Scholarships That Pay Monthly Living Allowance

Studying abroad or pursuing higher education can be an exciting yet costly endeavor. Tuition fees, travel expenses, books, and other academic costs add up quickly. But one of the most significant challenges many students face is managing day-to-day living expenses—rent, food, transport, and utilities—which can become a financial burden alongside tuition.

Fortunately, many scholarships not only cover tuition but also provide a monthly living allowance, helping students focus on their studies without worrying about how to cover basic costs. These stipends can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month, depending on the scholarship and host country.

In this guide for 2025, we explore some of the best scholarships that pay a monthly living allowance, what to expect from them, eligibility criteria, and tips on how to apply successfully.

What Is a Monthly Living Allowance Scholarship?

A monthly living allowance scholarship is a financial aid package that provides recipients with a regular stipend to cover living expenses while studying. Unlike scholarships that only cover tuition, these stipends are designed to support your housing, food, transportation, and sometimes incidental costs like phone bills or health insurance.

Benefits of such scholarships include:

Financial stability: You can focus on academics rather than juggling part-time jobs.
Freedom and flexibility: Live comfortably without financial stress in expensive cities.
Access to more opportunities: Participate in extracurriculars, research, or internships without worrying about expenses.

Types of Scholarships That Include Monthly Living Allowances

Government-Funded Scholarships
Many governments offer prestigious scholarships to attract international students that include monthly stipends. Examples include:

Fulbright Program (USA): Provides monthly living allowance, tuition, and travel for international graduate students.
Chevening Scholarships (UK): Covers tuition and provides a monthly stipend to cover living expenses in the UK.
DAAD Scholarships (Germany): Offers monthly allowances that vary by degree level and city living costs.
Australia Awards Scholarships: Includes a living stipend, tuition fees, and travel costs.

University Scholarships
Top universities often provide fully funded scholarships that include monthly allowances, especially for graduate research students. Examples:

Rhodes Scholarship (University of Oxford): Includes a living stipend sufficient for accommodation and basic needs.
Clarendon Fund (University of Oxford): Covers tuition and offers a generous living allowance for master’s and doctoral students.
Knight-Hennessy Scholars (Stanford University): Provides tuition and a substantial living stipend.

International Organization Scholarships
Global institutions and NGOs also fund scholarships with monthly living stipends to promote education and development:

United Nations Scholarships: Various UN agencies offer stipends for students pursuing relevant fields like development, environment, or health.
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program: Supports students from developing countries with tuition and living allowance.

Popular Scholarships Offering Monthly Living Allowance in 2025

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)

Who is it for? International students pursuing master’s or PhD degrees in the USA.
What it covers: Full tuition, airfare, health insurance, and a monthly stipend (varies by city).
Living allowance: Typically around $800 to $1,200 per month depending on the cost of living.
Application tips: Strong academic record, leadership potential, clear study plan.

2. Chevening Scholarships (UK)

Who is it for? Outstanding students from eligible countries to study a one-year master’s in the UK.
What it covers: Tuition, return airfare, and monthly stipend for living expenses.
Living allowance: Approximately £1,100 per month.
Application tips: Demonstrate leadership, strong career plan, and UK government alignment.

3. DAAD Scholarship (Germany)

Who is it for? International students for bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral studies.
What it covers: Tuition (usually free in public universities) and monthly stipend.
Living allowance: €850 to €1,200 per month depending on the degree level.
Application tips: Academic excellence, research proposal, and relevant experience.

4. Australia Awards Scholarships

Who is it for? Students from select developing countries for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Australia.
What it covers: Full tuition, travel expenses, health insurance, and living allowance.
Living allowance: About AUD 30,000 per year (~AUD 2,500 per month).
Application tips: Commitment to returning home to contribute to development, leadership skills.

5. Rhodes Scholarship (University of Oxford)

Who is it for? Exceptional students worldwide for postgraduate degrees at Oxford.
What it covers: Full tuition, travel, and living expenses.
Living allowance: Around £15,000 per year (~£1,250 per month).
Application tips: Strong academic record, leadership, and character.

How Much Is Enough? Understanding Living Allowances

The amount of monthly living allowance varies significantly based on the scholarship and the host country's cost of living. For example:

Cities like London, New York, Sydney, and Tokyo have high living costs, so allowances tend to be higher.
European cities like Berlin, Amsterdam, and Helsinki offer moderate living costs and stipends reflect this.
Some scholarships adjust the allowance depending on whether you live in a capital city or a smaller town.

To estimate your needs:

Research average monthly costs for rent, food, transport, and utilities in your host city.
Factor in health insurance, visa fees, and unexpected expenses.
Compare with the stipend offered by the scholarship to assess financial feasibility.

Tips for Securing Scholarships with Monthly Living Allowances

Start Early: Scholarship deadlines often fall many months before program start dates. Prepare documents and essays well in advance.
Tailor Your Application: Demonstrate why you deserve a stipend, not just tuition coverage. Highlight financial need and your ability to thrive with support.
Highlight Leadership and Impact: Many scholarships look for future leaders or change-makers. Showcase your achievements and plans to contribute.
Strong Recommendations: Secure compelling letters from professors or employers who can attest to your potential and character.
Prepare for Interviews: Some scholarships require interviews—practice articulating your goals and how the stipend will help you succeed.

Alternatives if You Don’t Get a Monthly Stipend Scholarship

If you can’t secure a scholarship with a living allowance, consider:

Part-time Work: Many countries allow international students to work part-time during studies to cover living costs.
Cost-Effective Cities: Choose universities in cities with lower living costs.
Grants and Bursaries: Some universities offer additional support or emergency funds.
Crowdfunding: Platforms like GoFundMe or Kickstarter can help raise funds for living expenses.

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