Europe is filled with beautiful scenery and has a rich history and culture, surely bringing together a great study abroad experience! Being the home of many prestigious and high-performing institutions, the region of Europe has been a consistent top choice for international students pursuing their studies.
As moving abroad and taking up your education there can get quite costly, different scholarships are made available for international students, provided by universities, governments, and other organizations.
European universities are generous with their scholarships, offering awards for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. There are entrance awards, as well as scholarships that are intended for specific study programs. Aside from university scholarships, different governments within the region have scholarship programs available. There are also external scholarships by foundations, private organizations, and the like, which offer financial support. It is even possible that the government and external scholarships you may come across have a bigger scholarship coverage.
Numerous scholarships and funding opportunities are made available, so make sure to read on to find the best scholarship that is meant for you!
Top Scholarships in Europe for International Students
| Scholarship Name | Scholarship Type | Eligible Degrees | Scholarship Value |
|---|
| Clarendon Fund | University of Oxford | Master’s, PhD | 100% of tuition fees plus a living stipend (at least £18,622 per year) |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships | European Government | Master’s | Tuition, a monthly living allowance, travel, visa fees, and insurance |
| Romanian Government Scholarship | Romanian Government | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D. | Full tuition fees, a monthly stipend, student dorm accommodation |
| Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship | Hungarian Government | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D. | Full tuition waiver, monthly stipend, accommodation contribution, and health insurance |
| Aalto University Scholarship | Aalto University | Bachelor’s, Master’s | Up to full tuition waiver |
| DAAD Scholarships | External | Bachelor’s
Master’s
Ph.D. | Varied amount of allowance for living costs
Possible extra financial aid for travel or healthcare |
| Swiss Government Scholarships | Swiss Government | Master’s, Ph.D. | Monthly stipend
Housing allowance
Flight tickets
Transportation card |
| Chevening Scholarship | External | Master’s | Tuition and Living Stipend |
| Amsterdam Merit Scholarship | University of Amsterdam | Bachelor’s, Master’s | Full tuition fees and allowance |
| University of Helsinki Scholarship Programme | University of Helsinki | Master’s | Up to 100% tuition fee |
| Reach Oxford Scholarship | University of Oxford | Bachelor’s | Tuition fees, living one return airfare annually |
| Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme | ETH Zurich | Master’s | Tuition fee waiver
Living and study costs |
| The Karolinska Institute Global Master’s Scholarship | Karolinska Institute | Master’s | Full or partial tuition fees |
| Uppsala University Global Scholarship | Uppsala University | Master’s | Full tuition coverage |
| Utrecht Excellence Scholarship | Utrecht University | Bachelor’s, Master’s | Tuition fee and living expenses |
| NL Scholarship | Netherlands Government | Bachelor’s, Master’s | € 5000 |
| Science@Leuven Scholarship | KU Leuven | Master’s | Up to € 10000
Basic health insurance coverage |
| Excellence Fellowship | Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne | Master’s | CHF 10000 per semester |
1. Clarendon Fund (University of Oxford)
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount for Master’s and Ph.D.: 100% of tuition fees plus a living stipend (at least £18,622 per year)
- Meet the Clarendon Scholars: Explore scholarship journeys including Antonio Tabanera Manzanares from Spain
The Clarendon Fund is a fully funded graduate scholarship at the University of Oxford for Master’s and DPhil (Ph.D.) applicants. It covers full course fees and provides a living stipend (at least £18,622). There is no separate application. Eligible applicants are automatically considered when they apply to Oxford; deadlines align with the University’s admissions timelines.
Here is what Clarendon Scholarship Scholars Say:
“This scholarship covers all the tuition fees for the four years of this PhD, which go up to 35,000£ per year, and I get about 20,000£ extra each year to cover my living expenses.”
Antonio Tabanera Manzanares
“In the University of Oxford there is not a specific application process for the scholarships awarded by the University.”
Antonio Tabanera Manzanares
2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships (EMJM)
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount for Master’s: Tuition, a monthly living allowance, travel, visa fees, and insurance
- Meet the Erasmus Mundus Scholars: Explore scholarship journeys including Juan Carlos Pichardo from Mexico and Motunrayo Ibiyo from Nigeria
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships are prestigious, fully funded awards under the EU’s Erasmus+ programme. Scholars study across at least two countries within a partner consortium of European universities, typically over two years, and earn a jointly recognized degree. Funding covers tuition/participation costs, monthly stipend, travel, visa fees, and insurance. Applications are made directly to each Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (EMJM) program, and deadlines vary by consortium.
