For many aspiring students, the cost of higher education goes beyond tuition. Expenses like housing, food, and living costs can be overwhelming, especially for international or low-income students. While numerous scholarships focus on covering tuition, a smaller but crucial subset includes free accommodation and meals, significantly reducing financial burdens and allowing students to focus fully on their studies.
These fully-funded scholarships are often awarded based on merit, need, leadership potential, or special talent, and they typically come from universities, governments, or global organizations. Here’s a list of some of the most recognized and generous scholarships that offer not only full tuition but also free housing and meals, making them highly attractive for students seeking a truly all-inclusive education opportunity.
1. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program – Stanford University (USA)
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University is one of the most prestigious graduate-level scholarships in the United States. It covers tuition, fees, living expenses, and offers a stipend that includes housing and meals.
Key Benefits:
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Full tuition coverage
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Free campus housing
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Meal stipends
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Relocation and travel expenses
Eligibility:
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Open to international and U.S. students pursuing graduate degrees at Stanford
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Must demonstrate leadership, independence, and civic commitment
This program provides not just funding but also leadership training, mentorship, and a strong global network.
2. Schwarzman Scholars Program – Tsinghua University (China)
Designed to prepare future leaders, the Schwarzman Scholars Program offers a one-year fully-funded Master’s degree in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing. It covers tuition, housing, meals, travel, and a stipend.
Key Benefits:
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Free single-room accommodation
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Three daily meals at the Schwarzman College dining hall
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Travel to and from China
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A generous personal stipend
Eligibility:
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Open to all nationalities
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Bachelor's degree required
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Strong leadership and academic excellence
This elite program is ideal for students looking to build careers in politics, business, or global leadership.
3. United World Colleges (UWC) Scholarships – Global
United World Colleges offer high school students from around the world the opportunity to study at one of 18 UWC campuses. Many UWC scholarships are fully-funded, covering tuition, room, and board.
Key Benefits:
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Two-year International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma program
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Full funding for housing and meals
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Cultural exchange in an international setting
Eligibility:
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Open to students aged 16-19
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Selection based on merit, leadership, and potential for impact
Though these are for pre-university students, UWC graduates often go on to receive full scholarships from top universities.
4. University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (Canada)
This prestigious undergraduate scholarship at the University of Toronto is offered to exceptional international students and is fully-funded.
Key Benefits:
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Tuition
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Books
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Full residence support for four years, including meals and accommodation
Eligibility:
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Non-Canadian international students
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Demonstrated academic excellence and leadership
Lester B. Pearson Scholars live on-campus and benefit from an immersive academic and social experience.
5. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (United Kingdom)
Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship supports international graduate students at the University of Cambridge.
Key Benefits:
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Full tuition
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University composition fee
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Maintenance allowance for living costs, including housing and meals
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Airfare and visa costs
Eligibility:
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Open to non-UK citizens
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Outstanding intellectual ability and leadership potential
Gates Cambridge Scholars receive one of the most generous funding packages in the UK, covering all essential living needs.
6. DAAD EPOS Scholarships – Germany
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) scholarships for students from developing countries to pursue master’s or doctoral degrees in Germany.
Key Benefits:
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Monthly stipend (approximately €934 for master’s students)
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Subsidized housing and meal allowances
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Travel and health insurance coverage
Eligibility:
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Open to professionals from developing countries
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At least two years of work experience required
This scholarship is ideal for career-driven individuals seeking advanced training in Germany with full financial support.
7. Yale University – Need-Based Financial Aid (USA)
Yale does not offer merit scholarships but provides need-based financial aid to international and domestic students. For students from low-income backgrounds, this can include 100% of the cost of attendance, including housing and meals.
Key Benefits:
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Covers full demonstrated need
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Includes dormitory and dining hall costs
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Health insurance and travel assistance available
Eligibility:
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Admission is need-blind for U.S. students and need-aware for international students
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Must submit financial documents during application
Yale’s financial aid is one of the most generous in the Ivy League, making it possible for students to attend without out-of-pocket expenses.
8. KAIST Scholarships – South Korea
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) offers full scholarships for international students at undergraduate and graduate levels.
Key Benefits:
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Full tuition waiver
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Monthly stipend (for food and living)
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Free on-campus housing
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Health insurance
Eligibility:
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Strong academic background in STEM fields
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Open to all international applicants
KAIST is a top research university, and its scholarships are designed to attract global talent.
9. Sciences Po Emile Boutmy Scholarship (France)
Named after the founder of Sciences Po, this scholarship is offered to top international students from outside the European Union.
Key Benefits:
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Tuition support up to €13,000/year
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Additional grants for housing and meal support
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Housing at university-affiliated residences
Eligibility:
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Open to non-EU international students
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Academic merit and financial need considered
The scholarship aims to make Sciences Po accessible to outstanding global students, regardless of financial background.
10. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
The Fulbright Program enables international graduate students, researchers, and professionals to study or conduct research in the United States.
Key Benefits:
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Full tuition
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Monthly living stipend (covers housing and meals)
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Health insurance
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Airfare
Eligibility:
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Open to students from over 160 countries
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Strong academic and leadership credentials required
Fulbright Scholars often live in university dormitories or off-campus housing funded through the stipend.