Europe is one of the top destinations for international students, not just because of its prestigious universities but also due to the wealth of scholarships that make studying here more accessible.
I’ve personally met over 500 students who’ve studied in Europe for free, thanks to these scholarships.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about these opportunities so you can start your journey on the right foot.
1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree (EMJMD)
This is one of the most prestigious scholarships in Europe, and it’s how many international students get to study here for free.
What’s it about?
The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship allows you to pursue interdisciplinary courses in multiple countries.
For instance, you might spend your first semester in Germany, your second in France, and your third in Italy.
The program is designed to promote cross-cultural learning while focusing on specialized topics like environmental science, public policy, artificial intelligence, or engineering.
What does it cover?
- Full tuition fees,
- Travel allowance,
- Monthly stipend of €1,000–€1,500 (depending on the program),
- Insurance coverage for the entire duration.
Eligibility:
- A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field,
- English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL),
- A strong motivation letter explaining why you’re a perfect fit for the program.
Application Tips:
- Research the Erasmus Mundus programs that align with your field.
- Tailor your application to highlight your academic and professional background.
- Meet past recipients for guidance (you’ll find them active on LinkedIn or university forums).
Deadlines:
Applications typically open in October and close by January to March. If you’re watching this now, there’s still time to apply!
Did you know? Over 25,000 students benefit from this scholarship every year!
2. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
This is one of the most sought-after scholarships for Ph.D. and postdoctoral research.
What does it offer?
- Full tuition fee waiver,
- Health insurance,
- Monthly stipend of CHF 1,920–2,000,
- Access to Switzerland’s world-class research facilities.
Eligibility:
- A master’s degree in a relevant field,
- A strong research proposal approved by a Swiss professor.
Deadlines:
Between September and December.
Pro Tip: If you’re applying, make sure your research aligns with Switzerland’s focus areas, such as sustainability, healthcare innovation, and cutting-edge technology.
3. Mastermind Scholarship (Belgium)
Mastermind Scholarship (Belgium) is a fantastic option for high-achieving students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher (out of 4).
What does it cover?
- Full tuition fees,
- An annual stipend of €8,400.
How to apply?
- Apply to a well-known Belgian university, such as KU Leuven, Ghent University, or the University of Antwerp.
- If admitted, you’ll automatically be considered for the scholarship.
Did you know? Belgium is a hub for international education, with 1 in 5 students at its universities being from abroad.
4. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) is a German government initiative supporting international students.
What does it cover?
- Full tuition fees,
- Monthly stipend (€850 for master’s, €1,200 for Ph.D.),
- Travel costs,
- Insurance.
Eligibility:
- A bachelor’s degree,
- At least two years of professional work experience,
- A motivation letter explaining your career goals.
Pro Tip: Focus on Germany’s priority fields, such as engineering, IT, or public health, to increase your chances.
Deadlines:
Deadlines vary by program, so check the DAAD website for specific dates.
5. Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (Netherlands)
Leiden University offers partial scholarships for international students, with awards going up to €15,000.
How to apply?
Request an application fee waiver and apply directly to the university.
Fun Fact: The Netherlands is an affordable destination compared to other European countries, with lower living costs and a welcoming atmosphere for international students.
6. Cambridge Scholarships & Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
Though the UK isn’t part of the EU anymore, it remains a key player in European education.
Cambridge Scholarships:
These are merit-based and cover tuition fees, living expenses, and airfare.
Commonwealth Scholarships:
Designed for students from Commonwealth nations, these cover:
- Tuition fees,
- Living allowance,
- Research costs.
7. Danish Government Scholarship
Danish Government Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for students looking to study in Denmark.
What does it offer?
- Full tuition fee waiver,
- Monthly living stipend.
Eligibility:
You need to apply to Danish universities like Aarhus University or the University of Copenhagen, and if admitted, you’ll automatically be considered for this scholarship.
Additional Scholarships to Explore
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France):
- For master’s and Ph.D. programs in fields like engineering, law, and public policy.
- Covers tuition, monthly allowance, and travel costs.
- Italy’s Invest Your Talent Scholarship:
- For students in business, engineering, or technology.
- Offers tuition waivers and internships at Italian companies.
- Chevening Scholarships (UK):
- Fully funded master’s degree scholarships.
- Focuses on leadership and networking opportunities.
Tips for Scholarship Applications
- Tailor Your Applications:
Don’t copy-paste the same essay for every scholarship. Customize it to reflect the values and goals of the specific program. - Start Early:
Many scholarships have early deadlines (as early as six months before the academic year starts). - Reach Out to Alumni:
Networking with past recipients can give you insights that aren’t mentioned on official websites. - Polish Your Profile:
Highlight academic achievements, volunteer work, and leadership roles. These make your application stand out. - Proofread Everything:
A well-written application shows attention to detail and professionalism.
Europe offers some of the best scholarships in the world, and with dedication and effort, you can secure your spot.
Remember, applying for scholarships takes time and commitment, so put in your best effort.
And yes, if you haven’t already, please bookmark this website it’s the easiest way to show support and stay updated on more tips like these.
Feel free to ask any questions in the comment section.
Good luck, and I hope to see you in Europe soon! 😊