Europe is home to some of the world’s greatest universities — Oxford, Cambridge, ETH Zurich, the University of Bologna, Sciences Po Paris, KU Leuven, Heidelberg, and hundreds more — and in 2027, more fully funded scholarship opportunities exist for international students in Europe than at any point in history.
From Belgium’s generous VLIR-UOS program to Germany’s world-famous DAAD scholarships, from Switzerland’s extraordinary ETH Zurich and Swiss Government Excellence awards to the UK’s Chevening and Gates Cambridge programs — European governments, universities, and foundations are actively competing to attract the world’s best talent to their academic institutions.
This guide is the most comprehensive country-by-country European scholarship directory available anywhere online. We cover every major country on the continent, every significant scholarship program, and provide direct official application links for every single award listed.
Bookmark this page. Use it as your personal European scholarship directory. Start applying today.
Table of Contents
How to Use This Guide
This guide is organized country by country — mirroring the scholarship infographic that inspired it. For each country, you will find:
- Every major scholarship program available in that country for 2027
- A brief description of what each scholarship covers and who it is for
- Direct official website links for each application
To find the scholarships most relevant to you:
- Identify which countries offer programs in your field of study
- Check eligibility requirements (citizenship, degree level, professional experience)
- Note the deadline for each scholarship you are eligible for
- Apply to every eligible scholarship simultaneously
The students who win European scholarships apply broadly — targeting 8–15 opportunities across multiple countries.
🇧🇪 BELGIUM
Belgium is one of Europe’s most underrated study destinations — home to world-ranked universities including KU Leuven, Ghent University, VUB, and UCLouvain — with some of the most generous scholarship programs on the continent specifically designed for students from developing countries.
VLIR-UOS Scholarships (Fully Funded)
The VLIR-UOS (Flemish Interuniversity Council — University Development Cooperation) scholarship is Belgium’s most significant fully funded program for international students from developing countries. It is administered by Flemish universities and funded by the Belgian government to support students from 30 partner countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
What it covers: Full tuition fees at the host Belgian university, monthly living allowance of approximately €1,250, return economy airfare, insurance coverage (health and accident), and an installation allowance upon arrival.
Who can apply: Citizens and residents of one of the 30 VLIR-UOS partner countries (primarily in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Latin America). Applicants must be under 35 years old and must not have previously received a VLIR-UOS scholarship. A strong academic record and relevant professional experience for some programs are required.
Degree level: Professional Bachelor’s (3 years), Initial Master’s (2 years), and Advanced Master’s (1 year) programs at Flemish universities including KU Leuven, Ghent University, Antwerp University, and VUB.
Important rule: You can only apply to ONE program — submitting multiple applications results in automatic disqualification.
Deadline: Typically February (varies by program — some close as early as November of the previous year).
👉 Official Website: vliruos.be
FWO Fellowships (Funded)
The FWO (Research Foundation — Flanders) provides doctoral and postdoctoral fellowships for fundamental research at Flemish universities. While primarily for Belgian and EU researchers, international applicants can be considered in specific programs, particularly when hosted by a Flemish research group.
What it covers: Monthly salary equivalent for PhD candidates (approximately €2,500 gross/month) plus research budget and social security benefits.
Who can apply: Prospective PhD researchers and postdoctoral scientists in any academic field with a host professor at a Flemish university.
Deadline: Multiple annual call deadlines — typically March and September.
👉 Official Website: fwo.be/en
🇨🇿 CZECH REPUBLIC
The Czech Republic offers high-quality European education at some of the most affordable costs on the continent, with public universities charging minimal fees and generous government scholarship programs for international students.
Czech Republic Government Scholarship (Funded)
The Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports offers government scholarships to international students from countries with bilateral education agreements with the Czech Republic. Scholarships are awarded through intergovernmental exchange programs and must be nominated by the appropriate authority in your home country.
What it covers: Monthly stipend, tuition fee support, and accommodation assistance for the duration of the scholarship period.
Who can apply: Students from eligible countries with bilateral Czech education agreements — typically at bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels.
How to apply: Through the Czech Embassy or Ministry of Education in your home country — applications are processed by national authorities, not directly through Czech universities.
Deadline: Typically early in the calendar year (January–February) — varies by country.
👉 Official Website: dzs.cz/en
Masaryk University Scholarship (Funded)
Masaryk University in Brno — one of the Czech Republic’s leading research universities and one of Central Europe’s oldest institutions (founded 1919) — offers merit-based scholarships to outstanding international students.
What it covers: Tuition fee waivers and monthly stipends for selected programs. Czech language study scholarships (8,000 CZK/month for 3-month study stays) are also available through the Department of Czech for Foreigners.
Who can apply: International students applying to degree programs or short-term language study at Masaryk University.
👉 Official Website: muni.cz/en/applicants/scholarships
🇩🇰 DENMARK
Denmark consistently ranks among the world’s happiest and most innovative countries, and its universities — particularly the University of Copenhagen, DTU, and Aarhus — are globally recognized for research excellence.
Danish Government Scholarship
The Danish Government offers scholarships for students from countries outside the EU/EEA to study at Danish universities. Programs focus on development cooperation and academic excellence in priority fields.
What it covers: Tuition fee waiver and living allowance for selected programs.
Who can apply: Non-EU/EEA students accepted at Danish universities in eligible programs.
👉 Official Website: studyindenmark.dk/live-in-denmark/finance/scholarships
Novo Nordisk Foundation Scholarship (Funded)
The Novo Nordisk Foundation — one of the world’s largest private foundations — offers research and education grants primarily in life sciences, medicine, and related fields at Danish universities and research institutions.
