If you’re an international student looking to pursue higher education in Europe, you’re in luck! Many prestigious European universities and governments offer fully funded scholarships, enabling you to study without the burden of tuition fees or living expenses. These scholarships cater to students from around the world, including those outside Europe, making them highly accessible to all.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve curated a list of 21 fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students. These scholarships cover a variety of degree levels, including bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. programs, and are offered in multiple academic disciplines.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students in Europe
Here’s a list of the best fully funded scholarships available for international students to study in Europe or abroad. These opportunities span across diverse regions, from Germany to the UK, and even extend to countries outside Europe like the USA, Australia, and Canada.
1. DAAD Scholarship for Masters and Ph.D. in Germany
The DAAD Scholarship (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) is one of the most renowned scholarship programs for international students wishing to study in Germany. This fully funded scholarship supports students pursuing master’s or Ph.D. degrees at top German universities.
Eligibility: You must have a BSc degree and at least two years of work experience.
Coverage: Includes travel allowance, medical insurance, and living expenses.
Fields of Study: Engineering, Social Sciences, Medicine, Political Science, and more.
2. Finland Government Scholarship
The Finland Government Scholarship offers fully funded scholarships for international students seeking to pursue bachelor’s or master’s degrees at universities in Finland.
Eligibility: Open to students worldwide.
Duration: 2-4 years
Coverage: Full academic expenses including tuition and living costs.
Learn More about Finland Scholarships
3. University of Canterbury Scholarship (New Zealand)
While based in New Zealand, the University of Canterbury offers fully funded undergraduate scholarships to international students, with all academic fields available for study.
Eligibility: Open to international students except for those from New Zealand and Australia.
Duration: 2-4 years
Fields of Study: Arts, Business, Law, Engineering, Sciences, and more.
Apply for University of Canterbury Scholarship
4. Swedish Institute Study Scholarships (Sweden)
The Swedish Institute offers the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals, which provides full funding for international students from selected countries to study a master’s degree in Sweden.
Eligibility: Applicants must be from specific countries and have demonstrated leadership and work experience.
Fields of Study: Humanities, Agricultural Science, Medicine, Social Sciences, and more.
5. International Scholarships for Women in the USA
This scholarship, though based in the USA, is open to women worldwide (excluding Iran) to study in any academic field at U.S. universities.
Eligibility: Female students from all countries (except Iran).
Coverage: Full tuition, living allowance, and other expenses.
Duration: 1-4 years
Apply for Women’s Scholarships
6. Fullbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
The Fulbright Program offers international students the opportunity to study in the U.S. for master’s or Ph.D. degrees. It covers all costs, including tuition, travel, and living expenses.
Eligibility: Open to students from all countries.
Coverage: Full funding, including living stipends, tuition, and travel allowances.
Duration: Varies depending on the degree program.
7. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
The Chevening Scholarship is a UK government-funded initiative that supports outstanding international students to pursue master’s degrees at any UK university.
Eligibility: Students with leadership potential from Chevening-eligible countries.
Coverage: Full tuition, living costs, airfare, and more.
Learn about Chevening Scholarships
8. University of Sussex Postgraduate Scholarship (UK)
This fully funded scholarship is available for international students pursuing a master’s or postgraduate degree at the University of Sussex.
Eligibility: Open to all international students.
Coverage: Full tuition, living expenses, and health insurance.
Apply for Sussex Postgraduate Scholarship
9. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Switzerland)
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is available to foreign students seeking to undertake postgraduate studies (master’s or Ph.D.) or research in Switzerland.
Eligibility: Must hold a master’s degree or equivalent for research scholarships.
Duration: 1-3 years for research programs.
Find More Information on Swiss Scholarships
10. University of Oxford Clarendon Scholarships (UK)
The Clarendon Scholarship at the University of Oxford offers fully funded scholarships to graduate students from around the world, including living expenses, tuition, and health insurance.
Eligibility: Based on academic excellence.
Coverage: Full tuition, living expenses, and health insurance.
Discover Oxford Clarendon Scholarships
11. Adelaide Scholarships International (Australia)
The Adelaide Scholarships International (ASI) program is designed to attract high-quality international students to pursue research programs at the University of Adelaide.
