Scholarships in Europe for International Students
Meta description: Discover the best scholarships in Europe for international students, including fully funded bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD opportunities, eligibility requirements, benefits, deadlines, and application steps.
Europe is one of the most attractive destinations for international students. It offers internationally recognized universities, English-taught degree programs, strong research facilities, and numerous government and university scholarships.
International students can receive scholarships covering tuition fees, accommodation, travel, health insurance, and monthly living expenses. However, scholarship benefits vary considerably. Some programs are fully funded, while others only provide a tuition waiver or partial living allowance.
This guide explains the best scholarships in Europe, their benefits, eligibility requirements, and application procedures.
Can International Students Study in Europe for Free?
Yes. International students can study in Europe for free or at a significantly reduced cost through:
Government-funded scholarships
European Union scholarship programs
University scholarships
Research assistantships
Tuition-free or low-tuition universities
Country-specific financial aid programs
A fully funded scholarship generally covers tuition fees and living expenses. It may also include airfare, visa fees, insurance, accommodation, and research costs.
Students must still read the official scholarship conditions carefully. For example, Stipendium Hungaricum pays tuition and provides accommodation support, but its official call warns that the allowance may not cover every living expense. The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship provides a generous allowance and additional services, but the Eiffel program itself does not cover tuition fees.
Best Scholarships in Europe for International Students
| Scholarship | Destination | Study level | Main benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erasmus Mundus | Multiple European countries | Master’s | Participation costs and up to €1,400 per month |
| DAAD EPOS | Germany | Master’s and selected PhD programs | Monthly stipend, insurance and travel support |
| SI Scholarship | Sweden | Master’s | Full tuition, SEK 12,000 monthly and travel grant |
| Swiss Government Excellence | Switzerland | Research, PhD and arts | CHF 2,450 monthly and additional support |
| Stipendium Hungaricum | Hungary | Bachelor’s, master’s and PhD | Tuition, stipend, housing support and insurance |
| Chevening | United Kingdom | One-year master’s | Tuition, living costs, travel and other expenses |
| Gates Cambridge | United Kingdom | Postgraduate | Full cost of studying at Cambridge |
| Clarendon Fund | United Kingdom | Master’s and PhD | Full fees and living grant |
| Government of Ireland | Ireland | Master’s, postgraduate diploma and PhD | Full fee waiver and €10,000 stipend |
| France Excellence Eiffel | France | Master’s and PhD | Monthly allowance, travel and insurance |
| MAECI Scholarship | Italy | Master’s, PhD, research and language study | Living allowance and medical insurance |
| Master Mind | Belgium | Master’s | €10,225 annually and tuition waiver |
1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are prestigious international master’s programs organized by groups of universities. Students normally study in at least two countries and may receive a joint, double, or multiple degree.
Scholarship benefits
The scholarship can include:
Coverage of program participation costs
Up to €1,400 per month
Travel expenses
Visa-related costs
Installation and living expenses
Support for the full duration of the program
The scholarship can cover 12, 18, or 24 months, depending on the master’s program. Students from all countries can apply. The official Erasmus+ guide confirms that full scholarships are available to the best-ranked international applicants.
General eligibility
Applicants normally need:
A bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent
A strong academic record
Proof of English or another required language
A motivation letter
Academic or professional references
Program-specific qualifications
How to apply
Students do not submit one general Erasmus Mundus application. They must choose a program from the official catalogue and apply directly to the university consortium managing it.
Most programs traditionally accept applications between October and January, but every consortium sets its own deadline. Newly selected programs are expected to begin opening student applications during autumn 2026.
2. DAAD EPOS Scholarships in Germany
The German Academic Exchange Service, or DAAD, offers Development-Related Postgraduate Courses through its EPOS program.
It is designed primarily for professionals from developing and emerging countries who want to complete a development-related postgraduate degree in Germany.
Scholarship benefits
According to the current official DAAD EPOS listing, benefits may include:
€992 per month for graduate students
€1,400 per month for doctoral candidates
Health, accident, and personal liability insurance
Travel allowance
Possible rent subsidy
Possible family allowance
Funding for 12 to 42 months
General eligibility
A typical applicant should:
Come from an eligible developing or emerging country
Hold a relevant bachelor’s degree
Have above-average academic results
Have at least two years of relevant professional experience
Demonstrate development-related motivation
Show the ability to create positive change after graduation
Applicants must select a course from the official EPOS list. Each participating university has its own application deadline, so there is no single deadline for every EPOS program.
3. Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals
The Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals supports full-time master’s studies in Sweden.
The scholarship is available to citizens of selected countries. The current list includes Iraq, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Kenya, Brazil, and other eligible countries.
Scholarship benefits
The award includes:
Full payment of tuition fees
SEK 12,000 per month for living expenses
A one-time travel grant, generally SEK 15,000
Membership in professional and alumni networks
The complete benefits and country list are available on the Swedish Institute scholarship page.
General eligibility
Applicants usually need:
Citizenship of an eligible country
Admission to an eligible Swedish master’s program
Demonstrated work experience
Leadership experience
A strong commitment to sustainable development
Correctly completed SI employment and leadership documents
Admission to the university and the scholarship application are separate processes. Students must first apply for eligible master’s programs through Sweden’s national university admissions system.
4. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships support international researchers and selected arts students.
For the 2027–2028 academic year, the program is available to applicants from more than 180 countries. It is primarily intended for early-career researchers who have already completed a master’s degree.
Scholarship categories
Research fellowships
PhD scholarships
Art scholarships for applicants from selected countries
Postdoctoral scholarships will no longer be offered beginning with the 2027–2028 academic year.
Benefits
The current scholarship contribution is CHF 2,450 per month, with other benefits depending on the scholarship category and country.
Research applicants generally need to find a Swiss academic professor willing to supervise their project before applying. Country-specific application documents and deadlines are provided by the Swiss authorities or Swiss diplomatic representation.
Applications for the 2027–2028 cycle opened on August 20, 2026. Details are available through the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship portal.
5. Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship
Stipendium Hungaricum is the Hungarian government’s major scholarship program for international students.
It supports:
Bachelor’s degrees
Master’s degrees
One-tier master’s programs
Doctoral degrees
Selected non-degree programs
Scholarship benefits
The 2026–2027 award includes:
Full tuition-fee exemption
HUF 43,700 monthly stipend for bachelor’s and master’s students
HUF 140,000–180,000 monthly stipend for doctoral students
A university dormitory place or HUF 40,000 monthly housing contribution
Medical insurance
The program clearly states that the stipend and housing contribution may not cover all living costs, particularly in Budapest. Applicants may need additional personal funds. See the official scholarship provisions.
General eligibility
Eligibility depends on agreements between Hungary and participating sending countries. Applicants must check:
Whether their country is a sending partner
Which degree levels are available
Which academic fields they can select
Whether nomination by a national authority is required
The previous cycle opened in November and closed in January. Applicants preparing for 2027–2028 should monitor the official application page during autumn 2026.
6. Chevening Scholarships in the United Kingdom
Chevening is the UK government’s international scholarship program for future leaders. It supports eligible students completing a one-year master’s degree in the United Kingdom.
Scholarship benefits
A standard Chevening Scholarship is fully funded and normally includes:
University tuition fees
Monthly living allowance
Economy airfare
Visa-related support
Arrival and departure allowances
Travel costs for required Chevening events
General eligibility
Applicants must generally:
Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country
Hold an undergraduate degree
Meet the required professional experience conditions
Apply to three eligible UK master’s courses
Demonstrate leadership, networking ability, and a realistic career plan
Return to their home country for the required period after the scholarship
Applications for study in 2027–2028 opened on August 4, 2026, and close on October 6, 2026, at 11:00 UTC. The complete schedule is available on the official Chevening timeline.
7. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship supports outstanding applicants from countries outside the United Kingdom who wish to complete postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge.
Approximately 80 full-cost scholarships are awarded annually.
Scholarship benefits
The scholarship’s core funding includes:
Full University Composition Fee
Maintenance allowance
One economy airfare at the beginning and end of the course
Student visa cost
Immigration Health Surcharge
Possible family, fieldwork, maternity, and hardship funding
The maintenance allowance was £22,050 for 12 months at the 2025–2026 rate. Future rates may change. Full information is provided by the Gates Cambridge Trust.
