Imagine you don’t just get tuition covered — but a monthly stipend to live on, research, and focus fully on your studies. That’s the power of government scholarships that pay you monthly. In 2025, these kinds of scholarships are gold for students who need reliable support, not just a one-time award.
In this guide, you will discover:
- The top 20 government scholarships in 2025 that offer monthly payments / living allowances
- What each scholarship covers and who qualifies
- Application tips and timelines
- A comparison table for quick reference
- FAQs to address your biggest concerns
- Actionable next steps so you can apply with confidence
Let’s dive in and lay out the path.
Why Monthly Stipend Scholarships Matter (and Why You Should Care)
Before listing the scholarships, let’s address why you should aim for ones with monthly payment:
- Reliable support — A monthly stipend means you can budget rent, food, transport, utilities, etc. without scrimping.
- Focus on studies — No need to take side jobs or stress over part-time work when your living costs are covered.
- Prestige & recognition — These are usually the most competitive, high-profile scholarships.
- Long-term benefit — They often come with follow-on benefits: internships, networking, research grants, alumni access.
- Motivation to perform — Some scholarships tie continued payments to performance, which incentivizes you to keep up top grades.
Many “fully funded” scholarships promise tuition + stipend. But not all deliver monthly payments. In this post, we include only those confirmed or reliably reported to provide a monthly living allowance / stipend (or equivalent) as part of the package.
How to Choose Among Them (What to Watch For)
When evaluating these scholarships, pay attention to:
- Monthly stipend amount — Some pay generously, others modestly.
- Coverage beyond stipend — Tuition, accommodation, health insurance, travel, research allowances.
- Service or return obligations — Some require you serve your home country or work in underserved areas afterward.
- Eligibility constraints — Nationality, degree level (undergraduate / master / PhD / research), academic performance, language requirements.
- Application deadlines & process — Documents, essays, recommendations, interviews.
- Renewability — Whether the stipend continues in each year of your program or is limited.
Keep a spreadsheet or checklist. Use the table I provide below as a starting framework.
Top 20 Government Scholarships With Monthly Stipends in 2025
Here are 20 prestigious government-backed scholarships (or government-sponsored) that offer monthly allowances or living stipends. I organized them regionally (global, Africa / developing world focus, country-specific) and by degree level where relevant.
| # | Scholarship Name | Country / Sponsor | Degree Level | Approx Monthly Stipend / Allowance* | What It Covers | Key Eligibility & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | China Government Scholarship (CGS / CSC) | China | Master / PhD / Undergraduate (some) | ~ ¥3,500 / ¥2,500 (varies) | Full tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, health insurance | Open to international students via Chinese universities and embassy channels (Scholarship Roar) |
| 2 | DAAD Scholarships | Germany (via DAAD) | Masters / PhD | ~ €850 for Masters, ~ €1,200 PhD | Tuition waiver, monthly stipend, travel, health insurance | Strong academic record, language requirements (German / English) (Scholarship Roar) |
| 3 | MEXT Scholarship | Japan | Undergrad / Masters / PhD | Variable (e.g. ¥144,000 / month for research students) | Tuition, monthly allowance, airfare, accommodation | Via Japanese embassies or universities (Scholarship Roar) |
| 4 | Turkiye Scholarships | Turkey (Turkiye Burslari) | Bachelor / Master / PhD | ~ TL 1,600 per month | Tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance, accommodation | Highly competitive; supports placement and adaptation (Scholarship Roar) |
