Introduction

Studying abroad is one of the most rewarding experiences a student can have. It opens doors to world-class education, global networks, and exciting career opportunities. But for international students, studying overseas often comes with a hefty price tag — not just tuition and accommodation, but also mandatory health insurance.

Thankfully, a number of fully funded scholarships in 2025 are designed to support international students by covering tuition fees, living expenses, and full health insurance. These scholarships reduce the financial burden and provide peace of mind, especially in countries where healthcare costs are high.

In this article, we’ll explore the top scholarships that include health coverage, explain the application process, and provide expert tips to boost your chances of winning one.

---

Why Health Coverage Is Crucial for International Students

While tuition is often the biggest concern, health insurance can also become a significant hidden cost. Many universities and countries require international students to have valid health coverage, which may cost between $500 to $2,000 per year depending on the country.

Having a scholarship that includes full medical insurance means:

• You won’t have to pay out-of-pocket for doctor visits or emergencies

• You’re protected against unexpected health costs

• Your visa application becomes easier (as many countries require proof of insurance)

---

Top Fully Funded Scholarships with Health Coverage – 2025

1. DAAD Scholarship (Germany)

• Benefits: Full tuition (in most cases), monthly living stipend, health insurance, travel costs

• Who Can Apply: Graduates, doctoral candidates, and postdocs from developing and developed countries

• Health Coverage: German statutory insurance through companies like TK or AOK

• Deadline: Program-specific (typically October–December)

• Website: daad.de

---

2. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)

• Benefits: Tuition, living allowance, travel, health insurance, cultural enrichment

• Who Can Apply: International students from 150+ countries for master’s or PhD programs

• Health Coverage: Fulbright ASPE plan (meets J-1 visa health requirements)

• Deadline: Varies by country

• Website: foreign.fulbrightonline.org

---

3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (Europe)

• Benefits: Full tuition, monthly stipend, travel allowance, health insurance

• Who Can Apply: Students worldwide applying to Erasmus master programs across European universities

• Health Coverage: Includes private international student insurance covering all EU travel

• Deadline: December–March, depending on program

• Website: eacea.ec.europa.eu

---

4. Turkiye Burslari (Turkey)

• Benefits: Tuition, housing, monthly allowance, health insurance, travel tickets

• Who Can Apply: Undergraduate, master’s, PhD applicants from all countries

• Health Coverage: National and private student insurance schemes

• Deadline: January–February 2025

• Website: turkiyeburslari.gov.tr

---

5. MEXT Scholarship (Japan)

• Benefits: Tuition, monthly allowance, travel expenses, health insurance

• Who Can Apply: Undergraduate and postgraduate students from eligible countries

• Health Coverage: National Health Insurance + additional MEXT coverage

• Deadline: Through embassy or university; varies by country

• Website: studyinjapan.go.jp

---

6. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

• Benefits: Full tuition, housing support, monthly stipend, health insurance

• Who Can Apply: Master’s, PhD, and research candidates

• Health Coverage: Mandatory student health plan included

• Deadline: August–December (depending on country)

• Website: sbfi.admin.ch

---

7. Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University (USA)

• Benefits: Full tuition, living stipend, academic funds, health insurance

• Who Can Apply: Students from any country accepted into Stanford graduate programs

• Health Coverage: Full Stanford Student Health Plan (SSHIP)

• Deadline: October 2025

• Website: knight-hennessy.stanford.edu

---

Where to Find These Scholarships

Some reliable places to find fully funded scholarships with health insurance:

• Official university websites

• Scholarship directories:

  • ScholarshipsAds.com

  • Scholars4Dev

  • FindAMasters

• Embassy and ministry of education websites

• Search engines with terms like:

  • “fully funded scholarships with health insurance 2025”

  • “international scholarships medical insurance included”

---

Who Can Apply?

Although each scholarship has its own criteria, most share these common requirements:

• Academic merit: High GPA or class ranking

• Language proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent

• Motivation or personal statement: Tailored essay explaining why you’re applying

• Recommendation letters: Typically 2 or 3 from professors or employers

• Valid passport and identity documents

• Medical certificate: For some programs and visa processing

---

How to Apply – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Shortlist Relevant Scholarships

Focus on scholarships that align with your field of study and citizenship eligibility.

Step 2: Prepare Key Documents

Common documents include:

• Transcripts

• English proficiency test scores

• CV/Resume

• Recommendation letters

• Motivation letter

• Health documents (if required)

Step 3: Submit Applications on Time

Most programs open between September and March, so plan accordingly.

Step 4: Complete Interviews or Additional Tests (if any)

Programs like Fulbright or Knight-Hennessy require online interviews.

Step 5: Receive Offer and Visa Instructions

Once accepted, you’ll be sent health insurance documentation and visa support letters.

---

Tips for a Successful Scholarship Application

• Apply early – Many scholarships have limited quotas and close applications once filled.

• Customize your personal statement – Highlight your goals, leadership, and fit for the program.

• Apply broadly – Don’t limit yourself to just one scholarship.

• Get strong references – Letters from senior faculty or professionals carry weight.

• Check if insurance is included – Always read the scholarship benefits in detail.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming all scholarships are fully funded (some only cover tuition)

• Ignoring application deadlines

• Submitting generic motivation letters

• Missing required documents

• Forgetting to confirm whether health insurance is included