What it covers: Research funding, doctoral fellowships, and postdoctoral grants covering salary, research costs, and travel.
Who can apply: Researchers and scientists in life sciences, biomedical, and health-related fields.
👉 Official Website: novonordiskfonden.dk/en
🇪🇪 ESTONIA
Estonia is Europe’s most digitally advanced country — consistently ranked among the world’s leaders in digital governance, e-education, and technology innovation — making it a unique and forward-looking study destination.
Estonian Government Scholarship (Funded)
The Estonian Government offers scholarships through the Archimedes Foundation for international students to study or conduct research in Estonia, supporting bilateral academic exchanges and development cooperation goals.
What it covers: Monthly stipend and study support for the scholarship duration.
Who can apply: Students from countries with bilateral agreements with Estonia, typically for short-term study visits and research stays.
👉 Official Website: archimedes.ee/en/scholarships
Tallinn University of Technology Scholarship (Funded)
TalTech (Tallinn University of Technology) is Estonia’s leading technical university and one of the most internationally oriented universities in the Baltic region, offering merit-based scholarships to outstanding international students in engineering, business, and IT.
What it covers: Partial or full tuition fee waivers and monthly stipends for selected programs.
Who can apply: International applicants to TalTech’s English-taught programs demonstrating strong academic records.
👉 Official Website: taltech.ee/en/scholarships
🇫🇮 FINLAND
Finland offers free or very low tuition education at world-class universities with an extraordinary quality of life, excellent research infrastructure, and a strong national scholarship system for international students.
Finland Government Scholarship (Fully Funded)
The Finnish Government Scholarship Pool provides doctoral and postdoctoral research grants for researchers from select non-EU/EEA countries to conduct research at Finnish universities and research institutions for periods of 3 to 12 months.
What it covers: Monthly stipend of approximately €1,500 (doctoral) or €2,000 (postdoctoral), covering living expenses during the research visit.
Who can apply: Doctoral researchers and postdoctoral scientists from eligible countries with a confirmed Finnish university host supervisor.
👉 Official Website: studyinfinland.fi/scholarships
University of Helsinki Grant (Funded)
The University of Helsinki — Finland’s leading research university and consistently ranked among the world’s top 100 — offers doctoral program funding packages and master’s scholarships for outstanding international students in its English-taught programs.
What it covers: Tuition fee waivers and research grants for selected doctoral programs; merit scholarships for Master’s applicants.
Who can apply: International students applying to English-taught Master’s and PhD programs at the University of Helsinki.
👉 Official Website: helsinki.fi/en/admissions/scholarships
🇫🇷 FRANCE
France is home to some of Europe’s most intellectually prestigious institutions — Sciences Po Paris, École Polytechnique, HEC Paris, Sorbonne, and many more — with scholarship programs that span government funding, foundation awards, and university-specific merit packages.
Émile Boutmy Scholarship — Sciences Po Paris (Fully Funded)
The Émile Boutmy Scholarship is Sciences Po Paris’s flagship merit scholarship for non-EU international students — named after the university’s founder and awarded based on both academic excellence and financial need.
What it covers: A significant reduction in Sciences Po’s income-based tuition fees — reducing annual costs to as low as €2,390/year for the most financially eligible recipients at the undergraduate level; partial to substantial tuition reductions at the Master’s level.
Who can apply: Non-EU citizens admitted to any Sciences Po Paris program (undergraduate or graduate) with exceptional academic merit and demonstrated financial need.
Why apply: Sciences Po produces more heads of government and state than virtually any other institution in Europe — its network is extraordinarily powerful.
👉 Official Website: sciencespo.fr/en/admissions/financial-aid
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (Fully Funded)
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is awarded by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs to attract top international talent to French higher education institutions including Sciences Po, École Polytechnique, HEC Paris, and Centrale-Supélec.
What it covers: Monthly stipend (€1,181 for Masters / €1,400 for PhD), round-trip international airfare, health insurance contribution, cultural activities allowance, and accommodation support.
Who can apply: Outstanding international students under 25 (Masters) or under 30 (PhD) from countries outside France. Applications are submitted by the French institution on your behalf — contact the international office of your target French university for nomination.
Deadline: January each year.
👉 Official Website: campusfrance.org/en/eiffel-scholarship
🇩🇪 GERMANY
Germany is the world capital of tuition-free education at public universities — and its scholarship ecosystem is one of the richest and most diverse on the planet, spanning government, foundation, and industry-funded awards.
KWI (Kulturwissenschaftliches Institut) Fellowship (Funded)
The Kulturwissenschaftliches Institut Essen (KWI) offers research fellowships for scholars in cultural and social sciences at its Essen research center, focusing on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of science, culture, and society.
Who can apply: Postdoctoral researchers and senior scholars in cultural studies, social sciences, humanities, and philosophy.
👉 Official Website: kwi-nrw.de/en
Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship (Funded)
The Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES) — associated with the Social Democratic Party — offers scholarships for international students studying at German universities who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to social democratic values.
What it covers: Monthly stipend of approximately €934 (Bachelor’s/Master’s) or €1,350 (PhD), plus a flat-rate allowance and health insurance contribution.
Who can apply: International students at German universities with strong academic records and demonstrated engagement with social and political issues.
👉 Official Website: fes.de/en/scholarships
Hasso Plattner Foundation Scholarship (Funded)
The Hasso Plattner Foundation supports digital technology and entrepreneurship education through the HPI (Hasso Plattner Institute) at the University of Potsdam — Germany’s leading center for design thinking and digital engineering.
What it covers: Scholarships and fellowships for exceptional students in computer science, digital engineering, and design thinking programs at HPI.
