Scholarships for International Students in Europe
Pursuing higher education in Europe can be a life-changing experience—but it often comes with significant financial considerations. Fortunately, a wide range of scholarships and funding opportunities are available for international students. These scholarships can help cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs, making education in Europe more accessible than ever.
EU-Funded Scholarship Programs
Europe offers several major EU-wide funding initiatives aimed at supporting students and researchers across the continent:
-
Erasmus+
One of the most recognized programs in Europe, Erasmus+ provides financial support for exchange programs, internships, and full degree studies. It is open to students from both EU and non-EU countries. -
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
This program supports doctoral-level students and early-career researchers with generous grants for mobility, research training, and career development within Europe. -
Horizon Europe
Designed for postgraduate students and researchers, Horizon Europe funds innovative research projects across multiple scientific disciplines.
National Scholarship Opportunities
Several European countries have their own national scholarship programs for international students:
-
Germany: DAAD Scholarships
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a broad selection of scholarships for international students, graduates, and doctoral candidates, covering tuition, living expenses, and more. -
France: Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
This government-funded program supports international students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees in top French institutions. -
Netherlands: Holland Scholarship
Aimed at students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA), this scholarship helps fund undergraduate and master's programs in Dutch universities. -
United Kingdom: Chevening Scholarship
Funded by the UK government, Chevening is one of the most prestigious postgraduate scholarships, offering full financial support for one-year master’s degrees. -
Sweden: Swedish Institute Scholarships
These scholarships are available to talented students from developing countries, covering full tuition, living costs, and travel for master’s-level studies in Sweden.
Institutional Scholarships
Many individual universities across Europe offer merit-based and need-based scholarships to attract top international talent:
-
University of Oxford and University of Cambridge (UK)
Both universities offer numerous scholarship opportunities for international students, including Rhodes, Gates Cambridge, and other college-specific awards. -
ETH Zurich (Switzerland)
ETH Zurich offers competitive scholarships for international master’s students, including the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP). -
University of Amsterdam (Netherlands)
The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship is awarded to outstanding non-EU students pursuing master's degrees in select programs.
Other Funding Sources
In addition to government and university-based scholarships, students can also explore:
-
Private Foundations and NGOs
Organizations, foundations, and private donors worldwide offer funding for international study. Examples include the Fulbright Program (for US citizens), the Soros Foundation, and regional scholarship funds. -
Online Scholarship Databases
Platforms like Scholarships.com, FastWeb, and the official Study in Europe website are excellent tools for finding up-to-date information on scholarships that match your academic goals and background.
With so many scholarships available at the EU, national, and institutional levels, studying in Europe is within reach for students from all corners of the globe. Careful research, early application, and a strong academic profile can significantly improve your chances of securing financial support. Whether you're looking to pursue a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree, Europe's world-class education system is more accessible than ever—thanks to its commitment to international student mobility and support.
