Studying abroad can be a transformative experience, but it often comes with financial challenges, especially for students with families.
Fully funded scholarships that offer family allowances are an ideal solution for students who want to pursue their studies without worrying about the costs of supporting their loved ones.
This guide explores some of the top scholarships worldwide that offer financial support for international students and their families, covering tuition, living expenses, and family allowances.
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Why Choose Scholarships with Family Allowances?
For students with families, relocating to another country for education can create financial strain.
Scholarships with family allowances provide additional support for spouses and children, covering part or all of their living expenses.
This support enables students to focus on their studies while ensuring that their families have the resources they need.
Key Benefits of Scholarships with Family Allowances
1. Financial Stability: These scholarships often cover not only tuition fees but also provide stipends to cover accommodation, healthcare, and living expenses for the entire family.
2. Health and Insurance Benefits: Many scholarships include health insurance for both the student and family members, reducing the financial burden of medical expenses.
3. Ease of Relocation: With family allowances, relocating becomes less stressful, as students can be assured that their families are cared for.
4. Support for Childcare and Schooling: Some scholarships provide additional allowances to support childcare or schooling for children, enabling students to continue their studies without interruptions.
Top Scholarships with Family Allowances
Here are some notable fully funded scholarships that offer family allowances for international students:
1. DAAD Scholarships in Germany
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships for postgraduate and doctoral students, which include additional support for spouses and children. DAAD scholarships cover:
- Tuition fees and monthly living allowances for students.
- Health insurance for both the student and family members.
- Additional family allowance for spouses and children to support living costs.
- Eligibility: Open to international students pursuing master’s or PhD programs in Germany in various fields, such as engineering, sciences, and humanities.
2. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
The Swiss Government offers scholarships for international researchers and postgraduate students.
The scholarship includes a family allowance for spouses and children, covering:
- Monthly stipend to cover living expenses.
- Family allowance to support spouses and children.
- Health insurance and accommodation support.
- Eligibility: Open to international students pursuing doctoral and postdoctoral research in Switzerland, as well as master’s students in arts programs.
3. Australian Awards Scholarships
Funded by the Australian government, the Australia Awards Scholarships support international students from developing countries and include family allowances for students who bring their spouses and children:
- Tuition fees and living stipends.
- Family allowance for dependent children and spouse.
- Healthcare coverage and relocation costs for the family.
- Eligibility: Open to students from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies in Australia.
4. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
The Fulbright Program, one of the most prestigious scholarship programs worldwide, offers family support for international students who want to bring their dependents:
- Full tuition coverage and monthly living stipend for the student.
- Support for dependents’ living expenses, though family allowances vary depending on the host institution and location.
- Health insurance coverage for the student and, in some cases, for family members.
- Eligibility: Open to students worldwide pursuing graduate study or research in the United States in various fields.
5. Netherlands Fellowship Program
The Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) in the Netherlands is aimed at professionals from developing countries who want to study or undertake research. This scholarship includes:
- Tuition fee waiver and monthly stipend.
- Family allowance for spouse and children, covering living expenses.
- Health insurance and travel expenses for family members.
- Eligibility: Open to mid-career professionals from developing countries in fields related to social and economic development.
6. New Zealand Manaaki Scholarships
The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are offered by the New Zealand government for students from developing countries, including family support options:
- Full tuition fees and living stipends for the student.
- Family allowance for spouses and children, including partial living support.
- Health insurance for the student and dependents, plus assistance with travel costs.
- Eligibility: Open to students from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean, as well as the Middle East, pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies in New Zealand.
7. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships for international students pursuing master’s studies in Sweden.
The scholarship includes a family allowance:
- Tuition waiver and monthly allowance for the student.
- Family allowance for spouses and children to help cover living costs.
- Health insurance and a travel grant for the entire family.
- Eligibility: Open to students from select countries, focusing on leadership and sustainability fields.
Tips for Applying to Scholarships with Family Allowances
1. Plan Your Finances: Although these scholarships cover many expenses, ensure you have a clear understanding of what is covered and prepare for any additional costs.
2. Gather Documentation Early: Prepare documents like marriage and birth certificates for your dependents, as they may be required during the application process.
3. Check Dependent Visa Requirements: Research the dependent visa process for each country and ensure you meet the visa requirements for spouses and children.
4. Highlight Family Needs in Applications: Some scholarship programs consider family needs in the selection process. Be clear about your family situation in your application, as it may positively impact your eligibility for additional support.
Conclusion
Fully funded scholarships with family allowances open doors to international education for students with dependents, providing the financial support needed to bring spouses and children along for the journey.
These scholarships offer not only educational opportunities but also a chance for families to experience life in a new country together.
With the right preparation, you can take advantage of these scholarships and enjoy a well-rounded international education experience while supporting your family.