For many international students, pursuing education abroad is not only an academic journey—it’s a personal and emotional transition as well. One of the most significant concerns for mature students, married students, or parents is the well-being of their family during their time abroad. Fortunately, in 2025, several scholarship programs around the world allow international students to bring their spouse and children with them while they study. These scholarships cover not just tuition, but also support housing, living expenses, and sometimes even childcare or education for dependents.
This article explores the top scholarships that let you bring your family, including the benefits, application requirements, and countries that offer the most family-friendly options for international scholars.
Why Scholarships That Support Families Matter
While many scholarships cover tuition and living costs for individual students, relocating with family can significantly increase the financial burden. Family-friendly scholarships help bridge this gap, making higher education more accessible for:
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Married students
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Students with children
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Single parents
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Mature students returning to education
By easing the cost of travel, accommodation, and dependent visas, these scholarships provide the opportunity for students to pursue international education without being separated from their loved ones.
1. New Zealand Manaaki Scholarships
Location: New Zealand
Degree Level: Undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral
Benefits:
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Full tuition fees
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Monthly living stipend
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Travel allowance
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Insurance
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Dependent support for spouse and children (including visas and living expenses)
Why It’s Ideal for Families:
Manaaki Scholarships are among the most comprehensive globally. They explicitly allow students to bring their families, and the government facilitates visa support for spouses and dependents. New Zealand’s public healthcare and education system are accessible to dependents, and the country is known for its safety and high quality of life.
2. Australia Awards Scholarships
Location: Australia
Degree Level: Undergraduate, Master's, and PhD
Benefits:
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Full tuition
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Return airfare
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Establishment allowance
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Living expenses
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Visa support for spouse and children
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Health coverage for dependents
Highlights:
Australia Awards support international students from developing countries. The scholarship allows recipients to apply for dependent visas, and spouses may also work full-time in Australia. Children can enroll in public schools, often at no additional cost.
Eligibility:
Citizens of eligible countries in Asia, Africa, the Pacific, and Latin America.
3. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)
Location: Sweden
Degree Level: Master’s
Benefits:
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Full tuition
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Monthly stipend
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Travel grant
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Eligible for dependent visa sponsorship
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Childcare support via public services
Family Benefits:
While the scholarship does not directly cover dependent costs, it supports dependent visas. Sweden’s social support system offers excellent daycare, parental leave, and education benefits for children. Spouses may work without restrictions.
4. DAAD Scholarships – Germany
Location: Germany
Degree Level: Master’s and PhD
Benefits:
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Monthly stipend (up to €1,200 for PhD students)
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Travel allowance
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Health insurance
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Allowance for accompanying spouses and children
Family Support Details:
DAAD allows scholars to bring their family and offers an additional monthly stipend for dependents. Public education in Germany is free, and healthcare access is extended to family members under the same insurance policy.
5. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
Location: United States
Degree Level: Master's and PhD
Benefits:
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Tuition and fees
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Living stipend
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Travel expenses
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J-2 visa support for dependents
What Makes It Family-Friendly:
Fulbright scholars can bring their spouse and children under the J-2 visa. While dependents are not automatically funded, they can apply for work authorization. Many U.S. universities offer on-campus childcare and family housing options.
6. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships (UK)
Location: United Kingdom
Degree Level: Master’s
Benefits:
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Full tuition
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Monthly stipend
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Travel expenses
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Spouse and child allowance for accompanying family
Unique Advantage:
Unlike some other UK scholarships, Commonwealth Shared Scholarships offer additional financial support for family members. The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) provides healthcare coverage, and dependent children can attend public schools.
7. Turkiye Burslari (Turkey Scholarships)
Location: Turkey
Degree Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD
Benefits:
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Tuition-free education
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Monthly stipend
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Free accommodation
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Health insurance
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Support for dependents via visa sponsorship
Why It Works for Families:
Turkey offers a relatively affordable cost of living, and Turkiye Burslari facilitates dependent visas, even if it doesn’t directly fund family members. Many institutions offer family housing and on-campus services for international students.
8. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Location: Canada
Degree Level: PhD
Benefits:
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$50,000 CAD per year for 3 years
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Visa sponsorship for family
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Spouses can apply for open work permits
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Children can attend public schools
Family Advantage:
Canada is one of the most family-friendly countries for international students. The Vanier scholarship offers generous funding, and the Canadian immigration system allows dependents of PhD students to stay, study, and work.
Tips for Applying to Family-Friendly Scholarships
1. Check the Official Guidelines Carefully
Even if a scholarship doesn't explicitly mention family funding, many offer visa and administrative support for dependents. Always reach out to the program coordinator for clarification.
2. Prepare Documents Early
Visa applications for family members can be time-consuming. Start preparing:
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Marriage certificate
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Birth certificates of children
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Health and vaccination records
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Proof of financial capacity (if needed)
3. Budget Realistically
Even with a fully funded scholarship, you'll need to plan for additional living expenses. Housing, childcare, and food costs can increase significantly with dependents.
4. Look for On-Campus Family Housing
Many universities offer affordable housing specifically for students with families. These are safer, more convenient, and often include access to playgrounds, childcare, and family support services.
5. Use Support Services
Universities typically have International Student Offices and Family Support Centers that help with:
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Finding schools for children
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Daycare recommendations
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Language learning resources
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Cultural adjustment workshops
Final Thoughts
Pursuing higher education abroad doesn’t have to mean leaving your loved ones behind. Thanks to a growing recognition of diverse student needs, more scholarship programs now offer the flexibility and support required to study abroad with your family.