Studying abroad or pursuing higher education in prestigious institutions often comes with a hefty price tag. While tuition is the most obvious cost, living expenses — such as housing, food, transportation, books, and personal needs — can add up quickly. That’s why scholarships that pay monthly living allowances are game-changers for students around the world. These scholarships not only cover tuition fees but also provide regular financial support, allowing students to focus on their academic and professional growth without financial stress.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore the top scholarships that offer monthly living stipends, eligibility requirements, and tips on how to secure them in 2025.
Why Monthly Stipend Scholarships Matter
Many scholarships only cover tuition, which still leaves students struggling to manage daily costs. Scholarships with monthly allowances solve this problem by offering:
-
Financial Security: Covers housing, meals, books, health insurance, and transportation.
-
Academic Focus: Reduces the need to work part-time jobs, giving more time for research and studies.
-
International Accessibility: Makes studying abroad more feasible for students from low-income backgrounds.
-
Professional Mobility: Encourages internships, networking events, and conferences without financial limitations.
Top Scholarships That Offer Monthly Living Allowances in 2025
1. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers fully funded scholarships for international students pursuing master’s or PhD degrees at German universities.
-
Monthly Allowance:
-
€934/month for master’s students
-
€1,200/month for doctoral candidates
-
-
Other Benefits:
-
Full tuition coverage
-
Health insurance
-
Travel allowance
-
Rent subsidies and family support (if applicable)
-
-
Eligibility:
-
Strong academic background
-
Relevant work or research experience
-
Proof of English or German proficiency
-
DAAD is one of the most generous and respected scholarship programs in Europe.
2. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Funded by the UK government, the Chevening Scholarship enables international students to pursue a one-year master’s degree at any UK university.
-
Monthly Allowance: £1,133–£1,369 depending on your study location
-
Other Benefits:
-
Full tuition
-
Airfare to and from the UK
-
Visa costs
-
Arrival allowance
-
-
Eligibility:
-
Two years of work experience
-
Leadership potential
-
Admission to a UK university
-
Chevening Scholars become part of a vast global alumni network of influencers and leaders.
3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (Europe)
The Erasmus Mundus program funds joint master’s programs in partnership with multiple European universities.
-
Monthly Allowance: €1,000 for the entire duration of the program (12–24 months)
-
Other Benefits:
-
Tuition fees covered
-
Travel and installation allowance
-
Insurance coverage
-
-
Eligibility:
-
Bachelor’s degree
-
Acceptance to an Erasmus consortium program
-
Non-EU and EU students welcome
-
This program offers an exceptional opportunity to study in at least two different European countries.
4. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
The Fulbright Program, funded by the U.S. Department of State, provides full scholarships for graduate studies, primarily in master's and doctoral programs.
-
Monthly Allowance: Varies by location, typically between $1,000 and $2,500
-
Other Benefits:
-
Full tuition
-
Round-trip airfare
-
Health insurance
-
-
Eligibility:
-
Bachelor's degree
-
Leadership and academic excellence
-
TOEFL/IELTS scores (unless waived)
-
Fulbright offers academic prestige and unparalleled global recognition.
5. Australian Awards Scholarships (Australia)
These are long-term development awards provided by the Australian government to students from developing countries in Asia, Africa, and the Pacific.
-
Monthly Allowance: AUD 2,100 (establishment allowance) + monthly stipend
-
Other Benefits:
-
Full tuition
-
Health insurance
-
Return airfare
-
Fieldwork and research support
-
-
Eligibility:
-
Citizenship of eligible country
-
Undergraduate or postgraduate qualification
-
Commitment to return home after study
-
This program is especially impactful for those who want to study in Australia and contribute to their country’s development.
6. MEXT Scholarships (Japan)
The Monbukagakusho (MEXT) Scholarship is provided by the Japanese government for undergraduate, graduate, and research studies.
-
Monthly Allowance:
-
¥117,000–¥145,000 (~$800–$1,000 USD)
-
-
Other Benefits:
-
Tuition and exam fees
-
Travel costs
-
Accommodation support
-
-
Eligibility:
-
Strong academic record
-
Willingness to learn Japanese or study in English
-
Age restrictions based on program
-
Japan’s scholarship ecosystem is highly organized and offers exceptional support for international students.
7. Swedish Institute Scholarships (Sweden)
The Swedish Institute (SI) offers scholarships for global professionals to pursue master’s programs in Sweden.
-
Monthly Allowance: SEK 11,000 (~$1,000 USD)
-
Other Benefits:
-
Full tuition waiver
-
Travel grant
-
Insurance coverage
-
-
Eligibility:
-
From an eligible country
-
At least 3,000 hours of work experience
-
Commitment to leadership and sustainable development
-
This is an excellent option for students passionate about innovation and sustainability.
8. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
Funded by the UK government, Commonwealth Scholarships are available to students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries.
-
Monthly Allowance: £1,347–£1,652
-
Other Benefits:
-
Full tuition
-
Travel costs
-
Research support
-
Dependent allowances (if applicable)
-
-
Eligibility:
-
Academic merit
-
Need-based justification
-
Acceptance into a UK university
-
These scholarships aim to promote equity and development across the Commonwealth.
How to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship with a Living Allowance
-
Start Early: Scholarship deadlines are often 6–12 months before the academic year begins.
-
Tailor Your Application: Customize your personal statement to reflect the scholarship’s goals and values.
-
Highlight Impact: Emphasize how your education will benefit your community or country.
-
Secure Strong References: Choose professors or professionals who can write compelling letters of recommendation.
-
Stay Organized: Create a spreadsheet of deadlines, documents, and submission links.
Documents Commonly Required
-
Academic transcripts and certificates
-
Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS or equivalent)
-
Statement of purpose or motivation letter
-
Recommendation letters
-
CV or resume
-
Passport copy
-
Research proposal (for PhD)