√Scholarships Covering Travel and Visa Costs

For many international students, the dream of studying abroad often comes with one major obstacle—the cost of travel and visa applications. Flights, relocation, and visa fees can easily reach thousands of dollars, especially for students from developing countries.

Thankfully, many universities and global scholarship programs understand this challenge. That’s why several of them now offer scholarships covering travel and visa costs, helping talented students focus on their studies instead of financial barriers.

In this section, you’ll discover the top scholarships that include travel, visa, and relocation assistance, along with living and tuition benefits.

1. Chevening Scholarship (United Kingdom)

The Chevening Scholarship, funded by the UK government, is one of the most comprehensive scholarship programs in the world. It covers almost every expense international students face while studying in the UK.

Benefits:

• Full tuition fees

• Round-trip airfare to and from the UK

• Visa application fees

• Monthly living allowance

• Arrival and departure allowances

Eligibility:

Applicants must have at least two years of work experience and apply for a one-year master’s program at a UK university.

Why It’s Worth Applying:

Chevening removes all financial barriers, including travel and visa costs, making it one of the most accessible fully funded scholarships for emerging global leaders.

2. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (United States)

The Fulbright Program is a prestigious scholarship sponsored by the U.S. government. It aims to promote international understanding and educational exchange.

Benefits:

• Full tuition and fees

• Airfare and relocation allowance

• Visa sponsorship and assistance

• Living stipend

• Health insurance

Eligibility:

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and demonstrate strong academic and leadership potential. Requirements may vary by country.

Why It’s Worth Applying:

Fulbright scholars receive complete support for travel, visas, and cultural adjustment, making it one of the best options for international students heading to the U.S.

3. Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)

The Australia Awards Scholarships, funded by the Australian Government, provide opportunities for students from developing countries to study in Australia and build leadership skills.

Benefits:

• Full tuition fees

• Return airfare

• Visa application reimbursement

• Establishment allowance

• Living expenses and health insurance

Eligibility:

Applicants must be from eligible countries in Asia, Africa, or the Pacific and must agree to return home after graduation.

Why It’s Worth Applying:

In addition to full tuition and living support, Australia Awards cover travel and visa costs, ensuring a smooth relocation experience for every scholar.

4. DAAD Scholarship (Germany)

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is known for funding international students pursuing postgraduate studies in Germany.

Benefits:

• Full tuition and registration fees

• Travel allowance

• Visa-related support and health insurance

• Monthly stipend for living expenses

Eligibility:

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and have at least two years of professional experience.

Why It’s Worth Applying:

DAAD is ideal for students who want to study in Europe’s innovation hub while receiving full travel and relocation support.

5. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (Europe)

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) is one of the most international scholarship programs in the world, offering students the chance to study at multiple universities across Europe.

Benefits:

• Full tuition fees

• Monthly living allowance (€1,000–€1,200)

• Travel and relocation grants

• Health insurance coverage

Eligibility:

Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree and meet program-specific requirements.

Why It’s Worth Applying:

Erasmus Mundus covers both travel and visa expenses, along with relocation support, which is a huge benefit for students moving between different European countries.

6. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (United Kingdom)

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, supports outstanding international students who want to pursue graduate studies at the University of Cambridge.

Benefits:

• Full tuition fees

• Maintenance allowance

• Travel costs (including flights to and from the UK)

• Visa and health surcharge fees

• Family allowance (for eligible dependents)

Eligibility:

Applicants must be non-UK citizens applying for full-time master’s or Ph.D. programs.

Why It’s Worth Applying:

This scholarship takes care of every aspect of studying abroad, from flights and visa costs to living expenses, ensuring scholars can focus solely on academic excellence.

7. ADB–Japan Scholarship Program (Asia and Pacific)

The Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP) provides full financial support for students from developing countries pursuing postgraduate studies in Asia and the Pacific.

Benefits:

• Full tuition coverage

• Monthly living allowance

• Travel and relocation expenses

• Health and insurance fees

• Study materials and books

Eligibility:

Applicants must be from ADB member countries and have at least two years of work experience.

Why It’s Worth Applying:

ADB–JSP ensures that even students from low-income backgrounds can study abroad without worrying about airfare, visas, or relocation costs.

8. Schwarzman Scholars Program (China)

The Schwarzman Scholars Program at Tsinghua University in Beijing offers a fully funded master’s degree focused on global leadership.

Benefits:

• Full tuition fees

• Room and board

• In-country study tours

• Travel to and from China

• Personal stipend and health insurance

Eligibility:

Open to all international students with a strong academic record and leadership experience.

Why It’s Worth Applying:

The program covers all travel expenses and provides extensive professional networking opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic economies.

9. New Zealand Government Manaaki Scholarship

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship offers opportunities for students from developing countries to pursue higher education in New Zealand.

Benefits:

• Full tuition coverage

• Return airfare

• Visa application reimbursement

• Establishment allowance

• Living expenses and insurance

Eligibility:

Applicants must be citizens of eligible partner countries and meet academic and English language requirements.

Why It’s Worth Applying:

This scholarship provides complete travel and visa support, helping students transition smoothly to life and study in New Zealand.

10. Commonwealth Scholarship (United Kingdom)

The Commonwealth Scholarship, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), supports students from Commonwealth countries pursuing master’s or Ph.D. studies in the UK.

Benefits:

• Full tuition fees

• Airfare from the home country to the UK and back

• Visa and arrival allowance

• Monthly living stipend

• Thesis and study grant

Eligibility:

Applicants must be citizens of a Commonwealth member country and demonstrate academic excellence and financial need.

Why It’s Worth Applying:

The Commonwealth Scholarship provides one of the most comprehensive financial packages, covering everything from travel to visa fees and study costs.

Final Thoughts

Travel and visa expenses often make studying abroad seem unreachable. But with the right scholarship, you can eliminate those costs completely and start your academic journey with peace of mind.

When applying for these scholarships, make sure to:

• Read the guidelines carefully to confirm which travel and visa costs are covered.

• Prepare your documents early, including your passport and visa application materials.

• Write a strong motivation letter highlighting your leadership potential and global vision.

With preparation and persistence, you can find the perfect scholarship that funds your education, travel, and visa needs, turning your dream of studying abroad into reality.