Introduction: Why This Matters for You
If you are a woman — especially a single mother — dreaming of studying abroad, you know how real the barriers are: tuition, living costs, visas, child care, travel, and more.
But what if you could get 100% funded scholarships, including financial support, living allowance, and — in some cases — support for dependents or family considerations?
That dream isn’t just possible — it’s already happening. In this post, I walk you through the top fully funded scholarships for women (including some aimed at single mothers), show how they work, and explain exactly how you can apply.
By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to study abroad — without crushing costs — and with family support where possible.
Let’s get started.
What Does “100% Funded Scholarship” Actually Mean?
Before we dive into options, let’s clarify what “fully funded” or “100% funded” really covers. A truly fully funded scholarship usually includes:
- Full tuition coverage (paid directly to the university)
- Monthly living stipend or allowance
- Travel grant or flight support
- Sometimes health insurance or visa support
- Occasionally, housing or accommodation support
Some scholarships may also consider additional burdens — like dependents or family care needs.
A few may not cover family members (so if you have children, you’ll need to plan separately), but the core benefits already remove major financial barriers.
In the sections below, I highlight scholarships that offer the broadest support — including a few friendly to women from developing countries and those with family responsibilities.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships for Women & Single Mothers
Here’s a curated list of leading scholarships that are most relevant if you’re a woman or single mother — including those that explicitly support women from developing countries (like Nigeria) and those open to international students.
| Scholarship / Grant | Who It’s For / Key Features | What It Covers / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Swedish Institute (SI) – Global Professionals & “Pioneering Women in STEM” | Women (including from Nigeria and other developing countries), for full-time master’s | Full tuition; monthly stipend (SEK 12,000); travel grant; in some calls, specifically for women in STEM. (Svenska institutet) |
| Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) | Women (age 25+ from developing / middle-income countries) pursuing higher education in US, Canada or partner countries | Educational grant (in many cases covering tuition/fees or offering financial support) to support women committed to improving lives of women & children. (MMEG) |
| Schlumberger Foundation – Faculty for the Future | Women from developing / emerging economies, pursuing PhD or postdoc in STEM fields | Funding covering tuition, living expenses, research costs — often fully funded for doctoral / research level. (Top Universities) |
| P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund | Women from outside US/Canada seeking graduate studies in US or Canada | Scholarship support for graduate-level studies — financial assistance for tuition and study expenses. (Top Universities) |
| Other Single-Mother / Single-Parent Friendly Scholarships (e.g., community grants, need-based awards, vocational support) | Single mothers or low-income women pursuing undergraduate or vocational training | These vary widely — some offer modest grants, others cover tuition or provide support for childcare / living. (Scholars Avenue) |
Why These Scholarships Are Especially Good for Women & Single Mothers
- Focus on Women From Developing Countries: SI, MMEG, Schlumberger and others specifically target women from Africa, Asia, and other developing regions. That means you’re not just competing globally, but among peers with similar backgrounds.
- Support Beyond Tuition: Monthly stipends, travel grants, living allowances — these ease the economic burden considerably. You won’t just pay tuition — you can live, eat, and focus on studies.
- Room for Impact: Many of these scholarships expect you to contribute back home after graduation (especially MMEG, Schlumberger). That’s a chance to build a career and help your community.
- Flexibility for Life Situation: For single mothers, need-based grants and scholarships for “women with dependents” exist. They may not always be fully-funded abroad, but combined with work or local support, they make education more achievable.
Things to Keep in Mind (Challenges & Realities)
- Very Competitive: Fully funded scholarships are in high demand. Competition is fierce — you’ll need good academic records, strong motivation essays, and often leadership experience.
- Family Support Not Always Included: Many scholarships (including SI) explicitly state that family members are not funded under the award. (Scholarships for Development) If you have children, you’ll need to plan for child care or additional support.
- Documentation Requirements: Scholarships like SI require proof of work experience, leadership, and in some cases prior employment history. (Svenska institutet)
- Application Windows Are Short: Most scholarships have strict deadlines — often once per year. For example, SI’s application window is narrow. (Svenska institutet)
- You May Need Residence or Return Plans: Some awards come with conditions — e.g., returning home after studies, contributing to local development (especially MMEG, Schlumberger).
How You Should Prepare to Apply — Step by Step
If you’re serious about going for these scholarships, here’s a practical, actionable plan to follow:
- Pick 2–3 Scholarships that Fit You: Don’t spread yourself too thin. Focus on those where you meet criteria — e.g., SI (if you’re eligible), MMEG (if 25+), Schlumberger (if aiming for PhD).
- Check Deadlines: Mark your calendar. For example, SI’s master’s admission window runs until mid-January; scholarship application opens in February. (Svenska institutet)
- Gather Necessary Documents: Academic transcripts, birth certificate (if required), proof of citizenship, CV, letters of recommendation, motivation essays, proof of work/leadership (if needed), etc.
- Craft a Strong Motivation Statement: Tell your story — why you deserve this funding, how it will impact your life and community, especially if you’re a single mother or from a low-income background.
- Plan for Family/Dependents (if any): If the scholarship doesn’t fund dependents, plan ahead — savings, remote work, sponsorship, part-time jobs, community support networks.
- Apply Early and Follow Instructions to the Letter: Many scholarships disqualify applications for minor formatting or documentation errors.
What Single Mothers Should Know: Special Support & Realities
If you are a single mother, here are some additional pointers and considerations:
- Some scholarship-granting organizations explicitly support single parents or women with dependents — especially in need-based or community-grant schemes. (Scholars Avenue)
- Combining a fully funded international scholarship with local grants (for child care or single-parent support) may work — but such combinations require careful planning.
- Be transparent in your application if asked about dependents. Some scholarships view raising children + higher education as evidence of resilience, commitment, and leadership.
- Have a realistic financial back-up plan: for dependents, travel back home (if needed), extra expenses not covered by scholarship (e.g. family insurance, schooling for children, etc.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are there scholarships that cover both studies AND dependents (children)?
A: Few truly international scholarships guarantee support for dependents. Most cover only the student. However, some single-parent grants (especially local/national ones) may offer support for dependents or childcare. It’s important to read each scholarship’s terms carefully.
Q: If I’m from Nigeria, am I eligible for scholarships like the Swedish Institute Scholarship?
A: Yes! The SI Scholarship for Global Professionals lists Nigeria among eligible countries for its master’s-level fully funded scholarships. (Svenska institutet)
Q: Is applying for these scholarships difficult?
A: Yes, they are generally competitive. But with good preparation — strong academics, clear motivation, complete documentation — many women from developing countries succeed.
Q: What if I can’t get fully funded international scholarships — are there alternatives?
A: Absolutely. There are many scholarships aimed at single mothers or low-income women on vocational training or local university programs. These may not cover everything, but they significantly reduce financial burden. (Scholars Avenue)
Q: Should I wait until my children are older before applying?
A: Not necessarily. What matters more is having a plan for their care. If you can manage dependents (relatives, support networks, savings), you can still apply.
Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can — and Here’s Why
If you dream of studying abroad — even as a single mother — the barriers are real. But the scholarship options I’ve highlighted show that financial and academic barriers are not insurmountable.
With fully funded scholarships like those from the Swedish Institute, Margaret McNamara Education Grants, and Schlumberger Foundation — and with determination, planning, and careful application — you can unlock world-class education.
This isn’t just about earning a degree. It’s about building a better future — for you, for your children, and for your community.
If you like, I can assemble a fresh list (2025/2026 intake) of 10–15 fully funded scholarships right now — tailored specifically for women (and single mothers) from Africa.
Do you want me to build that list for you today?
