Fully Funded Scholarships to Study in Europe for Free
Several countries, including Germany, France, Norway, and Sweden, offer fully funded scholarships for international students. According to Erasmus+, over 100,000 international students benefit from EU-funded scholarships every year.
1. Erasmus+ Scholarship Program
Erasmus+ is one of the largest EU-funded scholarships, which lets students study in multiple European countries under joint programs.
Who Can Apply?
- Master’s students from non-EU countries.
- Some programs are also open for Bachelor’s and PhD students.
Eligibility Criteria
- Admission into an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s program.
- Strong academic record.
- English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL required in most cases).
Financial Coverage
- Full tuition waiver
- Monthly stipend (€1,000–€1,200 or ₹90,000–₹1.1 lakh)
- Travel costs and insurance
Application Process & Deadline
- Apply through Erasmus Mundus programs.
- Deadlines vary but typically fall between October and January.
2. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
Germany offers tuition-free education at public universities, and DAAD provides additional financial support for international students.
Who Can Apply?
- Master’s and PhD students applying to German universities.
Eligibility Criteria
- Relevant academic background.
- Some courses require prior work experience.
- English or German proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/TestDaF).
Financial Coverage
- Tuition fully covered
- Monthly stipend:
- €861 (₹77,000) for master’s students
- €1,200 (₹1.1 lakh) for PhD students
- Travel allowance & health insurance
Application Process & Deadline
- Apply through DAAD’s online portal.
- Deadlines vary (typically between August and December).
3. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France)
This French government-funded scholarship aims to attract top international students for master’s and PhD programs.
Who Can Apply?
- Master’s and PhD students applying to top French universities.
Eligibility Criteria
- Non-French nationality required.
- Age limit:
- Master’s: 25 years max
- PhD: 30 years max
- Strong academic background.
Financial Coverage
- Monthly stipend:
- €1,181 (₹1.06 lakh) for master’s students
- €1,700 (₹1.5 lakh) for PhD students
- Travel expenses & health insurance included.
Application Process & Deadline
- Apply through a French university (students cannot apply directly).
- Deadline: January every year.
Suggested Read: How to Choose Where to Study Abroad – Vital Tips
4. Swedish Institute Scholarships (Sweden)
Sweden offers tuition-free education for EU/EEA students, while the Swedish Institute Scholarships (SISGP) provide full funding for international students pursuing master’s degrees.
Who Can Apply?
- Master’s students from select non-EU countries.
- Applicants with strong academic and leadership backgrounds.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must have a bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience.
- Demonstrated leadership experience in sustainability, innovation, or development.
- English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL required for most programs).
Financial Coverage
- Full tuition fee coverage at Swedish universities.
- Monthly stipend: SEK 11,000 (₹1 lakh) for living expenses.
- Travel allowance & health insurance.
Application Process & Deadline
- Apply through the Swedish Institute website.
- Deadline: January–February every year.
5. Netherlands Government Scholarships (Holland Scholarship & Orange Knowledge Programme)
The Dutch government offers multiple scholarships to support international students, including the Holland Scholarship for bachelor’s and master’s students and the Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) for mid-career professionals.
Who Can Apply?
- Holland Scholarship: For non-EU/EEA students applying to Dutch universities.
- OKP: For professionals in education, governance, and climate sectors.
Eligibility Criteria
- Admission to a participating Dutch university.
- Academic excellence and leadership potential.
- For OKP: Work experience in a relevant field.
Financial Coverage
- Holland Scholarship: €5,000 (₹4.5 lakh) grant towards tuition (not fully funded).
- OKP: Covers full tuition, monthly stipend, travel, and insurance.
Application Process & Deadline
- Apply through participating Dutch universities.
- Deadlines: February–May (varies by university).
6. Finnish Government Scholarships
Finland offers tuition-free education for EU/EEA students, while the Finnish Government Scholarship Pool supports non-EU students pursuing PhDs. Master’s students can apply for university-funded scholarships.
Who Can Apply?
- PhD students from non-EU/EEA countries.
- Master’s students applying for tuition waiver scholarships at Finnish universities.
Eligibility Criteria
- Admission into a Finnish university.
- Research proposal (for PhD applicants).
- English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).
Financial Coverage
- PhD scholarships provide a monthly stipend of €1,500 (₹1.35 lakh).
- Tuition waivers available for master’s students at select universities.
Application Process & Deadline
- Apply through Finnish National Agency for Education.
- Deadlines: December–February every year.
7. Norwegian Quota Scheme (Norway)
Norway offers tuition-free education at public universities for all students, including non-EU applicants. The Norwegian Quota Scheme (now integrated into various university-specific scholarships) provides funding for master’s and PhD students from developing countries.
Who Can Apply?
- Master’s and PhD students from select countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe.
- Must apply to a Norwegian university participating in the scheme.
Eligibility Criteria
- Bachelor’s degree for master’s applicants; research proposal for PhD applicants.
- English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL required).
- Commitment to returning to the home country after studies.
Financial Coverage
- Full tuition waiver at participating universities.
- Monthly stipend to cover living expenses (NOK 11,500–13,000 (₹1 lakh–₹1.2 lakh)).
- Health insurance and travel allowances.
Application Process & Deadline
- Apply directly to Norwegian universities offering quota-based scholarships.
- Deadline: December–January (varies by university).
8. Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students
Italy offers government-funded scholarships through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI) to support international students in bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs.
Who Can Apply?
- Non-EU students applying to Italian universities.
- Master’s and PhD students pursuing research or specialized fields.
Eligibility Criteria
- Bachelor’s degree for master’s applicants; research proposal for PhD candidates.
- Age limit: Below 28 years (for master's) and 30 years (for PhD).
- Italian or English language proficiency, depending on the program.
Financial Coverage
- Full or partial tuition fee waivers at Italian public universities.
- Monthly stipend of €900 (₹81,000) for living expenses.
- Health insurance coverage.
Application Process & Deadline
- Apply through Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI).
- Deadline: April–May every year.
9. University-Specific Scholarships (ETH Zurich, KU Leuven, University of Helsinki, etc.)
Several top European universities offer merit-based and need-based scholarships for international students.
ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship (Switzerland)
- Covers full tuition and CHF 12,000 (₹11 lakh) per year for living expenses.
- Requires strong academic record and research potential.
KU Leuven Global Scholarships (Belgium)
- Offers full/partial tuition waivers and monthly stipend for master's students.
- Priority given to students from developing countries.
University of Helsinki Scholarships (Finland)
- Covers tuition fees (€13,000–€18,000 per year, ₹11.7 lakh–₹16.2 lakh) for non-EU students.
- Additional grants available for living costs.
Application Process & Deadline
- Apply directly through the university websites.
- Deadlines: December–February (varies by university).
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