Last reviewed: 20 August 2026
“Fully funded” is useful shorthand, but it is not a universal contract. Two fully funded awards can leave applicants with very different out-of-pocket costs.
Tuition
Check whether tuition is paid in full, waived, reimbursed, capped at a stated amount or limited to a particular fee category. University registration and student-service fees may be treated separately.
Living support
Look for a stipend or living allowance, its currency, payment period and duration. A stipend may be sufficient in one city and tight in another, so the amount matters as much as the label.
Travel, visa and insurance
Some awards include flights, visa costs, health insurance or relocation allowances; others do not. These costs can be substantial for international students.
Research and family costs
Doctoral and research awards may include conference, fieldwork or research allowances. Family or dependent support is less common and should never be assumed.
Duration and conditions
Confirm how long the funding lasts, whether annual renewal depends on satisfactory progress, and whether extensions are possible. A programme can cover every listed cost but only for a fixed period.
ScholarshipFrontier presentation
Our public pages aim to separate verified funding components rather than treating the phrase “fully funded” as proof that every possible cost is covered.