by It’s no wonder that countless students actively pursue full scholarships to Europe annually; the continent remains a top choice for international education seekers for numerous compelling reasons.
Beyond its celebrated lifestyle, extensive educational choices, and chances for international exposure in a culturally rich environment, Europe stands out for its exceptional academic standards and educational excellence.
“European academic programs typically offer more diversity compared to American curricula, which particularly appeals to students from developing nations,” explains Brandon Kirby, who serves as the Marketing Director at the Rotterdam School of Management, Netherlands.
According to a recent Educations.com survey, Germany claims the top spot as Europe’s premier study destination, and rightfully so. The country boasts an impressive combination of high living standards, affordable education costs, and recognition as an educational powerhouse. Many international graduates choose to build their careers there, especially with new initiatives facilitating job placements from 2024 through 2028.
Following closely behind are nations like the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and the Netherlands, with Switzerland and Denmark also ranking among the top choices.
Ready to explore international education? Here are some comprehensive scholarships available for international students:
The Emile Boutmy Scholarship in France
This prestigious scholarship supports students pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees at Paris’s Science Po University, which boasts a diverse student body of 14,000, with international students comprising half the population. Students can choose from any program offered by this top-ranked public institution in France.
The Emile Boutmy Scholarship provides annual funding up to US$21,044, covering both tuition and living expenses. Eligibility criteria include: being a first-time applicant, originating from a non-EU country, having no family tax obligations within the EU, and securing admission to either the Undergraduate or Master’s program.
Check your eligibility here.
The Erasmus+ Scholarship Programme
The Erasmus+ scholarship represents a distinguished, comprehensive, and international study initiative collaboratively offered by a consortium of international higher education institutions. This program distributes EU-funded scholarships to top-performing candidates through yearly selection processes.
Beyond study abroad opportunities, this scholarship supports internships and work placements for university students within participating countries. For those interested in postgraduate studies, the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters provides complete scholarships across European universities and beyond.
Individual grants vary based on living costs, tuition fees, country, and number of students applying. Learn more here.
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship in Switzerland
This comprehensive scholarship welcomes applications from students across 180 countries seeking master’s or PhD degrees in Switzerland. Research scholarships are available for study or research at all Swiss cantonal universities, applied sciences institutions, both federal technology institutes, and the four research centers.
The key requirement? You’ll need a nomination from an academic supervisor at one of these participating higher education institutions to be eligible for consideration.
For those interested, there are four distinct scholarship categories available:
Each scholarship has different funding and criteria. Find out more here.
The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship
Widely recognized as one of Ireland’s premier scholarship opportunities for international students, this programme represents a national initiative backed by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. It provides comprehensive funding for international scholars pursuing studies in Ireland.
Recipients receive generous support of up to US$21,040 annually, encompassing a living stipend, academic fees, and research-related expenses. The programme welcomes applications across all academic disciplines and is specifically designed for students from non-EU/non-EEA countries.
Learn more about the scholarship here.
The Belgium Government Scholarships
For those aspiring to pursue education in Belgium, numerous fully-funded opportunities await international students seeking full-time master’s degrees or specialized training courses.
The programme maintains an inclusive approach, welcoming students regardless of their background, religious beliefs, or ethnicity. Candidates can select from diverse academic disciplines and specializations. Notable opportunities include the Belgian American Education Foundation Fellowships and the Science@Leuven Scholarships.
The ARES Scholarships, now accepting applications for 2025-2026, stands out particularly. Its mission focuses on empowering students from developing nations to enhance their expertise and professional networks, preparing them to return home as catalysts for positive change.
Specific eligibility criteria apply: applicants must reside in partner countries, possess a Belgian university degree, and demonstrate two years of relevant professional experience.
Check to see if you qualify here.
The DAAD Scholarship in Germany
For those eyeing Europe’s leading destination for international education, the DAAD Scholarship presents an excellent opportunity. This programme supports academic pursuits, research initiatives, and German language studies, benefiting over 100,000 scholars and researchers globally.
This fully-funded opportunity, sponsored by the German government, caters to international students pursuing postgraduate education. Some programmes even extend funding to internship experiences. The scholarship particularly emphasizes supporting PhD researchers, especially those from developing and emerging economies.
More information and answers available here.
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme in France
Initiated by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, this programme aims to help French higher education institutions attract exceptional international talent to their postgraduate programmes.
The scholarship focuses on two primary academic areas: Science and Technology, and Humanities and Social Sciences. While tuition costs aren’t covered, recipients receive a monthly allowance of US$1,995, along with comprehensive benefits including international travel, domestic transportation, insurance coverage, accommodation assistance, and cultural activity access.
Please note that direct applications are not accepted for this scholarship; all applications must be submitted through an accredited higher education institution.
The Padua International Excellence Scholarship Programme in Italy
The University of Padua extends a comprehensive scholarship program benefiting both domestic Italian and international students. Their flagship initiative, the Padua Excellence Scholarship, annually awards up to 43 scholarships to exceptional students seeking to pursue bachelor’s or master’s degrees in Italy.
Recipients gain access to premium educational opportunities, with multiple programs offered in English. This fully-funded scholarship includes complete tuition fee waivers and an annual stipend of US$8,870. Eligibility requirements include a strong academic background, maintaining a CGPA of 3.0/4.0 or equivalent, and potentially submitting a research proposal if specified.
Learn more here.
The Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship in Germany
The Heinrich Böll Foundation provides scholarships to roughly 1,500 students annually, encompassing undergraduates, graduates, and doctoral candidates across all disciplines and nationalities. These scholarships support studies at universities, applied sciences institutions, and arts academies.
Master’s students from non-EU countries receive monthly stipends of up to US$1,228, plus various supplementary allowances. Select scholarships include health insurance coverage and tuition fee waivers, with possible extensions for an extra semester. Doctoral candidates can receive up to US$1,577 monthly, though tuition fees aren’t included; they may extend their funding for up to 12 months.
The catch is that you will need to have written proof of German language proficiency. Find out more here.
The Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship in Germany
This DAAD-funded scholarship supports international students pursuing diploma, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees. Applications are welcome from students across all academic disciplines who demonstrate academic excellence and intend to study in Germany.
Recipients benefit from comprehensive material and non-material support, ensuring financial stability during their studies and enabling greater focus on volunteer activities.
International scholars receive a base monthly stipend of US$1,035. The package includes health insurance coverage, and students with children receive an additional monthly allowance of US$177. With only 40 scholarships awarded annually, competition is significant.
Learn more here.
