International scholarships with a generous monthly stipend are one of the most sought‑after opportunities for students looking to study abroad without financial pressure. These scholarships not only cover tuition but also provide a monthly living allowance—sometimes up to $2,000—to help with accommodation, food, transport, and everyday expenses. This comprehensive guide covers the latest high‑stipend scholarships open to global applicants, eligibility criteria, benefits, and strategic application tips to help you maximize your chance of success.
Why Choose Scholarships With Monthly Allowance Up to $2,000?
Studying abroad is exciting, but it can be expensive. While tuition coverage is critical, the ability to live comfortably in another country can make or break your academic experience. Scholarships offering stipends close to $2,000 per month mean you can focus fully on studies without worrying about part‑time jobs or living costs.
- Full financial support: Scholarships with monthly allowances include living expenses and travel support.
- Enhanced well‑being: A monthly stipend reduces financial stress and allows greater focus on studies and research.
- Global opportunities: These scholarships open doors to top universities and networking worldwide.
Top International Scholarships Offering Monthly Allowances
Below are some of the most prestigious and accessible scholarship programs for international students where monthly allowances can reach up to $2,000 or more:
1. Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom)
The UK Government’s Chevening Scholarships are among the world’s most respected awards for one‑year master’s programs. These scholarships cover full tuition, airfare, and living expenses. The monthly stipend alone ranges around £1,330 (~$1,700) outside London and can go up to about £1,650 (~$2,100) in London — placing them well within the up‑to‑$2,000 category.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be citizens of eligible countries and demonstrate leadership potential and academic excellence.
- Benefits: Tuition fees, stipend, travel costs, and networking opportunities.
- Deadline: Applications often open August and close November (varies slightly by year).
2. DAAD Research Scholarships (Germany)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers postgraduate scholarships that include a monthly living allowance for international students. Stipend amounts vary by degree level, with master’s students receiving around €934 (~$1,020+) and PhD students receiving around €1,200 (~$1,320+) per month.
- Eligibility: International students with excellent academic records (varies by program).
- Benefits: Monthly stipend, partial travel support, and insurance coverage.
- Duration: Typically 1–3 years depending on study level.
3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree Scholarships (European Union)
Erasmus Mundus scholarships fund joint master’s programs across multiple European universities. Recipients receive full tuition fees plus a monthly stipend (approx. €1,000–€1,200, ~ $1,100+) that helps cover living costs.
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree holders from anywhere in the world.
- Benefits: Tuition waiver, monthly living allowance, travel grants, and insurance.
- Duration: Usually 12–24 months.
4. Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)
SINGA offers generous support for PhD students in Singapore, including a monthly stipend of S$2,700–S$3,200 (~$2,000+), tuition coverage, relocation and settling‑in allowances.
- Eligibility: Applicants for doctoral programs in partner Singaporean institutions.
- Benefits: High monthly stipend, tuition, and travel support.
- Deadline: December 1 (varies by year).
5. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
One of the most prestigious opportunities for international master’s and PhD students to study in the USA, the Fulbright Scholarship covers tuition, airfare, health insurance, and a monthly stipend that ranges approximately from $800 to $1,200 depending on host city costs. While slightly below the $2,000 cap, it remains one of the most widely applied high‑value scholarships available.
- Eligibility: Candidates from over 155 countries with a strong academic record.
- Benefits: Living allowance, tuition, travel, and insurance.
- Application: Country‑specific deadlines run from February to October.
Other High‑Stipend Scholarships Worth Consideration
In addition to the high‑profile programs above, there are several other opportunities that international students should explore:
• MEXT Japanese Government Scholarships
Japan’s MEXT Scholarship provides full tuition coverage, travel support, and a monthly stipend up to about ¥242,000 (~$1,800+), depending on degree level and exchange rates.
• KAIST Scholarships (South Korea)
The Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) offers fully funded scholarships with competitive monthly stipends for science and engineering students.
• Turkey Government Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları)
Open to students of all levels, these scholarships include full tuition, accommodation support, a monthly stipend, and health insurance.
These programs sometimes offer allowances close to or exceeding $1,000 per month and, when combined with housing or travel support, can total over $2,000 in value.
Benefits of Scholarships With Monthly Allowances
Pursuing an international scholarship with a monthly stipend offers the following advantages:
- Financial security: Monthly living allowances mean you can focus on your studies rather than part‑time work.
- Comprehensive support: Most programs also include tuition, airfare, and insurance.
- Networking opportunities: Many scholarship cohorts provide professional development and global alumni communities.
- Cultural immersion: You can fully engage in your host country’s academic and social experiences.
Eligibility Criteria – What You Need to Know
While requirements vary, most high‑value international scholarships share common criteria:
- Strong academic record: GPA requirements and competitive transcripts.
- Language proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent (if taught in English).
- Leadership & impact: Demonstrated extra‑curricular involvement or community service.
- Clear study goals: Personal essays and research proposals matter.
- Letters of recommendation: Academic and professional referees strengthen applications.
Application Tips for Maximum Success
Securing a scholarship with a monthly stipend is competitive. Here are proven tips to enhance your chances:
- Start early: Many deadlines are nearly a year ahead of program start dates.
- Customize your essays: Tailor your statement of purpose to each program’s mission.
- Prepare documents: Academic transcripts, reference letters, and language test reports should be ready months in advance.
- Seek feedback: Review applications with mentors or scholarship advisors.
- Track deadlines: Use a calendar to avoid last‑minute submissions.
Conclusion
International scholarships offering monthly allowances up to $2,000 are transformative opportunities for students around the world. Whether you aspire to study in the UK, Europe, Asia, or the USA, there are programs designed to support you financially and academically. Prioritize applications to those that align with your field of study and career goals, prepare your documents carefully, and apply early to stand out in competitive applicant pools.
By targeting scholarships like Chevening, DAAD, Erasmus Mundus, and SINGA — alongside other high‑value options — you can pursue world‑class education without the burden of financial stress.