Moving abroad for studies can be a life-changing opportunity, but for students with spouses and children, the biggest challenge is not just tuition.
It is the cost of relocating the entire family. From visa fees to airfare, rent deposits, and living expenses, the costs can be overwhelming.
The good news? Some international scholarships help students relocate with their families. These awards go beyond tuition support.
They provide family allowances, childcare support, dependent visas, and settlement funds, making it easier for students with dependents to study abroad comfortably.
This article explains what family-friendly scholarships offer, the top programs that support dependents, eligibility criteria, and how to choose the right option for your relocation needs.
What Are Scholarships That Cover Family Relocation?
Scholarships that support family relocation are financial aid programs that allow recipients to bring their spouse, children, or dependents while studying abroad.
These scholarships may provide:
Dependent Allowance
- Monthly financial support for your spouse or children.
Childcare Funding
- Support for daycare, school fees, or other child-related expenses.
Airfare for Dependents
- Some programs pay travel costs for your family.
Visa & Health Insurance Support
- Coverage for dependent visa fees and health insurance.
Housing Allowance
- Extra money to help you rent a larger home for your family.
Family Settlement Support
- One-off relocation funds to help with initial costs.
These scholarships are ideal for students who wish to study abroad without leaving their families behind.
Why Do Some Scholarships Cover Family Relocation?
Governments and institutions fund family-friendly scholarships because:
- They want to attract top talent with families
- Family support increases student well-being and academic success
- Some countries face skills shortages and encourage long-term migration
- They promote equal access for women, caregivers, and married applicants
This means you can find programs in regions like Europe, Canada, the UK, Australia, and Asia that specifically welcome students with dependents.
Top Scholarships That Cover Family Relocation
Below are the best scholarships worldwide that include benefits for spouses and children.
1. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
One of the world’s most generous scholarship programs, DAAD supports international students from developing and emerging countries.
Family-Friendly Benefits:
- Spouse and children allowance
- Health insurance coverage for dependents
- Contribution to travel costs for the family
- Extra funding for rent and childcare
Ideal For:
Master’s and PhD students relocating with dependents.
2. Chevening Scholarship (UK)
Chevening does not directly pay for dependents, but it allows scholars to bring family members, and many past recipients have relocated with their spouses and children.
Support Includes:
- Permission to bring dependents
- Enough stipends to accommodate modest family living
- Access to external funds, savings, or additional support
Important Note:
Applicants must show they can cover dependent costs, but many families successfully relocate under Chevening.
3. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
This UK government scholarship is extremely supportive for students with families.
Family Relocation Benefits:
- Child allowance
- Spouse allowance (in some categories)
- Additional monthly payments for families
- Travel support for dependents
Perfect For:
Students from Commonwealth nations, especially those pursuing master’s or PhD degrees.
4. Australia Awards Scholarships
A popular government scholarship for students from Africa, Asia, and the Pacific regions.
Family-Friendly Features:
- The student is allowed to bring dependents
- Initial establishment allowance
- Contribution to living expenses (can cover modest family needs)
- Healthcare for the student and dependents
Note:
Not all fees for dependents are paid, but the scholarship is known for being family-friendly.
5. New Zealand Scholarships (NZSC)
New Zealand offers some of the most generous benefits for students with families.
Family Relocation Support:
- Full tuition
- Establishment allowance
- Dependent travel support
- Living stipend
- Health insurance for students & dependents
- Visa support
Ideal for students seeking a relaxed educational environment with strong family support programs.
6. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Canada)
Vanier does not explicitly fund dependents, but it offers a high stipend (CAD $50,000 per year), enough to relocate a family comfortably.
Benefits That Support Families:
- High funding amount
- Unlimited permission to bring dependents
- Family-friendly Canadian immigration system
Many Vanier scholars relocate with their families under a study permit + open spousal work permit + dependent child study permit structure.
7. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
One of the world’s most prestigious scholarships.
Family Support Includes (varies by country):
- Dependent supplements (in some regions)
- J-2 Visa for spouses & children
- Health insurance coverage
- Airfare for dependents (in select cases)
Fulbright is one of the few U.S. scholarships that openly supports dependents.
How to Know if a Scholarship Supports Family Relocation
Before applying, check the official page for:
- Dependent allowances
- Visa support for spouse/children
- Housing subsidies
- Airfare or travel allowance
- Childcare or school cost support
- Permission to bring dependents under your study permit.
If a scholarship does not explicitly mention dependents, email the program directly. Many programs allow it even if it is not written clearly.
Pros and Cons of Choosing a Family-Friendly Scholarship
Pros
- Reduced financial stress
- Ability to study without separating from loved ones
- Enhanced mental and emotional stability
- Access to better childcare and health services abroad
Cons
- Dependent visa requirements can be strict
- Some scholarships require proof of extra funds
- Family relocation increases the overall cost of living.
How to Choose the Right Scholarship for Your Relocation Needs
When deciding which scholarship is best, consider:
1. Country’s Visa Policies for Dependents
- Australia, Canada, the UK, and New Zealand are highly family-friendly.
2. Scholarship’s Monthly Stipend
- Higher stipends make relocation easier.
3. Housing Costs in the City
- Bigger cities = higher costs.
4. Travel Expenses
- Some scholarships cover dependent airfare; others don’t.
5. Childcare and Education Costs
- Germany and New Zealand provide more support in this area.
Studying abroad with your family is possible, but only when you choose a scholarship that truly understands the needs of students with dependents.
Programs like DAAD, Commonwealth Scholarship, Fulbright, Australia Awards, New Zealand Scholarships, and Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships offer various levels of support that make family relocation manageable.
Before applying, compare each scholarship’s allowances, visa rules, stipend amount, and dependent support so you can choose wisely and plan comfortably.
If chosen carefully, the right scholarship can make your family’s relocation smoother, safer, and financially manageable, while allowing you to pursue your academic goals abroad.
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