Scholarships to Fund Your Studies in Europe

If you want to study abroad in Europe, thanks to its iconic diversity, it will be easy for you to find a country and a university to suit your needs. Whether you prefer more traditional schools and classic disciplines or modern approaches to education and top-notch technology, whether you enjoy warm and sunny weather or cold and snowy vibes, Europe has got you covered.  

While living costs can be high in some parts of the continent, the cost of education in Europe is similarly diverse. From high tuition fees in the UK to free education in European countries like Germany or Sweden, and more affordable in the Netherlands or the Eastern half of the continent. The best news is you have thousands of scholarships available to fund your studies in Europe, for every degree level, so all it takes is doing some sound research and dedication. You can start with our complete guide on the different types of scholarships. 

How to find a scholarship to study in Europe?

The easiest way to start this journey is to search for scholarships on Mastersportal, selecting the country where you want to study and the discipline you’re interested in. 

The main institutions that offer scholarships and financial aid programmes in Europe are universities and governments. These scholarships may be based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria related to the university's mission or values. 

In addition, private organisations, foundations, and corporations may also have scholarships available for students.  

On Mastersportal, you can find thousands of scholarships available worldwide. To restrict your search for Europe, you can check them country by country. Here are some popular examples: 

• Scholarships in the UK 
• Scholarships in the Netherlands 
• Scholarships in France 
• Scholarships in Germany 

What is the most popular scholarship in Europe?

Erasmus+ Exchange Programme

The Erasmus+ is a scholarship programme created by the European Union.  The "+" in its name shows that it covers more areas of education, from student exchange to internships and even teacher exchange. 

Through the Erasmus+ programme, students already enrolled in a university from one of the 33 participating European countries can study abroad in another country from that list for between 2 and 12 months as part of their study programme. 

Erasmus+ students don’t have to pay any tuition for their studies abroad. Some may also be eligible for financial aid that covers living costs and travel expenses. 

The countries that can participate in Erasmus+ are the EU countries plus Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, the Republic of Turkey, and the Republic of Serbia. The UK no longer takes part in Erasmus+ programmes. You don’t have to be a citizen of these countries to participate; all it takes is to be a student in one of them.  

The programme has a billion-dollar budget and is divided into three Key Actions. Key Action 1 refers to student exchange. By offering this much funding to university students across Europe, Erasmus+ aims to support students in having a global education and broadening their prospects.  

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees and other international exchanges are open to participants from other non-EU countries as well, provided their universities have some type of partnership with EU universities. 

How to apply for an Erasmus+ scholarship 

• To apply for an Erasmus+ exchange, you must already be a student in one of the eligible countries.  
• Your university must be part of the Erasmus+ programme, and you will apply for the programme through your university.  
• You will not be able to apply to any university of your choosing, but only to the ones that your university has a partnership with. The good news: most universities have numerous partnerships!  

The most attractive government scholarships in Europe 

The countries with most scholarships are in Western Europe, in countries like the UK, France, Germany, and Switzerland. In these countries, most universities offer some form of funding for international students, but this is also the place where you can find the most awesome government-funded scholarships.  

We’ve picked the hottest ones for this article because they are full scholarships, covering everything from tuition fees to living expenses.  

It is important to note that rules and conditions are generally different when it comes to students from the EU versus international students, so always pay attention to those details. 

DAAD Scholarships  

DAAD (The German Academic Exchange Programme) is the main body that awards scholarships in Germany, but Germany is famed for offering free education for all. So, what’s the point of scholarships here? Actually, education is free in Germany for Bachelor’s studies at public universities only. Master’s  degrees in Germany can also be free in public universities but only if you already have a Bachelor’s degree earned in Germany.  

Thus, scholarships are useful for international students who want to apply to private universities or come to Germany to study directly at Master’s or doctorate level.  

DAAD is not a single scholarship but a database of scholarships for international students offered by those German institutions which are part of this programme. The types of scholarships offered by DAAD include: 

• scholarships for graduate study,  
• research projects,  
• summer courses. 

Chevening Scholarships  

Chevening Scholarships, funded by the UK government, are among the most sought-after and prestigious scholarships for studying in the UK. They are awarded to outstanding students with leadership potential who wish to pursue a one-year Master’s degree in the United Kingdom.  

The Chevening Scholarships cover all major expenses associated with studying abroad, including tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. The comprehensive nature of this scholarship ensures that students can focus on their studies and leadership development without the worry of financial constraints. 

Unlike other scholarships, the Chevening Scholarships have more strict eligibility criteria: 

• You must be a citizen of a country that is eligible for Chevening. 
• After completing your studies, you are required to return to your home country for at least two years. That’s because your home country should benefit from the skills and knowledge you acquire during your time in the UK. 
• Applicants should have completed an undergraduate degree that allows them to apply for a Master’s programme at a UK university.  
• Candidates must have at least two years of work experience or a total of approximately 2,800 worked hours. 
• Candidates must apply to three different eligible UK Master’s degrees and secure at least one unconditional offer before the deadline of the scholarship application. 

These strict eligibility criteria ensure that the scholarship is awarded to individuals who are not only very good students but also have the potential to become influential leaders in their fields.  

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme  

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme, offered by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, is an excellent opportunity for international students wishing to pursue Master's or PhD programmes in France. This scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and other necessary costs associated with studying in France. It aims to allow students to focus fully on their studies and professional growth without worrying about money. 

The Eiffel Scholarship is targeted at younger students: 

• applicants up to 25 years old for Master’s programmes 
• applicants up to 30 years old for PhD studies 

This age-specific focus ensures that the scholarship benefits those at a critical stage of their career development. 

At the same time, the scholarship covers two main discipline areas: Science & Technology and Humanities & Social Sciences. These areas are among the strongest academic fields in France, but also a priority in higher education in the country.  

Each Discipline area includes several specific fields, according to the official Eiffel Scholarship website: 

• Biology and Health 
• Ecological Transition 
• Mathematics and Digital 
• Engineering Sciences 

• History, French Language, and Civilization 
• Law and Political Science 
• Economics and Management 

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 

This scholarship is a great opportunity for international students and researchers to study in Switzerland. The award covers tuition fees, health insurance, and a monthly allowance, allowing you to focus only on your studies and research.. 

There are two main types of Swiss Excellence Scholarships: for researchers and for artists.  

1. Research Scholarships 

These are designed for postgraduate researchers from any discipline who possess at least a Master’s degree. Candidates plan to come to Switzerland to do research or continue their studies at the doctoral or post-doctoral level.  

However, to be eligible for this scholarship, you need to be nominated by an academic supervisor from one of the eligible universities.  

2. Art Scholarships 

These scholarships are aimed at art students who already hold a Bachelor’s degree and intend to pursue their first Master’s degree in Arts in Switzerland. These scholarships are available for study at any Swiss conservatory or university of the Arts. However, they are restricted to students from a select number of countries. 

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships help Switzerland attract some of the brightest minds from around the world. 

Other resources: 

• Learn everything about studying in Europe 
• Find free universities in Europe 
• Find out how to apply to a university in Europe 
• Differences between studying for a Master’s in the US vs Europe 
• All you need to know about the European credit system 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I find a scholarship to study in Europe? 

You can start by searching for a scholarship on Mastersportal. Select the country and discipline you’re interested in. At the same time, remember to always check for funding opportunities directly on the university website.  

2. What is Erasmus+? 

Erasmus+ is an exchange programme available for students enrolled in a university from the EU countries or Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, the Republic of Turkey, and the Republic of Serbia. The programme allows you to study abroad in a partner university for up to 12 months.