Introduction
Europe is one of the most sought-after destinations for international students because of its rich academic traditions, cutting-edge research facilities, and access to globally ranked universities. Whether you’re pursuing undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral programs, many European countries offer generous scholarship opportunities to attract the brightest minds from around the world. In this article, we reveal the Top 25 Europe Scholarships for International Students in 2025, focusing on eligibility, benefits, and how you can apply to study at little or no cost.
Why Choose Europe for Higher Education?
Europe offers unmatched cultural diversity, world-class education, multilingual environments, and some of the oldest universities globally. With more than 30 countries in the European Economic Area and thousands of programs taught in English, Europe has become a top destination for globally minded students. Most countries also offer post-study work opportunities and a lower cost of living than North America. Scholarships often cover tuition, living expenses, and travel, making Europe accessible and affordable for international students.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD)
The Erasmus Mundus program is one of Europe’s most prestigious scholarship schemes. It funds full master’s degrees in multiple European countries under joint programs. The scholarship includes tuition, travel costs, installation allowance, and a monthly stipend. It is open to students from all over the world and offers a unique opportunity to study in at least two countries.
DAAD Scholarships in Germany
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides numerous fully funded scholarships to students from developing countries, especially for postgraduate and doctoral degrees. These scholarships cover tuition, monthly stipends, health insurance, travel allowances, and sometimes rent subsidies.
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program in France
Sponsored by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this scholarship supports top international students to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees in France. It includes a monthly allowance, travel reimbursement, health insurance, and assistance in finding housing.
Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)
This program provides fully funded scholarships to master’s students from developing countries who demonstrate leadership qualities. It covers tuition, living expenses, insurance, and travel. The scholarship promotes global development and sustainability.
Holland Scholarship for Non-EEA Students
The Holland Scholarship is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education and awarded to students from outside the EEA who want to pursue bachelor’s or master’s programs in the Netherlands. The scholarship amounts to €5,000, granted in the first year of study.
ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship in Switzerland
ETH Zurich offers a limited number of Excellence Scholarships to international students pursuing a master’s degree. The scholarship covers full tuition and living costs throughout the duration of the program. It is highly competitive and awarded based on merit.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
The Swiss Confederation awards postgraduate scholarships to international researchers and artists in more than 180 countries. The scholarships support master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral research at Swiss public universities.
University of Bologna Study Grants for International Students
The University of Bologna offers study grants worth €11,000 for deserving international students applying for first or second-cycle degree programs. The scholarships are based on academic merit and financial need.
University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships
The University of Geneva offers fellowships for outstanding students who wish to pursue a master’s degree in Science. The scholarship is up to CHF 15,000 per year, depending on the applicant’s academic record and field of study.
Radboud University Scholarships in the Netherlands
Radboud University offers partial scholarships for non-EEA students enrolling in master’s programs taught in English. The award reduces tuition fees significantly and includes visa and residence permit costs, insurance, and liability coverage.
Leiden University Excellence Scholarship
This scholarship is for non-EU/EEA students pursuing a master’s degree at Leiden University in the Netherlands. Awards vary from partial to full tuition waivers, depending on the applicant’s academic performance.
Utrecht Excellence Scholarships
Utrecht University in the Netherlands offers a limited number of scholarships to outstanding international students for master’s programs. The scholarship may cover tuition only or tuition plus a living stipend of €11,000.
Gates Cambridge Scholarships in the UK
Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this fully funded scholarship supports postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge. It covers full tuition, airfare, living allowance, and academic development funding.
Rhodes Scholarships at the University of Oxford
One of the most prestigious international scholarships in the world, the Rhodes Scholarship supports outstanding students from selected countries to study at Oxford University. It covers all university fees, a living stipend, travel, and other allowances.
Chevening Scholarships in the UK
Chevening is the UK government’s global scholarship program, offered to international students with leadership potential. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, travel, and visa costs for a one-year master’s degree in any subject.
Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers scholarships for international students pursuing degree programs, language courses, and research in Italian universities. The award includes a monthly allowance and tuition support.
