Application guide · Scholarships
What does a fully funded scholarship cover?
A scholarship described as fully funded generally aims to cover major study-related costs, but the exact benefits depend on the awarding organisation. The phrase alone does not tell you whether flights, accommodation, health insurance, visa expenses or family members are covered. Read the award conditions before making a financial commitment.
Costs to check one by one
Tuition and compulsory fees
Does the scholarship pay the full tuition invoice? Are enrolment, laboratory or administrative fees included?
Living allowance
Is there a monthly stipend? What are the payment dates and is the amount enough for the destination’s housing and transport costs?
Travel and visas
Does the award cover international travel, residence permits, visa fees and airport transport? Must you pay first and be reimbursed?
Insurance and research costs
Check medical insurance, fieldwork costs, required equipment, conference funding and research expenses where relevant.
Fully funded does not mean every expense is paid
Some programmes exclude personal spending, dependants, deposits or costs incurred before the official start date. A scholarship may also pay only a fixed amount for each category. If costs rise above those limits, the difference may be your responsibility.
Questions to ask the scholarship provider
- What is the total award value and which expenses are explicitly covered?
- Are travel and visa costs reimbursed or paid in advance?
- When do stipend payments begin?
- Do I need proof of personal funds for a visa?
- Are there requirements to maintain the scholarship, such as academic progress?
- What happens if the programme is delayed or I need to withdraw?
Be careful with application fees
An official scholarship may have associated university or visa fees, but requests to transfer money to a personal account or pay an unexplained charge to secure an award are warning signs. Verify the scholarship on the awarding institution’s official website and contact the institution directly if in doubt.
How YouthImpact describes funding
Our listings identify benefits when an official announcement confirms them. We should not use the phrase “fully funded” merely because the opportunity offers some reimbursement. When information is missing, we say so.
Every programme has its own terms. The award agreement and official scholarship website determine what is included. Last editorial review: 26 October 2026.