As of April 26, 2026, scholarships that only pay for housing (room and board) are less common than full-tuition grants, but they are a crucial “missing piece” for students who have already gotten tuition waivers or personal funding. Certain housing foundations or institutions typically award these scholarships.
Here are the most important opportunities and platforms that will give housing-only or large accommodation grants for the 2026–2027 cycle.
1. University of London – Intercollegiate Halls Scholarships
These are highly specific awards for students who have secured a place at a University of London federation member (e.g., Birkbeck, City, or Goldsmiths).
- The Prize: A catered single study bedroom at Nutford House or an en-suite room at College Hall for the whole school year, free of charge.
- Current Status: We are currently reviewing applications for the years 2026 and 2027. In the late spring of 2026, most people will be able to show interest.
- Target: Mainly helps “Care Leavers” and “Estranged Students” (UK home status), but some colleges, like SOAS or UCL, also offer similar housing grants to international students.
2. The “Student Social Record” (DSE) in France
The Crous (Regional Centre for Academic Works) runs a centralised system for housing-only support in France that is based on social criteria.
- The Award: Gives you access to university housing that is heavily subsidised (Crous residences). It may not always be a full “free” scholarship, but it can cut housing costs by 60–80% compared to the private market.
- Due by 2026: You have until May 31, 2026, to make your Student Social File (DSE).
- Phase 2 (Complementary): On July 7, 2026, all students, including international students, will be able to apply for any remaining housing units.
3. Southern Scholarship Foundation (SSF) in Florida, USA
The SSF is a one-of-a-kind non-profit that gives students at certain Florida universities (FSU, UF, FAMU, TCC, and SFC) “rent-free” housing.
- The prize is a place to live rent-free in a cooperative living space. Students only have to pay for food and utilities, which is about $950 to $1,200 per semester.
- 2026 Status: Applications are looked at on a rolling basis, but the priority window for the Fall 2026 semester is now open.
- To be eligible, you must have a GPA of at least 3.0 and show that you need the money. International students can apply, but there are a lot of other people who want to get in.
4. International House (I-House) Financial Aid – Worldwide
International Houses, which are in big cities like New York, Berkeley, and London, offer their own “Room and Board Scholarships” to people who live there.
- The Award: People who live at the I-House can apply for financial aid that goes directly to their monthly rent or meal plan.
- I-House New York (2026/27): Most of the time, applications for the fall 2026 room scholarships are processed at the same time as the housing application. The main deadline is in early June 2026.
- Benefit: It can pay for 25% to 75% of the cost of housing.
5. Important 2026 Plan for Housing Grants
To get a housing-only scholarship, you need to do things differently than you would for a general academic grant:
- Separation of Application: You usually have to apply for housing first and get a room offer before you can apply for the housing scholarship. Don’t wait for the scholarship results to make a reservation.
- The “Resident Assistant” (RA) Hack: The RA position is one of the most common “housing-only” scholarships in the US, Canada, and the UK. If you are an RA in a dorm, the university almost always gives you free housing and sometimes a meal plan. Most of the time, people are chosen for Fall 2026 RAs between January and March 2026. However, ‘alternate’ spots often open up in the summer.
- Local Municipality Grants: In some European countries, like Germany, students can apply for “Wohngeld”, which is a government grant to help pay for rent. This is not a scholarship from a university; it is a social benefit that many international students can obtain after living in the country for a certain amount of time.
6. A list of important deadlines (current)
- May 31, 2026, is the date for Crous France (DSE).
- Southern Scholarship Foundation: Apply by May for the Fall semester.
- I-House NY: The first week of June 2026.
- University of London Halls: You can show interest starting in May 2026.