| 5 | Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships | Switzerland | PhD / Postdoctoral / Research | Varies (monthly research support) | Tuition, living stipend, research grant | Applications open starting August 2025 (sbfi.admin.ch) |
| 6 | Studienstiftung Scholarship (Germany) | Germany | Undergrad / Graduate / PhD | ~ €300 monthly; PhD ~ €1,550 + research allowance from Oct 2025 (Wikipedia) | Cover health, insurance, overseas support | Highly selective, based on academic & leadership |
| 7 | Taiwan Scholarship | Taiwan (MOE / MOFA) | Undergraduate / Graduate | Monthly stipend provided | Tuition, travel, stipend, insurance | Open to international students via Taiwanese institutions (Wikipedia) |
| 8 | NHSC Scholarship Program | United States (National Health Service Corps) | Health professions (MD, etc.) | Monthly stipend (while in school) | Tuition, eligible fees, monthly stipend (nhsc.hrsa.gov) | |
| 9 | Australian Research Training Program (RTP) | Australia | Masters / PhD | Indexed stipend (varies yearly) | Tuition offset + living allowance | Managed per university under government umbrella (Scholarship Roar) |
| 10 | Indonesia KNB Scholarship | Indonesia | Undergraduate / Masters / PhD | Settlement allowance + monthly living allowance ~ IDR 2,550,000 etc. | Tuition, living, insurance, settlement | For developing countries, competitive (Scholarship Roar) |
| 11 | Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship | Ireland | Masters / PhD | ~ €10,000 (not monthly, but supports living) | Fee waiver + stipend | For non-EU students; 60 places total (University College Dublin) |
| 12 | Italian Government Scholarship | Italy | Masters / PhD | ~ €900/month | Tuition, stipend, health insurance | For international students at Italian universities (Scholarship Roar) |
| 13 | Hungary Stipendium Hungaricum | Hungary | Bachelor / Master / PhD | ~ HUF 43,700/month + accommodation contribution HUF 40,000 | Tuition, contribution to living costs | Open to international students (Scholarship Roar) |
| 14 | Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals | Sweden | Masters | Monthly grant (varies) | Tuition + monthly allowance | For global students in priority countries |
| 15 | Chevening Scholarship | UK / British Government | Masters | Living allowance (monthly payments) | Tuition, travel, monthly stipend, additional grants | For future leaders, apply via UK embassies (Scholarship Roar) |
| 16 | Fulbright Foreign Student Program | USA | Masters / PhD | Monthly stipend included | Tuition, airfare, health insurance, stipend | Wide global coverage via US Department of State (universityliving.com) |
| 17 | Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP / GKS) | South Korea | Undergraduate / Graduate / PhD | Monthly stipend (varies by degree) | Tuition, monthly stipend, travel, settlement | Via Korean embassies and universities |
| 18 | Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship | Brunei | Undergrad / Masters | ~ BND 650 monthly | Tuition, living allowance | Supports international student placements (Scholarship Roar) |
| 19 | Slovakia National Scholarship Programme | Slovakia | Masters / PhD | Up to €1,025 monthly | Tuition, stipend | For international students via Slovak government (Scholarship Roar) |
| 20 | Romania Government Scholarships | Romania | Undergraduate / Masters / PhD | ~ €80/month stipend (low but included) | Tuition, accommodation, stipend | For international students in Romanian universities (Scholarship Roar) |
* Note: The “Approx Monthly Stipend” values are approximate indicators drawn from publicly available sources. Always confirm the exact amount in official calls. Some scholarships pay quarterly or semesterly but converted to monthly equivalents; others change yearly.
Detailed Breakdown: What You Get & What You Must Do
Below I provide more context and tips for a selection of the scholarships above. I include realistic sample amounts and application strategies so you can decide which to target.
