Europe remains one of the most attractive destinations for international students due to its world-class universities, multicultural environment, diversity of programs, and many scholarship opportunities. Whether you’re planning an undergraduate degree, a master’s, or postgraduate research, European universities and governments offer hundreds of scholarship options that cover tuition, living expenses, travel, and more. education.ec.europa.eu
In this guide, you’ll find some of the top university scholarships in Europe — what they cover, who can apply, and when to apply.
. Erasmus+ / Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships
Overview:
Funded by the European Union, the Erasmus+ programme (including Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s) is one of the most recognized scholarship schemes in Europe. It supports international students from around the world to study in multiple European countries as part of a single joint degree. education.ec.europa.eu+1
What It Covers:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Monthly living stipend (often ~€1,000–1,400/month)
- Contribution to travel and insurance costs
Eligibility:
- Must be admitted to an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programme
- Strong academic record and sometimes language proficiency
- Applicants from any country outside Europe are eligible
Typical Deadline:
- Usually October–January for programmes starting the upcoming academic year
(Exact dates vary by programme and consortium)
2. Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship (Hungary)
Overview:
A flagship scholarship offered by the Hungarian government and participating universities in Hungary for international students. Top Universities+1
What It Covers:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Monthly stipend for living expenses
- Accommodation support or contribution
- Medical insurance
Eligibility:
- Open to students from partner countries (many developing regions included)
- Applies to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees
- Requires completed application and valid admission
Typical Deadline:
3. Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship (Netherlands)
Overview:
Offered by Maastricht University in the Netherlands for talented non-EU/EEA students admitted to a master’s programme. Maastricht University
What It Covers:
- €34,000 scholarship total
- Tuition fee waiver
- Monthly stipend to support living expenses
Eligibility:
- International students from outside EU/EEA
- Admission to a master’s programme at Maastricht University
- Strong academic background
Typical Deadline:
- Applications generally close early spring (e.g., March) for the next intake.
4. University of Oxford – Reach Oxford Scholarships (UK)
Overview:
A highly competitive and prestigious scholarship for students from low-income countries to study at the University of Oxford. eurostaffs.org
What It Covers:
- Full tuition fees
- College fees
- Living stipend
- One return airfare per year
Eligibility:
- Must be from a country with limited educational opportunities
- Must demonstrate financial need and academic merit
- Admission to an eligible Oxford degree programme
Typical Deadline:
- Scholarship deadlines are linked to Oxford’s main application cycles (often late autumn or early winter).
5. ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (Switzerland)
Overview:
A merit-based scholarship for international students enrolling in Master’s programmes at ETH Zurich — one of Europe’s top universities. eurostaffs.org
What It Covers:
- Living stipend during the full Master’s period
- No tuition fees
Eligibility:
- Excellent academic achievement
- Admission to a Master’s programme at ETH Zurich
Typical Deadline:
- Usually December–January for programmes starting in autumn.
6. University of Helsinki Scholarship Programme (Finland)
Overview:
For non-EU/EEA students enrolling in Master’s degree programmes in Finland. eurostaffs.org
What It Covers:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- €10,000 per academic year towards living costs
Eligibility:
- Non-EU/EEA applicants
- Admission to a degree programme at the University of Helsinki
Typical Deadline:
- Scholarship applications are usually early spring for admissions starting in autumn.
7. Lund University Global Scholarship (Sweden)
Overview:
Merit-based scholarships available to non-EU/EEA students applying to Lund University in Sweden. Lund University
What It Covers:
- Partial to full tuition fee coverage
- Awards are competitive and based on academic excellence
Eligibility:
- Non-EU/EEA applicants
- Admission to a bachelor’s or master’s programme at Lund University
Typical Deadline:
- Usually in January–February each year.
8. University College Dublin (UCD) Global Excellence Scholarships (Ireland)
Overview:
Offered by UCD to reward talented international students. University College Dublin
What It Covers:
- 50% or 100% tuition fee coverage
- Limited number awarded annually
Eligibility:
- High academic achievement
- Admission to a UCD degree programme
Typical Deadline:
- Often aligned with main admission cycles (January–March).
9. Cardiff University International Scholarships (UK)
Overview:
Multiple merit-based and need-based scholarships for international students at Cardiff University. Cardiff University
What They Cover:
- Awards vary from tuition discounts to fixed annual amounts
- Sometimes include partial living cost contributions
Eligibility:
- Varies by specific scholarship
- Most require admission and academic excellence
Typical Deadlines:
- Vary — check university calendar, often January–April for autumn intake.
Additional Scholarship Programmes Worth Exploring
Government & EU-Level Funding
- Erasmus+ mobility grants: Support short-term exchanges and joint programmes. Study.eu
- Swedish Institute Scholarships: Full funding for master’s students (tuition + stipend) — very competitive. Career Gyan
Central European Scholarships
- Many Austrian, Czech, Polish and Slovak scholarships support international study via national networks or partnerships. Top Universities
UK University Scholarships
Beyond Oxford and Cardiff, many UK institutions (e.g., University of Leicester, NTU Nottingham Trent) offer international scholarship packages including partial or full tuition funding. Nottingham Trent University
Eligibility Tips for European Scholarships
To maximize your chances:
✅ Confirm language requirements (English or local language) early. PFEC India
✅ Prepare strong academic transcripts, references, and personal statements.
✅ Apply early — most deadlines fall months before academic sessions.
✅ Check whether scholarships require separate applications or automatic consideration upon admission.
✅ Look for country-specific or subject-specific funding (especially for STEM, business, and arts).
Final Thoughts
European universities and government programmes together provide thousands of scholarship opportunities for international students across levels — from bachelor’s to PhD and research. Many scholarships offer not only tuition fee support but also living stipends, travel contributions, and insurance coverage. education.ec.europa.eu
Whether you aim for a research-intensive university like ETH Zurich, a historic institution like Oxford, or dynamic international environments like Helsinki or Maastricht, strategic planning and early application are key to securing funding.