Here is what Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship Scholars Say:
“Fortunately, I received a fully funded scholarship of 49,000 euros so, in total, I didn’t have to pay anything.”
Sandra Babu
“Only 21 applicants received the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship out of around 500 applications worldwide, and from each country, a maximum of three people could be selected.”
Kaf
“The strongest asset I prepared for was how to write a proper CV and a strong motivation letter.”
Hiba
“Yes, I was fortunate to be selected for three different Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) programs and waitlisted in three others, which made the final decision both exciting and challenging.”
Sachin Timilsina
3. Romanian Government Scholarship
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount for Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.: Full tuition fees, a monthly stipend, student dorm accommodation
- Meet the Romanian Government Scholars: Explore scholarship journeys including Josefina Cabrera from Paraguay and Hadhrat Mirza from Indonesia
The Romanian Government Scholarship, offered by the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, supports non-EU international students at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. levels. Bachelor’s and Master’s programs are typically taught in Romanian (with a one-year language preparatory course available), while some Ph.D. programs may be offered in other languages depending on the field and university. Applications are submitted through the official platform during the annual call; specific deadlines and procedures are published each cycle.
Here is what Romanian Government Scholarship Scholars Say:
“Not only did it offer full coverage of tuition and accommodation, but it also provided a living stipend, making it possible to focus on my academic and professional development without the burden of financial constraints.”
Hadhrat Mirza
“I was honored to be the only Vietnamese student awarded this scholarship for the 2024–2025 academic year.”
Hoang Minh Triet
“Remember, you only need one acceptance to change your life. Keep improving, keep applying, and believe in yourself.”
Josefina Cabrera
4. Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount for Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.: Full tuition waiver, monthly stipend (HUF 43,700 for Bachelor’s/Master’s; HUF 140,000–180,000 for PhD), accommodation contribution (HUF 40,000 or €100), and health insurance
- Meet the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholars: Explore scholarship journeys including Andrea Bergula Saises from the Philippines and Shaan Muhammad Shayan from Pakistan
The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship, funded by the Hungarian Government, offers fully funded opportunities for international students to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. studies at Hungarian universities. Benefits typically include full tuition, a monthly living stipend, an accommodation contribution or dormitory placement, and medical insurance. Applicants apply through their country’s sending partner and seek admission to participating universities as part of the process.
Here is what Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Scholars Say:
“It is fully funded, so the students don’t pay any tuition fee, plus a monthly stipend of about 100€ and free dormitory space.”
Hasan Çağan Güler
“The applications usually open mid-fall, with the deadline being early- or mid-January.”
Aya
“For the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship, applicants from Pakistan are required to take the HAT (Higher Education Aptitude Test) and get nominated by the Higher Education Commission (HEC).”
Ayesha Javaid
“The Stipendium Hungaricum application process has two stages: one through your home country’s government or sending partner, and the second through Tempus Public Foundation in Hungary.”
Zhibek
5. Aalto University Scholarship
The Aalto University Scholarship offers merit-based tuition coverage for international, fee-paying students. Awards are granted competitively during admissions and can cover up to 100% of tuition; living costs are not included. Eligibility details, application steps (via program admission), and timelines are outlined on the scholarship page.
6. DAAD Scholarships
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: A Varied amount of allowance for living costs, possible extra financial aid for travel or healthcare, and more
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
- Meet the DAAD Scholars: Explore scholarship journeys including Bharath Kumar from India and Dr. Pamela Ochungo from Kenya
As you probably have heard of this scholarship before, DAAD Scholarship focuses on Germany. The country is located deep in the heart of Europe and is a center for culture and the arts throughout the continent. They are very open to international students and are even encouraging exchange programs with countries worldwide. Their scholarships often go beyond that of school fees. They also provide funds to students for their travel expenses, groceries, and even health insurance.
The best thing about the DADD Scholarships is that they cover a lot of ground. Their programs are available to undergraduates, as well as those pursuing their post-graduate degrees. It is probably one of the best European scholarships, so read more about it in the linked article!
Here is what DAAD Scholarship Scholars Say:
“The scholarship provides a year-long fellowship of 1300 Euros, a research allowance of 460 Euros, and a travel allowance of 1425 Euros to carry forward scientific exploration at German universities and research institutes.”
Subhadip Saha
“After an interview, a supervisor agreed to host me, which allowed me to proceed with my DAAD scholarship application, as a confirmed host institution was a key requirement.”