1. China Government Scholarship (CGS / CSC)
- What you get: Full tuition waiver, accommodation or housing subsidy, health insurance, and a monthly stipend (e.g. ~ ¥3,500 for masters, ~¥2,500 for undergraduates, depending on university and location) (Scholarship Roar)
- Eligibility: International students with strong academic records, varying by country and level of study
- How to apply: Through Chinese embassy in your country or direct application via university portals
- Tips:
- Start early — embassy deadlines are strict
- Choose universities with proven track records in supporting foreign students
- Strong recommendation letters and a well-defined research proposal help
2. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
- What you get: Monthly stipend (e.g. ~€850 for masters, ~€1,200 for doctoral candidates) plus allowances for travel and settlement (Scholarship Roar)
- Eligibility: International students, strong academic record, language requirement (German or English depending on program)
- How to apply: Via DAAD portal or participating German universities
- Tips:
- Watch the application window (often opens ~ November–February)
- Write a compelling research plan if applying for research scholarships
- Demonstrate leadership, community or extracurricular involvement
3. MEXT Scholarship (Japan)
- What you get: Monthly stipend (varies by study level), full tuition, travel cost, health insurance, accommodation stability
- Eligibility: Students applying via Japanese embassies or through universities; must meet GPA, language, age criteria
- How to apply: Usually via Japanese embassy / consulate in your country, or direct to Japanese institutions
- Tips:
- Focus on clear, realistic research proposals
- Learn basic Japanese (though many scholarships allow English programs)
- Submit all required paperwork early to avoid delays
4. Türkiye Scholarships (Turkiye Burslari)
- What you get: Monthly stipend (~ TL1,600 or higher depending on program), full tuition, accommodation or housing contribution, health insurance, travel allowance (Turkey Scholarships)
- Eligibility: Undergraduate, master, PhD, from eligible countries; strong academics
- How to apply: Online through Türkiye Scholarships portal (free)
- Tips:
- Prepare essays explaining why Turkey and your field
- Provide a solid CV and recommendations
- Apply when their portal opens (watch announcement dates)
5. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
- What you get: Monthly living stipend, tuition, research funding, travel to and from Switzerland (sbfi.admin.ch)
- Eligibility: International researchers, PhD candidates, postdocs
- How to apply: Via Swiss universities or official application portal (opens August 2025 for next cycle)
- Tips:
- Contact prospective Swiss supervisors early to get endorsement
- Ensure your research fits Swiss priorities
- Highlight your academic and international potential
6. Studienstiftung Scholarship (Germany)
- What you get: For undergraduates/grad: ≈ €300 monthly. For PhD scholars: ~ €1,550 monthly + research allowance. Starting October 2025, PhD pay may increase (to ~€1,650 + €100 research allowance) (Wikipedia)
- Eligibility: German & international students, top academic standing, leadership potential
- How to apply: Via nomination by your university or independent application (depending on country)
- Tips:
- Cultivate academic excellence and extracurricular involvement
- Use nomination or selection rounds to your advantage
- Combine this with other funding sources if you need extra
7. Taiwan Scholarship
- What you get: Monthly stipend (varies by program), tuition, insurance, round-trip travel costs (Wikipedia)
- Eligibility: International students, good academic record
- How to apply: Via the Taiwanese Ministry of Education or universities
- Tips:
- Identify universities in Taiwan with strong departments in your field
- Use academic publications or research interest to strengthen your application
- Submit all required documents early
8. NHSC Scholarship Program (United States)
- What you get: Monthly stipend during studies (for eligible health profession students) + tuition and fees payment (nhsc.hrsa.gov)
- Eligibility: Applicants to primary care health profession programs (MD, NP, etc.), U.S. or eligible foreign nationals
- How to apply: Via NHSC application portals
- Tips:
- Understand the service requirement after graduation (you may need to work in underserved areas)
- Maintain academic performance to keep stipend
- Use your application to highlight your passion for community health
9. Australian Research Training Program (RTP)
- What you get: A stipend (indexed annually) + tuition offset. The stipend covers living expenses during your research degree (Master’s by research or PhD) (Scholarship Roar)
- Eligibility: Domestic and international students accepted by eligible universities
- How to apply: Through your chosen Australian university’s graduate research school
- Tips:
- Reach out to potential supervisors early
- Prepare a feasible research proposal
- Check if your university has additional top-up scholarships
10. Indonesia KNB Scholarship
- What you get: Settlement allowance + monthly living allowance (~ IDR 2,550,000) + tuition & insurance (Scholarship Roar)
- Eligibility: Applicants from developing countries with strong academics
- How to apply: Via Indonesian Ministry portals or embassies
- Tips:
- Tailor your essays to reflect development goals
- Provide robust references
- Submit ahead of deadlines
11. Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship
