Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Europe for International Students

 

Studying in Europe is a dream for many students worldwide, thanks to its top-ranking universities, research opportunities, and cultural diversity. However, the cost of education abroad can be high, making scholarships a crucial option for international students.

Fortunately, many European institutions and governments offer fully funded scholarships that cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and sometimes even health insurance. This article highlights some of the best fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students in 2025, along with their benefits, eligibility criteria, and application process.

1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree (EMJMD) Scholarship

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree (EMJMD) program is funded by the European Union and provides opportunities for students to study in multiple European countries under a single master’s program.

Key Benefits:

• Full tuition coverage
• Monthly stipend (approximately €1,000)
• Travel and relocation allowance
• Health insurance

Eligibility Criteria:

• Open to students worldwide
• Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree
• English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL may be required)

How to Apply:

1. Visit the Erasmus Mundus Catalogue on the official website.

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1. Select up to three master’s programs and apply directly through their websites.
2. Submit academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a motivation letter, and proof of English proficiency.

Deadline: Typically falls between October and January every year.

2. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

Germany offers one of the most generous scholarship programs through the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). It is ideal for students pursuing master’s or PhD degrees at German universities.

Key Benefits:

• Full tuition fee waiver
• Monthly stipend (€934 for master's and €1,200 for PhD students)
• Travel allowance
• Health insurance coverage
• Research grant

Eligibility Criteria:

• Open to students from developing countries
• At least two years of work experience required
• Strong academic performance in a relevant field

How to Apply:

1. Choose an eligible DAAD-funded program from the DAAD website.

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1. Prepare essential documents, including a CV, motivation letter, degree certificates, and a research proposal (for PhD applicants).
2. Apply through the DAAD portal or directly to the university.

Deadline: Varies depending on the program, but applications generally close between August and December.

3. Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom)

Funded by the UK government, Chevening Scholarships provide international students the opportunity to pursue a one-year master's degree at any UK university.

Key Benefits:

• Full tuition coverage
• Monthly living stipend
• Travel expenses to and from the UK
• Visa fee coverage
• Additional allowances for study-related costs

Eligibility Criteria:

• Open to students from Chevening-eligible countries
• Must have at least two years of work experience (including internships or volunteer work)
• Commitment to return to the home country for at least two years after completing studies

How to Apply:

1. Register on the Chevening official website.

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1. Complete the online application, including essays about leadership, networking, career goals, and motivation for studying in the UK.
2. Submit two reference letters and an English proficiency certificate.

Deadline: Applications open in August and close in November.

4. Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarships (Sweden)

The Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarship provides full funding for students pursuing a master’s degree in Sweden.

Key Benefits:

• Full tuition waiver
• Monthly stipend (SEK 11,000 o approximately €950)
• Travel grant of SEK 15,000 (€1,300)
• Health insurance coverage

Eligibility Criteria:

• Available for students from selected countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America
• At least 3,000 hours of work experience required
• Strong leadership potential in their field

How to Apply:

1. Apply for a master’s program through Sweden’s university admission portal.
2. Submit a separate application for the SI Scholarship.
3. Provide a CV, motivation letter, reference letters, and a leadership experience statement.

Deadline: Usually in February.

5. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France)

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, offered by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, supports international students pursuing master’s and PhD degrees.

Key Benefits:

• Full tuition fee exemption
• Monthly stipend (€1,181 for master’s, €1,700 for PhD)
• International health insurance
• Travel and cultural program support

Eligibility Criteria:

• Open to non-European students
• Age limit: 25 years for master’s and 30 years for PhD
• Applicants must be nominated by a French university

How to Apply:

1. Apply to a French university and request nomination for the scholarship.
2. Submit a CV, motivation letter, academic records, and a research proposal (for PhD applicants).
3. The university submits the application to Campus France.

Deadline: Universities have internal deadlines in November or December.

6. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Switzerland)

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is a prestigious award for international students pursuing research, PhD, or postdoctoral studies in Switzerland.

Key Benefits:

• Full tuition fee coverage
• Monthly stipend (CHF 1,920 / approximately €2,000)
• Health insurance
• Research and travel grants

Eligibility Criteria:

• Open to students from over 180 countries
• Must submit a research proposal approved by a Swiss professor
• Strong academic background in a relevant field

How to Apply:

1. Find a Swiss university professor willing to supervise your research.
2. Submit an online application with academic documents, a research proposal, and recommendation letters.
3. Applications are reviewed by Swiss authorities for final selection.

Deadline: Applications open in September and close in December.

Conclusion 

Europe offers numerous fully funded scholarship opportunities for international students, making quality education more accessible. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and additional costs, enabling students to focus on their academic and professional growth.

To improve your chances of winning a scholarship, start preparing your application early, research programs carefully, and submit strong recommendation letters and personal statements.

Would you like assistance in writing a scholarship application essay or preparing for an interview? Let me know, and I’d be happy to help!