One of the biggest concerns for international students planning to study abroad is leaving their families behind. Whether it's a spouse, children, or dependents, relocating alone for several years can be emotionally and logistically challenging. Thankfully, a growing number of scholarships now support students who wish to bring their families with them.
In 2025, many scholarship programs and host countries have adopted more inclusive policies that allow scholars to bring their families, either through financial support, visa sponsorship, or access to healthcare and housing. This shift acknowledges the reality that academic success is deeply linked to personal well-being—and for many, that means being near loved ones.
In this article, we'll explore fully funded scholarships and government programs that enable international students to study abroad with their family, what support is offered, and how to apply successfully.
Why Family-Inclusive Scholarships Matter
Studying abroad is not just an academic decision—it's a life decision. For mature students, professionals returning to school, or young parents, being able to relocate with their family is a crucial factor in pursuing overseas education.
Here’s why family-inclusive scholarships are gaining importance:
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Emotional Support: Academic stress is easier to manage when loved ones are nearby.
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Practical Necessity: Parents of young children can’t leave them behind for years.
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Gender Inclusion: Women scholars, especially from developing countries, are more likely to study abroad if they can bring dependents.
Recognizing this, several governments and institutions now design scholarships to be family-friendly.
Scholarships That Support Bringing Family
Here are leading scholarship programs that either explicitly allow or support scholars in bringing dependents, including financial assistance, accommodation, and visa facilitation.
1. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
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Level: Master’s
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Eligibility: Mid-career professionals from eligible countries
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Family Policy: While the Chevening award does not provide financial support for dependents, scholars can apply for a UK dependent visa for their family at their own expense.
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Visa Support: Spouse and children can join and are allowed to work or study.
Tip: Plan ahead for additional living expenses, as the UK cost of living can be high.
2. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
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Level: Master’s and PhD
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Eligibility: International students from over 160 countries
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Family Policy: Offers dependent visa sponsorship (J-2) for spouse and children. Some additional stipend may be available depending on the U.S. university’s budget and your home country’s Fulbright commission.
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Benefits:
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Spouse can apply for work authorization.
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Children can attend public school.
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Note: J-2 visa holders may not automatically receive funding, but some grants offer supplemental support.
3. Australia Awards Scholarships
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Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD
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Eligibility: Students from Asia, Africa, and the Pacific
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Family Policy: Fully funded scholarship with provisions for bringing dependents (partner and children).
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Visa Support: Dependent visas are supported. Spouse may work full-time in Australia if enrolled in a master's or PhD program.
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Extra Benefits: Health insurance for dependents is included.
4. New Zealand Manaaki Scholarships
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Level: Master’s and PhD
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Eligibility: Citizens from developing countries
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Family Policy:
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Spouse and dependent children can apply for visas.
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Spouse may work while you study.
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Dependent children can attend New Zealand public schools for free.
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Living Allowance: Covers the scholar only, so you must show you can support your family financially.
5. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
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Level: Postgraduate, PhD, and research
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Eligibility: Open to over 180 countries
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Family Policy:
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Spouse and children may apply for dependent visas.
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While no additional family stipend is provided, accommodation support may help.
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Switzerland offers a high quality of life, and public services like education and healthcare are accessible to dependents.
6. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (Europe)
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Level: Master’s (multi-country programs)
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Eligibility: Global applicants
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Family Policy: The Erasmus Mundus program itself does not directly fund dependents, but:
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You can apply for dependent visas in the host countries.
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Some countries (e.g., Sweden, Netherlands) allow your spouse to work.
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Because of multiple country transitions, Erasmus might be less suitable for students with large families but works well for couples.
7. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
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Level: Master’s and PhD
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Eligibility: From developing countries
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Family Policy:
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Family allowance provided if your stay is longer than one year and dependents live with you in Germany.
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Health insurance also covers family members.
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Spouse can work with appropriate permits.
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This is one of the most generous programs for students with families.
General Visa Support in Family-Inclusive Scholarships
Most family-inclusive scholarships follow these common patterns:
✅ Spouse Work Rights
In many countries (Australia, UK, Canada, Germany), spouses of international students are allowed to work full- or part-time, helping ease financial pressure.
✅ Free Schooling for Children
Dependent children can often attend public schools free of charge, especially in countries like New Zealand, Germany, and the UK.
✅ Healthcare Access
Family members may be covered under the scholar’s health insurance, or additional affordable plans may be available.
✅ Accommodation Assistance
Some scholarships help with family housing or offer family-sized university housing at subsidized rates.
Key Considerations Before Applying
If you’re planning to bring your family under a scholarship program, here’s what you need to keep in mind:
1. Budget Wisely
Even with a scholarship, you may need to show additional funds for dependents during your visa application.
2. Plan Housing Early
University housing may be limited for families. Start the search as soon as you're accepted.
3. Research Public Services
Look into school enrollment, childcare, and healthcare options in your host country.
4. Apply for Visas Together
Many embassies allow joint applications. Ensure you gather documents for all family members, including marriage and birth certificates (with official translations).
Final Thoughts
For international students, the dream of studying abroad doesn’t have to come at the cost of separation from family. Scholarships in countries like Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States are increasingly designed to accommodate scholars with dependents. While not all programs provide direct financial support for family members, many do allow and facilitate family visa applications, creating opportunities for a more stable and successful academic experience.