Studying abroad can be an exciting and transformative journey, but it's often a financially demanding one. While tuition fees are the most visible cost, the reality is that daily living expenses—rent, food, transportation, and healthcare—can be equally, if not more, challenging to manage, especially for students coming from low-income backgrounds or developing countries.
The good news? Many scholarships in 2025 don’t just cover your tuition—they also offer a monthly living allowance, allowing students to focus on their studies without the stress of financial strain. These fully funded opportunities are designed to make higher education accessible and sustainable, ensuring that talented individuals aren’t held back due to cost.
In this comprehensive article, we highlight the top scholarships that provide monthly stipends, what these allowances typically cover, and how you can apply.
Why Monthly Living Allowances Matter
A scholarship that includes a monthly stipend goes beyond academics—it provides:
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Security: Helps students cover essentials like housing, food, and transportation.
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Focus: Reduces the need for part-time work so students can concentrate on their studies.
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Independence: Offers financial freedom and dignity during the study period.
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Accessibility: Encourages applications from students from marginalized or economically challenged backgrounds.
These stipends can range anywhere from $300 to $2,000 per month, depending on the host country and scholarship program.
Top Scholarships That Offer Monthly Living Allowances
1. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
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Stipend: €934/month for master’s, €1,300/month for doctoral students
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Other Benefits: Tuition waiver, travel allowance, health insurance, language course
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Eligibility: Students from developing or transition countries applying to German universities
Why It’s Outstanding: The DAAD program is one of the most generous and prestigious worldwide, targeting future leaders in development-focused fields.
2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (European Union)
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Stipend: €1,100 – €1,200/month for 12 to 24 months
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Additional Support: Travel and installation costs, full tuition coverage
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Eligibility: International students admitted to a joint master’s degree across multiple EU universities
Highlight: Allows students to study in at least two different countries while being fully supported.
3. Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom)
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Stipend: Approximately £1,300/month (varies by city)
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Includes: Full tuition fees, airfare, visa costs, arrival allowance, thesis grant
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Eligibility: Exceptional emerging leaders from over 160 countries
Special Note: Living allowance adjusts depending on the cost of living in different UK cities (e.g., higher in London).
4. MEXT Scholarship (Japan)
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Stipend: ¥117,000 to ¥148,000/month depending on degree level
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Covers: Tuition, airfare, Japanese language training
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Eligibility: International students nominated by embassies or universities
Why It’s Unique: MEXT supports both undergraduate and graduate students and provides intensive language preparation.
5. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (United States)
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Stipend: Varies by institution and city, typically $1,000 – $2,500/month
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Includes: Tuition, travel, health insurance, books, and living allowance
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Eligibility: Students from 160+ countries applying to master’s or PhD programs in the U.S.
Prestige Factor: Fulbright alumni include Nobel laureates, heads of state, and top researchers.
6. Swedish Institute Scholarships (Sweden)
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Stipend: SEK 11,000/month (~$1,050)
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Also Covers: Full tuition, travel, and insurance
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Eligibility: Students from selected countries applying for master’s programs in Sweden
Bonus: Sweden allows part-time work during studies and offers post-study work opportunities.
7. Turkiye Burslari (Turkey Scholarships)
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Stipend: 3,000 – 5,000 TRY/month depending on degree
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Other Benefits: Free accommodation, tuition waiver, health insurance, Turkish language course
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Eligibility: Open to international students from over 100 countries
Why Consider It: Turkey provides high-quality education in English at no cost, with living expenses covered.
8. Hungarian Stipendium Hungaricum
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Stipend: HUF 43,700/month for bachelor’s and master’s; HUF 140,000/month for doctoral
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Extras: Tuition, dormitory or housing allowance, health insurance
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Eligibility: Students from partner countries
Tip: Hungary’s low cost of living makes this scholarship especially attractive.
9. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
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Stipend: Based on financial need (partial grant, partial loan model)
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Includes: Tuition and living expenses
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Eligibility: Outstanding students from select developing countries
Unique Feature: Prioritizes leadership and community impact.
10. Korean Government Scholarship Program (GKS)
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Stipend: KRW 900,000/month for undergraduates, KRW 1,000,000/month for graduates
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Covers: Tuition, settlement allowance, airfare, language training
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Eligibility: International students applying to Korean universities
Language Perk: Includes one year of free Korean language instruction.
What Monthly Allowances Usually Cover
The monthly stipends provided by these scholarships are generally intended to cover the following:
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Housing: Dormitory or private apartment rent
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Food: Groceries or meal plans
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Transportation: Public transit or local travel
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Utilities: Electricity, water, internet
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Personal Items: Clothing, phone bills, toiletries
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Leisure: Modest entertainment or cultural engagement
It’s essential to budget wisely, especially in high-cost cities. In some cases, students may still need to supplement the stipend with part-time work or savings.
Tips for Securing a Scholarship With a Living Allowance
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Apply Early: Fully funded scholarships are competitive; deadlines are often 6–12 months before programs start.
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Meet Language Requirements: While IELTS/TOEFL is common, some scholarships accept alternatives like Duolingo or even university language waivers.
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Craft a Strong Motivation Letter: Clearly explain your academic goals, career plans, and why you need financial support.
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Provide Solid Recommendations: Letters from academic or professional mentors who know your strengths will enhance your profile.
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Stay Organized: Keep track of deadlines, document requirements, and eligibility conditions for each scholarship.