The best scholarships to study in Europe for international students include Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, DAAD scholarships in Germany, the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship, Swedish Institute scholarships and university-funded awards across countries such as Finland and the Netherlands. Some cover tuition and living costs, while others provide only tuition reductions or partial financial support. The right scholarship depends on your degree level, nationality, field of study and university. For 2027 entry, students should start checking official scholarship pages months before the deadline because many major awards have separate admission and funding procedures.
What Are the Best Scholarships to Study in Europe?
Europe has scholarships from the European Union, national governments, universities and independent organisations. The most useful options are usually those that provide more than a simple tuition discount, particularly for students who also need help with accommodation, travel and everyday expenses.
For students comparing destinations beyond Europe, our guide to Best Countries for Fully Funded Scholarships in 2027 can help you compare countries based on scholarship availability, tuition costs and overall funding opportunities.
For international students, Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters is one of the strongest choices. These programmes are offered by groups of universities in different countries, and selected students can receive full scholarships. The official Erasmus+ information says scholarships can contribute toward participation costs, travel, visa expenses and a living allowance. Most programmes last one to two academic years.
| Scholarship | Country/Region | Study Level | Main Funding |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters | Several European countries | Master’s | Full scholarships available |
| DAAD Scholarships | Germany | Master’s/PhD and other levels | Varies by programme |
| France Excellence Eiffel | France | Master’s/PhD | Monthly allowance and additional support |
| Swedish Institute Scholarships | Sweden | Master’s | Programme-dependent funding |
| University Scholarships | Finland | Bachelor’s/Master’s | Mainly tuition waivers |
| University/National Awards | Netherlands | Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD | Varies by provider |
The table is a starting point rather than a complete list. Scholarship rules, eligible countries and funding amounts can change between application cycles, so always check the official programme page before preparing an application.
1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships
For students looking for fully funded scholarships in Europe, Erasmus Mundus should be near the top of the list. These master’s programmes are jointly delivered by international university consortia, allowing students to study in two or more countries as part of the same degree.
Students from around the world can apply to eligible programmes. Erasmus+ states that applicants generally need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification, or must be in their final year and graduate before the programme begins. Most applications are submitted directly to the consortium running the selected master’s programme.
Application periods vary by programme, but many Erasmus Mundus applications for the following academic year are submitted between October and January. This makes autumn a good time to begin searching for suitable courses, preparing documents and checking individual deadlines.
Students specifically interested in master’s funding can also compare these opportunities with Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships for International Students, particularly if they haven’t yet decided which country or degree programme to choose.
2. DAAD Scholarships in Germany
DAAD scholarships are another major option for international students interested in Germany. The German Academic Exchange Service offers different funding programmes, so there isn’t one single DAAD scholarship with identical requirements for everyone.
The DAAD EPOS programme, for example, supports selected graduates from developing countries who want to study development-related postgraduate programmes at participating German universities. Eligibility and application procedures depend on the specific course and scholarship.
DAAD also notes that scholarship amounts depend on the programme and academic level. Its general guidance currently lists a typical monthly rate of €992 for master’s students, while doctoral and postdoctoral rates can be higher. Additional benefits vary by award, and students shouldn’t assume every DAAD scholarship covers all expenses.
Government-backed awards can be especially useful for students who need substantial financial assistance. If you’re comparing these programmes with other national funding schemes, our guide to Government Scholarships for International Students provides a broader look at government-funded study opportunities.
3. France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship
The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship is aimed at high-performing international students applying to master’s and doctoral programmes in France. It is funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and administered through Campus France.
An important point is that students cannot submit an Eiffel application directly themselves. A French higher education institution must support the candidate and submit the application through Campus France. The programme covers selected fields including engineering, mathematics, biology and health, ecological transition, law, political science, economics and management.
For the 2027 campaign, Campus France lists the application deadline as January 8, 2027 for the relevant institutional submission process. The current programme information lists a monthly allowance of €1,200 for master’s scholarship holders and €2,100 for doctoral scholarship holders from January 2026. Tuition fees are not covered by the Eiffel programme itself.
4. Swedish Institute Scholarships
Sweden is another strong destination for international master’s students, particularly those applying to eligible programmes connected with the Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals.
The scholarship is linked to selected master’s programmes and has specific eligibility requirements, including nationality and, for relevant applicants, professional experience. The eligible programme list includes fields such as computer science, software engineering, biotechnology, biomedical engineering and sustainability-related subjects.
Because the list of eligible programmes and participating countries can change, applicants should first choose an eligible master’s programme and then check the scholarship requirements for their specific application cycle.
