In this article, we will highlight five scholarships from different regions of the world—Western Europe, Asia, and Oceania—that provide full coverage of tuition, living expenses, and the option to bring family members along on a sponsored visa.
1. The Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom)
The Chevening Scholarship is one of the most well-known and competitive scholarships for international students. Funded by the UK government, it covers all aspects of a student’s education and provides a variety of additional benefits, including allowances for family members.
Benefits:
- Full Tuition: Covers the cost of tuition for any one-year master’s program in the U.K.
- Living Stipend: Provides a monthly allowance to cover living expenses (varies based on the city).
- Visa Sponsorship: Includes coverage of the visa application fee and immigration health surcharge.
- Family Visa Sponsorship: You can bring your spouse and children, and they will also receive visa sponsorship.
- Airfare: A round-trip flight to and from the U.K. is covered.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country.
- A minimum of two years’ work experience (this can be through volunteer work, internships, or full-time employment).
- A bachelor’s degree equivalent to a U.K. 2:1 honors degree.
- Applicants must apply to three eligible U.K. universities and receive an unconditional offer from one of them before the scholarship can be awarded.
Deadline:
- The Chevening application window typically opens in August and closes in November each year.
Direct Link: Chevening Scholarships
2. Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)
The Australia Awards Scholarships offer students from developing countries full funding to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate study in Australia. This scholarship program is known for its support of family members, offering full benefits for students and their dependents.
Benefits:
- Full Tuition Fees: Covers the full cost of tuition for undergraduate or postgraduate studies at participating Australian universities.
- Living Stipend: Includes a generous allowance for living expenses.
- Accommodation: Support for accommodation or provision of housing in certain cases.
- Visa Sponsorship: Covers the visa application fee and health insurance surcharge (Overseas Student Health Cover – OSHC).
- Family Visa Sponsorship: Dependent children and spouses are eligible for visa sponsorship, allowing them to live and work in Australia during the scholarship period.
- Travel Costs: Covers international airfare for the student and their dependents.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a citizen of an eligible country (check specific country eligibility on the website).
- Applicants must meet the academic requirements for the program they wish to pursue.
- Must not have held an Australian Government scholarship in the past.
Deadline:
- The application window usually opens in February and closes in April. Check the official website for specific deadlines.
Direct Link: Australia Awards Scholarships
3. The Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (Sweden)
The Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP) is a prestigious scholarship program for international students from selected countries who want to pursue a master’s degree in Sweden. This program supports students financially and provides an opportunity to bring along family members during the study period.
Benefits:
- Full Tuition: Covers full tuition fees for a master’s program in Sweden.
- Living Stipend: Provides a monthly stipend to cover living expenses (SEK 10,000 per month).
- Visa Sponsorship: Covers the visa application fee and health insurance (Swedish Government health insurance).
- Family Visa Sponsorship: Your spouse and children can accompany you to Sweden and receive dependent visas.
- Travel Costs: A travel grant of SEK 15,000 is provided for students coming from outside Europe.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be from an eligible country (usually developing nations with a focus on Africa, Asia, and Latin America).
- Must have applied to a Swedish university for a master’s program and received an offer of admission.
- You must have at least 3,000 hours of work experience from relevant fields.
Deadline:
- The application period for SISGP usually opens in February and closes in February/March (dates vary by year).
Direct Link: Swedish Institute Scholarships
4. New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (New Zealand)
New Zealand is a top destination for higher education, and the New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarship (NZIDRS) offers full funding for international students pursuing PhD programs. It’s ideal for students who wish to further their studies and bring their family members along.
Benefits:
- Full Tuition Fees: Covers full tuition fees for the duration of your PhD program.
- Living Stipend: A tax-free stipend of NZD 27,000 per year to cover living costs.
- Accommodation: The scholarship covers accommodation or living expenses directly.
- Visa Sponsorship: Provides the necessary visa for the student and their family.
- Family Visa Sponsorship: Spouses and children can accompany you on a dependent visa, and your spouse may also be eligible to work full-time during your study period.
- Travel Costs: Covers the cost of airfare to and from New Zealand for the student and their family.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be seeking to pursue a PhD in any field of study.
- You must be an international student who has received an offer to study at a New Zealand university.
- Candidates must meet the specific entry requirements for the university and the doctoral program.
Deadline:
- The NZIDRS application deadlines are generally 1 February (for research beginning in July) and 1 July (for research beginning in February the following year).
Direct Link: New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships
5. The Korea Government Scholarship Program (KGSP) (South Korea)
The Korea Government Scholarship Program (KGSP) provides full funding for international students to study at South Korean universities. This scholarship is well-suited for those who are looking for an affordable yet comprehensive study opportunity, as it covers a wide range of expenses, including support for dependents.
Benefits:
- Full Tuition Fees: Covers full tuition fees for the duration of your program.
- Living Stipend: Monthly stipend to cover living expenses.
- Accommodation: Provides accommodation either on-campus or an allowance for private housing.
- Visa Sponsorship: Covers visa fees and allows students to bring their families to South Korea.
- Family Visa Sponsorship: Spouses and children of KGSP scholars can be sponsored for a visa, allowing them to stay in South Korea while you study.
- Airfare: Round-trip airfare from your home country to South Korea is provided.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be between 18-25 years old (for undergraduate programs) and under 40 years old (for graduate programs).
- Must be a citizen of a country that is eligible for the KGSP program (usually non-Korean citizens).
- Must have good academic standing (a GPA of 80% or above).
Deadline:
- The application window typically opens in February and closes by March each year. Check the official website for specific country deadlines.
Direct Link: Korea Government Scholarship Program
Conclusion
Studying abroad with your family is no longer an unattainable dream for many students, thanks to scholarships that cover not only tuition fees but also living expenses, travel costs, and family visas. Scholarships such as the Chevening Scholarship, Australia Awards, and Swedish Institute Scholarships provide life-changing opportunities for international students and their families. By applying for these comprehensive programs, you can embark on a successful academic journey while supporting your loved ones and securing a brighter future for all.
Make sure to check the specific eligibility criteria, deadlines, and application processes for each scholarship and start your journey toward studying abroad today!