Europe has long been a favorite destination for international students, thanks to its world-class universities, rich cultural heritage, and diverse academic opportunities. However, studying abroad can be financially challenging. To bridge this gap, numerous organizations and governments across Europe offer scholarships to attract talented students from around the globe. Many of these awards cover tuition, living costs, and other essential expenses, making Europe an accessible hub for higher education.
Here, we’ll explore the Top 10 scholarships in Europe for international students, their benefits, and why you should consider applying for them.
1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships
The Erasmus Mundus program is one of the most prestigious scholarships in Europe. It allows students to pursue a joint Master’s degree in multiple European universities.
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Coverage: Full tuition, travel allowance, insurance, and a monthly stipend of about €1,000.
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Eligibility: Open to students worldwide applying for Erasmus-partnered programs.
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Why Apply: Provides exposure to different cultures, academic systems, and a degree recognized across Europe.
2. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is one of the largest funding organizations in the world. It offers scholarships for international students, especially from developing countries, to study in Germany.
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Coverage: Tuition-free education, living stipends (€850–€1,200 monthly), travel allowance, and insurance.
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Eligibility: Strong academic background and research potential.
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Why Apply: Germany’s public universities are globally respected and often tuition-free, making DAAD one of the best opportunities for graduate studies.
3. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Though global in scope, the UK government’s Chevening Scholarship is highly popular among students seeking to study in Europe.
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Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, airfare, and additional allowances.
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Eligibility: Strong leadership qualities, work experience, and commitment to community impact.
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Why Apply: Offers access to top UK universities and connects you with an influential alumni network.
4. Eiffel Excellence Scholarships (France)
Funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Eiffel Excellence Program targets international students for Master’s and PhD studies.
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Coverage: Monthly allowance, health insurance, travel costs, and cultural activities. (Tuition is often waived by host institutions.)
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Eligibility: Applicants must apply through participating French universities.
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Why Apply: Provides access to world-class French institutions and opportunities in research and innovation.
5. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Switzerland)
Switzerland offers government-funded scholarships for international Master’s and PhD students.
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Coverage: Tuition, monthly living stipend (CHF 1,920), health insurance, and housing allowance.
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Eligibility: Open to students from all over the world with strong academic backgrounds.
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Why Apply: Switzerland is home to top-ranked universities like ETH Zurich and University of Geneva, making this a prestigious award.
6. Holland Scholarships (Netherlands)
Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, the Holland Scholarship supports non-EU/EEA students pursuing Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees.
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Coverage: A one-time grant of €5,000 (not full tuition but substantial support).
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Eligibility: Applicants must be from outside the EU/EEA.
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Why Apply: The Netherlands is known for innovative teaching and a wide range of English-taught programs.
7. Swedish Institute Scholarships (Sweden)
The Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarships for Global Professionals support Master’s students from developing countries.
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Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, travel allowance, and insurance.
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Eligibility: Strong academic records and leadership experience.
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Why Apply: Sweden emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, making it an ideal place for international study.
8. Italian Government Scholarships (Italy)
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs funds scholarships for international students pursuing higher education in Italy.
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Coverage: Tuition fees, health insurance, and a monthly allowance.
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Eligibility: Open to both EU and non-EU students applying for Master’s or PhD programs.
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Why Apply: Italy offers globally recognized programs in art, architecture, design, and sciences.
9. University of Geneva Excellence Master’s Fellowships (Switzerland)
The University of Geneva offers prestigious fellowships for outstanding Master’s students in science fields.
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Coverage: CHF 10,000–15,000 per year.
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Eligibility: Academic excellence and admission to eligible Master’s programs.
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Why Apply: Provides funding while studying at one of Europe’s top research institutions.
10. Danish Government Scholarships (Denmark)
Funded by the Danish Ministry of Higher Education, these scholarships are offered to non-EU/EEA international students.
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Coverage: Full or partial tuition waivers and living stipends.
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Eligibility: Based on academic merit and program requirements.
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Why Apply: Denmark’s universities are highly ranked for research and student satisfaction.
Tips for Applying to Scholarships in Europe
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Start Early – Deadlines often fall a year before the program begins.
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Tailor Applications – Customize essays to highlight how your goals align with the scholarship’s mission.
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Prepare Strong References – Academic or professional recommendations strengthen your credibility.
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Highlight Leadership Skills – Many scholarships value extracurricular achievements as much as academics.
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Check Language Requirements – Some require IELTS/TOEFL, but many also accept proof of prior English-medium education.
Benefits of Studying in Europe with a Scholarship
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Financial Relief: Covers tuition and living expenses, making study abroad affordable.
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Cultural Exposure: Opportunity to live in diverse, multicultural environments.
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Networking: Connects students with peers, professors, and global leaders.
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Career Opportunities: European degrees are highly valued worldwide.
Conclusion
Europe remains one of the most sought-after destinations for international students, not only for its academic excellence but also for its generous financial support opportunities. From the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships to the DAAD in Germany, the Chevening Scholarships in the UK, and Eiffel Excellence in France, there are countless ways to fund your studies.
By applying strategically and showcasing academic excellence and leadership potential, students can unlock these life-changing opportunities. For aspiring scholars, Europe is not just a destination—it’s a gateway to global knowledge, cultural exchange, and professional growth.