Europe has long been one of the most attractive destinations for international students. With its rich cultural diversity, world-class universities, and vibrant research environment, it provides students with excellent opportunities to pursue higher education. However, the cost of studying abroad can be challenging for many. To ease this burden, several European governments and universities offer fully funded scholarships to international students at undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels.
In 2025, many prestigious scholarships are available that cover tuition fees, living expenses, and even travel costs. This article highlights the Top 10 Scholarships in Europe for International Students and explains how to take advantage of these opportunities.
1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships (EU-Wide)
The Erasmus Mundus program, funded by the European Union, is one of the most popular scholarships for international students. It offers full scholarships for joint master’s programs taught in at least two European universities. Benefits include:
-
Full tuition fee waiver
-
Monthly living stipend
-
Travel and installation costs
Students have the unique advantage of studying in multiple countries and gaining exposure to diverse cultures.
2. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) funds scholarships for both master’s and PhD students. These scholarships are open to students from all over the world and cover:
-
Full tuition (where applicable)
-
Monthly stipend
-
Health insurance
-
Travel allowance
Germany is already a top choice for international students due to its tuition-free or low-cost education system, making DAAD a particularly valuable scholarship.
3. Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom)
Funded by the UK government, Chevening Scholarships are designed for students with leadership potential. While primarily for one-year master’s programs, they remain one of the most competitive scholarships for international students in Europe. Coverage includes:
-
Full tuition
-
Living allowance
-
Travel costs and visa fees
Chevening also provides students with access to a global alumni network of influential professionals.
4. Swedish Institute Scholarships (Sweden)
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships for highly qualified international students pursuing master’s degrees in Sweden. Benefits include:
-
Full tuition fees
-
Monthly living expenses
-
Insurance and travel grants
These scholarships also focus on leadership and sustainable development, making them ideal for students interested in global issues.
5. Eiffel Excellence Scholarships (France)
Funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program is aimed at attracting top international talent. It is available for master’s and PhD programs and covers:
-
Monthly stipend
-
International travel
-
Health insurance
While tuition is not always covered, France’s low-cost higher education system makes this scholarship highly attractive.
6. VLIR-UOS Scholarships (Belgium)
The VLIR-UOS scholarship program offers fully funded opportunities for students from developing countries to pursue master’s programs in Belgium. Benefits include:
-
Tuition coverage
-
Monthly allowances
-
Accommodation and travel costs
These scholarships are particularly targeted toward sustainable development and global problem-solving.
7. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Switzerland)
The Swiss government offers scholarships for postgraduate students and researchers. They cover:
-
Tuition fees
-
Monthly stipend
-
Health insurance and housing subsidies
Switzerland is home to some of the world’s leading universities in science, engineering, and business, making this an excellent opportunity for advanced studies.
8. Holland Scholarships (Netherlands)
Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, the Holland Scholarship supports non-European international students pursuing bachelor’s or master’s degrees in the Netherlands. Benefits include a one-time grant of €5,000 to help with living expenses. While not fully funded, it reduces the financial burden of studying in a country with excellent education and research opportunities.
9. Hungarian Government Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary)
Hungary has become a rising destination for international students, thanks to the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship program. It covers:
-
Tuition fees
-
Monthly stipend
-
Accommodation and medical insurance
The program is available for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral studies, making it one of the most versatile scholarships in Europe.
10. Italian Government Scholarships (Italy)
Italy offers scholarships through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. These scholarships are available for master’s and PhD programs and include:
-
Full or partial tuition coverage
-
Monthly allowances
-
Health insurance
Italy’s rich cultural heritage and globally ranked universities make it a sought-after destination for international students.
How to Apply for Scholarships in Europe
Securing one of these scholarships requires careful preparation. Here are some practical tips:
-
Research Early – Most scholarships open applications 6–12 months before the academic year starts.
-
Check Eligibility Criteria – Some scholarships are limited to specific regions or fields of study.
-
Prepare Strong Academic Records – High grades and strong research experience significantly boost your chances.
-
Craft a Compelling Motivation Letter – Explain your career goals, leadership qualities, and how the program aligns with your ambitions.
-
Secure Recommendations – Request recommendation letters from professors or mentors who know your academic strengths.
-
Highlight Extracurricular Achievements – Many scholarships value leadership, community service, and extracurricular involvement.
-
Polish Language Skills – Some programs require proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL), unless exempted.
Final Thoughts
Europe remains one of the best destinations for international students due to its academic excellence, cultural diversity, and career opportunities. The scholarships highlighted—ranging from Erasmus Mundus to DAAD, Chevening, and Eiffel Excellence—make it possible for talented students to achieve their academic goals without financial strain.
Whether you dream of studying in Germany, the UK, France, Sweden, or Switzerland, there is a scholarship available to match your ambitions. By preparing early, submitting strong applications, and applying to multiple programs, you can secure funding that turns your academic dreams into reality.