Europe is known for its incredible cultural diversity, world-class universities, and numerous scholarship opportunities that attract students from all around the globe. These scholarships provide access to high-quality education and promote the exchange of cultures and international collaborations. By reading this content, you will find some general facts and information about the top European international student scholarships.

Another prominent scholarship opportunity is the U.K. government’s Chevening Scholarship program. It invites outstanding individuals from over 160 countries, including Europe, to pursue one-year Master’s programs in the United Kingdom. These scholarships empower future leaders by nurturing their academic and leadership potential.

Across the continent, countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands offer various scholarships like the DAAD Scholarships, Eiffel Excellence Scholarships, and Erasmus Mundus Scholarships, all with open arms to welcome international scholars. In a world where Europe continues to be a global hub for education and innovation, these scholarships serve as bridges connecting diverse cultures and fostering academic excellence on an international scale.

Why study in Europe?

There are several reasons to choose Europe as a study destination. Please read the major ones in bullet points:

1. Benefit from an extensive selection of bachelor’s and master’s courses, doctoral study programs, and more.
2. Explore various languages and cultures in a welcoming, social environment.
3. Gain international experience, skills, and knowledge.

Here are the top European scholarships:

Erasmus Mundus Scholarships

One of the most prestigious European scholarship programs is the Erasmus Mundus program. Erasmus Program was established in 1987 and is a European Union (E.U.) student exchange program. This Program receives funds from the European Union and consists of three main actions, including:

• Joint programs
• Partnerships
• Attractiveness projects

Erasmus Mundus Scholarships offers financial support to students worldwide, including E.U. and non-EU. This scholarship allows them to pursue Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in various academic fields at European universities. Erasmus Mundus is particularly appealing to those seeking academic excellence and the chance to experience different European cultures.

Check the details of the 2024 Erasmus Mundus Scholarship on scholarships.af.

Erasmus+ Scholarships

Like the Erasmus Scholarship, Erasmus+ is also the European Commission’s Education, Training, Youth, and Sports Program for 2021-2027, succeeding the previous Program (2014-2020). It has a budget of €26.2 billion, approximately double the funding of its preceding Program (2014-2020).

Erasmus+ provides more opportunities for learner and staff mobility and collaboration across the education, training, and youth sectors, and it is easier to access than its predecessors, with simplified funding rules and a structure that aims to streamline program administration.

Erasmus+ supports teaching, research, networking, and policy debate on E.U. themes and provides grants. The sports chapter promotes grassroots sports activity.

Who Can Apply?

Generally, applicants can apply as one of the following:

As Individuals:

Individuals worldwide can access opportunities for students, learners, staff, trainees, teachers, and volunteers.

Organizations:

Organizations can also investigate development and networking opportunities with universities, education and training providers, think tanks, research organizations, and private enterprises.

New Erasmus+ Program (2021 to 2027):

The new Erasmus+ Program, which runs from 2021 to 2027, is more digital, inclusive, innovative, and environmentally friendly and prioritizes social inclusion, green and digital transformations, and encouraging young people to participate in democratic life.

It supports the European Education Area’s aims and actions, the Digital Education Action Plan, and the European Skills Agenda. In addition, the Program:

• supports the European Social Rights Pillar
• carries out the E.U. Youth Strategy 2019-2027
• enhances the European component of sport

Opportunities Available with Erasmus+:

Erasmus+ Program provides mobility and collaboration opportunities in the following areas:

• Higher education
• School education, including early childhood education and care
• TVET and training
• Adult education
• Youth opportunities
• Sport opportunities

Which countries does the Erasmus+ Cover?

Generally, the Erasmus+ Program covers three types of countries as follows:

1. E.U. Member States
2. Third countries associated with the Program
3. Third countries not related to the Program, including Afghanistan

Check all eligible countries here.

What Is the Budget?

For the seven years (2021-2027), the Program has an overall indicative funding envelope of more than 26 billion EUR from the E.U. Budget. The Budgetary Authority approves the annual budget.

Key Actions of 2021-2027:

The Erasmus+ Program for 2021-2027 covers these three major actions:

1. Learning mobility of individuals
2. Cooperation among organizations and institutions
3. Support to policy development and cooperation

Check the details of the 2024 Erasmus+ Scholarship on Scholarships.af.

