Pursuing a PhD is a significant commitment—academically, emotionally, and financially. But the good news is that many prestigious universities and organizations around the world offer PhD scholarships with monthly stipends and free housing, making it possible for international students to pursue research degrees without worrying about living expenses.
In this guide, we cover the best PhD scholarships for 2025 that include generous funding, free or subsidized accommodation, health insurance, and additional research support—especially for students from developing nations.
Why Fully Funded PhD Scholarships Matter
Earning a PhD can take 3–6 years on average. A fully funded PhD scholarship not only covers tuition fees, but also provides a monthly stipend to cover living costs, and often includes free or subsidized housing, medical insurance, and research/travel grants.
This type of funding is especially important for:
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International students who may not qualify for domestic financial aid
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Students from developing countries who require housing support
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Researchers in STEM and social sciences looking for top-tier academic mentorship
Top Fully Funded PhD Scholarships with Stipend and Housing (2025)
Here are the leading scholarships that offer full funding, stipends, and accommodation support:
1. Koc University PhD Scholarships – Turkey
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Benefits:
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Full tuition waiver
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Monthly stipend (approx. $1,000 USD equivalent)
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Free accommodation in university housing
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Private health insurance
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Laptop, travel grants, and office space
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Fields: Engineering, Science, Social Sciences, Business, Law, and more
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Eligibility: Open to international students with strong academic backgrounds and English proficiency
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Why It’s Great: One of the most comprehensive funding packages in Eastern Europe
2. OWSD PhD Fellowship – Developing Countries
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Offered by: Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World
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Benefits:
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Monthly living allowance
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Full tuition fee coverage
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Free housing or housing allowance
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Travel, visa, and medical expenses
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Eligibility: Women scientists from science- and tech-lagging countries pursuing research in natural sciences
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Host Countries: Partner institutions across the Global South
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Duration: Up to 4 years
3. DAAD EPOS PhD Scholarships – Germany
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Offered by: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
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Benefits:
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Monthly stipend (€1,200+)
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Fully paid university tuition
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Free housing or rental subsidies
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Travel allowance and health insurance
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Fields: Development studies, engineering, natural sciences, economics, and more
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Eligibility: Students from developing and emerging countries with at least two years of professional experience
4. Trinity College Cambridge – PhD Studentships (UK)
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Benefits:
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Full tuition and college fees
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Monthly maintenance stipend (~£18,000–£22,000/year)
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College accommodation or housing allowance
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Additional grants for research and travel
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Eligibility: All nationalities
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Why It Stands Out: Offers over 30 prestigious studentships annually with a focus on excellence and inclusion
5. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
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Benefits:
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Full tuition waiver
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Monthly stipend (CNY 3,000–3,500)
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Free on-campus housing
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Comprehensive health insurance
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Research allowance
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Eligibility: Non-Chinese citizens pursuing research in Chinese universities
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Fields: Open to all disciplines at over 280 institutions
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Bonus: High acceptance rates for developing countries
6. University of Toronto – School of Graduate Studies (Canada)
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Program: Fully Funded PhD for International Students
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Benefits:
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Full tuition coverage
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Annual stipend ($20,000+ CAD)
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Subsidized housing options through campus residences
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Research and travel grants
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Fields: Humanities, Engineering, Life Sciences, and more
7. ETH Zurich Doctoral Scholarships – Switzerland
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Benefits:
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Monthly gross salary (~CHF 2,000–2,500)
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Subsidized or guaranteed housing for PhD students
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Tuition waiver and research support
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Fields: Primarily science and engineering
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Why Apply: ETH Zurich ranks among the top universities globally for research impact
What to Expect from Housing Benefits
When a PhD scholarship mentions "free housing", it may include:
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University dorms or on-campus apartments
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Monthly housing allowance to cover rent in private accommodation
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Utilities and internet may also be covered in some cases
Many international-friendly campuses offer family housing as well, ideal for married or parenting students.
How to Apply for Fully Funded PhD Scholarships
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Prepare Academic Documents
Transcripts, diplomas, CV, and English test scores (IELTS/TOEFL) -
Write a Strong Research Proposal
Clearly outline your research goals, methodology, and relevance -
Secure Academic References
Two or more letters from professors or employers -
Apply Directly via University or Scholarship Portal
Many use online portals for submitting applications -
Apply Early
Deadlines often close 6–9 months before the program start date
💬 FAQs About PhD Scholarships with Stipend and Housing
✅ Can I bring my family while on a fully funded PhD?
Yes, some programs provide family housing or offer financial support for spouses and dependents.
✅ Do these scholarships include visa support?
Most full-ride scholarships include visa fee reimbursements and assistance with visa application processes.
✅ What is the average stipend for PhD students?
It varies by country. For example:
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Canada: $20,000–$30,000 CAD/year
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USA: $25,000–$35,000 USD/year
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Germany: €1,200/month
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China: CNY 3,000–3,500/month
✅ Can I work part-time while on a funded PhD?
In most cases, yes—but limits apply based on visa and funding terms. Always check the policy.
If you're an international student with academic excellence and a passion for research, a fully funded PhD scholarship with a stipend and free housing can make your dream of earning a doctorate completely accessible in 2025.
These scholarships not only lift financial burdens but also provide rich, immersive research environments in some of the world’s top institutions. Begin your application early, craft a compelling proposal, and take the first step toward an extraordinary academic journey.