Pursuing higher education in Europe offers international students a wealth of opportunities, especially through fully funded scholarships that cover tuition, living expenses, and more. For the academic year 2025-2026, numerous prestigious programs are available, including the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree Scholarships, DAAD Scholarships in Germany, Chevening Scholarships in the UK, and the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program in France. These scholarships in Europe not only provide financial support but also open doors to world-class education and cultural experiences.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore ten prominent fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students for the 2025-2026 academic year. Each scholarship will be detailed with information on benefits, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines. Whether you’re aiming to study in Germany, the UK, France, or other European countries, these scholarships in Europe can significantly ease the financial burden and enrich your academic journey.
1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree Scholarships
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree (EMJMD) Scholarships are among the most esteemed scholarships in Europe, offering students the chance to pursue master’s degrees across multiple European universities.
Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage.
- Monthly stipend ranging from €1,000 to €1,500.
- Travel and relocation allowances.
- Comprehensive health insurance.
Eligibility:
- Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree.
- Demonstrated academic excellence.
- Proficiency in English or other languages as specified by the program.
Application Deadline: February 13, 2026
2. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
Funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), these scholarships support international students pursuing postgraduate degrees in Germany.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees.
- Monthly stipend (€850 for master’s, €1,200 for PhD).
- Coverage of travel expenses and health insurance.
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s degree holders.
- At least two years of professional work experience.
Application Deadline: Varies by program, generally between October 2025 and March 2026.
3. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Chevening Scholarships, funded by the UK government, are awarded to outstanding emerging leaders worldwide to pursue a one-year master’s degree in the UK.
Benefits:
- Full coverage of tuition fees.
- Monthly living allowance.
- Travel costs to and from the UK.
- Additional grants to cover essential expenditures.
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s degree with strong academic performance.
- Demonstrated leadership potential and professional work experience.
Application Deadline: December 2025.
4. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program (France)
Offered by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program aims to attract top international students to pursue master’s and PhD programs in France.
Benefits:
- Monthly allowance (€1,181 for master’s, €1,700 for PhD).
- Travel expenses and health insurance.
Eligibility:
- Applicants should be under 25 years old for master’s programs and under 30 for PhD programs.
- Exemplary academic records.
Application Deadline: January 2026
5. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Switzerland)
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships provide graduates from around 180 countries the opportunity to pursue doctoral or postdoctoral research in Switzerland.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees.
- Monthly stipend (amount varies).
- Housing allowance.
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree holders.
- Strong research proposal in the chosen field.
Application Deadline: Between September and December 2025, depending on the country.
6. Holland Scholarship (Netherlands)
The Holland Scholarship is designed for international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who wish to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree at participating Dutch universities.
Benefits:
- A one-time grant of €5,000, awarded in the first year of study.
Eligibility:
- Non-EEA nationality.
- Applying for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s program at one of the participating Dutch higher education institutions.
Application Deadline: May 2025.
7. Gates Cambridge Scholarships (UK)
The Gates Cambridge Scholarships are among the most prestigious international scholarships, awarded to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge.​
Benefits:
- Covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge, including tuition fees, maintenance allowance, travel costs, visa, and health insurance.​
Eligibility:
- Open to citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom.​
- Applicants must apply to pursue one of the following full-time residential courses: PhD, MSc/MLitt, or a one-year postgraduate course.​
Application Deadline:
- Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year open on September 4, 2025.
8. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (Sweden)
The Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP) are offered to highly qualified international students from selected countries who wish to pursue full-time master’s studies in Sweden.​
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees.​
- Monthly stipend for living expenses.​
- Travel grant.​
- Insurance coverage.​
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be citizens of eligible countries.​
- Must have at least 3,000 hours of demonstrated work experience.​
- Admission to a master’s program at a Swedish university is required.​
Application Deadline:
- The application portal is open from February 10 to February 26, 2026.
9. VLIR-UOS Scholarships (Belgium)
VLIR-UOS awards scholarships to students from developing countries to study English-taught master’s programs at Belgian universities, focusing on development-relevant topics.​
Benefits:
- Full tuition fee waiver.​
- Monthly allowance.​
- Accommodation and travel costs.​
- Insurance.​
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be nationals and residents of one of the eligible countries.​
- Age limit of 35 for an initial master’s and 40 for an advanced master’s program.​
- Relevant professional experience and a strong academic record.​
Application Deadline:
- Deadlines vary by program but typically fall between February and March 2026.​
10. Radboud Scholarship Programme (Netherlands)
The Radboud Scholarship Programme offers talented, highly motivated, non-EEA students with outstanding academic achievements the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree at Radboud University.​
Benefits:
- Reduces tuition fees to €2,601.​
- Covers costs for visa, residence permit, health insurance, and liability insurance.​
Eligibility:
- Non-EU/non-EEA passport holders.​
- Bachelor’s degree obtained outside the Netherlands.​
- Meet English language proficiency requirements.​
Application Deadline:
- ​The application deadline for the Radboud Scholarship Programme for the 2025-2026 academic year was January 31, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the best fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students?
Many prestigious scholarships in Europe cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other benefits. Some of the top programs include the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree Scholarships, DAAD Scholarships, Chevening Scholarships, Eiffel Excellence Scholarships, and Gates Cambridge Scholarships.
Do I need work experience to apply for scholarships in Europe?
Some scholarships in Europe, such as Chevening and Swedish Institute Scholarships, require 2-3 years of professional experience. Others, like Erasmus Mundus, do not have work experience requirements.
Which countries offer the most scholarships in Europe?
Top destinations for scholarships in Europe include Germany (DAAD Scholarships), the UK (Chevening and Gates Cambridge Scholarships), France (Eiffel Excellence Scholarship), Sweden (Swedish Institute Scholarships), and the Netherlands (Radboud and Holland Scholarships).
Are there any age limits for scholarships in Europe?
Some scholarships in Europe have age restrictions. For example, the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship requires master’s applicants to be under 25 years old, while PhD applicants must be under 30.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships in Europe at the same time?
Yes, students can apply for multiple scholarships in Europe simultaneously. However, some scholarships, like Erasmus Mundus, do not allow students to hold another EU-funded scholarship at the same time.
Do I need IELTS or TOEFL to apply for scholarships in Europe?
Most scholarships in Europe require proof of English proficiency through IELTS or TOEFL. However, some universities accept alternative proofs, such as previous education in English.
How can I apply for scholarships in Europe for the 2025-2026 academic year?
The application process varies for different scholarships in Europe. Generally, students must apply online through official scholarship portals, submit academic transcripts, recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, and proof of English proficiency.
Are there any fully funded scholarships in Europe that cover living expenses?
Yes, many scholarships in Europe provide full funding, including tuition, monthly stipends, and accommodation allowances. Scholarships like Erasmus Mundus, DAAD, Chevening, and Swedish Institute Scholarships cover both tuition and living costs.
Can I work while studying on a scholarship in Europe?
Rules vary by country. Some scholarships in Europe, like Chevening, allow students to work part-time, while others, like Erasmus Mundus, may have restrictions depending on the university.
