Studying abroad opens the door to world-class education, cultural immersion, and career growth. However, it often comes with significant costs—not just tuition, but also visa fees and mandatory travel insurance. Many international students are surprised to find that these “hidden” costs can add up quickly, turning a dream into a financial strain. Fortunately, scholarships that cover visa fees and travel insurance are available, offering full financial support to eligible students.
If you're an aspiring international student, here’s your guide to finding fully funded scholarships that cover visa application costs and travel insurance, ensuring a smooth journey to your study destination.
Why Visa Fees and Travel Insurance Matter
Before we dive into the scholarships, it's important to understand why visa and travel insurance costs are crucial components of studying abroad:
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Student Visa Fees: Depending on the destination country, visa fees can range from $50 to over $500. Delays, reapplications, and administrative fees can increase this expense.
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Travel Insurance: Most countries mandate health and travel insurance for student visa approval. A good international policy may cost $500 to $1,500 per year.
These costs are often not covered by standard tuition scholarships, leaving students to pay out-of-pocket.
Top Scholarships That Cover Visa and Travel Insurance
Let’s explore scholarships known to cover these additional costs, and help you pursue your education abroad with peace of mind.
1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) – Europe
What It Covers:
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Full tuition fees
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Monthly stipend (€1,000–€1,200)
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Travel allowance
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Visa and travel insurance included
Eligibility:
International students from any part of the world enrolling in a joint master’s degree in Europe.
Why It’s Valuable:
Erasmus Mundus is one of the most comprehensive and generous scholarships, offering everything from airfare to mandatory insurance coverage and visa fee reimbursements.
2. DAAD Scholarships – Germany
What It Covers:
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Tuition support
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Monthly living stipend
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Health insurance
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Travel allowance and visa cost reimbursement
Eligibility:
Graduates and postgraduates from developing countries studying in Germany.
Bonus:
DAAD also offers pre-departure support to handle embassy paperwork and insurance processing.
3. Australia Awards Scholarships
What It Covers:
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Full tuition
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Return airfare
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Establishment allowance
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Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
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Visa and travel costs
Eligibility:
Students from Asia, the Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies in Australia.
Key Feature:
This scholarship is designed to be all-inclusive, which makes it one of the best for students needing comprehensive financial support.
4. Fulbright Foreign Student Program – USA
What It Covers:
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Full tuition
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Monthly stipend
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Health insurance
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Travel allowance and visa support
Eligibility:
International students applying for master's or PhD programs in the United States.
Visa Support:
The Fulbright program provides J-1 visa assistance and reimburses related costs. Additionally, scholars receive SEVIS fee coverage and insurance that meets U.S. visa standards.
5. Chevening Scholarships – UK
What It Covers:
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Full tuition at a UK university
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Monthly stipend
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Travel and arrival allowances
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Visa application fee reimbursement
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Comprehensive travel insurance
Eligibility:
Outstanding students from over 160 countries looking to pursue a one-year master’s degree in the UK.
Extra Benefit:
Chevening covers TB testing and biometric fees required by the UK visa application process.
Honorable Mentions: Scholarships With Partial Visa and Insurance Support
While some scholarships don’t explicitly state that they cover visa fees or insurance, they often provide lump-sum allowances that can be used for these costs.
- Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
This covers travel expenses, health insurance, and a living stipend. Visa fees are not explicitly stated, but travel grants may be used at the student’s discretion.
- Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)
Includes full tuition, monthly allowance, travel expenses, and medical insurance. Visa costs may be covered within the travel stipend.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning These Scholarships
1. Apply Early
Most fully funded scholarships have strict deadlines, often 8–12 months before the program starts. Applying early gives you an edge and allows time for corrections.
2. Tailor Your Personal Statement
Make sure to highlight financial need, particularly around visa and travel insurance expenses. Be specific about how this support will remove barriers to your education.
3. Get Strong Recommendations
Letters from academics or employers who can attest to your academic excellence and potential impact make a big difference.
4. Demonstrate Leadership Potential
Many of these scholarships prioritize applicants who show leadership and a desire to give back to their home country.
How to Find More Scholarships with Visa and Insurance Coverage
Use the following tools and platforms to search for scholarships:
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ScholarshipPortal.eu
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Chevening.org
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University-specific websites and financial aid offices
Pro Tip: Search using terms like “fully funded,” “visa fees included,” and “health insurance covered” to filter relevant opportunities.
Final Thoughts: Study Without Stress
Pursuing education abroad is a dream for many, but the additional costs of visas and travel insurance can feel like insurmountable hurdles. Thankfully, the world’s top scholarship programs have stepped up to make international education more equitable.
Whether you aim for Europe, the U.S., Australia, or Asia, there are scholarships that not only pay for your education but also handle travel, insurance, and visa—ensuring you can focus on what truly matters: your academic and personal growth.