Selection criteria
Candidates are assessed according to:
Academic excellence
Reasons for choosing the course
Commitment to improving the lives of others
Leadership capacity
Applications for 2027–2028 entry are expected to open in September 2026.
8. Clarendon Scholarships at the University of Oxford
The Clarendon Fund offers more than 200 fully funded graduate scholarships each year at the University of Oxford.
Scholarship benefits
Clarendon covers:
Full course fees
A living-cost grant
Funding for the applicable period of the degree
There are no restrictions based on nationality, residence, or academic subject. New applicants to eligible master’s and DPhil programs can be considered.
How to apply
There is no separate Clarendon application. Students are automatically considered if they submit their Oxford graduate application by the relevant December or January funding deadline.
Selection is based mainly on academic merit and future potential. Details are available on the University of Oxford Clarendon page.
9. Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship supports students from outside the EU, EEA, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
It is available for:
Master’s degrees
Postgraduate diplomas
PhD programs
Scholarship benefits
The program awards 60 scholarships annually. Each scholarship includes:
A €10,000 stipend
A full tuition-fee waiver from the host institution
Funding for one year of full-time study
Applicants must already hold a conditional or final admission offer from an eligible Irish institution when applying.
The 2026 application cycle is closed. Students interested in the next round should monitor the Higher Education Authority’s official page for the 2027 call.
10. France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship
The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship allows French universities to nominate talented international students for selected master’s and doctoral programs.
Students cannot apply directly to Campus France. A participating French higher education institution must submit the nomination.
Scholarship benefits
Current benefits include:
€1,200 monthly allowance for master’s students
€2,100 monthly allowance for doctoral students
International transportation
Domestic travel support
Health insurance
Assistance with accommodation and cultural activities
A major point to understand is that the Eiffel program itself does not pay tuition fees. Applicants should ask the nominating university whether it provides a separate tuition exemption.
Visit the official France Excellence Eiffel page for current fields, age conditions, and institutional procedures.
11. Italian Government MAECI Scholarships
Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation offers scholarships to eligible foreign citizens and Italians living abroad.
Funding may be available for:
Master’s degrees
PhD programs
Research projects
Higher education in arts, music, and dance
Advanced Italian-language courses
Scholarship benefits
For the 2026–2027 academic year, the award offered:
A total allowance of up to €10,800
Health and accident insurance
Possible tuition-fee exemption, depending on the university and program
Most degree and research grants last nine months, while some language grants last three months.
Country eligibility, age limits, language requirements, and available programs can change annually. Applications are submitted through the official Study in Italy portal.
12. Master Mind Scholarships in Belgium
The Flemish Ministry of Education and Training awards Master Mind Scholarships to excellent international students completing a master’s degree in Flanders or Brussels.
Scholarship benefits
For 2026–2027, the award includes:
A grant of €10,225 per academic year
A tuition-fee waiver
Funding for one year for a 60-ECTS master’s
Funding for two years for a 120-ECTS master’s
The host institution may charge the low tuition rate applicable to locally funded students. For 2026–2027, this was €136.50.
Students usually apply to a participating Flemish institution, which decides whether to nominate them. The 2026–2027 call is closed, but future information will be published on the official Study in Flanders website.
Other European Scholarships to Consider
ARES Scholarships in Belgium
ARES supports students and young professionals from specific partner countries. The 2027–2028 call offers scholarships for selected bachelor’s, master’s, and continuing education programs.
The current application deadline is September 18, 2026. Applicants must normally be permanent residents working in one of the eligible ARES partner countries. Check the ARES scholarship portal before applying.
Romanian Government Scholarships
Romania offers annual scholarships to citizens of non-EU countries. Applicants normally need an academic average equivalent to at least 7 out of 10 or a “Good” result.
Scholarships may cover tuition, a monthly allowance, Romanian-language preparation, and subsidized student accommodation. Bachelor’s and master’s recipients commonly study in Romanian, while language rules for doctoral programs may differ. Applications are submitted through the Romanian Government scholarship platform.
