Studying in Europe is a dream for millions of international students. With its world-renowned universities, rich cultural history, and post-study work opportunities, European higher education opens doors to global careers. However, tuition fees, visa costs, and living expenses in countries like Germany, Sweden, or the UK can quickly add up.
The good news? Europe offers some of the most generous fully funded scholarships in the world. A fully funded scholarship typically covers 100% of your tuition fees, provides a monthly living allowance (stipend), pays for round-trip airfare, and includes health insurance.
Whether you are aiming for a Master’s degree or a PhD, here is a complete breakdown of top fully funded European scholarships and how to submit a winning application.
Top Fully Funded European Scholarships
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ FLAGSHIP EUROPEAN SCHOLARSHIPS │
├──────────────────────┬─────────────────────────────────┤
│ Erasmus Mundus │ Multi-country Joint Master │
│ DAAD │ Germany (Master's & PhD) │
│ Chevening │ United Kingdom (Master's) │
│ Swedish Institute │ Sweden (Master's) │
│ Eiffel Excellence │ France (Master's & PhD) │
│ Swiss Excellence │ Switzerland (PhD & Research) │
└──────────────────────┴─────────────────────────────────┘
1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD)
- Host Countries: Multiple European countries (you study in at least 2 different countries).
- Coverage: Full tuition waiver, €1,000–€1,400 monthly living stipend, full travel allowance, and comprehensive insurance.
- Why It’s Special: You graduate with a double or joint degree from top-tier European universities while living in multiple cities across Europe.
2. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
- Host Country: Germany.
- Coverage: Full tuition coverage, €992–€1,300 monthly stipend, health insurance, and travel allowance.
- Key Programs: DAAD EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) and Helmut-Schmidt Programme (Public Policy).
- Best For: Graduates and young professionals with at least 2 years of work experience.
3. Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom)
- Host Country: United Kingdom.
- Coverage: Full university tuition fees, monthly living stipend, return economy flights, and visa costs.
- Key Requirement: Requires at least 2 years of work experience (2,800 hours) and a commitment to return to your home country for at least two years post-graduation.
4. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)
- Host Country: Sweden.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, SEK 12,000 monthly living allowance, travel grant, and health insurance.
- Focus: Aimed at future leaders who demonstrate strong professional background and leadership experience.
5. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France)
- Host Country: France.
- Coverage: Monthly allowance (€1,181 for Master’s, €1,800 for PhD), international return airfare, cultural activities, and health insurance. (Note: Tuition fees are usually covered by French state universities).
- Selection Process: Students cannot apply directly; participating French institutions nominate eligible applicants.
Comparison of Major European Funding Programs
| Scholarship Program | Target Degree | Work Experience Required? | Monthly Living Allowance |
| Erasmus Mundus | Master’s | Optional | ~€1,000 – €1,400 |
| DAAD (EPOS) | Master’s / PhD | Yes (Minimum 2 years) | €992 – €1,300 |
| Chevening | 1-Year Master’s | Yes (Minimum 2 years) | Covers all cost of living |
| Swedish Institute | Master’s | Yes (3,000+ hours preferred) | ~SEK 12,000 |
| Swiss Excellence | PhD / Postdoc | Academic/Research history | ~CHF 1,920 – CHF 3,500 |
Standard Requirements & Application Checklist
Most fully funded European scholarships open their application windows between September and December for the following academic year. You will generally need to prepare the following documents:
- Academic Transcripts & Degree Certificates: Officially translated into English or the host country’s language.
- Statement of Purpose / Motivation Letter: A 1-to-2 page essay explaining your academic background, career goals, and why you chose this specific program.
- Proof of Language Proficiency: IELTS (typically 6.5–7.0) or TOEFL scores. Some German or French programs accept proof of English medium instruction if stated.
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs): 2 to 3 references from academic professors or workplace supervisors.
- Updated Europass CV: Tailored to European academic formatting standards.
- Research Proposal (For PhD Applicants): A detailed outline of your proposed research topic, methodology, and academic literature.
4 Strategies to Build a Winning Application
“Scholarship committees don’t just pick the smartest applicants—they pick the applicants who clearly demonstrate how the scholarship fits into their long-term vision.”
- Start 6 to 9 Months Early: Gathering transcripts, sitting for language tests (IELTS/TOEFL), and getting reference letters takes time. Rushed applications almost always show in the motivation letter.
- Align Your Goals with the Scholarship’s Mission: Chevening looks for future leaders; DAAD EPOS focuses on sustainable development; Swedish Institute prioritizes global governance and sustainability. Tailor your essay to reflect these values.
- Show Impact, Not Just Grades: If you led a university project, organized community work, or solved a problem at your job, highlight those real-world results.
- Proofread Relentlessly: Spelling errors, poor formatting, or failing to follow word count limits can cause your application to be rejected in the first screening round.
