Study Abroad with Family: Scholarships and Tips for Students with Dependents
Keywords: study abroad with family, scholarships for students with dependents, study abroad with spouse. Many international students dream of studying abroad but hesitate because they have a spouse or children. The good news? Several scholarships and programs support students who wish to study abroad with family. This guide covers scholarships, visa options, financial planning, and tips for managing life abroad as a family.
1. Can You Study Abroad with Your Family?
Yes. Many universities and governments offer family-friendly student visas, allowing dependents (spouses and children) to accompany the main student. However, this requires extra planning for accommodation, financial support, and sometimes proof of additional funds.
2. Scholarships for Students with Dependents
Fulbright Scholarship (USA)
The Fulbright Program covers tuition, living expenses, and in many cases provides support for dependents. Spouses and children can apply for J-2 visas with work and study rights in the U.S.
DAAD (Germany)
The DAAD Scholarship often includes family allowances for spouses and children, plus health insurance coverage, making it one of the most family-friendly funding programs.
Australia Awards
The Australia Awards allow dependents to join the primary student, with additional support available for childcare and living costs.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree (Europe)
While Erasmus+ does not directly fund dependents, students receive a generous monthly stipend that can be used to support family members during studies.
3. Visa Considerations for Families
- USA (J-2 Visa): Dependents can live, study, and in some cases work in the U.S.
- Germany (Family Reunion Visa): Spouses and children are eligible for residence permits.
- UK (Dependent Visa): Family members of student visa holders can live and even work in the UK.
- Australia (Student Dependent Visa): Allows family members to join students in Australia with work/study rights.
4. Financial Planning for Families Abroad
Studying abroad with family is rewarding but costly. Here’s how to prepare:
- Calculate living costs: Rent, utilities, food, transportation, and childcare.
- Look for family allowances: Many scholarships offer monthly stipends for dependents.
- Save before departure: Most visa applications require proof of financial stability.
- Consider part-time work: Some countries allow spouses to work legally.
5. Accommodation Tips for Students with Families
- Look for family housing options offered by universities.
- Consider renting apartments near campus for better work-life balance.
- Explore shared family accommodations to save costs.
- Join expat groups online for housing leads.
6. Childcare and Education Abroad
One of the biggest challenges for students with children is arranging childcare. Many universities offer on-campus daycare or collaborate with local schools. In some countries (like Germany), childcare is subsidized or even free for international families.
7. Balancing Studies and Family Life
- Plan study schedules around family routines.
- Use university family support centers if available.
- Connect with other international families for community support.
- Apply for health insurance that covers all family members.
8. Best Resources for Students with Families
- StudyAbroad.com – General advice and program listings.
- ScholarshipPortal – Find scholarships by country and degree level.
- Expatica – Resources for expat families.
- ICEF Monitor – Insights on international student mobility.
Conclusion
Studying abroad with family is challenging but entirely possible with the right planning and financial support. Scholarships like Fulbright, DAAD, and Australia Awards provide additional benefits for dependents. With careful budgeting, accommodation planning, and access to childcare, international students can succeed academically while ensuring their families thrive abroad.
Snippet: Want to study abroad with your spouse or children? Learn about scholarships for students with dependents, visa options, and practical tips for balancing studies and family life abroad.