👉 Official Website: hpi.de/en/scholarships
DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Scholarship (Funded)
The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme — funded by the German Academic Exchange Service — supports international students from developing and transition countries pursuing Master’s degrees in public policy and good governance at German universities.
What it covers: Monthly stipend (€934), health insurance contribution, travel allowance, study and research allowance.
Who can apply: Young professionals from developing and transition countries with relevant work experience in public policy, civil service, NGOs, or private sector management.
👉 Official Website: daad.de/helmut-schmidt
KAAD Scholarship (Funded)
The KAAD (Catholic Academic Exchange Service) provides scholarships for Catholic students and academics from Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe to pursue academic study or research in Germany.
What it covers: Monthly stipend, health insurance, and academic support for graduate and postgraduate study.
Who can apply: Catholic students from developing countries with strong academic records and commitment to applying their education in their home countries.
👉 Official Website: kaad.de/en
DAAD Development-Oriented Scholarship (Funded)
The DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) scholarship funds students from developing countries to pursue Master’s degrees at German universities in programs with direct development relevance — engineering, agriculture, water management, health sciences, social sciences, and economics.
What it covers: Monthly stipend of €934, health insurance, travel allowance, study allowance, and a rent subsidy.
Who can apply: Students from developing countries with excellent academic records and at least 2 years of relevant professional experience.
This is one of the most accessible DAAD programs for a wide range of nationalities and fields.
👉 Official Website: daad.de/epos
🇬🇷 GREECE
Greece offers study opportunities at historic institutions with growing international programs, supported by state scholarship programs and university-specific funding.
Greek State Scholarship Foundation (IKY) — Aristotle University & Others
The IKY (Greek State Scholarship Foundation) is Greece’s official scholarship organization, providing funding for study and research in Greece through bilateral agreements and European programs.
What it covers: Monthly stipend and study support for visiting scholars and students from bilateral partner countries.
Who can apply: Students from countries with bilateral education agreements with Greece, primarily for short-term study and research visits.
Aristotle University Scholarship: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki — Greece’s largest university — also offers specific scholarships for international students through its international office.
👉 Official Website: iky.gr/en
🇭🇺 HUNGARY
Hungary has become one of Europe’s most popular study destinations for international students, offering high-quality education at affordable costs with a large government scholarship program specifically designed for international applicants.
Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship (Fully Funded)
The Stipendium Hungaricum is Hungary’s flagship international scholarship program — one of the most generous and accessible fully funded study programs in Europe. It funds international students from over 80 partner countries to pursue degrees at Hungarian universities.
What it covers: Full tuition fee waiver, monthly stipend (HUF 43,700 — approximately €110), free dormitory accommodation or accommodation contribution, and health insurance coverage.
Who can apply: Citizens of Stipendium Hungaricum partner countries at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Students must apply through their home country’s sending authority (Ministry of Education or designated organization).
Why Hungary: Budapest is consistently ranked among Europe’s most livable student cities — with low living costs relative to Western Europe, making the stipend stretch further than in Germany or France.
Deadline: Typically January–February each year, with country-specific variations.
👉 Official Website: stipendiumhungaricum.hu
Central European University Scholarship (Funded)
CEU (Central European University) in Vienna and Budapest is a globally recognized institution specializing in social sciences, humanities, law, and policy — ranked among the world’s top universities in political science and international relations. CEU offers generous merit scholarships to reduce or eliminate tuition for exceptional international students.
What it covers: Partial to full tuition waivers and living stipends for selected Master’s and PhD students.
Who can apply: International applicants with outstanding academic records applying to CEU’s English-taught graduate programs.
👉 Official Website: ceu.edu/financial-aid
🇮🇪 IRELAND
Ireland offers English-language education in the heart of Europe with excellent post-study work rights and a rapidly growing technology and pharmaceutical sector providing strong career opportunities for graduates.
Ireland SIDS Fellowships (Fully Funded)
The SIDS (Small Island Developing States) Fellowship Programme is Ireland’s dedicated scholarship for students from small island developing states to pursue postgraduate study at Irish universities.
What it covers: Full tuition fees, living stipend, airfare, and accommodation support for the duration of the award.
👉 Official Website: irishaid.ie/what-we-do/education
Ireland Fellows Program (Fully Funded)
The Ireland Fellows Program — funded by Irish Aid (the Irish government’s overseas development program) — provides full scholarships for exceptional individuals from eligible developing countries to pursue one-year Master’s degree programs at Irish universities.
What it covers: Full tuition fees, monthly living stipend, return economy airfare, health insurance, and pre-departure allowance.
Who can apply: Mid-career professionals from eligible developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and other regions, typically with at least 3 years of relevant work experience.
Deadline: Typically February–March each year.
👉 Official Website: irelandfellows.eu
Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship (Fully Funded)
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships provide fully funded awards to outstanding international students from non-EU/EEA countries to pursue full-time postgraduate study at Irish higher education institutions.
What it covers: Tuition fee contribution of up to €10,000, plus a €6,000 stipend contribution toward living expenses.
Who can apply: Non-EU/EEA students with outstanding academic records applying to full-time postgraduate programs at Irish universities.
👉 Official Website: hea.ie/funding-governance-performance/funding/student-finance/gov-ire-international-education-scholarships
🇮🇹 ITALY
Italy offers the world’s oldest university tradition — the University of Bologna was founded in 1088 — combined with a modern higher education system at some of Europe’s most affordable living costs.
University of Florence PEGASON Scholarship (Funded)
The University of Florence offers PEGASON scholarships and fee waivers for excellent international students across its faculties in humanities, sciences, architecture, law, and political science.
