- Europe offers a rich variety of scholarships and grants, making it easier for you to find a university and country that fits your preferences.
- Many of these scholarships cover both tuition fees and living costs, aiming to attract talented international students to European universities.
- Erasmus+ programme is the most popular scholarship in Europe with a huge budget worth billions of Euros.
- Some of the most attractive government funding opportunities for international students can be found in Germany, the UK, Switzerland, and France.
If you are planning to study abroad, Europe’s remarkable cultural diversity makes it easy to find the perfect country and university for your academic goals. Whether you prefer prestigious traditional institutions, cutting-edge modern research hubs, or a specific climate ranging from sunny Mediterranean coasts to snowy northern landscapes, Europe offers an ideal environment for every student.
While living expenses can vary significantly, the cost of education across the continent is just as diverse. From high tuition fees in the UK to tuition-free programs in Germany or Sweden and affordable options in the Netherlands and Eastern Europe, there is something for every budget. Fortunately, thousands of scholarships are available for all degree levels. With careful research and dedication, you can secure the funding you need. Start your search with our complete guide on the different types of scholarships.
How to find a scholarship to study in Europe?
The best way to begin your academic adventure is to search our comprehensive database, filtering by your preferred study destination and intended field of study.
Major institutions, including national governments and individual universities, provide the majority of financial aid in Europe. Awards are typically based on academic excellence, financial hardship, or specific criteria aligned with the institution's values.
Additionally, private foundations, non-profit organizations, and corporations frequently offer scholarships and grants for international students.
At Online Result, you can explore thousands of international scholarship opportunities. To narrow down your search for European programs, filter by country to find specific funding. Here are some of the most popular options:
What is the most popular scholarship in Europe?
Erasmus+ Exchange Programme
The Erasmus+ program, initiated by the European Union, is a premier mobility scheme. The "+" signifies its expanded scope, encompassing student exchanges, internships, and professional development opportunities for educators.
Through Erasmus+, students enrolled in universities across 33 participating countries can study abroad at a partner institution for a duration of 2 to 12 months as part of their degree program.
Erasmus+ participants are exempt from tuition fees at their host university. Many students are also eligible for monthly grants to help offset travel and living costs.
Eligible countries include all EU member states, plus Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Turkey, and Serbia. Please note that the UK no longer participates in the Erasmus+ scheme. You do not need to be a citizen of these countries to apply—only a registered student at a participating institution.
With a multi-billion euro budget, the program is structured into three Key Actions. Key Action 1 focuses on individual student mobility. By investing heavily in European students, Erasmus+ aims to foster global expertise and enhance career prospects.
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees and similar exchange initiatives are open to students worldwide, provided their home university maintains a partnership with European institutions.
How to apply for an Erasmus+ scholarship
- To apply for an Erasmus+ exchange, you must already be a student in one of the eligible countries.
- Your university must be part of the Erasmus+ programme, and you will apply for the programme through your university.
- You will not be able to apply to any university of your choosing, but only to the ones that your university has a partnership with. The good news: most universities have numerous partnerships!
The most attractive government scholarships in Europe
Western European nations, particularly the UK, France, Germany, and Switzerland, offer the highest volume of scholarships. While many universities in these regions provide institutional funding, this is also where you will find the most prestigious government-funded awards.
In this article, we have curated the most sought-after full scholarships that cover tuition, living expenses, and additional costs.
Be aware that eligibility rules often differ between EU and non-EU citizens, so always review the specific requirements for your nationality.
DAAD Scholarships
The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) is the primary organization managing scholarships in Germany. While public universities in Germany offer tuition-free Bachelor’s degrees to all, Master’s programs may have fees unless you completed your undergraduate studies in Germany.
Consequently, DAAD scholarships are vital for international students pursuing private degrees or those entering Germany specifically for Master’s or PhD-level research.
The DAAD platform is not a single grant, but an extensive database of funding opportunities provided by various German institutions. Available awards include:
- scholarships for graduate study,
- research projects,
- summer courses.
Chevening Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships, funded by the UK government, are among the most sought-after and prestigious scholarships for studying in the UK. These awards are granted to exceptional individuals with proven leadership potential who intend to pursue a one-year Master’s degree in the United Kingdom.
Chevening Scholarships cover full tuition, monthly stipends, and travel expenses. This comprehensive support allows recipients to dedicate themselves fully to their academic and leadership goals without financial burden.
Unlike many general grants, the Chevening Scholarship selection process is highly rigorous, featuring specific eligibility requirements:
- You must be a citizen of a country that is eligible for Chevening.
- After completing your studies, you are required to return to your home country for at least two years. That’s because your home country should benefit from the skills and knowledge you acquire during your time in the UK.
- Applicants should have completed an undergraduate degree that allows them to apply for a Master’s programme at a UK university.
- Candidates must have at least two years of work experience or a total of approximately 2,800 worked hours.
- Candidates must apply to three different eligible UK Master’s degrees and secure at least one unconditional offer before the deadline of the scholarship application.
These stringent criteria ensure that the scholarship is awarded to candidates who are not only academically gifted but also demonstrate the drive to become future leaders in their respective fields.
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme
The Eiffel Scholarship, managed by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, is an outstanding opportunity for international students pursuing Master’s or PhD programs in France. It provides full coverage for tuition, living costs, and related expenses, enabling students to focus exclusively on their academic growth.
The Eiffel Scholarship is primarily aimed at younger, high-potential students:
- applicants up to 25 years old for Master’s programmes
- applicants up to 30 years old for PhD studies
This age-specific focus ensures that funding supports individuals during a pivotal stage of their early career development.
The program covers two core disciplinary pillars: Science & Technology and Humanities & Social Sciences. These sectors represent both France's academic strengths and its strategic priorities for higher education.
Each discipline pillar encompasses several specialized fields, as detailed on the official Eiffel Scholarship portal:
1. Science and Technology:- Biology and Health
- Ecological Transition
- Mathematics and Digital
- Engineering Sciences
- History, French Language, and Civilization
- Law and Political Science
- Economics and Management
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
This scholarship offers a premier pathway for international students and researchers to study in Switzerland. The award typically includes tuition coverage, health insurance, and a monthly stipend, allowing recipients to focus entirely on their research.
There are two primary categories of these prestigious awards: one for academic researchers and another for artists.
1. Research Scholarships
These are available to postgraduate researchers across all disciplines who hold at least a Master’s degree. Candidates are expected to conduct research or pursue doctoral/post-doctoral studies at Swiss institutions.
To qualify, applicants must secure a nomination from an academic supervisor affiliated with an eligible Swiss university.
2. Art Scholarships
These grants target art students who possess a Bachelor’s degree and wish to undertake their first Master’s degree in an arts-related discipline in Switzerland. These awards are valid at any Swiss conservatory or university of the arts, though eligibility is restricted to candidates from specific countries.
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships help Switzerland attract and support the most brilliant academic minds from around the globe.
Other resources:
- Learn everything about studying in Europe
- Find free universities in Europe
- Find out how to apply to a university in Europe
- Differences between studying for a Master’s in the US vs Europe
- All you need to know about the European credit system
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I find a scholarship to study in Europe?
Begin by using our search tool to filter opportunities by country and academic discipline. Additionally, always visit the official websites of your target universities to discover exclusive financial aid options.
2. What is Erasmus+?
Erasmus+ is a mobility program for students enrolled at universities in EU member states, as well as Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Turkey, and Serbia. It facilitates international study and internships for up to 12 months.