Are you dreaming of studying in Europe without the heavy burden of tuition fees? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of students seek out scholarships to achieve their educational goals abroad. This article introduces you to 25 scholarships in Europe and 10 development courses with scholarships. We’ll cover eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.
You’ll also get answers to key questions like:
- Can I get a full scholarship in Europe?
- Which country is best for scholarships for Pakistani students?
- How much CGPA is required for a scholarship in Finland?
Let’s dive in!
Why Study in Europe?
Europe is home to some of the best universities in the world. With a rich academic tradition, modern facilities, and global career opportunities, it’s a top destination for students. Here’s why you should consider studying in Europe:
- High-Quality Education: Renowned universities like Oxford, Sorbonne, and TU Munich offer world-class degrees.
- Diverse Courses: Access thousands of undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional development courses.
- Post-Study Work Options: Many European countries offer post-graduation work visas.
- Financial Support: Scholarships are widely available for international students.
Types of Scholarships in Europe
There are different types of scholarships available in Europe:
- Government-Funded Scholarships: Provided by European governments (like Erasmus Mundus and Chevening).
- University-Funded Scholarships: Universities offer scholarships to attract international students.
- Organization-Funded Scholarships: Private organizations and NGOs offer financial aid.
- Fully Funded Scholarships: Cover full tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and insurance.
25 Scholarships in Europe
Here is a list of 25 top scholarships for international students in Europe.
1. Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree and English proficiency.
- Benefits: Full tuition, monthly stipend, travel costs, and insurance.
- Application Process: Apply directly to the Erasmus Mundus partner universities.
2. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience.
- Benefits: Full tuition, living stipend, and travel allowance.
- Application Process: Submit your application to the DAAD portal.
3. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree and at least 2 years of work experience.
- Benefits: Full tuition, monthly stipend, airfare, and other expenses.
- Application Process: Apply on the official Chevening website.
4. Swedish Institute Scholarships
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree and proof of leadership potential.
- Benefits: Full tuition, living stipend, and travel costs.
- Application Process: Apply via the Swedish Institute website.
5.Italy Government Scholarship
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree and academic excellence.
Benefits: Tuition fees and living costs.
Application Process: Apply via the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
6.Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France)
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with excellent academic record.
Benefits: Monthly stipend, tuition waiver, travel, and insurance.
Application Process: Apply through French universities.
7.Netherlands Orange Knowledge Programme
Eligibility: Mid-career professionals from eligible countries.
Benefits: Full tuition, travel costs, and living expenses.
Application Process: Apply through Dutch universities.
8.Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Eligibility: Master’s degree, research background.
Benefits: Full tuition, monthly stipend, and accommodation.
Application Process: Apply through Swiss embassies.
9.Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)
Eligibility: Outstanding academic achievement and leadership skills.
Benefits: Full tuition, stipend, and travel allowance.
Application Process: Apply via the University of Cambridge.
10.VLIR-UOS Scholarships (Belgium)
Eligibility: Students from developing countries.
Benefits: Full tuition, accommodation, and travel costs.
Application Process: Apply through participating Belgian universities.
11.Hungarian Government Stipendium Hungaricum
Eligibility: Undergraduate and postgraduate students from selected countries.
Benefits: Full tuition, accommodation, and monthly stipend.
Application Process: Apply through Tempus Public Foundation.
12.Norwegian Quota Scholarship Scheme
Eligibility: Students from developing countries.
Benefits: Full tuition and living expenses.
Application Process: Apply via Norwegian universities.
13.Danish Government Scholarships
Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA students.
Benefits: Tuition waiver and partial living costs.
Application Process: Apply through Danish universities.
14.Finnish Government Scholarships
Eligibility: Bachelor’s or Master’s applicants.
Benefits: Full or partial tuition coverage.
Application Process: Apply through Finnish universities.
15.Spanish Government Scholarships
Eligibility: Bachelor’s and Master’s students.
Benefits: Tuition, travel, and accommodation.
Application Process: Apply via the Spanish Ministry of Education.
16.Austrian Government Scholarships
Eligibility: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students.
Benefits: Tuition fees, accommodation, and health insurance.
Application Process: Apply via the Austrian Agency for International Cooperation.
17.Polish Government Scholarships
Eligibility: International students pursuing higher education in Poland.
Benefits: Tuition waiver and monthly stipend.
Application Process: Apply through the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA).
18.Ireland Government Scholarships
Eligibility: Non-EU students for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs.
Benefits: Full tuition, stipend, and travel costs.
Application Process: Apply via the Higher Education Authority of Ireland.
19.Portugal Government Scholarships
Eligibility: International students for various degree programs.
Benefits: Tuition fees and living expenses.
Application Process: Apply through the Portuguese Ministry of Education.
20.Estonian Government Scholarships
Eligibility: Bachelor’s and Master’s students.
Benefits: Tuition waiver and monthly stipend.
Application Process: Apply via the Estonian Ministry of Education.
21.Latvian Government Scholarships
Eligibility: International students pursuing higher education in Latvia.
Benefits: Tuition fees and a living allowance.
