For many international students, studying abroad represents more than just earning a degree—it’s a gateway to global exposure, advanced knowledge, and personal growth. Yet, the dream of studying overseas can be overshadowed by financial barriers and logistical challenges such as securing visas and accommodation. Fortunately, several prestigious programs around the world offer scholarships that include visa and housing support, ensuring that talented students can focus on their education rather than financial or bureaucratic concerns.
These scholarships are designed not only to cover tuition fees but also to ease the transition to a new country by taking care of crucial elements like visa processing, housing arrangements, and settlement allowances. This article explores the most recognized scholarships that offer comprehensive support packages, including visa and accommodation assistance, and how students can qualify for them.
1. Understanding Scholarships With Visa and Housing Support
While many scholarships cover tuition and basic living stipends, only a select few offer complete relocation support. Scholarships with visa and housing assistance typically include:
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Visa facilitation or reimbursement: Helping students obtain student visas through fast-tracked applications or covering associated costs.
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Accommodation assistance: Providing free or subsidized housing in university dormitories or arranged apartments.
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Arrival support: Offering airport pickup, orientation programs, and settlement allowances.
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Comprehensive insurance: Covering health, travel, and sometimes liability insurance.
Such support ensures that students, especially those from developing countries, can smoothly transition into their new environment without stress.
2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships (European Union)
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree (EMJMD) program, funded by the European Union, is one of the most comprehensive scholarships for international students. It allows students to study in two or more European countries as part of a joint master’s program.
Key Benefits:
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Full tuition coverage and monthly stipends.
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Travel allowance, visa facilitation, and insurance.
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Accommodation assistance during study periods in each host country.
Why It’s Special:
Erasmus Mundus not only funds education but also promotes cultural exchange by enabling students to live and study in multiple European cities. Its administrative support ensures that recipients obtain all required visas and housing before arrival.
3. Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom)
Funded by the UK government, the Chevening Scholarship offers a fully funded experience for outstanding international students pursuing one-year master’s programs at top UK universities.
Key Benefits:
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Full tuition fees and monthly stipends.
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Airfare to and from the UK.
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Visa cost coverage.
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Assistance in securing university housing or private accommodation.
Why It’s Special:
Chevening’s administrative structure provides hands-on visa guidance through the UK embassies. Scholars also receive support in finding safe and convenient housing near their universities, making it one of the most student-friendly scholarships in the world.
4. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (United States)
The Fulbright Program, funded by the U.S. Department of State, offers fully funded scholarships to students from over 160 countries to pursue graduate studies or research in the United States.
Key Benefits:
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Full tuition, living stipend, and travel allowance.
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Comprehensive health insurance.
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Visa sponsorship and processing through official U.S. channels.
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Assistance with housing arrangements upon arrival.
Why It’s Special:
The Fulbright Program doesn’t just cover academic costs—it takes care of every stage of the student journey, from visa acquisition to cultural orientation. Most Fulbright offices abroad assist students directly with housing before arrival in the U.S.
5. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
Germany’s DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) offers scholarships for postgraduate studies and research programs to international students worldwide.
Key Benefits:
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Full or partial tuition support (most public universities in Germany have no tuition fees).
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Monthly living allowance and travel grant.
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Health, accident, and personal liability insurance.
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Visa facilitation and relocation assistance.
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University-arranged or subsidized housing for international students.
Why It’s Special:
DAAD ensures smooth relocation for scholars through its well-organized international offices. Many DAAD-funded students stay in university-managed dormitories arranged prior to their arrival in Germany.
6. Australia Awards Scholarships
Sponsored by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia Awards are fully funded scholarships aimed at students from developing countries in Asia, Africa, and the Pacific.
Key Benefits:
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Full tuition fees and return airfare.
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Establishment allowance for housing and living setup.
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Health insurance and visa cost reimbursement.
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Pre-departure orientation and on-arrival housing support.
Why It’s Special:
Recipients receive step-by-step guidance through the visa process and are supported in securing comfortable, affordable accommodation upon arrival. The program emphasizes not only academic success but also cultural adaptation.
7. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program (France)
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, established by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, supports international students pursuing master’s or PhD programs at top French institutions.
Key Benefits:
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Monthly allowance covering living and housing costs.
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International airfare and health insurance.
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Visa processing assistance through French embassies.
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Help with securing university or private housing.
Why It’s Special:
The Eiffel program is known for its efficiency in administrative assistance. Many universities reserve student housing for Eiffel scholars, and visa procedures are simplified through government coordination.
8. New Zealand Government Scholarships
The New Zealand Government Scholarship provides fully funded opportunities for students from developing countries to study at universities or technical institutions in New Zealand.
Key Benefits:
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Full tuition and living allowance.
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Visa application fee coverage.
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Travel costs and setup allowance for accommodation.
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Assistance in securing housing and orientation programs.
Why It’s Special:
The program ensures that students are fully supported before and after arrival, including help with securing housing and understanding local rental agreements.
9. Korean Government Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), formerly known as KGSP, is a fully funded program for international students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees in South Korea.
Key Benefits:
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Full tuition and monthly allowance.
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Airfare and settlement allowance.
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Visa sponsorship and renewal support.
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Free on-campus dormitory accommodation or housing subsidy.
Why It’s Special:
GKS scholars benefit from a well-structured support system. Universities handle visa documentation and housing logistics, making relocation seamless for international students.
10. Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships
This scholarship program by the Government of Ireland offers full funding to high-achieving students from outside the EU/EEA for one year of study in Irish universities.
Key Benefits:
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Full tuition fee waiver and €10,000 stipend.
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Visa support through the Irish embassies.
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Assistance with accommodation or university housing.
Why It’s Special:
Ireland is known for its student-friendly environment. Scholars are provided with step-by-step visa guidance and connected to on-campus housing resources before arrival.
11. How to Apply Successfully for These Scholarships
To increase your chances of being selected for scholarships with visa and housing benefits, follow these steps:
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Start early: Begin your research 12–18 months before your intended program start date.
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Check eligibility carefully: Each scholarship targets specific nationalities, degrees, or academic levels.
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Prepare strong documents: Include an outstanding personal statement, recommendation letters, and a clear academic plan.
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Highlight leadership and adaptability: Programs often seek students who can thrive abroad and contribute to their home countries afterward.
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Follow visa instructions exactly: Incorrect or late visa submissions can lead to disqualification.
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Stay organized: Keep a checklist for deadlines, required documents, and housing communications.
12. Final Thoughts
Scholarships that include visa and housing support are transforming the international education landscape. They not only make studying abroad financially accessible but also simplify the complex administrative and logistical challenges that often discourage students from pursuing global opportunities.
Programs like Erasmus Mundus, Chevening, Fulbright, DAAD, and Australia Awards stand out for their all-inclusive benefits—covering everything from visas and flights to housing and living expenses. These scholarships don’t just provide financial assistance; they offer a full framework of support designed to help students thrive academically, socially, and personally in a new country.