Top Scholarships That Allow International Students to Travel with Their Spouses
One of the biggest dreams for many international students is to study abroad and build a better future — not just for themselves but for their families too. But what if you're married and don’t want to leave your spouse behind? You're not alone — many students from Africa dream of studying abroad with their loved ones. Learn about the best countries for African students to study for free in 2025
The good news is that several global scholarship programs support students who wish to travel and study abroad with their spouses or dependents. These opportunities make it possible to pursue education while staying together as a couple.
In this article, we’ll explore top scholarships that allow or support bringng your spouse, what you need to consider with dependent visas, and how to plan your journey as an international student family.
Can You Really Study Abroad with Your Spouse?
Yes, you can. Many countries like Germany, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States offer visa categories that allow international students to bring their spouses and children. While not all scholarships fund dependents, some programs are generous enough or offer special allowances for families.
Top Scholarships That Allow Students to Bring Their Spouses
1. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
- What’s Covered: Full tuition, monthly stipend (approx. €934 for graduates), health insurance, travel costs, and family allowance for spouses and children (in selected programs).
- Why It’s Great for Couples: DAAD recognizes that family support is essential. Eligible scholars can receive extra funds for their spouse and children.
2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (Europe)
- What’s Covered: Full tuition, monthly stipend (€1,400–€1,700), travel allowance, and insurance.
- Why It’s Good for Married Students: Although Erasmus does not directly fund spouses, the high stipend makes it realistic to travel with your partner. Dependent visas are possible.
3. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
- What’s Covered: Full tuition, monthly stipend (£1,347–£1,652), travel costs, and child allowance for single parents.
- Spouse Inclusion: Many awardees have successfully applied for UK dependent visas. Spouses may also be eligible to work.
4. Lillian Kumata Scholarship (USA – Michigan State University)
- What’s Covered: Up to $2,500 per semester, open to both students and their spouses.
- Why It’s Unique: This scholarship specifically supports spouses of international students also pursuing degrees.
5. Gilman-McCain Scholarship (USA)
- What’s Covered: Up to $5,000 in study-abroad funding for U.S. military families.
- Key Benefit: Created for dependents, it's ideal for spouses and children of active-duty military personnel.
Countries with Spouse-Friendly Student Visa Policies
When applying for scholarships, it’s important to also research visa options for your spouse. Here are a few countries that make it easier:
- Canada: Spouses can get an open work permit if you're a full-time student.
- Germany: Spouses may be allowed to work depending on visa type.
- Australia: Spouses of Master’s/PhD students can work full-time.
- UK: Student visa holders can bring dependents if studying a postgraduate course.
- USA: Spouses under the F-2 visa cannot work but can study part-time.
Tips for Applying with a Spouse
- Start Early: Begin planning 6–12 months in advance, that includes writing a strong application. Here’s how to craft a scholarship motivation letter that stands out. Visa processes for dependents take time.
- Prepare Financial Documentation: You’ll need to show proof of funds to support your spouse.
- Talk to the University: Contact the international office for guidance on visas and housing.
- Budget for Extras: Factor in additional airfare, family insurance, and accommodation costs.
Real Stories: Couples Who Made It Happen
Many international students have successfully moved abroad with their spouses:
- Femi and Yetunde from Nigeria both received DAAD scholarships and moved to Germany together. They received family housing and healthcare support.
- Nana from Ghana used her Erasmus Mundus scholarship to bring her husband to Portugal on a dependent visa, all while budgeting carefully.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Choose Between Love and Learning
Studying abroad is a life-changing experience. And for many married students, leaving their spouse behind simply isn’t an option. Thanks to scholarships that are flexible, generous, and family-friendly, you can build your academic and personal dreams together. If you're considering Japan, don’t miss this deep dive into one of the top options for international students.
If you're planning to study abroad with your spouse, consider these scholarships and consult visa rules carefully. With the right preparation, you can thrive — not just as a student, but as a couple.
Ready to Apply?
💡 Bookmark this page and share it with your partner. If you need help with scholarship applications or crafting a motivation letter for family applicants, TRIPRUNS is here to guide you every step of the way.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can international students bring their spouses while studying abroad?
Yes. Most countries, including Canada, Germany, Australia, the UK, and the USA, allow international students to apply for dependent visas for their spouses. However, visa conditions vary by country.
2. Do scholarships cover expenses for spouses or dependents?
Only a few scholarships explicitly cover spouses. DAAD (Germany) and the Lillian Kumata Scholarship (USA) may offer family allowances. Others like Erasmus Mundus provide generous stipends that may indirectly support a spouse.
3. Can my spouse work if they come with me on a student visa?
It depends on the country:
- Australia: Yes, full-time (for postgraduate student spouses)
- Canada: Yes, with an open work permit
- UK: Yes, if you're on a postgraduate program of 9+ months
- USA: F-2 spouses cannot work
4. Do I need to apply for a separate visa for my spouse?
Yes. Your spouse must apply for a dependent or partner visa either with your student visa application or shortly after you receive your Confirmation of Enrolment.
5. Can both me and my spouse apply for scholarships to study together?
Yes. If both partners are eligible and pursuing higher education, you can apply individually. Some scholarships like Lillian Kumata support both students and their spouses.
6. Will bringing my spouse affect my chances of getting a scholarship?
No. Scholarship eligibility is not affected. However, you will need to prove you can financially support your spouse during your studies for visa approval.
7. Which scholarships are best for married international students?
Top scholarships include:
- DAAD (Germany)
- Erasmus Mundus (Europe)
- Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
- Lillian Kumata Scholarship (USA)
- Gilman-McCain Scholarship (USA)
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