VLIR-UOS Scholarships in Belgium
VLIR-UOS awards scholarships to students from specific developing countries to pursue master’s programs related to development at Flemish universities. These are fully funded and cover tuition, accommodation, travel, and a monthly stipend.
Hungary Government Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship
This scholarship covers full tuition, a monthly stipend, accommodation contribution, and health insurance. It is available for bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs in English at participating Hungarian universities.
Finland Government Scholarships for International Students
Though tuition is free for EU students, non-EU international students may receive university-based scholarships that cover partial or full tuition and, in some cases, living expenses. Finnish universities such as Aalto and Helsinki offer these opportunities.
Danish Government Scholarships for Non-EU Students
The Danish Ministry of Higher Education provides scholarships to talented students from outside the EU/EEA enrolling in full-degree programs. The scholarships include partial or full tuition waivers and a monthly stipend.
Spanish Government MAEC-AECID Scholarships
Spain’s government offers MAEC-AECID scholarships to international students from Latin America, Africa, and Asia to pursue master’s and PhD studies in Spain. The grant includes tuition and a monthly allowance.
Charles University Scholarships in the Czech Republic
Charles University in Prague offers scholarships for students from developing countries who enroll in full-time master’s or PhD programs. The award covers tuition and living support, with a preference for social sciences and humanities.
Erasmus+ Credit Mobility Program
This EU-funded initiative allows students to study for a semester or a full academic year at a partner university in another European country. The scholarship covers travel, insurance, and a monthly stipend, and is open to both EU and non-EU students.
Slovak Government Scholarships
Slovakia offers government scholarships to students from developing countries under its National Scholarship Programme. The award includes monthly stipends, living expenses, and sometimes tuition, depending on the program.
Cyprus State Scholarships
The Government of Cyprus offers scholarships for international students based on merit and need. These scholarships are primarily for undergraduate and master’s programs and include tuition waivers and sometimes living support.
Norway Quota Scheme and Tuition-Free Policy
Although the Quota Scheme was discontinued, Norway still offers tuition-free education for international students at public universities. While scholarships are limited, students benefit from zero tuition and can apply for grants to cover living costs.
What Expenses Are Covered by Most European Scholarships?
Depending on the scholarship, the following may be covered:
- Full or partial tuition fees
- Monthly living stipend
- Health insurance
- Travel allowance
- Research funding
- Visa support
Common Eligibility Criteria
While requirements vary, most scholarships require:
- Non-EU or international citizenship
- Strong academic records
- Language proficiency (English, French, or host language)
- Admission to a European university program
- Leadership or community involvement (for some awards)
When to Apply for Europe Scholarships 2025
Scholarship timelines can vary, but generally:
- October–January: University applications open
- December–March: Scholarship deadlines
- April–May: Shortlisting and results
- August–September: Semester begins
Always confirm deadlines on the official websites.
Required Documents for Europe Scholarships
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- University admission letter
- English proficiency test (IELTS, TOEFL)
- Motivation letter or statement of purpose
- CV/Resume
- Letters of recommendation
- Passport or national ID
- Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
Tips to Increase Your Chances
- Apply early and to multiple programs
- Tailor your motivation letter to each scholarship
- Secure strong recommendation letters
- Highlight your achievements and goals
- Ensure all documents are accurate and complete
- Demonstrate leadership, community work, or extracurriculars
Can International Students Work While Studying in Europe?
Yes, most European countries allow international students to work part-time during studies and full-time during holidays. Work hours range from 10–20 hours per week depending on the country. Post-study work visas are also available in countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands.
What Happens After Graduation?
After completing your degree, many European countries allow you to apply for a temporary residence permit to find employment. With a job offer, you can usually transition to a work visa. Several countries also offer startup or entrepreneur visas for graduates looking to build businesses.
Conclusion
Europe offers a treasure trove of scholarship opportunities for international students who are academically driven and globally ambitious. From fully funded government scholarships to competitive university awards, the 25 programs outlined in this article represent the best ways to access high-quality education across the continent. By applying to these scholarships, you not only reduce the financial burden of studying abroad but also gain exposure to dynamic academic communities, cultural enrichment, and lifelong career opportunities. Start your application early, follow each requirement carefully, and take one bold step closer to studying in Europe.