Rhodes Scholarship
The Rhodes Scholarship is a fully funded postgraduate award for study at the University of Oxford. It covers Oxford course fees, an annual stipend, visa expenses, the Immigration Health Surcharge, flights, and a settling-in allowance.
Applications for entry in October 2027 are currently open, but eligibility and deadlines depend on the applicant’s country or regional constituency. Check the official Rhodes Scholarship page.
Documents Commonly Required
Although requirements differ, international scholarship applications commonly request:
Valid passport or national identification
Academic transcripts
Graduation certificate
Curriculum vitae
Motivation letter or personal statement
Study plan
Research proposal for research degrees
Two or three recommendation letters
English-language certificate
Employment certificates
Evidence of leadership or volunteering
University admission letter
Medical certificate
Certified translations
Documents not written in the required language may need an official translation. Some scholarships also require legalization, notarization, or apostille certification.
How to Write a Strong Motivation Letter
A good motivation letter should explain four things:
1. Your academic background
Describe the education, projects, and skills that prepared you for the selected course.
2. Why you chose the program
Mention specific courses, research areas, professors, facilities, or professional opportunities. Avoid generic statements such as “This is a famous university.”
3. Your leadership and impact
Provide concrete examples. Explain the situation, what action you took, and the measurable result.
4. Your future plan
Show how the degree will help you solve a problem, develop your career, or contribute to your community or home country.
The letter should be specific to each scholarship. Sending the same general essay to every program usually produces weak results.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Choose your study level. Decide whether you are applying for a bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, research, or exchange opportunity.
Create a shortlist. Select scholarships matching your nationality, field, experience, and academic background.
Check the application route. Some scholarships accept direct applications, while others require university admission or institutional nomination.
Review financial coverage. Confirm whether the award covers tuition, living expenses, accommodation, travel, insurance, and visa costs.
Prepare documents early. Transcripts, translations, recommendation letters, and language certificates can take several weeks.
Customize every application. Connect your experience and future goals to the specific scholarship’s mission.
Apply before the deadline. Submit several days early to avoid technical problems.
Prepare for interviews. Be ready to explain your goals, leadership examples, course choices, and plans after graduation.
Common Application Mistakes
Avoid these frequent mistakes:
Applying without checking nationality restrictions
Missing a separate university-admission deadline
Using one motivation letter for every scholarship
Providing vague career goals
Submitting incomplete employment evidence
Choosing courses unrelated to previous education or experience
Ignoring required document formats
Uploading unofficial or unreadable translations
Applying during the final hours before the deadline
Paying someone who claims to guarantee a scholarship
Legitimate government scholarship programs do not guarantee selection in exchange for payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply without IELTS?
Sometimes. A university may accept TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge English, or proof that a previous degree was taught in English. However, scholarship and university requirements may be different.
Can I apply before graduating?
Some programs accept final-year students if they will graduate before enrollment. Applicants may need a provisional transcript and a letter stating their expected graduation date.
Is there an age limit?
Some scholarships have age limits, particularly government-funded master’s and doctoral programs. Others, such as Clarendon, focus on academic merit rather than a general nationality restriction. Always check the current call.
Can I apply for several scholarships?
Usually yes, unless a program specifically prohibits simultaneous applications. Applicants must disclose other funding when required and cannot normally hold two full scholarships for the same course.
Are European scholarships available for undergraduate students?
Yes, but fully funded bachelor’s scholarships are less common than graduate scholarships. Stipendium Hungaricum and the Romanian Government Scholarship are important undergraduate options.
Which scholarships are best for students from Iraq?
Iraqi applicants may consider the Swedish Institute Scholarship, Chevening, Erasmus Mundus, DAAD programs, Stipendium Hungaricum, Romanian Government Scholarships, Italian Government scholarships, and university-specific awards. Eligibility must be checked for each annual cycle.
Final Advice
Winning a European scholarship requires more than excellent grades. Selection committees also evaluate motivation, leadership, professional experience, community involvement, research potential, and the connection between the chosen program and the applicant’s future goals.
Start preparing six to twelve months before the expected deadline. Create a calendar for university admissions, scholarship applications, language tests, references, translations, and visa requirements. Most importantly, apply to several suitable opportunities instead of relying on only one highly competitive scholarship.