Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity, but international education can be expensive. Apart from tuition fees, students must pay for accommodation, feeding, transportation, health insurance, books, and other personal expenses.
Fortunately, several international scholarship programmes provide financial support that covers tuition fees and living expenses. Some also include travel allowances, health insurance, and monthly stipends.
These opportunities allow qualified students to study in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and other European destinations without carrying the full financial burden.
This article highlights some scholarship programmes worth exploring and explains how to apply.
1. Chevening Scholarships in the UK
The Chevening Scholarship is a popular UK government-funded programme for international students pursuing a one-year master’s degree in the United Kingdom.
It generally covers:
- University tuition fees.
- Monthly living allowance.
- Return economy-class airfare.
- Certain travel and arrival allowances.
Applicants must meet the programme’s eligibility requirements, including relevant work experience and leadership potential.
Official website: https://www.chevening.org/
2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships in Europe
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s scholarships allow international students to study in programmes delivered by universities across different European countries.
Depending on the scholarship award, financial support can include:
- Participation and tuition costs.
- Monthly financial support.
- Travel allowance.
- Installation and other eligible expenses.
Students should check individual programmes because participating universities and scholarship conditions vary.
Official website: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/
3. Fulbright Foreign Student Program in the USA
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program supports international students who want to pursue postgraduate studies or research in the United States.
Depending on the country-specific programme, benefits may include:
- Tuition support.
- Living allowance.
- Health insurance.
- Travel support.
Application requirements and benefits differ by participating country. Nigerian applicants should check the Fulbright information provided for Nigeria.
Official website: https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org/
4. DAAD Scholarships in Germany
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides scholarships for international students pursuing postgraduate studies and research in Germany.
Depending on the specific scholarship, benefits may include:
- Monthly stipend.
- Travel allowance.
- Health insurance.
- Study or research allowances.
- Tuition support where applicable.
Many German public universities have relatively low tuition costs, but students should confirm the fees and living expenses associated with their chosen programme.
Official website: https://www.daad.de/en/
5. Commonwealth Scholarships in the UK
Commonwealth Scholarships support eligible students from Commonwealth countries who want to pursue postgraduate education in the United Kingdom.
The programme can provide:
- Approved tuition fees.
- Return airfare.
- Living allowance.
- Additional allowances under applicable scholarship categories.
Nigerian students should check the current eligibility rules and available scholarship categories before applying.
Official website: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/
6. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships programme was established to attract outstanding doctoral students to Canadian universities.
However, applicants should be aware that the programme’s original Vanier doctoral competition has transitioned into Canada’s broader doctoral scholarship framework. Prospective students should check the current federal doctoral scholarship opportunities and university nomination procedures.
Official website: https://vanier.gc.ca/
7. Australia Awards Scholarships
Australia Awards Scholarships provide opportunities for eligible students from participating countries to study in Australia.
Depending on the award, benefits generally include:
- Full tuition fees.
- Return airfare.
- Establishment allowance.
- Contribution to living expenses.
- Overseas student health cover.
Eligibility depends on the applicant’s country and the scholarship’s current priorities.
Official website: https://www.dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/australia-awards
8. Gates Cambridge Scholarships
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship supports outstanding international students pursuing postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge.
Its standard funding package includes:
- University tuition fees.
- Maintenance allowance.
- One economy return airfare.
- Certain additional discretionary funding.
Applicants must demonstrate strong academic ability, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
Official website: https://www.gatescambridge.org/
How to Apply for Scholarships Covering Tuition and Living Expenses
Getting a fully funded scholarship requires careful preparation. Follow these steps:
1. Identify suitable scholarships: Search for programmes that cover both tuition fees and living expenses. Check whether they support your nationality and intended level of study.
2. Choose an eligible course: Confirm that your preferred programme and university are accepted by the scholarship provider.
3. Prepare your documents: Common requirements include academic transcripts, certificates, a CV, recommendation letters, and a statement of purpose.
4. Meet language requirements: Some universities require IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted English-language qualification. Check whether exemptions are available.
5. Write a strong personal statement: Explain your academic background, career goals, leadership experience, and how the scholarship will help you contribute to society.
6. Submit your application early: Follow the official instructions and ensure that all required documents are submitted before the deadline.
Important Things to Check Before Applying
Not every scholarship advertised as fully funded covers every expense. Some provide full tuition but only partial living support, while others include accommodation or monthly stipends.
Before applying, confirm:
- Whether tuition fees are fully covered.
- Whether accommodation is provided or paid through an allowance.
- The monthly stipend amount.
- Whether airfare is included.
- Whether health insurance is provided.
- Whether the scholarship covers the entire duration of your programme.
Always use official scholarship websites to confirm current requirements and deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I get a scholarship that covers tuition and living expenses?
Yes. Several international scholarship programmes provide funding for tuition, accommodation or living allowances, and other approved expenses.
2. Can Nigerian students apply for these scholarships?
Yes. Nigerian applicants can apply for programmes that accept candidates from Nigeria, provided they meet the relevant eligibility requirements.
3. Do fully funded scholarships include accommodation?
Some provide accommodation directly, while others offer a monthly stipend that students can use to pay for housing and other expenses.
4. Do I need IELTS to apply?
Not always. English-language requirements depend on the scholarship and university. Some institutions accept alternative qualifications or grant exemptions.
Conclusion
Scholarships covering tuition fees and living expenses provide an excellent opportunity for international students who want to study abroad without facing overwhelming financial pressure.
Programmes such as Chevening, Erasmus Mundus, Fulbright, DAAD, Commonwealth Scholarships, and Gates Cambridge offer valuable funding opportunities.
The best approach is to research each programme carefully, confirm its current benefits, prepare your documents, and submit a strong application before the deadline.