Who can apply: International students accepted to University of Florence programs with strong academic records.
👉 Official Website: unifi.it/en/scholarships
University of Camerino Scholarship (Funded)
The University of Camerino (UNICAM) — one of Italy’s ancient universities, founded in 1336 — offers scholarships for international students in science, technology, environmental sciences, and pharmacy.
What it covers: Tuition fee reductions and monthly stipends for selected students.
👉 Official Website: unicam.it/en/scholarships
Bocconi University Scholarship (Funded)
Bocconi University in Milan is consistently ranked among Europe’s top business schools and one of the world’s leading institutions for economics, finance, management, and law. Bocconi offers a comprehensive merit and need-based scholarship system.
What it covers: Tuition fee waivers ranging from 25% to 100%, plus living allowances for full-scholarship recipients. Bocconi’s full scholarship package is among the most generous of any European private university.
Who can apply: Outstanding international applicants to Bocconi’s undergraduate and graduate programs. Selection is based on academic merit and financial need, assessed through an online family income declaration.
👉 Official Website: unibocconi.eu/scholarships
Politecnico di Milano Merit Scholarships (Funded)
Politecnico di Milano — Italy’s leading technical university and consistently ranked among the global top 20 for engineering and design — offers substantial merit scholarships for outstanding international Master’s students.
What it covers: Full or partial tuition fee waiver (up to €13,000/year) for the most academically competitive international applicants.
Who can apply: International students admitted to Politecnico di Milano’s English-taught Master’s programs in Engineering, Architecture, and Design.
👉 Official Website: polimi.it/en/scholarships
🇳🇱 NETHERLANDS
The Netherlands consistently ranks among the world’s most internationally oriented study destinations, with hundreds of English-taught programs and a rich ecosystem of scholarships for international students.
Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (Funded)
The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS) at the University of Amsterdam is a prestigious award for exceptional non-EEA students pursuing English-taught Master’s programs at one of Europe’s most internationally diverse universities.
What it covers: Full tuition fee plus a living allowance of €10,000 for one academic year — a total package of approximately €30,000+.
Who can apply: Non-EEA students with outstanding academic records applying to eligible English-taught Master’s programs at the University of Amsterdam.
Competition: Highly selective — only the top applicants in each program are considered.
👉 Official Website: uva.nl/ams
Radboud University Scholarship (Funded)
The Radboud Scholarship Programme at Radboud University in Nijmegen offers significant financial support to outstanding non-EEA students pursuing English-taught Master’s programs.
What it covers: Reduction of tuition fees to approximately the statutory rate (approximately €2,530/year instead of the full international rate) plus a monthly allowance of €750 — making study at Radboud highly affordable.
Who can apply: Non-EEA students with outstanding academic records (minimum 80% equivalent GPA in their home country) admitted to eligible English-taught Master’s programs.
👉 Official Website: ru.nl/radboudscholarship
Orange Knowledge Scholarship (Funded) — MENA Focus
The Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) — funded by the Dutch government through Nuffic — provides scholarships for professionals from eligible developing countries to pursue short courses and Master’s degrees at Dutch institutions. The MENA (Middle East and North Africa) stream specifically supports students from that region.
What it covers: Full tuition fees, monthly living allowance, travel costs, and insurance.
Who can apply: Professionals from eligible OKP countries with relevant work experience in priority sectors (education, water management, food security, sexual and reproductive health and rights, security and rule of law).
👉 Official Website: nuffic.nl/en/orange-knowledge-programme
Holland Scholarship (Funded)
The Holland Scholarship is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education and Dutch universities, offering €5,000 toward the first year of tuition for non-EEA international students admitted to bachelor’s or master’s programs at participating Dutch universities.
Who can apply: Non-EEA students applying for full-time bachelor’s or master’s programs at participating Dutch universities, applying from outside the Netherlands.
👉 Official Website: studyinholland.nl/scholarships/holland-scholarship
VU Fellowship Program (Funded)
The VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme (VUFP) provides merit-based scholarships for talented non-Dutch students to pursue English-taught Master’s programs at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
What it covers: Partial tuition fee waivers of varying amounts based on the strength of the application.
👉 Official Website: vu.nl/en/education/master/scholarships-and-grants
🇳🇴 NORWAY
Norway charges zero tuition at all public universities for every student regardless of nationality — one of the world’s most extraordinary education policies. Combined with doctoral employment contracts, Norway provides some of the most financially secure academic opportunities in Europe.
Norwegian Government Scholarship (IKY / DOP)
Norway’s Study in Norway scholarship and fellowship programs — administered through the Norwegian Agency for International Cooperation and Quality Assurance (NOKUT) and the Norwegian Centre for International Cooperation in Education (SIU/Diku) — support international students and researchers at Norwegian universities.
What it covers: Monthly living allowance of approximately NOK 11,000–13,000 ($1,000–$1,200 USD/month) plus accommodation support and travel.
Who can apply: Students from countries with Norwegian bilateral cooperation agreements. Zero tuition applies to all international students regardless of scholarship status.
👉 Official Website: studyinnorway.no/scholarships
University of Oslo Research Grant (Funded)
The University of Oslo — Norway’s flagship research university — offers doctoral fellowships and research grants as employment contracts, including full salary (approximately NOK 500,000/year), pension, parental leave rights, and comprehensive health insurance.
Who can apply: Exceptional doctoral candidates in any discipline at UiO with a confirmed supervisor.
👉 Official Website: uio.no/english/studies/scholarships
🇵🇱 POLAND
Poland is one of Europe’s fastest-growing study destinations — offering excellent universities, affordable living, and a rapidly expanding English-taught program portfolio.
Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) Scholarship
The NAWA (Narodowa Agencja Wymiany Akademickiej) is Poland’s national agency for academic mobility and scholarship programs. It administers multiple scholarship schemes for international students to study in Poland.
What it covers: Monthly stipend (PLN 1,500–3,000 approximately), accommodation support, and health insurance. Some programs include full tuition coverage.
Who can apply: International students from eligible countries pursuing degrees at Polish universities — specific eligibility depends on the program track.
👉 Official Website: nawa.gov.pl/en
Scholarship for Central European University (Jawa Program)
Poland’s national scholarship programs through NAWA also cover joint initiatives with Central European universities, facilitating academic exchange and study for international students across Central and Eastern Europe.
👉 Official Website: nawa.gov.pl/en
🇵🇹 PORTUGAL
Portugal has emerged as one of Europe’s most dynamic and internationally welcoming study destinations — with a rapidly growing technology sector, affordable living costs, and research-excellent universities.
Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Grant (Funded)
The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation is one of the world’s largest private foundations and Portugal’s most significant philanthropic organization. It funds research grants, artistic fellowships, and academic development programs for Portuguese and international scholars.
What it covers: Research grants and fellowships in arts, science, humanities, and social sciences — varying amounts based on program and duration.
Who can apply: Researchers and cultural practitioners at various career stages, with specific programs for students from Portuguese-speaking African countries (PALOP).
👉 Official Website: gulbenkian.pt/en
INL International PhD Scholarships (Funded)
The INL (International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory) in Braga — one of Europe’s leading nanotechnology research centers — offers fully funded PhD scholarships for exceptional doctoral researchers.
What it covers: Full doctoral stipend, health insurance, research infrastructure access, and conference travel funding.
Who can apply: Exceptional doctoral candidates in nanotechnology, nanomedicine, food science, and environmental applications from any nationality.
👉 Official Website: inl.int/scholarships
🇪🇸 SPAIN
Spain is home to several of Europe’s oldest and most internationally recognized universities — the University of Barcelona, the University of Madrid, and Salamanca — with both government and university-funded scholarship programs.
Spanish Ministry of Education Scholarship
Spain’s Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports offers scholarship programs for international students and researchers in Spain, particularly through bilateral cooperation agreements and Erasmus+ programs.
What it covers: Tuition support and monthly allowances for eligible programs — amounts vary by program and recipient.
👉 Official Website: educacion.gob.es/en
University of Barcelona Grant (Fully Funded)
The University of Barcelona — Spain’s most internationally recognized research university, ranked among the global top 200 — offers merit scholarships and research grants for both undergraduate and graduate international students.
What it covers: Tuition fee reductions and monthly stipends for selected students in competitive grant programs. Doctoral research positions at UB are funded through competitive grants covering a full doctoral salary.
👉 Official Website: ub.edu/web/portal/en/scholarships
🇸🇰 SLOVAKIA
Slovakia offers an increasingly attractive study environment in Central Europe with affordable costs and universities that are developing strong English-taught program portfolios.
Slovakia Scholarship for International Students (Fully Funded)
The Slovak government offers scholarships for international students from developing countries to study at Slovak universities, administered through bilateral cooperation agreements and the SAIA (Slovak Academic Information Agency).
What it covers: Monthly stipend, accommodation contribution, and health insurance for the scholarship duration.
👉 Official Website: saia.sk/en
Slovakia Scholarship for Talented International Students
SAIA also administers merit-based scholarships for exceptional international students regardless of home country background, targeting students with outstanding academic records.
👉 Official Website: saia.sk/en
Comenius University Scholarship (Fully Funded)
Comenius University in Bratislava — Slovakia’s oldest and most prestigious university, founded in 1919 — offers scholarships for international students in medicine, law, natural sciences, and humanities.
What it covers: Tuition fee waivers and monthly stipends for selected program categories.
👉 Official Website: uniba.sk/en
Swiss Senvensnly Scholarship — Uppsala Infhip (Fully Funded)
This program, referencing a Swedish-Slovak academic exchange, provides full funding for mobility and study opportunities between Scandinavian and Central European academic institutions.
👉 Official Website: saia.sk/en
🇸🇪 SWEDEN
Sweden offers zero tuition to Swedish Institute scholarship recipients and doctoral employment contracts that make PhD study among the most financially secure anywhere in Europe.
Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals (Fully Funded)
The Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals (SISGP) is Sweden’s flagship international scholarship — fully funded Master’s study at Swedish universities for experienced professionals from eligible developing countries.
What it covers: Full tuition fees, monthly living allowance of SEK 11,000 (approximately €970), travel grant, insurance, and access to the Swedish Institute’s prestigious professional network.
Who can apply: Citizens of eligible developing countries with at least 3,000 hours (approximately 2 years) of professional experience after completing a university degree.
Deadline: Typically December–February.
👉 Official Website: si.se/en/apply/scholarships/sisgp
Uppsala University Global Scholarships (Fully Funded)
Uppsala University — Scandinavia’s oldest university, founded in 1477 — offers international scholarships for outstanding non-EU/EEA Master’s students and doctoral researchers.
What it covers: Tuition fee waivers for Master’s students; full doctoral employment contracts (salary of SEK 30,000–35,000/month gross) for PhD candidates.
Who can apply: Non-EU/EEA international students admitted to Uppsala’s English-taught programs with strong academic records.
👉 Official Website: uu.se/admissions/scholarships
Comenius University Global (Fully Funded)
A separate track targeting global diversity and academic excellence through university partnerships for Master’s study mobility.
