Europe is home to some of the best universities in the world, and the good news is—many of them offer fully funded scholarships that cover tuition fees, accommodation, travel costs, and even monthly living expenses. If you’re dreaming of studying abroad but worried about the cost, then this is your chance. Several European countries have generous scholarship programs, especially for international students from developing nations.
These scholarships don’t just help you study; they let you focus on your education without the burden of debt. Here’s a helpful guide on some of the best fully funded scholarships in Europe you can apply for right now.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD)
This is one of the most popular scholarships in Europe. Funded by the European Union, Erasmus Mundus offers fully funded master’s programs in different countries across Europe. Students study in at least two different European universities and get a joint degree. The scholarship covers tuition, travel, insurance, and a monthly stipend of around €1,000.
DAAD Scholarships – Germany
Germany is known for offering free or low-cost tuition even to international students. But DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) takes it even further by providing fully funded scholarships. These scholarships are available for master’s and PhD programs and cover tuition, health insurance, travel, and a monthly allowance for living costs (usually between €850 to €1,200). Applicants must have at least two years of work experience for most postgraduate scholarships.
Swedish Institute Scholarships – Sweden
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships for master’s students from selected countries. These scholarships cover full tuition, a monthly living allowance of SEK 11,000, travel grants, and insurance. It also includes membership in the SI Network for Future Global Leaders. Sweden has become a top destination because of its high education standards and inclusive society.
Chevening Scholarships – United Kingdom
Chevening is the UK government’s global scholarship program. It offers full financial support for a one-year master’s degree at any UK university. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel costs, visa fees, and a monthly living stipend. It’s open to students from over 160 countries and focuses on individuals with leadership potential.
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program – France
Offered by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Eiffel Scholarship is for international students pursuing master’s or PhD programs. While tuition is already low in public French universities, this scholarship adds a monthly allowance (€1,181 for master’s, €1,700 for PhD), travel costs, insurance, and cultural activities.
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships
This scholarship is awarded to high-achieving students applying for a full-time study program in Ireland. It covers full tuition, a stipend of €10,000 for one year, and is available at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The selection process is competitive, so strong academic records and motivation letters are important.
VLIR-UOS Scholarships – Belgium
These scholarships are specifically for students from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. They are available for master’s programs in development-related fields at Flemish universities. The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, travel, insurance, and a monthly allowance.
Netherlands Orange Knowledge Programme
Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this program provides scholarships for short courses and master’s programs. It covers tuition, visa, travel, insurance, and a monthly stipend. It’s open to professionals from developing countries who are looking to strengthen their skills.
University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships – Switzerland
The University of Geneva offers fellowships for students enrolling in the Faculty of Science. These fellowships are valued at up to CHF 15,000 per year and can be renewed for the second year. While Switzerland is known for high living costs, these fellowships help ease the burden.
Tips to Secure These Scholarships
- Start early: Most of these scholarships have early deadlines. Plan at least 6–12 months in advance.
- Prepare strong documents: This includes your academic transcripts, a solid CV, motivation letter, and recommendation letters.
- Tailor your application: Customize each application based on the scholarship’s goals. Don’t send generic essays.
- Meet all requirements: Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria like language proficiency, work experience, or academic background.
- Apply to more than one: Don’t limit yourself. Apply to multiple programs to increase your chances.
Why Choose Europe?
Apart from the scholarships, Europe is rich in culture, history, and opportunities. You’ll meet people from all over the world, gain a top-quality education, and enjoy a new lifestyle. Many European countries also offer post-study work opportunities, giving you the chance to gain international work experience.
Final Thoughts
Fully funded scholarships in Europe are not just dreams—they are real opportunities available now. Whether you’re from Africa, Asia, or Latin America, many European programs are designed to support your academic journey. If you want to pursue higher education without financial stress, now is the time to start applying. Don’t wait until the deadlines are too close. Gather your documents, do your research, and take the first step toward your future.