Relocating to another country or city for education is already a big decision. But when you’re moving with your family, it becomes even more challenging especially financially. While most scholarships only cover tuition or living expenses for the student, there are a few that also help with relocation costs or allow dependents to join. These scholarships may not always be easy to find, but they do exist. Below is a detailed guide to help you find scholarships that cover family relocation costs and support dependents.
Scholarships That Offer Relocation Support
Several well-known scholarship programs include relocation support or funding that can be used to ease the costs of moving. These programs typically cater to international students, especially at the postgraduate level.
1. Government-Funded Scholarships
These scholarships are usually fully funded and come with a generous package. Some may not explicitly say they cover family relocation, but they often provide allowances that can be used for moving and support.
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA): Covers travel, health insurance, tuition, and a monthly stipend. In some cases, dependents may be allowed and partially supported, especially for PhD-level grantees.
- Chevening Scholarships (UK): Offers full tuition, living allowance, and travel costs. While Chevening does not cover family relocation directly, scholars may bring dependents at their own cost, and the stipend can help cover those expenses.
- DAAD Scholarships (Germany): Offers relocation and travel allowances. Some programs also offer monthly family allowances for accompanying spouses and children. It’s ideal for master’s and doctoral students.
- Australian Awards Scholarships: Fully funded by the Australian government. Includes travel expenses, establishment allowance (which can be used for relocation), and health insurance. Some programs allow family members to accompany the scholar, especially for longer study periods.
Read: ETSU Student Leah Loveday Wins Prestigious Truman Scholarship
How to Search for Scholarships With Dependent or Relocation Support
Finding scholarships that cover relocation or allow family accompaniment isn’t straightforward. These features are rarely promoted on the main scholarship page. You need to look deeper.
Use Specific Search Terms:
When searching online, use keywords like:
- “Scholarships with relocation allowance”
- “Scholarships that support dependents”
- “PhD scholarships with family support”
- “Fully funded scholarships with airfare”
Check Scholarship Terms and FAQs:
Always go beyond the main description. Read the terms and conditions, and look into:
- Whether the scholarship covers airfare or travel grants
- If a “settling-in” or “establishment” allowance is provided
- Whether dependents (spouse or children) are allowed
- If family housing is included or offered by the host university
Contact Scholarship Providers:
If the website doesn’t clearly mention relocation or family support, email the scholarship body or university’s international office. Ask:
- Can I bring my spouse/children?
- Is there any relocation grant?
- Are dependents covered under health insurance or visa sponsorship?
Getting a direct answer will save you from assumptions.
Read: USA Scholarships That Include Visa Sponsorship
Scholarships That Cover Travel or Settling-In Costs
Even if a scholarship doesn’t directly say it covers “family relocation,” many do provide a travel or setup allowance that can help cover the cost of moving your family.
Examples of Scholarships That Include These Benefits:
- Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK): Offers a relocation allowance, inbound flight tickets, and may provide dependent support if the scholar is pursuing a PhD.
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Canada): While the scholarship focuses on the student, many institutions in Canada offer extra support or housing options for students with families.
- Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (EU): For PhD researchers and scholars in Europe, this program offers a mobility allowance and family allowance if dependents are involved.
- Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (UK): Includes travel, tuition, and monthly stipends. Some awardees report receiving additional help when relocating with dependents.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees: Fully funded and covers travel costs, participation fees, and installation costs. Some programs permit bringing dependents, especially during longer stays in one location.
How to Apply and Increase Your Chances
Applying for scholarships that support relocation requires a clear and well-prepared strategy.
Here’s what you should do:
- Be Transparent in Your Application: Clearly state in your personal statement or motivation letter that you will be relocating with your family. Explain why it’s necessary and how it aligns with your study goals.
- Prepare Supporting Documents:
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- Marriage certificate for spouse
- Birth certificates of children
- Passports and identification
- Proof of relationship for visa purposes
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- Get Early Answers: Before applying, email the university or scholarship provider to confirm what kind of support is available for dependents. Include this information in your application if relevant.
- Apply Early: Relocation support and family assistance are often limited and may be given on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t delay your application.
- Be Flexible: Some scholarships may support dependents only for doctoral programs or longer-term studies. You may need to adjust your plan based on the options available.
Read: Scholarships That Don’t Require Admission First
Other Ways to Get Family Relocation Support
If you can’t find a scholarship that directly pays for relocation, here are other resources that can still help:
University Emergency or Hardship Grants:
Some institutions offer limited emergency funding or family support once you’re enrolled. This may include:
- Temporary housing
- Childcare subsidies
- Family transition grants
Private Grants and NGOs:
Organizations like the Open Society Foundations or IIE Scholar Rescue Fund offer support to scholars and their families, especially for those facing conflict, hardship, or forced relocation.
Employer Sponsorships:
If you are coming for a research or teaching assistantship, ask if the institution or department can support family relocation as part of your employment.
Crowdfunding:
If all else fails, consider running a small fundraiser on trusted platforms like GoFundMe or ScholarMatch. Clearly explain your situation, academic goal, and reason for needing help relocating with your family.
Relocating with your family for education doesn’t have to be financially overwhelming. While most scholarships don’t openly advertise family relocation support, several fully funded programs do offer it especially at postgraduate and research levels. Focus your search on government-funded and family-friendly scholarships, contact providers directly for clarity, and explore alternative grants when needed. With careful planning and the right information, you can find scholarships that ease the burden of moving your family while you pursue your academic goals.