CERN Administrative Studentship (Funded)
CERN — the European Organization for Nuclear Research in Geneva, one of the world’s most prestigious scientific institutions — offers administrative studentships for students pursuing degrees in administration, finance, HR, communication, and information technology alongside its more famous technical programs.
What it covers: Monthly allowance (approximately CHF 3,185), health insurance, and travel contribution for 4–12 month placements.
Who can apply: Students currently enrolled in a full-time degree program at a university in a CERN member state, preferably in the final years of their program.
👉 Official Website: cern.ch/students
🇨🇭 SWITZERLAND
Switzerland is home to some of the world’s greatest scientific institutions — ETH Zurich (#6 globally), EPFL (#12 globally), the University of Zurich, and the University of Geneva — with extraordinary scholarship programs that make these elite institutions accessible.
WHO Internship (WHO Internship Program)
The World Health Organization (WHO) — headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland — offers paid and unpaid internship programs for graduate students and recent graduates in global health, epidemiology, policy, and administration.
What it covers: Monthly stipend of CHF 1,500 for paid interns, plus access to WHO’s extraordinary global health network.
Who can apply: Graduate students or recent graduates from any country in fields relevant to WHO’s mandate — public health, medicine, social sciences, communications, IT, and others.
👉 Official Website: who.int/careers/internships
University of Bern Scholarship (Funded)
The University of Bern offers doctoral fellowships and Master’s scholarships through its graduate schools and research centers, with a particular strength in earth sciences, veterinary medicine, and biomedical research.
What it covers: Doctoral employment contracts and research fellowships with Swiss academic salary standards.
👉 Official Website: unibe.ch/university/services/scholarship/index_eng.html
University of Bern (EPFK) Scholarship
Extended scholarship and fellowship programs at the University of Bern’s affiliated research institutions in collaboration with the ETH domain.
👉 Official Website: unibe.ch
EPFL Master Excellence Scholarship (Funded)
The EPFL Excellence Fellowship provides CHF 10,000–20,000 per year for exceptional international students at EPFL — one of the world’s top 15 universities for engineering, computer science, and life sciences.
What it covers: CHF 10,000 per semester (CHF 20,000 per academic year) paid directly to the student as a fellowship allowance alongside their Master’s program.
Who can apply: Exceptional international applicants admitted to EPFL Master’s programs with undergraduate GPAs placing them in the top 10% of their graduating class.
👉 Official Website: epfl.ch/excellence-fellowship
ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship (Funded)
The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Award provides full tuition fee waiver plus CHF 12,000/year (CHF 1,000/month) living allowance for exceptional international Master’s students at ETH Zurich — ranked among the world’s top 10 universities.
Who can apply: Outstanding international applicants admitted to any ETH Zurich Master’s program with undergraduate GPA in the top 10% of their class.
Deadline: December–January (submitted alongside ETH Master’s application).
👉 Official Website: ethz.ch/excellence-scholarship
Swiss Administrative Student Scholarship (Swiss Funded)
Programs through the Swiss Government supporting administrative and research training at Swiss federal institutions.
👉 Official Website: sbfi.admin.ch
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Swiss Funded)
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are awarded by the Swiss Confederation to outstanding international students and researchers for study and research at Swiss universities including ETH Zurich, EPFL, and cantonal universities.
What it covers: Monthly stipend (CHF 1,920 for Masters/PhD or CHF 3,500 for postdoctoral level), health insurance contribution of up to CHF 150/month, housing allowance, and tuition fee exemption at federal institutions.
Who can apply: Students from 180+ countries at master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral levels — eligibility and application process varies by country.
Deadline: Varies significantly by country — check with the Swiss Embassy in your home country.
👉 Official Website: sbfi.admin.ch/excellence-scholarships
🇬🇧 UNITED KINGDOM
The UK hosts four of the world’s top ten universities and some of the most prestigious scholarship programs in the world — including several that appear on virtually every global “best scholarships” list.
University of Birmingham Scholarship
The University of Birmingham — a leading UK Russell Group research university ranked among the world’s top 100 — offers multiple scholarship programs for international students including merit-based entrance awards and subject-specific scholarships.
What it covers: Partial tuition fee reductions (typically £2,000–£5,000) for high-achieving international applicants to eligible programs.
👉 Official Website: birmingham.ac.uk/scholarships
Oxford Borrow (Clarendon Fund) — Funded
The Clarendon Fund at the University of Oxford provides over 130 fully funded graduate scholarships annually to the most academically outstanding applicants across all departments.
What it covers: Full Oxford tuition fees plus annual living allowance (at least £15,009/year).
Important: Consideration is automatic — simply apply to your Oxford graduate program before the January course deadline.
👉 Official Website: ox.ac.uk/clarendon
Royal Society Wolfson Fellowship (Funded)
The Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Award — funded jointly by the Royal Society and the Wolfson Foundation — supports outstanding scientists who are at risk of being lost to UK science by providing a salary enhancement for up to 5 years.
Who can apply: Exceptional scientists nominated by UK universities and research institutions for research merit recognition.
👉 Official Website: royalsociety.org/wolfson
Chevening Scholarship (Funded)
The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government’s flagship international scholarship — 1,800+ fully funded one-year Master’s awards annually to future leaders from 160+ countries.
What it covers: Full tuition (no cap), monthly living allowance (£1,200+/month), round-trip airfare, visa fees, and IHS reimbursement.
Deadline: November each year.
👉 Official Website: chevening.org
Rhodes Scholarship (Cambridge/Oxford) — Funded
The Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford University is the world’s oldest and most prestigious graduate scholarship — full funding for Oxford Master’s and DPhil study.
What it covers: Full Oxford tuition, annual living stipend (£18,180+/year), airfare, and visa fees.
