Study abroad scholarships with free accommodation

Introduction

Studying abroad is a life-changing opportunity, but the cost of tuition fees, living expenses, and especially accommodation can be overwhelming for international students. While many scholarships cover tuition, only a few provide free housing or accommodation allowances.

In 2025, several top universities and governments are offering fully funded scholarships that include free accommodation, making it easier for international students to pursue their academic dreams without financial stress.

This article explores the best scholarships with free accommodation abroad, their benefits, eligibility requirements, and how to apply.

Why Scholarships with Free Accommodation are Important

Reduced Living Expenses – Accommodation costs often take up 30–40% of a student’s budget.
Convenience – Living on-campus or in university-provided housing ensures safety and easy access to resources.
Cultural Integration – Sharing accommodation with other international students helps build global connections.
Peace of Mind – Students can focus on academics without worrying about rent.

Best Study Abroad Scholarships with Free Accommodation

1. Chevening Scholarships (UK)

Funding: Fully funded by the UK government.
Accommodation: Covers living expenses, including housing allowance.
Eligibility: Open to students from over 160 countries pursuing a one-year master’s degree.
Benefit: Provides not only tuition and housing but also travel costs and monthly stipends.

2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships (Europe)

Funding: Fully funded by the European Union.
Accommodation: Monthly stipend (~€1,000) covers rent and living expenses.
Eligibility: Students worldwide can apply to multi-country master’s programs.
Benefit: Experience studying in 2–3 European countries with full financial support.

3. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

Funding: Covers tuition, travel, health insurance, and living costs.
Accommodation: DAAD provides free or subsidized student housing for many awardees.
Eligibility: Master’s and PhD students from developing and emerging countries.
Benefit: Access to Germany’s affordable education system with housing support.

4. Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)

Funding: Fully funded by the Australian government.
Accommodation: Includes Establishment Allowance and Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE) that covers rent.
Eligibility: Students from Asia, Africa, and Pacific countries pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
Benefit: Pathway to career opportunities in Australia after graduation.

5. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)

Funding: Covers tuition, airfare, living stipend, and health insurance.
Accommodation: Stipend includes full housing coverage.
Eligibility: Graduate students, young professionals, and researchers.
Benefit: Prestigious scholarship with housing support and job opportunities through OPT (Optional Practical Training).

6. MEXT Scholarship (Japan)

Funding: Fully funded by the Japanese Ministry of Education.
Accommodation: Includes dormitory housing or a monthly stipend (~¥117,000) that covers rent.
Eligibility: Undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and research students.
Benefit: Free tuition, housing, and living allowance in Japan’s top universities.

7. CSC Scholarship (China)

Funding: Fully funded by the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC).
Accommodation: Free on-campus housing provided for international students.
Eligibility: Undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students worldwide.
Benefit: Covers tuition, housing, medical insurance, and stipend.

8. Turkiye Burslari Scholarships (Turkey)

Funding: Fully funded by the Turkish government.
Accommodation: Free university dormitory housing included.
Eligibility: Undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students from all nationalities.
Benefit: Tuition-free study with free housing, health insurance, and monthly allowance.

9. Hungarian Government Scholarship (Stipendium Hungaricum)

Funding: Fully funded scholarship.
Accommodation: Free dormitory placement or monthly housing allowance (~HUF 40,000).
Eligibility: Undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students.
Benefit: Covers tuition, housing, health insurance, and stipend.

10. OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) Scholarship

Funding: Fully funded for master’s studies.
Accommodation: Monthly allowance covers housing and living costs.
Eligibility: Students from developing countries.
Benefit: Housing, tuition, and travel costs fully covered.

Fields of Study Supported by These Scholarships

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
Business and Economics
Health and Medicine
Social Sciences and Humanities
Environmental and Agricultural Studies

How to Apply for Scholarships with Free Accommodation

Research Programs Early – Deadlines are often 8–12 months before the academic year.
Prepare Documents: Transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statement, and research proposal (for PhD).
Language Requirements: IELTS/TOEFL often required, but some scholarships accept students without IELTS.
Apply via Official Portals: Each scholarship has a government or university portal.
Highlight Need for Accommodation: Show financial need and readiness to adapt to international study.

Tips to Secure Accommodation Scholarships

Apply to government-funded programs, as they often include housing.
Prioritize universities with international student dormitories.
Contact alumni to confirm housing benefits.
Demonstrate strong academic performance and leadership potential.

Conclusion

Scholarships with free accommodation are among the most sought-after funding opportunities for international students in 2025. Programs like Chevening (UK), Erasmus Mundus (EU), DAAD (Germany), Fulbright (USA), MEXT (Japan), CSC (China), and Turkiye Burslari (Turkey) not only cover tuition and living expenses but also provide housing support, ensuring students can focus entirely on their studies.

For students seeking to study abroad without financial stress, these scholarships are the best pathways to success.