5. University Scholarships in Finland
Finland is worth considering, but students need to understand an important distinction. Finland does not currently offer government scholarships for bachelor’s or master’s students, according to Study in Finland. Instead, individual universities may provide scholarships or tuition fee waivers to international students.
These awards generally help with tuition rather than covering everyday living costs. Students therefore need a separate financial plan for rent, food, insurance, transportation and other expenses.
This makes Finland a good option for students who can manage living costs independently but want to reduce their tuition burden.
How Can International Students Get a Scholarship in Europe?
Winning a European scholarship usually starts with choosing the right programme rather than applying randomly to dozens of awards. Check the degree requirements, eligible nationalities, field restrictions, work experience rules and funding details before spending time on an application.
A strong application normally connects your academic background with a clear reason for choosing the programme. Your CV, academic records, recommendation letters and motivation letter should tell the same overall story instead of looking like separate documents.
Before submitting, check these areas carefully:
- Eligibility: Confirm your nationality, degree level, academic background and field meet the scholarship rules.
- Documents: Prepare transcripts, CV, motivation letter, recommendation letters and language-test evidence where required.
- Deadlines: Record both university admission and scholarship deadlines because they may not be the same.
- Funding: Check exactly what is covered, including tuition, accommodation, travel, insurance and living expenses.
- Application route: Some scholarships accept direct applications, while others require a university or organisation to nominate you.
Are Fully Funded Scholarships in Europe Really Available?
Yes, but they are limited and highly competitive. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters is a clear example of a European scholarship route where full scholarships are available to selected international students.
However, the phrase “fully funded” shouldn’t be treated as a guarantee that every expense will be paid in every programme. Funding can differ considerably. Some awards pay tuition and provide a living allowance, while others only reduce tuition.
This is particularly important when comparing university scholarships. For example, Finnish university scholarships can cover part or all of tuition while leaving living expenses to the student.
When Should You Apply for Europe Scholarships for 2027?
For 2027 entry, don’t wait until the final weeks before applying. Several major European scholarship programmes have deadlines months before the academic year starts.
Erasmus Mundus says many programmes normally accept applications between October and January for courses beginning in the following academic year. France’s 2027 Eiffel campaign has an early January deadline, showing why students should begin preparing well in advance.
A practical approach is to start researching programmes around 6–12 months before your intended intake. Use that time to shortlist universities, arrange recommendation letters, take an English-language test if needed, prepare your motivation letter and check visa and financial requirements.
Which European Country Is Best for Scholarship Students?
There isn’t one best country for everyone. Your ideal destination depends on your study level, subject, budget and scholarship eligibility.
Germany can be attractive for students seeking DAAD funding and postgraduate programmes. France is worth considering for students who meet the requirements for Eiffel and other French scholarships. Sweden has targeted master’s funding, while Finland offers university-based tuition scholarships. Erasmus Mundus is particularly useful for students who want a programme involving several European countries.
The key is to compare the total funding package, not just the scholarship name. A €10,000 tuition waiver may be less useful than a smaller award that also provides monthly living support, depending on the country’s costs.
What Should You Do After Receiving a European Scholarship?
Receiving a scholarship is only one part of preparing to study abroad. You may still need to complete university enrolment, arrange accommodation, obtain health insurance and apply for the appropriate student visa.
Visa requirements vary by country and can also depend on your nationality, university and scholarship arrangement. Before booking flights or making non-refundable plans, check the financial, academic and documentation requirements for your destination. Students heading to Europe can also review Europe Student Visa Requirements to understand the documents and steps commonly involved in the visa process.
Final Thoughts
The best scholarships to study in Europe for international students include Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, DAAD scholarships, the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship, Swedish Institute awards and university scholarships in countries such as Finland. The strongest choice depends on your academic profile, nationality, degree level and financial needs.
Start with official scholarship databases and university websites rather than relying on social media posts promising guaranteed funding. Check every requirement, understand what the award actually pays for, and prepare your documents well before the deadline. That approach gives you a much clearer path toward affordable study in Europe.
FAQs
What is the best fully funded scholarship in Europe for international students?
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters is one of the leading options because selected students can receive full scholarships covering participation costs and contributing toward travel, visa and living expenses.
Can international students get fully funded scholarships in Europe?
Yes. Some European programmes offer full scholarships, but many university and government awards provide only partial funding or tuition support. Always check the exact benefits of each scholarship.
Which European countries offer scholarships to international students?
Countries including Germany, France, Sweden, Finland and the Netherlands offer various scholarships or university funding for international students. Eligibility and funding differ by programme.
When should I apply for European scholarships?
For 2027 entry, begin researching at least six months before your intended start date. Some major programmes, including many Erasmus Mundus courses, have application periods from October to January.