TL;DR: “Fully funded” usually means major costs (tuition + living support, sometimes travel/insurance) are covered by the award. “Partial” means only some costs—often tuition or a fee discount. Labels vary by funder. Read the official package, budget for hidden costs, and use Scholarship Tally labels as a clear starting point—not a guarantee of what you will receive.
Quick comparison
| Aspect | Fully funded (typical) | Partial (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition / fees | Full tuition or full fee waiver | Percentage discount, fixed grant, or one-year only |
| Living stipend | Monthly or term stipend toward rent and food | Often none, or a small contribution |
| Travel | Sometimes one return airfare or arrival allowance | Rarely included |
| Insurance | Often included or subsidised on government schemes | Usually your responsibility |
| Best for | Applicants who need a complete package to relocate | Applicants who can combine savings, family support, or other aid |
| Competition | Usually very high | Varies; still competitive at top schools |
Exact coverage always follows the official award letter and programme rules for that year.
What “fully funded” usually covers
On many government and flagship university scholarships for international students, a fully funded package may include:
- Full tuition (or payment of fees directly to the institution)
- A living stipend sized for modest student life in that city
- Sometimes arrival allowance, thesis grant, or travel
- Sometimes health insurance
It does not automatically mean unlimited spending money, family dependent coverage, private housing upgrades, or every visa fee. PhD funding via assistantships can also be “fully funded” in practice while requiring teaching or research work as part of the contract.
What partial awards usually look like
- Tuition fee reductions (for example 25–50%)
- One-time merit scholarships credited to your fee account
- Country-specific discounts
- Travel grants without tuition coverage
- Stipend-only awards where you still owe fees
Partial support can still make a programme viable—if you have a realistic plan for the remainder. Stacking rules matter: some awards forbid combining with others.
Hidden costs to budget anyway
- Visa, biometrics, and immigration health surcharges where applicable
- English tests and transcript shipping / evaluation
- Deposits or housing down payments before a stipend starts
- Winter clothing, local transport, and course materials
- Dependent costs if your family relocates (rarely covered)
- Bridge funding if the first stipend payment arrives after arrival
How to read Scholarship Tally labels
We mark guides as fully funded or partial based on what official descriptions typically include for the main award track. If a programme has multiple tiers, we say so. When language on the official site is ambiguous, we err on the side of caution rather than overselling.
Before you accept any offer:
- List every cost line the award pays.
- List every cost it excludes.
- Compare stipend levels to rent in that city (see region notes on destinations).
- Confirm duration, renewal, and grade conditions.
- Check whether the award is cash-in-hand or credited only to tuition.
Related guides
How to apply · Universities and funders · Deadlines and UTC · FAQ · About Scholarship Tally