Chevening Scholarships

The Chevening Scholarships Program, formerly the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Awards Scheme (FCOAS), was established in 1983. The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office and partner organizations support the Program.

The scheme aims to create a network of U.K. friends who will be future leaders in their home countries. The scheme’s name was changed to Chevening in 1994, after Chevening House in Sevenoaks, Kent, now the joint official house of the British Foreign Secretary and the British Deputy Prime Minister.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office introduced the Companion Chevening Fellowships Scheme in 2004. The Fellowships program places mid-career individuals already in leadership positions and influence in 3-month courses relating to FCDO policy.

Selection Criteria:

The Chevening Scholarship selection criteria aimed to discover “high-caliber graduates with the personal, intellectual, and interpersonal qualities necessary for leadership.” Chevening Scholarship selection requirements differ from country to country and year to year.

Application Period:

Except for some sponsored scholarships, which require applicants to apply through the co-sponsoring organization, applications are accepted online between early August and early November each year.

Applications for the 2024 academic year for Chevening Scholarships to study in the U.K. are open between 12 September and 7 November 2023. Applicants can submit their applications online at chevening.org/apply.

Financial Supports and Number of Scholarships:

The scholarship provides complete financial support for scholars to pursue any eligible master’s degree at over 150 UK universities and access to various special academic, professional, and cultural experiences.

Chevening has provided almost 55,000 professionals the opportunity to advance their careers since its inception in 1983. For the 2024/2025 academic year, there are about 1,500 awards available globally, highlighting the U.K.’s continuous commitment to creating tomorrow’s leaders. This year is the 40th anniversary of Chevening Scholarships in the Philippines. Over 550 Philippines scholars have joined the global Chevening network since 1983, learning in the U.K. and returning to the Philippines with the skills and drive to make a difference.

For in-depth details, Read the details here on O4af.com – Opportunity for Afghanistan .  

DAAD Scholarships

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a variety of scholarships for international students to study in Germany, located in the heart of Europe. Applicants worldwide can apply for this fully funded opportunity to pursue their studies in German universities.

The DAAD scholarship is one of the highest awards available in Germany to excellent international students. Every year, students are chosen on merit and awarded a DAAD scholarship to pursue postgraduate degrees, Master’s degrees, and Ph.D.s in German universities.

What does the DAAD Scholarship Cover?

DAAD opportunities are also fully funded, which covers all study costs of international students. Generally, the following costs are covered by the DAAD Scholarships:

• Tuition fees
• Monthly rent subsidies
• Travel expenses
• Monthly allowance for accompanying members of the family
• If applicable, funding for additional needs in case of disability/ chronic illness
• Preparatory language course

Subjects Covered:

The DAAD offers numerous scholarship programs for practically all courses, with some exceptions (for example, medicine). There are also subject-specific programs for architecture, music, and computer science.

What Are the General Requirements for the DAAD Scholarship?

General admission requirements that international students should meet to get accepted for a DAAD scholarship include merit and excellent academic achievement in previous degrees and language proficiency, usually in German and English, and some specific criteria.  

Check the Available DAAD Scholarships , visit DAAD Scholarships Opportunities on Scholarships.af and o4af.com

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program (France)

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program is provided by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs and allows Master’s and Ph.D. students outside France to study in French universities.

The French Ministry launched the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program to help French higher education institutions attract top foreign scholars to their master’s and Ph.D. studies.

It opens doors for future international decision-makers in both the corporate and public sectors. It encourages applicants under the age of 25 from developing nations to pursue Master’s degrees and those under the age of 30 from both developing and developed countries to seek PhD degrees.

Fields of Study for Master’s and PhD Candidates

The two major disciplines of the Eiffel Scholarship Program cover the following fields of study:

Science and technology:

• Biology and health
• Ecological transition
• Mathematics and digital sciences
• Engineering

Humanities and Social Sciences:

• French history, language, and civilization
• Law and political science
• Economics and management

What Costs Does the Scholarship Cover?

Applicants via the Eiffel scholarship generally receive a monthly allowance in addition to specific direct services, such as international airfare, domestic travel costs, insurance, housing assistance, and cultural events. The Eiffel program does not cover tuition or fees at the master’s or doctorate levels.

Please review the detailed information about the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship for 2024 on our website.

Scholarships.af provides you comprehensive information on almost all types of study opportunities. Check our website.