- What you get: €10,000 lump-sum plus full fee waiver (not strictly monthly, but effectively supports your living) (University College Dublin)
- Eligibility: Non-EU master’s or PhD students accepted in Irish institutions
- How to apply: Through Irish university + scholarship application
- Tips:
- Secure your admission first
- Highlight research proposals or academic promise
- Apply as soon as the university opens scholarship calls
12. Italian Government Scholarship
- What you get: Monthly stipend ~€900 + tuition exemption + insurance (Scholarship Roar)
- Eligibility: International students admitted to Italian universities
- How to apply: Via the Italian Ministry or university portals
- Tips:
- Prepare transcripts, research proposals, language proof
- Explore whether your university has extra small grants for living expenses
13. Hungary – Stipendium Hungaricum
- What you get: ~HUF 43,700/month stipend + accommodation contribution (~HUF 40,000) (Scholarship Roar)
- Eligibility: International applicants to Hungarian universities
- How to apply: Via the Hungary government’s portal
- Tips:
- Highlight compatibility of your field with Hungarian research strengths
- Provide strong recommendation letters
- Apply early when portal opens
14. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals
- What you get: Monthly maintenance grant (varies) + tuition coverage
- Eligibility: Global professionals from eligible countries, admitted to Master’s in Sweden
- How to apply: Via the Swedish Institute portal
- Tips:
- Emphasize leadership and international orientation
- Choose partner universities carefully
- Prepare recommendations and a robust statement
15. Chevening Scholarship (UK)
- What you get: Monthly living allowance (paid monthly) + full tuition + travel + additional grants (Scholarship Roar)
- Eligibility: Mid-career leaders, international applicants, 2-year post-experience minimum
- How to apply: Via British embassies or online portal
- Tips:
- Demonstrate leadership, networking, impact potential
- Craft compelling essays aligned with UK diplomatic priorities
- Apply early; British embassies often host info sessions
16. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- What you get: Monthly stipend (varies by cost-of-living) + tuition, airfare, health insurance (universityliving.com)
- Eligibility: International students, strong academic & leadership credentials
- How to apply: Through U.S. embassy / Fulbright Commission in your country
- Tips:
- Strong essays and recommendations are critical
- Align your research with U.S. priorities or bilateral cooperation
- Apply early and check embassy deadlines
17. Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP / GKS)
- What you get: Monthly stipend varied by degree, plus tuition, allowance, airfare
- Eligibility: International students, good academic standing
- How to apply: Through Korean embassies or universities
- Tips:
- Engage Korean professors early
- Provide a clear study / research plan
- Show cross-cultural motivation
18. Brunei Government Scholarship
- What you get: ~BND 650/month stipend + tuition, accommodation, insurance (Scholarship Roar)
- Eligibility: International students applying to Brunei universities
- How to apply: Via Brunei scholarship portals
- Tips:
- Include strong motivation letters
- Identify Brunei universities with programs in your field
19. Slovakia National Scholarship Programme
- What you get: Up to €1,025 monthly stipend + tuition exemption (Scholarship Roar)
- Eligibility: International postgraduate students
- How to apply: Via Slovak government / scholarship websites
- Tips:
- Show academic fit and research alignment
- Submit all supporting documents early
20. Romania Government Scholarships
- What you get: ~€80/month stipend + tuition, accommodation coverage in some cases (Scholarship Roar)
- Eligibility: Foreign students applying to Romanian universities
- How to apply: Via Romanian Ministry or institutions
- Tips:
- Use it as a starting support base (since stipend is modest)
- Combine with other small grants or work-study
Application Strategy: How You Can Win One
Here is a roadmap you should follow to maximize your chances.
Step 1: Audit your eligibility
- Identify your degree level (undergrad / master / PhD)
- Know your nationality and whether it’s eligible
- Check GPA / academic requirements
- Prepare standard documents: transcripts, test scores (TOEFL / IELTS, GRE etc.), CV, recommendations, research proposal
Step 2: Prioritize scholarships
You may not get them all, so rank by:
- Your strength fit (field, degree, country)
- Stipend / benefit magnitude
- Application workload and deadlines
- Backup option (less competitive ones)
Step 3: Timeline & tracking
- Create a calendar with opening periods and deadlines
- Allocate time for writing, revising essays, contacting supervisors
- Gather letters of recommendation well in advance
Step 4: Craft strong essays & proposals
- Be specific: why that country, that university, your field
- Show impact, leadership, alignment with national / global goals
- Use clear structure, proofread multiple times
- Tailor each scholarship’s values and mission
Step 5: Secure support & letters
- Pick referees who know you well academically or professionally
- Provide them with your resume, transcript, essay drafts
- Ask early and follow up politely
Step 6: Submit and follow up
- Ensure you meet all technical requirements (PDFs, size, format)
- Confirm receipt
- If possible, check status or interview invitations
- Be ready with back-ups
Common Questions You (and Others) Ask
Let me answer some frequently asked and tough questions so you don’t get stuck.
