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Scholarships in Europe (General)

8 scholarships · 2 categories

Overview

Europe offers abundant opportunities for international students through EU programs and individual countries' initiatives. An attractive aspect is low or no tuition fees at many public universities – for example, Germany and Norway charge no tuition to international students. Even where tuition exists, there are numerous scholarship schemes across the continent.

Europe-Wide Programs

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Scholarships

Funded by the EU, these scholarships allow you to enroll in joint Master's programs offered by a consortium of universities across Europe (and sometimes with partners worldwide). As a scholar, you typically study in 2–3 different European countries as you rotate through the partner universities of your chosen program. Programs span all fields — data science, public health, environmental science, education policy, Euroculture, and more. These scholarships are open to applicants from any country; a large portion is reserved for non-Europeans. If you want a fully funded Master's that gives pan-European exposure, Erasmus Mundus is a top choice.

Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend (~€1,000), travel allowances, and insurance.
Eligibility: Applicants from any country. Large portion reserved for non-Europeans.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

Prestigious research fellowships (primarily PhD and postdoctoral) under the EU's Horizon Europe program. MSCA Innovative Training Networks (ITN) fund PhD positions in networks of universities across Europe, often with industry exposure. MSCA Individual Fellowships fund postdoctoral researchers. Positions are advertised on the Euraxess portal and pay you as a researcher, meaning you receive a salary rather than a stipend. If you are looking for a PhD in Europe, keep an eye on MSCA-funded PhD vacancies.

Coverage: Generous salary and mobility allowance.
Eligibility: International researchers for PhD and postdoc positions.

Notable Country Programs

Many European countries have their own scholarship programs for international students.

Norway - Free Tuition

Public universities in Norway are tuition-free even for international students at all levels. Norway's 'scholarship' is free education; you'd just need to finance your living.

Coverage: Zero tuition. PhD positions are paid jobs.
Eligibility: All international students.

Denmark - Government-Funded Scholarships

Each Danish university has a limited number of government-funded scholarships for top non-EU students, covering tuition waivers and sometimes a monthly grant. These are often automatically considered during the admissions process at universities like University of Copenhagen, DTU, and Aarhus University. Some specific programs (like Erasmus Mundus or Nordic scholarships) also exist. Denmark's scholarships are competitive and decisions are typically made alongside admission.

Coverage: Full or partial tuition waivers, sometimes monthly grants.
Eligibility: Top non-EU students.

Italy - Invest Your Talent Program

The Italian government's 'Invest Your Talent in Italy' program provides scholarships and internship placements to students from select countries for English-taught Master's degrees in designated fields (engineering, business, design, etc.). There are also Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI) offering monthly stipends of €900 for Master's or PhD study or research at Italian institutions. Additionally, the University of Bologna's 'Unibo Action 2' gives study grants of approximately €11,000, and regions like Lazio have their own grants for international students.

Coverage: Varies: stipends, tuition support, and internship placement.
Eligibility: Students from select countries.

Hungary - Stipendium Hungaricum

A major government program offering fully funded scholarships for international students from over 70 partner countries to study in Hungary at all degree levels (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD). Hundreds of programs taught in English are available. The scholarship covers tuition, a monthly stipend, accommodation or housing allowance, and insurance — making Hungary one of the most accessible fully-funded study destinations. Applications are submitted through partner institutions in your home country.

Coverage: Tuition, monthly stipend, accommodation or housing allowance, and insurance.
Eligibility: Students from 70+ partner countries.

Turkey - Türkiye Bursları (Turkish Scholarships)

Türkiye Bursları (formerly Turkish Scholarships) offers fully funded scholarships for Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD studies in Turkey. The package includes a year of Turkish language training, full tuition coverage, housing, a monthly stipend, and return airfare — making it one of the most comprehensive scholarship programs open globally. Turkey has excellent universities particularly in engineering, medicine, and social sciences, and the scholarship is open to students from all countries.

Coverage: Tuition, housing, stipend, airfare, and 1 year Turkish language course.
Eligibility: International students globally.

Poland - Ignacy Łukasiewicz Scholarship

The Polish government's Ignacy Łukasiewicz Scholarship Program supports students from developing countries to study a Master's degree in Poland, with a focus on engineering, science, and technology. Poland also has the Stefan Banach Scholarship for Eastern Partnership countries. Tuition in Poland is relatively low (~€2,000/year) and some universities reduce or waive fees for top students, making Poland an affordable alternative in Europe.

Coverage: Full scholarship.
Eligibility: Students from developing countries.

Tips & Notes

  • The EU's Euraxess portal is great for finding research scholarships and jobs in Europe.
  • The European Commission's Scholarship portal lists many programs.
  • Because some European countries have free tuition, even a small scholarship or part-time job might make study abroad affordable.
  • Focus on a country or two and search their official scholarship pages or ask their embassies.

References & Sources