SWiss Government Excellence Scholarships

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship offers great opportunities for those who want to pursue their master’s degree, Doctoral studies, Postdoc, and Research in Swiss universities.
It is a fully funded scholarship for students from 180 countries with an application period starting in August – and closing at the end of September, and for some countries, it varies.
Read the details of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships here

Italian Government Scholarship

Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers annual Scholarships to international students that fully cover their study expenses. The application period is usually in June.
Check the Scholarships in Italy on Italian Scholarships and Opportunities

ETH Zurich Scholarships for International Students

1.  ETH4D Doctoral Mentorship Program

To mentor Ph.D. candidates from low- and lower-middle-income nations, ETH4D offers funding. The mentoring consists of the following elements and is a one-year appointment:

• One year of doctorate study under the guidance of one ETH professor, postdoc, or senior scientist; ETH4D recommends monthly meetings and stated project objectives, including a presentation at a conference or a joint publication. Although it is unnecessary, ETH mentors can participate in the mentee’s doctorate committee.
• For 1-3 months throughout the mentoring term, candidates can do Research at the mentor’s lab at ETH Zurich, Switzerland.
• Funding for conference attendance or supplies for Research

Who can apply?

• Doctoral candidates enrolled at a university or research facility in one of the world’s least developed, lowest-income, or lower-middle-income nations are eligible. (List of countries)
• The ETH faculty housing the Ph.D. applicant must apply. Applications submitted directly by the Ph.D. candidate won’t be taken into consideration.

What does the grant cover?

The grant covers the following expenditures up to a maximum of 15,000 CHF:

• Economy roundtrip flight to and from Switzerland for the study stay, with a maximum cost of CHF 2,000.
• Visa costs
• Allowance for travel to a conference for academics
• Research tools, such as lab gear (max 6,000 CHF total)
• Health insurance premiums
• Accommodation
• Living expenses during the researcher’s time at ETH Zurich

Check details of ETH4D Doctoral Mentorship Program in Scholarships.af.

2. ETH Faculty Exchange Grants for Scientists

ETH4D grants visiting scientists from academic institutions in low and lower-middle-income countries. The visiting scientist may visit ETH Zurich to conduct a short research stay or to attend a conference or workshop organized by ETH Zurich scientists.

This Program invites colleagues from low-income countries to ETH Zurich for a research stay or to participate in a conference or workshop. ETH Zurich provides up to 10,000 CHF for researchers.

Who can apply?

• Visiting scientists should be affiliated with an institution or university in a country classified under the categories according to the OECD (Afghanistan included) DAC- list. Preference will go to least developed, low-income, and lower-middle-income countries.
• Has existing or planned research collaborations with the hosting professor
• They have proven academic qualifications.

Check more details about this grant in scholarships.af.

3. ETH Excellence Scholarship and Opportunity Program (ESOP)

The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship and Opportunity Program (ESOP) in Switzerland is for Master’s degree applicants. ESOP supports the students with financial aid, mentoring opportunities, and a network of the ETH Foundation. The scholarship covers all living and tuition expenses during the Master’s Program.

Who can apply?

• Citizens of any nation can apply for this opportunity
• A Grade in the top 10% of undergraduate degree programs shows a powerful performance.
• Applicants are not eligible for ESOP if they are enrolled in ETH Zurich’s Master’s degree program or have a Master’s degree.

Details are available in scholarships.af.

4. ETH4D Research Challenges and Seed Grants for Low- and Lower-Middle-Income Countries

ETH Zurich accepts proposals for ETH for Development-ETH4D Research Challenges and Seed Grants annually. The primary goal of the ETH4D Research Challenges is to enable partnerships and collaborations on project-based Research between ETH researchers, partners from low- and lower-middle-income countries, and non-academic partners. The Program intends to develop practical solutions for poverty reduction. Please note that only solid research proposals with high scientific quality will receive funding.

What is covered?

Both grants (Research Challenges Grants and Seed Grants) are useable for any travel costs, material costs, and salaries of staff or consultants in the partner country who specifically work for this project. The amount also includes the wages of postdocs, doctoral candidates, and research assistants.

ETH4D Research Challenges Grants range between 20,000 CHF and 200,000 CHF, payable in two separate calls for proposals. At the same time, the ETH4D Seed Grant’s maximum sum is 20,000 CHF. No matching funds by the professorship or partners are necessary for this grant type.