Eligibility: Open to international students.
Coverage: Includes full tuition, living allowance, and health insurance.
12. University of Maastricht High Potential Scholarship (Netherlands)
The High Potential Scholarship at the University of Maastricht covers living costs, tuition, and health insurance for international students pursuing a master’s degree.
Eligibility: Open to students from outside the EU/EEA.
Coverage: Tuition fees, living allowance, and insurance.
Apply for Maastricht High Potential Scholarship
13. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program (Canada)
The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship is an esteemed award for exceptional international students wishing to study at the University of Toronto. The scholarship covers tuition, books, and living expenses for up to four years.
Eligibility: Academic excellence and leadership qualities.
Coverage: Full tuition, living expenses, and books.
Learn about Lester B. Pearson Scholarship
14. Danish Government Scholarships for Non-EU/EEA Students (Denmark)
The Danish Government Scholarships are available for highly talented students from non-EU/EEA countries wishing to study in Denmark at the University of Copenhagen.
Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA students.
Coverage: Full tuition waiver and living stipend.
Find Out More on Danish Scholarships
15. DAAD Scholarship for Masters and Ph.D. in Germany
The DAAD Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and widely known fully-funded scholarships available for international students. It is open to students from various countries wishing to pursue their Master’s or Ph.D. degrees at top German universities.
Key Details:
- Duration: 1-3 years
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree + 2 years of work experience
- Coverage: Tuition fees, living stipend, travel allowance, medical insurance
- Eligible Courses: Engineering, Social Sciences, Political Economics, Medicine, and more.
Apply Now for DAAD Scholarship
16. Finland Government Scholarship
The Finland Government Scholarship offers full financial support for international students wishing to study in Finland at the Bachelor’s or Master’s level. This scholarship is available for a wide range of fields and is awarded by Finnish higher education institutions.
Key Details:
- Duration: 2-4 years
- Eligibility: International students worldwide
- Coverage: Full or partial tuition fees, living stipend
- Eligible Courses: Social Sciences, Arts, Business, Health, and more.
Explore Finland Government Scholarships
17. University of Canterbury Scholarship
The University of Canterbury offers fully-funded scholarships to international students wishing to pursue a Bachelor’s degree. The scholarships are available across various disciplines.
Key Details:
- Duration: 2-4 years
- Eligibility: Open to international students except New Zealand and Australian citizens
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, living expenses
- Eligible Courses: Arts, Engineering, Business, Law, Sciences.
Check University of Canterbury Scholarships
18. Swedish Institute Study Scholarships (Sweden)
The Swedish Institute Study Scholarships are designed for international students pursuing Master’s degrees in Sweden. These scholarships cover tuition fees and living expenses and are aimed at future global leaders.
Key Details:
- Duration: 1-2 years
- Eligibility: Students from eligible countries
- Coverage: Tuition, living stipend, insurance
- Eligible Courses: Multiple fields of study, including humanities, social sciences, and technology.
Apply for Swedish Institute Scholarships
19. International Scholarship for Women in the USA
Though not specifically for Europe, the International Scholarship for Women is a fully funded opportunity for female students worldwide, including Europe, to study in the USA.
Key Details:
- Duration: 1-4 years (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.)
- Eligibility: Female students globally, excluding Iran
- Coverage: Full tuition, living expenses, travel costs
- Eligible Courses: All fields of study.
Learn More About International Scholarship for Women
20. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
The Fulbright Program offers fully funded scholarships to international students, including Europeans, who wish to pursue Master’s or Ph.D. studies in the United States.
Key Details:
- Duration: Varies (1-3 years)
- Eligibility: Open to international students from many countries
- Coverage: Tuition, living expenses, airfare, and health insurance
- Eligible Courses: All fields of study.
Explore Fulbright Foreign Student Program
21. British Chevening Scholarships
The Chevening Scholarship is one of the UK’s most prestigious scholarships, funded by the UK government, for international students wishing to pursue a Master’s degree in the UK. It is awarded based on leadership potential and academic excellence.