Application Process: Apply via the State Education Development Agency of Latvia.
22.Lithuanian Government Scholarships
Eligibility: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students.
Benefits: Tuition fees and a stipend.
Application Process: Apply via the Lithuanian Ministry of Education.
23.Slovak Government Scholarships
Eligibility: International students and researchers.
Benefits: Tuition, accommodation, and living costs.
Application Process: Apply through the Slovak Academic Information Agency.
24.Czech Government Scholarships
Eligibility: Students from developing countries.
Benefits: Full tuition and living allowance.
Application Process: Apply through the Czech Ministry of Education.
25.European University Institute (EUI) PhD Scholarships
Eligibility: Doctoral students in social sciences and humanities.
Benefits: Full tuition and stipend.
Application Process: Apply through the EUI website.
Top Scholarships in Europe
| Scholarship | Country | Benefits | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erasmus Mundus | Multiple Countries | Full tuition, stipend, travel | Bachelor’s degree, English |
| DAAD Scholarship | Germany | Full tuition, travel, stipend | Bachelor’s, work experience |
| Chevening Scholarship | UK | Tuition, airfare, stipend | Bachelor’s, 2 years of work |
| Swedish Institute Scholarship | Sweden | Tuition, travel, stipend | Bachelor’s, leadership skills |
| Italy Government Scholarship | Italy | Tuition, living costs | Bachelor’s, academic excellence |
10 Development Courses with Scholarships
Development courses provide essential skills for careers in public health, humanitarian work, and sustainable development. Here are 10 development courses with scholarships.
1. MSc in Development Studies (Erasmus Mundus)
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
- Scholarship: Full tuition, living stipend, and travel costs.
- Application: Apply through Erasmus Mundus partner universities.
2. Master of Public Policy (DAAD Scholarship)
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree and work experience.
- Scholarship: Full tuition, living costs, and health insurance.
- Application: Submit your application via the DAAD portal.
3. MSc in Sustainable Development (University of Sussex)
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree.
- Scholarship: Partial tuition waiver.
- Application: Apply via the university’s website.
4.MSc in Humanitarian Action (NOHA Erasmus Mundus)
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
Scholarship: Full tuition, living stipend, and travel expenses.
Application: Apply through NOHA Erasmus Mundus partner universities.
5.Master in International Development (Sciences Po, France)
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree and strong academic record.
Scholarship: Partial or full tuition waiver.
Application: Apply via Sciences Po’s official website.
6.MSc in Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation (Sweden)
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
Scholarship: Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (full tuition and living costs).
Application: Apply via Swedish universities.
7.Master in Migration Studies (University of Oxford, UK)
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree and relevant experience.
Scholarship: Partial to full funding via Clarendon and Chevening scholarships.
Application: Apply through the University of Oxford.
8.MSc in Public Health (London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK)
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Scholarship: Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships available.
Application: Apply via LSHTM’s website.
9.MSc in Environmental Management and Policy (Lund University, Sweden)
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences or a related field.
Scholarship: Swedish Institute and Lund University Global Scholarships.
Application: Apply through Lund University.
10.Master in Sustainable Energy (EIT InnoEnergy, Europe-wide program)
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or economics.
Scholarship: Erasmus Mundus and EIT InnoEnergy funding available.
Application: Apply through the EIT InnoEnergy website.
How to Win a Scholarship in Europe
1. Prepare Early
- Research available scholarships.
- Organize academic and financial documents.
2. Write a Strong Personal Statement
- Highlight your passion, skills, and goals.
- Tailor it to the specific scholarship.
3. Get Strong Letters of Recommendation
- Ask professors or employers.
4. Meet Application Deadlines
- Submit all required documents before the deadline.
5. Maintain Good Grades
- How much CGPA is required for a scholarship in Finland? Usually 3.0 or higher.
FAQs on European Scholarships
1. Can I get a full scholarship in Europe?
Yes, many European scholarships cover full tuition, living expenses, and travel. Examples include Erasmus Mundus and DAAD scholarships.
2. Which country is best for scholarships for Pakistani students?
Germany, Sweden, and the UK offer numerous scholarships for Pakistani students.
3. How much CGPA is required for a scholarship in Finland?
Most Finnish universities require a CGPA of 3.0 or higher for scholarships.
4. What is the EU scholarship for Pakistani students?
EU scholarships, like Erasmus Mundus, provide fully funded opportunities for Pakistani students.
5. Are there undergraduate scholarships for international students in Europe?
Yes, universities in Italy, Germany, and Sweden offer undergraduate scholarships.
Quotes from Successful Scholarship Winners
“Winning a scholarship in Europe changed my life. The support I received allowed me to focus on my studies and build a global network.”
— Ali R., Erasmus Mundus Scholar
“The DAAD scholarship was a game-changer for me. It opened doors I never thought possible.”
— Maria K., DAAD Scholar
Take the first step today. Research the scholarships that fit your goals and start your application. Don’t let finances stand in the way of your dreams.
Madeleine Albright, founder of FreshScholarships.com. Passionate about empowering students with scholarship insights and opportunities. Join me on this educational journey.