Grace Achieng Ochieng
“The DAAD EPOS scholarship, which requires applicants to have at least two years of professional experience in the field they intend to study, was the perfect opportunity to build on my professional background and pursue my academic goals in Germany.”
Samida Sher
7. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, offered by the Swiss Confederation, support Master’s and Ph.D. study and research in Switzerland. These awards include a monthly stipend, and application deadlines vary by country. Selection is overseen by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), and specific eligibility and procedures may differ by nationality and host institution.
Here is what Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship Scholars Say:
“Each grantee receives a monthly stipend of CHF 3,500, along with additional benefits such as a housing allowance, a public transport pass, and access to Swiss healthcare coverage (for non-EU/EFTA citizens).”
Greta Mazzaggio
“The Swiss Excellence Scholarship is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of just 10–15%.”
Nargiz Hajiyeva
“Swiss govt excellence does not require tests like the GRE or TOEFL. Knowledge about German, French, or Italian is beneficial but not absolutely necessary.”
Debabrata Dutta
“As part of the formal application process, I had to translate all my academic degrees and transcripts from Spanish into French using an official sworn translator, which required time, money, and coordination.”
Mariano Villalba
“Your application should reflect your personality, and this, in a way, is beneficial for both the applicant and the host lab.”
Katyayani Sharma
8. Chevening Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: Tuition or course fees, travel allowance, monthly personal allowance, and more
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s
- Meet the Chevening Scholars: Explore scholarship journeys including Mijerita Khachatryan from Armenia and Ana Claudia Furtado from Brazil and Cape Verde
Another leading scholarship program in Europe is the Chevening Scholarship. This is intended for foreign students who wish to pursue studies or fellowships in the United Kingdom. With that, there are two types of awards: the Chevening Fellowship and the Chevening Scholarship.
There are different program options for both types of awards that you can apply for. Aside from course fees, the benefits may also include a monthly stipend and allowance that can be allotted for visa, travel, accommodation, and living expenses. However, after receiving the award, the scholars must return to their respective home countries to practice their skills and knowledge in their communities.
Here is what Chevening Scholars Say:
“The Chevening scholarship covered not only the tuition fees, but also a monthly stipend for living expenses (accommodation, food, transport, etc.), Economy travel to and from your country of residence, an arrival allowance, the cost of an entry clearance (visa) application, a departure allowance, among some other benefits.”
Dayne Perdomo
“I believe what truly set my application apart were the four key pillars Chevening emphasizes: leadership and influence, networking, study in the UK, and career planning.”
Willis Onyango Obanda
“For me, the Chevening interview was one of the best experiences. I remained calm and composed throughout, simply sharing my story and having a conversation with the panel, rather than feeling it was a formal interview.”
Mijerita Khachatryan
“Each year, over 60,000 applicants from around 160 countries compete, but only around 1,500 are selected, with an acceptance rate of just 2–3%.”
Zohra Jalal
“Read the guidance for that year carefully and answer the specific essay questions as they are framed.”
Ajita
9. Amsterdam Merit Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: Full tuition fees and allowance
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s
The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship is offered by the University of Amsterdam to both undergraduate and Master’s students, including their international students.
This scholarship award is competitive as it is given to top-performing students based on the evaluation of their applications. To apply for this award, undergraduate students submit through their Admissions Office, while Master’s students may still have additional documents needed. The coverage of the scholarship also varies for Master’s students, while full fees and allowances are given to undergraduate students.
10. University of Helsinki Scholarship Programme
For those looking at Finland as a possible destination, this may be for you. The University of Helsinki is one of the top schools on the entire continent. Studying here can give you a lot of leverage when entering the job market.
International Master’s students are eligible to be awarded the university’s Scholarship Programme. The inclusions of the award are full tuition fee coverage, a Student Union membership fee that has different benefits, and health services provided. Application is not much of a hassle as you can apply through the same application form of admission in the Master’s program of your choice.
11. Reach Oxford Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: Tuition fees, living expenses grant, and one return airfare annually
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s
The University of Oxford is a highly distinguished institution in the United Kingdom and all over the world, thus many international students also wish to take up their education here. The good news is that the university is generous with scholarships!
Incoming undergraduate students can try applying for the Reach Oxford scholarship, but before this, they must have applied for university admissions first. Being a prestigious institution, the fees can get costl,y which is why this award will be of great help. Aside from the course fee coverage, students will also get a grant for their living costs and a round-trip airfare for each year! For high chances of receiving the scholarship, make sure that your academic record and application are outstanding, as only 2 to 3 awards are given annually.
12. Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: Tuition fee waiver, living and study costs
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s
ETH Zurich, located in Switzerland, is best known for its high performance in the fields of science, research, and technology. With that, it is among the top 10 institutions all over the world.
Over the years, the university has grown even more popular among international students, resulting in an increasing number of applicants and students. Those who want to take up further studies through a Master’s degree can apply for the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme. This scholarship award will cover the tuition fees, living expenses, and study expenses of the awardee throughout the regular duration of the Master’s program. Applications are also easy, as it is done online through the link found on the scholarship page. Do take note that they factor in your Bachelor’s degree performance in the selection process.
13. The Karolinska Institute Global Master’s Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: Full or partial tuition fees
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s
With a high number of applicants for admission at Karolinska Institute, there is also strong competition when it comes to this scholarship’s application. Around 1500 international applicants are trying out for this scholarship each year, and only a maximum of 10 are awarded.
The award may cover up to the full tuition fees of the student, depending on the evaluation. To make it even better, the university allows you to apply for another funding that will cover your other expenses even if you are a recipient of the Global Master’s Scholarship. However, this award is only available for incoming first-year Master’s students at the university. You can check out other scholarships on their website if you are a currently enrolled student.
14. Uppsala University Global Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: Full tuition coverage
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s
This scholarship award is intended for international students who will be taking up their Master’s program at Uppsala University. With that, it is required that you apply for admission to your desired Master’s program first before you apply for the scholarship. There are minimal requirements for the Global Scholarship as you would only need your admissions and scholarship applications, along with proving that you possess academic talent and are interested in being in the educational environment!
15. Utrecht Excellence Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: Tuition fee or tuition fee plus living stipend
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s
- Meet the Utrecht Excellence Scholars: Explore scholarship journeys including Duong Nguyen from Vietnam and Adriana Figueredo from Paraguay
Just like some of the other university scholarships mentioned above, the Utrecht University‘s Excellence Scholarship requires you to apply for admission to be eligible for the scholarship application. The institution has a list of Master’s programs that you can choose from, so be certain of your desired course and start preparing your application!
The selection for this scholarship factors in the previous academic performance of the applicant, as well as the goals that will be reflected on the required motivation letter for the chosen Master’s program. Recipients of the award are also limited yearly, so prepare well to be one of the awardees!
Here is what Utrecht Excellence Scholarship Scholars Say:
“The scholarship fully covered the tuition fee and also living expenses.”
Duong Nguyen
“The Utrecht Excellence Scholarship was the opportunity that made my dreams come true. It is offered every year to new students from non-EU countries applying for a master’s at Utrecht University in the Netherlands.”
Christian Oliveros
16 NL Scholarship
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount for Bachelor’s and Master’s: €5,000 (one-time grant)
- Meet the NL Scholars: Explore scholarship journeys including João Pedro Rocha Oliveira from Brazil and Kathryn from the United States
The NL Scholarship (previously known as the Holland Scholarship) is a Dutch initiative funded by the Ministry of Education and participating universities for talented non-EEA students pursuing full-time bachelor’s or master’s programs in the Netherlands. It provides a one-time €5,000 award as partial funding, with application procedures and deadlines set by each institution.
Here is what NL Scholarship Scholars Say:
“The NL Scholarship, a one-time award of €5,000”
Kathryn
“I was well aware of how competitive it would be, as only one scholarship was awarded per school at the university.”
João Pedro Rocha Oliveira
17. Science@Leuven Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: Up to € 10000, basic health insurance coverage
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s
KU Leuven is known as a center of academic excellence and a distinguished research university in Europe. With a variety of programs for both undergraduates and graduate students, many international students are also interested in studying at this university.
Those in the science field would know that the programs can get expensive, and what more for those taking up their graduate studies! Fortunately, KU Leuven offers the Science@Leuven scholarship. The value provided can be used for the course expenses of the student and can be renewed for the following year of study as long as the requirements are met. Application is also not a hassle as you just need to send in the necessary documents through the KU Leuven application tool found on their website.
18. Excellence Fellowship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: CHF 10000 per semester
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s
The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, more commonly referred to as EPFL is a top global university located in Switzerland. The school offers programs ranging from architecture, engineering, and the sciences, all of which are taught with a high standard in academics.
For students who have excellent records and are planning to pursue graduate studies, the Excellence Fellowship will be helpful for their study expenses. Applications are separated into internal and external applicants, providing a good chance as well for those who have not studied at the institution yet. Those who will receive the fellowship have the freedom to choose where the funds will be used.
We hope this article on the different European scholarships was helpful and insightful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe!