Key Details:
- Duration: 1 year (Master’s level)
- Eligibility: Open to international students from eligible countries
- Coverage: Full tuition, living stipend, airfare
- Eligible Courses: All subjects.
Apply for Chevening Scholarships
22. University of Sussex Postgraduate Scholarship (UK)
The University of Sussex offers fully funded postgraduate scholarships for international students. These awards cover tuition, living expenses, and insurance.
Key Details:
- Duration: Varies (Postgraduate studies)
- Eligibility: International students
- Coverage: Tuition, living expenses, health insurance
- Eligible Courses: Various academic disciplines.
Check University of Sussex Scholarships
23. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Switzerland)
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are offered by the Swiss government to international students who wish to pursue postgraduate degrees in Switzerland. It is one of the most renowned scholarships for graduate students globally.
Key Details:
- Duration: Varies (PhD, Postdoc, and Art students)
- Eligibility: Open to international students
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, living stipend, travel costs
- Eligible Courses: Art, Research, Master’s, Ph.D., and Postdoc programs.
Explore Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
24. University of Oxford Clarendon Scholarships (UK)
The Clarendon Scholarship is awarded by the University of Oxford to outstanding students from around the world. It is a fully funded scholarship that covers tuition, living costs, and more.
Key Details:
- Duration: Varies (Postgraduate level)
- Eligibility: International students
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, living expenses, and health insurance
- Eligible Courses: All graduate courses offered by the University of Oxford.
Apply for Clarendon Scholarships at Oxford
25 Adelaide Scholarships International (Australia)
The Adelaide Scholarships International (ASI) are open to high-achieving students from all over the world who wish to pursue a postgraduate research degree at the University of Adelaide.
Key Details:
- Duration: 2-4 years
- Eligibility: International students
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, living stipend, health insurance
- Eligible Courses: Research-based programs in any field.
26. University of Maastricht High Potential Scholarship (Netherlands)
The Maastricht University High Potential Scholarship is available to non-EU international students who have outstanding academic performance. This scholarship is available for Master’s students at the university.
Key Details:
- Duration: 1-2 years
- Eligibility: Non-EU international students
- Coverage: Tuition fees, living expenses, and insurance
- Eligible Courses: Master’s programs at Maastricht University.
Explore Maastricht High Potential Scholarships
27. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program (Canada)
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is awarded to international students with exceptional academic achievements. The scholarship covers all aspects of tuition, living expenses, and books for up to four years.
Key Details:
- Duration: Up to 4 years
- Eligibility: International students from around the world
- Coverage: Full tuition, books, incidental fees, and living expenses
- Eligible Courses: Any undergraduate program at the University of Toronto.
Apply for Pearson Scholarship Program
28. Danish Government Scholarships for Non-EU/EEA Students (Denmark)
The Danish Government Scholarship offers financial aid to highly talented non-EU/EEA students studying at Danish universities. The scholarships provide tuition fee waivers and living stipends.
Key Details:
- Duration: Varies
- Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA students
- Coverage: Full or partial tuition waiver, living expenses
- Eligible Courses: Available for various graduate programs.
Check Danish Government Scholarships
29. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme (France)
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is offered by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs to attract top international students to study in France. This scholarship is aimed at Master’s and Ph.D. students from foreign countries, focusing on priority areas such as engineering, business, and sustainable development.
Key Details:
- Duration: Master’s (1-2 years), Ph.D. (3 years)
- Eligibility: Students from outside France
- Coverage: Tuition, travel, living expenses
- Eligible Courses: Engineering, Social Sciences, Business, Law, and more.
Learn More About Eiffel Scholarships
Conclusion:
These fully funded scholarships for international students in Europe provide invaluable opportunities to pursue higher education without the burden of financial stress. Whether you’re aiming to study in Germany, Sweden, France, or the UK, these scholarships offer comprehensive support to cover tuition fees, living costs, and other expenses. Be sure to follow the application procedures carefully and start your scholarship search early to improve your chances of success!
For more information on scholarships and tips for applying, check out our guides on the cheapest universities in Europe, scholarship application tips, and study abroad opportunities.
