Fully Funded vs Partial Scholarships: What’s the Difference?
Last updated October 2026. What a scholarship covers varies by scheme and changes over time. Check each provider’s own website for current benefits and conditions before you plan around an award.
Introduction
One of the first questions students ask is: “Will my scholarship cover all my expenses?” The answer depends on the type of award you receive. Some scholarships are described as fully funded because they aim to cover most major costs. Others are partial and cover specific expenses, such as a tuition waiver, a stipend or a one-time grant. Both can make studying abroad more affordable. What matters is understanding exactly what each one covers and how it fits your finances.
What Is a Fully Funded Scholarship?
A fully funded scholarship aims to cover most of the main costs of studying abroad. They’re usually offered by governments, international organisations and some universities. Depending on the scheme, support may include:
- Tuition fees, or a contribution towards them
- A monthly living stipend
- Travel to and from the study destination
- Health insurance
- Visa costs or reimbursement (for example, Chevening is reported to cover the UK visa application fee)
- Research, conference or study-material allowances
“Fully funded” doesn’t mean the same package everywhere. In Germany, for example, many public universities charge little or no tuition, so “fully funded” mostly means a living stipend, plus insurance and travel support (see our guide to fully funded scholarships in Germany). Always read the official benefits list, because items may be capped or conditional.
What Is a Partial Scholarship?
A partial scholarship helps with selected costs but doesn’t cover the full cost of studying abroad. They’re more numerous and are commonly offered by universities, departments, foundations and private organisations. Examples of support include:
- A percentage reduction in tuition (for example, a fixed share of the fee)
- A fixed amount, or an annual or semester grant
- A living-expense stipend
- An accommodation discount
- Research or project funding
Students with a partial scholarship typically combine it with savings, family funding, education loans, assistantships, or part-time work where the rules allow it.
Key Differences
- Coverage: fully funded awards aim to cover most major costs. Partial awards cover some, so you plan for the rest.
- Availability: fully funded awards are limited in number. Partial awards are more widely available across universities.
- Competition: fully funded awards are usually very competitive because many strong applicants apply for few places. Partial awards are often easier to qualify for, but this varies by scheme and university.
- Financial planning: with a partial award you need a clear plan for the remaining cost, and for the funds you must show for your visa.
Examples
Awards often described as fully funded include DAAD (Germany), Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (Europe), Chevening and Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships (UK), Fulbright-Nehru (US), Australia Awards (Australia) and MEXT (Japan). Each has its own eligibility, application route and benefits. See our scholarship comparison for what each is generally reported to cover.
Partial awards include university entrance scholarships, merit-based tuition waivers, departmental awards, alumni-funded awards and regional schemes, such as regional funding in Italy (see our guide to scholarships in Italy).
Work Out Your Real Funding Gap
Whatever the label, calculate what you would still need to pay:
- Add up your total cost for the whole programme: tuition, accommodation, food, insurance, travel, visa costs and the funds you must show for your visa.
- Subtract only the parts the scholarship actually states in writing that it covers.
- Check the conditions: is the award renewable each year, and what grades or conditions must you keep?
- Make sure you could cover what’s left through savings, family support or a loan, and don’t assume you’ll win an award that is still uncertain.
Which Is Right for You?
You might aim for a fully funded award if you need substantial support, have a strong academic and leadership profile, and are ready for a highly selective process. A partial award can be the right target if you can contribute some of your own funding, you’re focused on a particular university with good tuition waivers, or you want more opportunities to apply to. Most students benefit from applying to both, with a backup plan that doesn’t depend on a single outcome.
Can You Combine Scholarships?
Sometimes. It depends on the providers’ rules. Some allow you to combine university awards with departmental awards, assistantships or external grants, while others reduce or replace one award if you receive another. Read the terms before accepting more than one offer.
Common Mistakes
- Applying only for prestigious fully funded awards
- Ignoring university-specific partial scholarships, or assuming they aren’t worthwhile
- Overlooking renewal conditions
- Missing deadlines, which are often earlier than the university’s
- Paying anyone for a “guaranteed” scholarship
For more, read our guides to how to choose the right scholarship and types of scholarships. If you’d like help, start with career counselling at Eduvisor, or see our Study Abroad service. We can’t guarantee any scholarship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are fully funded scholarships completely free?
Not always. They cover the main costs listed in the award, but some personal costs, or amounts above a cap, may still be yours. Read the official funding details.
Can I study abroad with only a partial scholarship?
Yes, if you can fund the rest, through savings, family support, a loan, an assistantship or part-time work where permitted.
Which type is more competitive?
Fully funded awards usually are, because they offer comprehensive support and attract many strong applicants.
Should I apply for both?
Usually yes, for the awards you genuinely qualify for, as long as each provider’s terms allow it.