Who Can Apply?

For both grants, at least one academic or non-academic partner should be from a low- or lower-middle-income country. If the proposal is well justified, projects in upper-middle-income countries can also receive funding in exceptional cases.

For further details, please visit the scholarships.af website.

Swedish Institute (S.I.) Scholarships for Global Professionals

Swedish Institute (S.I.) Scholarships for Global Professionals is an annual program to train future global leaders to contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) and positive and sustainable development in their home countries and regions.

The SI awards many scholarships for Master’s degree studies in Sweden and provides an opportunity to grow professionally and academically. Also, these scholarships help you to immerse yourself in Swedish society and culture and form long-lasting bonds with Swedish and other scholarship recipients.

Who Supports the S.I. Scholarships for Global Professionals?

The Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs supports the scholarship for full-time, one- or two-year Master’s degree programs. The Swedish Institute releases a call for applications annually for Master’s programs, usually in the fall semester. Applicants should be eligible, complete all stages of the application procedure, and have all required documentation to finalize their application.

What does it cover?

S.I. Scholarships for Global Professionals is a fully funded Program that covers full tuition, a monthly stipend to support living expenses, accidental and health insurance, and student travel grants.

Also, SI provides membership in the S.I. Network for Future Global Leaders (NFGL) in Sweden and many more.

Is the Application Open for 2023?

Unfortunately, the application window has closed on February 2023, and please stay tuned for the 2024 application start.

Read the details of S.I. Scholarships for Global Professionals in scholarships.af.

Danish Government Scholarships for Non-EU/EEA Countries 

The Danish Government annually offers full or partial scholarships for non-EU/EEA students. Partial scholarships include tuition waivers or study grants for non-EU/EEA countries Master’s degree students. Applicants through this scholarship can study for their Master’s degree in world-class universities in Denmark in 2024. The scholarships are available to brilliant and talented students with great academic backgrounds.

Eligibility Criteria

• Be a national of countries outside the E.U., EEA (the European Economic Area), or Switzerland.
• Have secured admission to a master’s degree program at the Danish Universities
• Hold a time-bound residence permit allowing you to pursue a higher education program in Denmark.
• Have an excellent academic record.

Check the details of Danish Government Scholarships for Non-EU/EEA Countries at the University of Copenhagen in scholarships.af.

Italian Government MAECI Scholarships for International Students

Italian Government MAECI Scholarships for International Students are offered annually by MAECI –Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. These scholarships are fully funded for international applicants not residing in Italy and Italian nationals living abroad (IRE).

Applicants can pursue their Master’s, PhD, or Italian Language, conduct Research, or attend higher education courses in Art, music,  and dance. These scholarships promote international, cultural, scientific, and technological cooperation. The Program also promotes the Italian language and culture, supporting Italy’s economic system worldwide.

Requirements:

Candidates must meet the following general requirements to be eligible for this scholarship:

• Applicant must be an international student not residing in Italy from the list on this page and by Italian citizens living abroad (IRE).
• Candidate should not be 28 years old for a master’s degree or Higher Education in Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM) Programs and Italian Language and Culture Courses.
• Students applying for Ph.D. programs should be under the age of 30.
• Applicants for Research Projects under Academic Supervision must be under 40.
• Candidates who enroll in university courses taught in English must refer to the specific university’s language requirements. Applicants must provide proof of their Italian language proficiency. According to CEFR, the minimum required level is B2.
• No proof of language proficiency is necessary for Ph.D. programs and Research under academic supervision.

If you are willing to get a scholarship to study your Master’s, Ph.D., training, Research, or Italian language course at public Italian Higher Education Institutions and get a world-class education, do not miss this opportunity in scholarships.af for 2024.

DSU Scholarships in Italy

DSU Scholarship in Italy welcomes applicants from all around the world every year. This fully financed scholarships for overseas students will include a tuition fee remission, free housing, free meals in university dining halls, and a contribution to cover supplementary expenditures such as books and extracurricular activities.

Duration of the Scholarship:

The grant for international students is only available for one year. As a result, students must apply for each academic year.

Who can apply?

• Applicants must be EU or non-EU citizens.
• Non-EU students shall not have the same educational status as EU students.
• They must provide documentation/proof of their family’s income contribution.
• Students seeking master’s degrees must have a bachelor’s degree.
• They must not be eligible for any other scholarship.
• Applicants must provide a certification given by the Italian representative in their native country attesting to the fact that they are not from a wealthy family.

