Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity, but the financial responsibilities can be challenging for international students. Apart from tuition fees, students must pay for accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, books and other daily expenses.
For students from countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and other developing nations, these costs can make international education difficult to afford.
Fortunately, some universities, governments and international organisations offer comprehensive scholarships that cover tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses. These scholarships allow successful applicants to concentrate on their education without worrying as much about financial difficulties.
This guide highlights some scholarship opportunities worth exploring and explains how international students can apply.
1. Chevening Scholarships in the United Kingdom
The Chevening Scholarship is funded by the UK government and supports outstanding international students pursuing eligible one-year master’s degrees.
It is designed for individuals with leadership potential and a commitment to making a positive contribution to their communities.
Scholarship benefits generally include:
- Full university tuition fees, subject to programme-specific limits.
- Monthly living allowance.
- Return economy airfare.
- Arrival and departure allowances.
- Certain travel and visa-related support.
The monthly allowance helps students manage accommodation, food, transportation and other living expenses.
Official website: https://www.chevening.org/
2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships
Erasmus Mundus provides scholarship opportunities for international students who want to pursue joint master’s degrees offered by European universities.
Successful applicants may study in different European countries during their programme.
Depending on the scholarship conditions, benefits can include:
- Tuition and participation costs.
- Monthly living allowance.
- Travel expenses.
- Installation support.
- Insurance coverage.
The financial support is designed to help students manage the cost of studying and living in participating countries.
Official website: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/
3. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program supports talented young Africans who face financial barriers to higher education.
Through selected partner universities, the programme provides opportunities for eligible African students to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate education.
Depending on the participating institution, scholarship benefits may include:
- Tuition fees.
- Accommodation.
- Meals.
- Living expenses.
- Books and learning materials.
- Travel support.
- Mentorship and career development.
Applicants should check the official programme information and participating universities to confirm current opportunities.
Official website: https://mastercardfdn.org/
4. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship provides comprehensive funding for outstanding international students pursuing eligible postgraduate programmes at the University of Cambridge.
The scholarship generally covers university fees and provides a maintenance allowance to help with living expenses.
Additional support may be available for certain academic activities and eligible family or childcare expenses.
It is highly competitive and considers academic excellence, leadership potential and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
Official website: https://www.gatescambridge.org/
5. Clarendon Scholarships at the University of Oxford
The Clarendon Fund supports academically outstanding graduate students at the University of Oxford.
International students applying for eligible graduate programmes may be considered.
The scholarship generally provides:
- Full course fees.
- College fees.
- A grant towards living expenses.
The living allowance can help successful applicants manage accommodation, meals and other everyday costs.
Eligible applicants are normally considered automatically when they submit their graduate application by the relevant funding deadline.
Official website: https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/fees-and-funding
6. Swedish Institute Scholarships
The Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals supports eligible international students pursuing master’s degrees in Sweden.
It is aimed at professionals with leadership experience and the potential to contribute to sustainable development.
Depending on the current award conditions, benefits may include:
- Full tuition fees.
- Monthly living allowance.
- Travel grant.
- Access to professional networking opportunities.
The monthly allowance is intended to help students manage their living expenses while studying in Sweden.
Official website: https://si.se/en/
7. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships support international researchers and postgraduate students interested in academic research in Switzerland.
Available categories include research scholarships and selected arts scholarships.
Depending on the award category, benefits may include:
- Monthly financial support.
- Health insurance contributions.
- Housing allowance in some cases.
- Other approved research-related benefits.
Applicants should check the current requirements for their country because scholarship categories and funding arrangements vary.
Official website: https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/
8. University of British Columbia International Scholars Program
The University of British Columbia in Canada offers financial assistance through its International Scholars Program.
These awards support outstanding international students who demonstrate academic ability, leadership qualities and, for selected awards, financial need.
Depending on the award, financial assistance may contribute towards tuition and living expenses.
Some awards can provide substantial funding, but the exact amount depends on the student’s financial circumstances and the scholarship category.
Official website: https://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships-awards-international-students/
What Expenses Do These Scholarships Cover?
Comprehensive scholarships may provide support for several expenses, including:
| Expense | Possible coverage |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees | Full or partial |
| Accommodation | University housing or allowance |
| Feeding | Monthly living allowance or meals |
| Transportation | Travel allowance or stipend |
| Books | Study materials allowance |
| Health insurance | Full or partial |
| International flights | Selected scholarships |
Not every scholarship covers all these expenses. Students should carefully read the award conditions before accepting an offer.
Eligibility Requirements
Most international scholarship programmes require applicants to provide some of the following:
- Academic certificates and transcripts.
- A valid international passport.
- A bachelor’s degree for master’s applications.
- Strong academic performance.
- Recommendation letters.
- A CV or résumé.
- A personal statement or motivation letter.
- English-language proficiency results, where required.
- Leadership or work experience for selected awards.
Some programmes also require proof of financial need or a research proposal.
How to Apply for Scholarships With Accommodation and Living Expenses
Step 1: Choose your preferred country.
Identify countries where you would like to study and research universities offering your preferred course.
Step 2: Find comprehensive scholarships.
Search for scholarships that specifically mention tuition fees, accommodation and living allowances.
Step 3: Check the funding conditions.
Confirm whether the scholarship provides university accommodation, a housing allowance or a general monthly stipend.
Step 4: Prepare your documents.
Gather your academic records, passport, CV, recommendation letters and personal statement.
Step 5: Apply for admission and scholarship funding.
Follow the official application process and submit all required documents before the deadline.
Step 6: Prepare for interviews.
Some scholarship organisations interview shortlisted candidates to assess their academic goals, leadership qualities and future plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students get scholarships that cover accommodation and feeding?
Yes. Some comprehensive scholarships provide accommodation, meals or monthly allowances intended to cover living expenses.
Can Nigerian students apply for these scholarships?
Yes. Many of the listed opportunities accept applicants from Nigeria, although some programmes have nationality restrictions.
Is a monthly stipend the same as free accommodation?
No. A monthly stipend is financial support paid to students, while free accommodation means the scholarship directly provides housing. Some scholarships offer one, both or neither.
Do fully funded scholarships cover flight tickets?
Some do, including selected government and international scholarship programmes. However, travel support is not guaranteed with every award.
Conclusion
International student scholarships that include accommodation and living expenses can make studying abroad more affordable.
Programmes such as Chevening, Erasmus Mundus, Mastercard Foundation, Gates Cambridge, Clarendon and Swedish Institute scholarships are excellent opportunities to research.
Before applying, confirm the exact benefits, eligibility requirements and deadlines. A scholarship described as fully funded should be examined carefully to ensure that its support matches your actual educational and living costs.