Q: Are monthly stipends guaranteed to last the full study duration?
A: Not always. Some scholarships pay only for the first year or have renewals contingent on performance. Always read the scholarship’s terms. Scholarships like DAAD or Chevening often require maintenance of academic standards.
Q: What if the stipend is low (e.g. €80/month in Romania)? Is it worth it?
A: It depends. Even a modest stipend helps offset living costs, gives you legitimacy, and may unlock further support (like teaching/assistantships or small local grants). Use it as a base and seek supplementary funding locally.
Q: Do I have to return to my home country or serve a period of service?
A: Many stipends come with service or return obligations (especially in health, government, development fields). For example, NHSC in the U.S. has service commitments afterward. Always check for such clauses before accepting.
Q: Can I combine a government stipend scholarship with another funding (e.g. university aid, part-time job)?
A: Sometimes. It depends on the rules. Some scholarships forbid extra income; others allow “top-up” funding. If allowed, combining funds can help you live comfortably.
Q: What if I get rejected on my first try?
A: Don’t give up. Use feedback, refine your essays, apply to other programs. Many people get scholarships on second or third attempts. Also, strengthen your profile (publications, volunteering, extracurriculars) while you wait for the next cycle.
Q: How realistic is it for students from developing countries to win these?
A: Very realistic — many of these scholarships are targeted at students from developing countries. Even in competitive fields, individuals with strong academic records, clear goals, and well-written proposals do succeed. Don’t self-eliminate too early.
Sample Yearly Timeline (for 2025 – 2026 Cycle)
Here’s a sample schedule you can adapt:
| Time Frame | Activities |
|---|---|
| Jan – Feb | Research scholarships, shortlist ones you qualify for |
| Feb – Mar | Gather transcripts, request letters, draft research proposals |
| Mar – Apr | Finalize essays, get feedback, revise |
| Apr – May | Fill application portals, submit applications |
| May – June | Interviews (if any), follow-ups |
| June – August | Scholarship grants announced, accept or negotiate, prepare visa / relocation |
| September onward | Begin studies, manage stipend, meet reporting requirements |
Tip: Many scholarship cycles run from August to November (for opening) and January to March for deadline, depending on country. Always check the current year’s portal.
Tips to Improve Your Chances (Pro Tips You Can Act On)
- Target niche or emerging scholarships — Newer government programs often have less competition.
- Reach out to professors — Having a supervisor support your proposal strengthens it.
- Show national / development impact — Explain how your studies benefit your country.
- Submit earlier than deadline — Less risk of system failures, time to fix errors.
- Write well & clearly — Simplicity, clarity, passion matter more than fancy vocabulary.
- Get feedback from past winners — Use alumni networks, forums, LinkedIn groups.
- Prepare backup fund or contingency — In case stipend is delayed or partial.
- Track exchange rates and cost of living — Some stipends look generous but may not stretch in expensive cities.
- Use scholarship portals & alerts — Subscribe to government and education websites for official calls.
- Maintain performance — Many stipends require you to maintain minimum GPA or progress.
How to Use This Post for Maximum Benefit
- Copy the comparison table into your personal spreadsheet
- Mark deadlines, open application windows, and set reminders
- Use the “Detailed Breakdown” sections to decide which ones to apply for
- Save the URLs of portals and official sites for reference
- Use the pro tips and FAQ guidance when preparing your applications
Conclusion
Earning a scholarship that pays you monthly during your studies is a game changer. It gives you the freedom to focus, the confidence to plan ahead, and the honor of being selected among global peers.
Among the 20 scholarships I’ve listed, you are almost guaranteed to find at least one you qualify for — if you are diligent, start early, and craft a standout application.
So here’s what you should do next:
- Review the list and select 3–5 scholarships that match your degree, nationality, and field.
- Open their official websites and verify the current stipend, requirements, and deadlines.
- Start your application materials now (essays, letters, proposal).
- Set calendar reminders so you don’t miss deadlines.
If you like, I can help you tailor your application for one specific scholarship (e.g. DAAD, Chevening, MEXT) with essay drafts, timelines, checklist. Do you want me to help you with one now?
