: Future leaders and professionals from over 160 countries
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Duration: 1-year Master’s programs
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Chevening is a prestigious award that covers tuition, visa costs, airfare, and a monthly stipend. It’s aimed at individuals who demonstrate leadership potential and a strong academic background.
3. Fulbright Scholarships – USA
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Amount: $1,000–$2,500/month
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Eligibility: International students pursuing graduate study or research in the U.S.
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Duration: 1–5 years depending on program
The Fulbright Program is administered by the U.S. Department of State and is one of the most recognized scholarships globally. It offers a monthly living stipend, health coverage, and travel support along with full tuition coverage.
4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees – Europe
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Amount: €1,100–€1,400/month
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Eligibility: Students accepted into joint European master’s programs
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Duration: 1–2 years
The Erasmus Mundus program allows students to study across multiple European universities, often in different countries. The stipend is designed to cover living costs during the study period and also includes travel and installation allowances.
5. Australia Awards Scholarships
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Amount: AUD $2,200–AUD $2,500/month
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Eligibility: Citizens from eligible countries in Asia, Africa, and the Pacific
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Duration: Duration of degree (undergraduate/postgraduate)
These scholarships are funded by the Australian government and are aimed at fostering long-term partnerships. The stipend, called the “contribution to living expenses,” is quite generous and supports students comfortably during their stay.
6. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals
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Amount: SEK 11,000/month (~USD $1,000)
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Eligibility: Professionals from specific countries applying for Swedish master’s programs
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Duration: 1–2 years
This fully funded opportunity also includes insurance and travel grants. It’s ideal for students with leadership experience and a passion for contributing to sustainable development in their home countries.
7. MEXT Scholarships – Japan
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Amount: ¥117,000–¥145,000/month (~$800–$1,000)
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Eligibility: Undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students
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Duration: Full duration of the program
Offered by the Japanese government, MEXT covers tuition, entrance fees, and offers a monthly stipend to cover living expenses. It’s an attractive option for those looking to study in Japan’s world-renowned universities.
8. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship
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Amount: Monthly living stipend + tuition + travel costs
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Eligibility: Citizens of developing countries with work experience in development
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Duration: 2-year Master’s programs
This program focuses on development-related fields and is ideal for future leaders in public service or NGOs. Students receive a comprehensive funding package including monthly stipends and travel support.
9. New Zealand Government Scholarships
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Amount: NZD $491/week (~NZD $2,000/month)
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Eligibility: Students from selected developing countries
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Duration: Up to 3 years
These scholarships include tuition, return airfare, and generous living costs, plus medical insurance and research assistance if needed.
10. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships – Canada
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Amount: CAD $50,000/year (~CAD $4,200/month)
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Eligibility: Doctoral students in any field
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Duration: Up to 3 years
One of Canada’s top-tier awards for PhD students, Vanier Scholarships support academic excellence and research potential. Though the amount is technically an annual lump sum, it's designed to support full-time living expenses over the course of the year.
How to Find and Apply for These Scholarships
1. Start Early
Application deadlines often fall 6–12 months before the program begins. Use scholarship search engines, university websites, and official government portals to track timelines.
2. Tailor Your Documents
Prepare a strong personal statement, research proposal (if needed), and CV. Letters of recommendation should speak to your academic and leadership qualities.
3. Check Stipend Terms
Ensure that the scholarship includes a living allowance and whether it’s disbursed monthly, quarterly, or annually. Also, verify if the amount varies by location.
4. Understand the Obligations
Some scholarships, especially government-funded ones, require recipients to return to their home country after graduation or work in specific sectors.
Final Thoughts
Living expenses should never be the barrier that stops talented students from accessing world-class education. Scholarships with monthly stipends not only remove that barrier but also allow scholars to focus wholeheartedly on their goals—whether that’s conducting groundbreaking research, building new skills, or driving social change.