Deadline: September–October (varies by country).
👉 Official Website: rhodesscholarship.com
Gates Cambridge Scholarship (Funded)
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship — funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation — provides approximately 80 fully funded places annually at the University of Cambridge.
What it covers: Full tuition, maintenance allowance (£17,500+/year), airfare, visa, and academic development funding.
Deadline: October (US applicants) / January (international applicants).
👉 Official Website: gates.cambridge.org
UCL Global Masters Scholarship (Funded)
UCL (University College London) — consistently ranked among the world’s top 10 universities — offers Global Masters Scholarships for exceptional international students admitted to its graduate programs.
What it covers: Partial tuition fee waivers for the most competitive international Master’s applicants across UCL’s diverse program portfolio.
👉 Official Website: ucl.ac.uk/scholarships
Banking and Insurance for European Scholarship Winners
Winning a scholarship to study in Europe is step one. Setting up your finances correctly before you arrive is equally important.
Best Bank Accounts for European Scholarship Students
Wise — Open from any country before departure. Provides real European IBANs in EUR, GBP, CHF, and SEK. Your scholarship stipend can be paid directly to a Wise account in most European currencies. Zero-fee international transfers at real exchange rates. 👉 wise.com
N26 — German-regulated digital bank with full Eurozone banking license. Open online with passport and selfie. Free basic account. Available across 24 European countries. Perfect for students in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, and Austria. 👉 n26.com
Monzo — UK-specific digital bank for Chevening, Gates Cambridge, and Rhodes scholars. Open from any country before arrival. Full UK bank account with sort code and account number. 👉 monzo.com
Revolut — Multi-currency management across all major European currencies. Ideal for Erasmus Mundus scholars studying in 2–3 countries simultaneously. 👉 revolut.com
Health Insurance by Country
UK (Chevening, Gates Cambridge, Rhodes): Immigration Health Surcharge (£776/year) reimbursed by scholarship — full NHS access. Register with NHS GP in first week.
Germany (DAAD, foundation scholarships): German public health insurance (GKV) through TK or AOK — approximately €110–€120/month. DAAD covers this contribution. 👉 tk.de/en
France (Eiffel, Émile Boutmy): Sécurité Sociale enrollment through university — covers 70-80%. Top up with mutuelle (€15–€30/month through LMDE or Heyme). 👉 ameli.fr
Switzerland (ETH Zurich, EPFL, Swiss Government): Mandatory private health insurance — CHF 250–450/month. Swiss Government scholarship contributes CHF 150/month toward premiums. 👉 helsana.ch/en
Belgium (VLIR-UOS): Health insurance included in VLIR-UOS scholarship package — no separate arrangement needed.
Netherlands (Holland, Amsterdam Merit, Radboud): EU EHIC card for EU students; non-EU students purchase Dutch health insurance (€100–€150/month) through Zilveren Kruis or CZ.
Sweden (Swedish Institute): Swedish healthcare for residents — GP visits SEK 100–300 ($10–$30). SI scholarship covers insurance from day one.
Norway (Norwegian Government): Free public healthcare for registered residents. Register at local municipality immediately upon arrival.
Quick Reference — All Scholarships by Country
| Country | Scholarship | Level | Type | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belgium | VLIR-UOS | Bachelors/Masters | Fully Funded | vliruos.be |
| Belgium | FWO Fellowship | PhD/Postdoc | Funded | fwo.be/en |
| Czech Republic | Government Scholarship | All levels | Funded | dzs.cz/en |
| Czech Republic | Masaryk University | Bachelors/Masters | Funded | muni.cz |
| Denmark | Danish Government | Masters | Funded | studyindenmark.dk |
| Denmark | Novo Nordisk | Research | Funded | novonordiskfonden.dk |
| Estonia | Estonian Government | All levels | Funded | archimedes.ee |
| Estonia | TalTech | Bachelors/Masters | Funded | taltech.ee |
| Finland | Finnish Government | PhD/Postdoc | Fully Funded | studyinfinland.fi |
| Finland | University of Helsinki | Masters/PhD | Funded | helsinki.fi |
| France | Émile Boutmy/Sciences Po | Bachelors/Masters | Fully Funded | sciencespo.fr |
| France | Eiffel Excellence | Masters/PhD | Fully Funded | campusfrance.org |
| Germany | KWI Fellowship | Postdoc | Funded | kwi-nrw.de |
| Germany | Friedrich Ebert | Masters/PhD | Funded | fes.de |
| Germany | Hasso Plattner | Masters | Funded | hpi.de |
| Germany | DAAD Helmut-Schmidt | Masters | Funded | daad.de |
| Germany | KAAD | Masters/PhD | Funded | kaad.de |
| Germany | DAAD Development | Masters | Funded | daad.de |
| Greece | IKY Scholarships | All levels | Funded | iky.gr |
| Hungary | Stipendium Hungaricum | All levels | Fully Funded | stipendiumhungaricum.hu |
| Hungary | CEU | Masters/PhD | Funded | ceu.edu |
| Ireland | SIDS Fellowships | Masters | Fully Funded | irishaid.ie |
| Ireland | Ireland Fellows | Masters | Fully Funded | irelandfellows.eu |
| Ireland | Gov. Postgraduate | Masters/PhD | Funded | hea.ie |
| Italy | University of Florence | Masters/PhD | Funded | unifi.it |
| Italy | University of Camerino | Masters | Funded | unicam.it |
| Italy | Bocconi | Bachelors/Masters | Funded | unibocconi.eu |
| Italy | Politecnico di Milano | Masters | Funded | polimi.it |
| Netherlands | Amsterdam Merit | Masters | Funded | uva.nl |
| Netherlands | Radboud Scholarship | Masters | Funded | ru.nl |
| Netherlands | Orange Knowledge | Masters | Funded | nuffic.nl |
| Netherlands | Holland Scholarship | Bachelors/Masters | Funded | studyinholland.nl |
