Europe Scholarship for Master and PhD: Your Complete Guide to Studying Abroad for Free
If you dream of studying in Europe but worry about tuition fees and living expenses, there’s good news — hundreds of Europe scholarships for Master and PhD students are available every year. These scholarships not only cover full tuition but often provide monthly stipends, travel costs, insurance, and research support. Whether you’re aiming for Germany, Sweden, Italy, France, or anywhere in between, Europe offers some of the best funding opportunities for international students.
In this guide, we break down the most popular European scholarships, eligibility requirements, benefits, and actionable tips to increase your chances of winning one.
Why Study in Europe?
Studying in Europe is more than just earning a degree — it’s a life-changing experience.
Here’s why:
Affordable or free education in many countries like Germany and Norway
World-class research facilities and highly ranked universities
Multicultural environment & global networking
Benefits-rich scholarships for international students
High demand for researchers and skilled graduates
With the right strategy, you can study in Europe without paying a single rupee/dollar — let’s explore how!
Top Europe Scholarships for Master and PhD Students
1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Scholarships
One of the most famous Europe scholarships for Master’s programs, Erasmus Mundus allows students to study in 2–3 European countries under a joint degree program.
Benefits
Full tuition fee
Monthly stipend (€1,100–€1,200)
Travel and insurance costs
Eligibility
Bachelor’s degree
Strong academic background
English proficiency (IELTS often required)
Tip: Apply early — programs open yearly from October to January and competition is high.
2. DAAD Scholarships – Germany
Germany offers numerous fully-funded DAAD scholarships for Master’s and PhD students across disciplines like engineering, social sciences, IT, and economics.
Benefits
Monthly stipend (€934 Master / €1,200 PhD)
Health insurance and travel allowance
Free education in public universities
Eligibility
Excellent academic record
Motivation letter and research proposal (for PhD)
Example: Students from developing countries frequently receive DAAD support for engineering and development-related fields.
3. CSC Scholarships – Italy (University of Bologna & Others)
Italy is becoming a hotspot for international students due to affordable living and historic institutions.
Benefits
Tuition waivers
Annual study grant up to €11,000
Options for both Master’s and PhD
Tip: Improve your CV and academic profile — universities prioritize research experience for PhD programs.
4. Sweden Institute Scholarships (SISGP)
The Swedish Institute Global Professionals Scholarship targets future leaders.
Benefits
Full tuition and monthly stipend
Travel grant and insurance
Access to leadership and networking programs
Eligibility
Leadership potential
Relevant work experience
Best for: Students interested in sustainability, innovation, and management.
5. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships – Switzerland
Ideal for PhD, postdoctoral, and research scholars.
Benefits
Monthly salary
Tuition fees waived
Accommodation and research grants available
Tip: A strong research proposal approved by a Swiss professor significantly boosts your chances.
How to Increase Your Chances of Winning European Scholarships
? Prepare a strong motivation letter
Explain why you want to study in Europe, your goals, and how the scholarship helps your future.
? Secure strong recommendation letters
Choose professors or employers who know you well and can highlight your achievements.
? Improve your English test score
IELTS 6.5–7.5 is commonly required — higher scores make your application stronger.
? Build a strong academic and research profile
Participate in research projects, internships, and community work when possible.
? Apply to multiple scholarships
Don’t rely on only one — apply to at least 5–7 scholarships to increase your success rate.
Common Requirements for Master & PhD Scholarships in Europe
Requirement
Master
PhD
Bachelor’s degree
? (Master preferred)
Research proposal
Optional
Required
English proficiency
Mostly required
Mostly required
CV & motivation letter
Publications
Bonus
Highly valued
Where to Find Europe Scholarship Opportunities
Official university websites
DAAD, Erasmus, and Swedish Institute portals
European scholarship databases (e.g., Scholarships.eu, StudyInEurope)
LinkedIn academic groups and research networks
Pro tip: Create an application calendar to track deadlines — missing a deadline is the biggest reason students lose chances.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026-27
Erasmus Mundus Joint Mastress Scholarship
France Scholarship 8th january last date
Conclusion: Your Future in Europe Starts Today
Winning a Europe scholarship for Master or PhD is absolutely achievable with proper preparation, strong documents, and early applications. Europe offers world-class education, financial support, and career opportunities that can shape your future. Whether you dream of becoming a researcher, engineer, scientist, entrepreneur, or academic — there’s a scholarship waiting for you.