Applications for the academic year 2024 is closed right now, please stay alert for the next application round. Check detailed information on Scholarships.af.

University of Milan Excellence Scholarship

The University of Milan Excellence Scholarships is for the top 155 applicants who submit for admission to a master’s degree. The university offers hundreds of fully funded and partially funded scholarships for international students annually. This fully funded scholarship will cover all student expenditures, including tuition fees. A fully financed scholarship provides students with €6,000, while recipients of partially funded scholarships receive a full tuition fee waiver.

Who can apply?

• Master’s degree students from all over the world can apply for this scholarship.
• Candidates do not require to apply separately for a scholarship. The University of Miland will automatically consider students who have completed the admission application form for the award.
• To apply for the Master’s program, students must hold a Bachelor’s degree.
• Students may require to prove English language test results (level B1 or B2 equivalent to CEFER).
• Applicants must have high academic standing.

Applications for the academic year 2024 is closed right now, please stay alert for the next application round. Check detailed information on Scholarships.af.

Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Program

Launched in 2013, the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship is the Hungarian Government program that aims to provide an opportunity for international students to pursue their studies in Hungary. The primary mission of this scholarship program is to encourage the country higher education institutions to attract outstanding foreign students and to enhance the number of international students in Hungary. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade supervises the program and is managed by the Tempus Public Foundation.

The scholarship program offers full-degree and partial study opportunities in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. Mostly, the programs are in the English language. However, other foreign language study programs are also available in the frame of the Scholarship. Also, foreign students can apply for a one-year Hungarian language preparatory course to pursue their higher education studies in the Hungarian language.

What does the application cover?

Recipients must focus on their academic improvement during their stay in Hungry and can benefit from tuition fee coverage, accommodation, and living costs. Upon finishing their studies, the institutions will confer a European degree to graduates to seek a wide range of opportunities in the global job market.

Who can apply?

• Candidates must be from Sending Partner countries to apply for full-time programs and partial study in bachelor’s, master’s, one-tier master’s, non-degree programs, and postgraduate specialist training courses, and Ph.D. programs
• Applicants must not be Hungarian citizens and persons granted a refugee status, temporary protection, admitted for subsidiary protection, and humanitarian protection;
• Must not be former Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Holders;
• Must not hold citizenship different from the sending country or territory

Application for 2023/24 is closed. Check the details on scholaships.af

Slovakia Government Scholarships

Each year, the Ministry of Education, Science, Research, and Sport of the Slovakia Republic Government offers 48 scholarships for students from ODA countries to study their bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree or PhD in the Slovak Republic. If you are interested to study in a European country your bachelor, master or PhD, this is the opportunity for you.

What does the scholarship cover?

• Monthly stipend
• Study commencement stipend
• Study completion stipend
• Monthly stipend for public university
• Discounts offered by relevant sectors of the ministry of education

Who can apply?

• Be from one of an eligible country
• Be between the age of 18 – 26 years for bachelor and master degree and be between the age of 23 – 35 for Ph.D. degree

Check the details on our website.

Irish Government Postgraduate Scholarships

The Government of Ireland offers Postgraduate Scholarships to outstanding students to conduct research projects in their chosen area of interest. It is a unique national initiative in the Irish research landscape that opens other channels for funded postgraduate education in the Irish ecosystem. The Irish Research Council manages the scholarship program.

This Program is highly competitive; the average success rate of candidates has been 18% over the past five years. Successful candidates under the Program are recognized as demonstrating world-class potential as future research leaders.

Benefits of the scholarship

• A stipend of €19,000;
• Fees contribution, paid to the host institution, up to a maximum of €5,750, which includes non-European Union fees.
• A direct research allowance of €3,250 enables the researcher to conduct the research project.

Who can apply?

• To be eligible, all candidates should be affiliated with an eligible Irish research-performing organization or higher education institution.
• To be eligible for the scholarship, candidates must not have had two previous unsuccessful applications to this Program, including to strategic partner themes.
• Applicants from both European Union and Non-EU member states are welcome to apply.
• Have a first-class or upper second-class honors bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Must not have had two previous unsuccessful applications to this Program, including to its strategic partner’s theme

Check the details of the Irish Government Postgraduate Scholarships on our website.