| Netherlands | VU Fellowship | Masters | Funded | vu.nl |
| Norway | Norwegian Government | Masters/PhD | Funded | studyinnorway.no |
| Norway | University of Oslo | PhD/Research | Funded | uio.no |
| Poland | NAWA Scholarship | All levels | Funded | nawa.gov.pl |
| Portugal | Calouste Gulbenkian | Research | Funded | gulbenkian.pt |
| Portugal | INL PhD | PhD | Fully Funded | inl.int |
| Spain | Ministry of Education | All levels | Funded | educacion.gob.es |
| Spain | University of Barcelona | Masters/PhD | Funded | ub.edu |
| Slovakia | Slovak Government | All levels | Funded | saia.sk |
| Slovakia | Comenius University | Masters/PhD | Funded | uniba.sk |
| Sweden | Swedish Institute (SISGP) | Masters | Fully Funded | si.se |
| Sweden | Uppsala University | Masters/PhD | Funded | uu.se |
| Sweden | CERN Studentship | Undergraduate | Funded | cern.ch |
| Switzerland | WHO Internship | Graduate | Funded | who.int |
| Switzerland | University of Bern | Masters/PhD | Funded | unibe.ch |
| Switzerland | EPFL Excellence | Masters | Funded | epfl.ch |
| Switzerland | ETH Zurich Excellence | Masters | Funded | ethz.ch |
| Switzerland | Swiss Government | Masters/PhD/Postdoc | Funded | sbfi.admin.ch |
| UK | University of Birmingham | Masters | Funded | birmingham.ac.uk |
| UK | Clarendon Fund Oxford | Masters/DPhil | Fully Funded | ox.ac.uk |
| UK | Royal Society Wolfson | Research | Funded | royalsociety.org |
| UK | Chevening | Masters | Fully Funded | chevening.org |
| UK | Rhodes (Oxford) | Masters/DPhil | Fully Funded | rhodesscholarship.com |
| UK | Gates Cambridge | Masters/PhD | Fully Funded | gates.cambridge.org |
| UK | UCL Global Masters | Masters | Funded | ucl.ac.uk |
Strategy — How to Apply to European Scholarships Successfully
With so many opportunities across so many countries, the key is having a system.
Apply to 10–15 scholarships per cycle. The successful European scholarship recipients are systematic applicants — not lucky ones. Applying broadly across multiple countries and scholarship types dramatically increases your probability of success.
Match your profile to each scholarship’s values. VLIR-UOS wants students committed to development impact in their home country. Bocconi wants exceptional academic merit. The Swedish Institute wants experienced professionals. Eiffel wants intellectual excellence at French institutions. Read each scholarship’s mission and tailor your application accordingly.
Start 6–12 months before every deadline. Competitive scholarships require essays, references, and documentation that cannot be assembled in 2 weeks. The January deadlines (Gates Cambridge, Eiffel, Clarendon) require preparation that should start in August or September.
Use the scholarship calendar wisely. Spread your applications across the calendar year — some deadlines are in January, some in November, others in April. Staggering your applications means you always have an opportunity in front of you.
FAQ
Q: Do I need to speak the local language to apply for European scholarships? Many European scholarships fund English-taught programs — particularly in the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Germany, and Belgium. Some scholarships (particularly in France, Italy, and Spain) may require or strongly benefit from the host country’s language. Check each scholarship and program’s language requirements specifically.
Q: Can I apply for European scholarships if I already have a Master’s degree? Yes — many scholarships are specifically for PhD or postdoctoral level. Doctoral programs in Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland are funded as employment regardless of previous qualifications. Always check age limits, which some programs (like Eiffel — under 25 for Masters) enforce strictly.
Q: How competitive are European scholarships compared to US scholarships? Competition varies enormously. The Chevening and Gates Cambridge attract 65,000–70,000 applications for 1,800–80 places. The Stipendium Hungaricum and VLIR-UOS are significantly more accessible. Niche programs at specific universities (Radboud, Bocconi, TalTech) have lower competition than flagship national programs.
Q: Which European country has the easiest scholarships to get? “Easiest” is relative to your profile — but scholarships in Hungary (Stipendium Hungaricum), Portugal, and Central/Eastern Europe generally have lower competition than those in UK, Germany, and Switzerland. Nordic countries charge zero tuition, meaning even a partial scholarship makes study highly affordable.
Q: What bank account should I open when I receive a European scholarship? Open Wise from your home country before departure — it provides real bank account details in EUR/GBP/CHF/SEK for scholarship disbursements. Supplement with N26 for Eurozone countries or Monzo for UK scholarships after arrival.
Final Thoughts — Europe’s Scholarship Landscape Is Yours to Explore
The 60+ European scholarship programs covered in this guide represent billions of euros in available funding for international students in 2027 — distributed across 20+ countries, covering all academic levels, and open to students from virtually every country in the world.
From Belgium’s fully funded VLIR-UOS program to Switzerland’s extraordinary ETH Zurich and EPFL awards, from Norway’s unique zero-tuition + doctoral employment model to the UK’s globally recognized Chevening, Rhodes, and Gates Cambridge scholarships — Europe in 2027 is the most scholarship-rich study destination on earth.
The opportunity is real. The funding is available. The applications are open.
Choose the scholarships that match your profile, your field, and your country of eligibility. Build your application timeline. Start today.
Your European academic journey begins with one application.
