Navigating Master's Programs in Europe: A Guide to Scholarships for International Students

Europe, with its rich history, diverse cultures, and world-renowned educational institutions, stands as a premier destination for international students seeking advanced degrees. However, the cost of education and living expenses can be a significant barrier. Fortunately, a plethora of scholarships and grants are available to help talented individuals realize their academic aspirations in Europe. This article provides a comprehensive overview of various scholarship opportunities for international students pursuing Master's programs in Europe, along with guidance on how to find and apply for them.

Discovering Scholarship Opportunities

The journey to finding a scholarship to study in Europe begins with thorough research. A great starting point is Mastersportal, where you can filter scholarships based on the country you wish to study in and your chosen field of study. The primary providers of scholarships and financial aid in Europe are universities and governments. These scholarships often consider academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria aligned with the university's mission and values. Additionally, private organizations, foundations, and corporations may also offer scholarships.

Key Scholarship Providers

Universities: Many European universities offer scholarships specifically for international students. These may cover tuition fees, living expenses, or both.
Governments: National governments often provide scholarships to attract talented international students. These scholarships can be highly competitive but offer substantial financial support.
Private Organizations: Various private organizations, foundations, and corporations provide scholarships to support international education.
Erasmus+ Programme: The Erasmus+ program is a scholarship programme created by the European Union and covers areas of education from student exchange to internships and even teacher exchange.

Country-Specific Scholarship Examples

United Kingdom: Chevening Scholarships, funded by the UK government, are prestigious scholarships for pursuing a one-year Master's degree in the UK.
Netherlands: Amsterdam Merit Scholarships, Leiden University Excellence Scholarships (LExS), and University of Twente Scholarships (UTS) are offered for international students.
France: The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme, offered by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, supports Master's and PhD programs. Fulbright France also provides scholarships for study in French institutions. Scholarships of Excellence École Normale Supérieure de Lyon are available.
Germany: DAAD (German Academic Exchange Programme) Scholarships provide various options for graduate study, research projects, and summer courses.
Switzerland: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are available for researchers and artists.

Featured Scholarship Programs

Erasmus+ Exchange Programme

The Erasmus+ programme is a scholarship programme created by the European Union. The "+" in its name shows that it covers more areas of education, from student exchange to internships and even teacher exchange. Through the Erasmus+ programme, students already enrolled in a university from one of the 33 participating European countries can study abroad in another country from that list for between 2 and 12 months as part of their study programme. Erasmus+ students don’t have to pay any tuition for their studies abroad. Some may also be eligible for financial aid that covers living costs and travel expenses. The countries that can participate in Erasmus+ are the EU countries plus Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, the Republic of Turkey, and the Republic of Serbia.

To apply for an Erasmus+ exchange, you must already be a student in one of the eligible countries. Your university must be part of the Erasmus+ programme, and you will apply for the programme through your university. You will not be able to apply to any university of your choosing, but only to the ones that your university has a partnership with.

DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

DAAD (The German Academic Exchange Programme) is the main body that awards scholarships in Germany, but Germany is famed for offering free education for all. So, what’s the point of scholarships here? Actually, education is free in Germany for Bachelor’s studies at public universities only. Master’s degrees in Germany can also be free in public universities but only if you already have a Bachelor’s degree earned in Germany. Thus, scholarships are useful for international students who want to apply to private universities or come to Germany to study directly at Master’s or doctorate level. DAAD is not a single scholarship but a database of scholarships for international students offered by those German institutions which are part of this programme. The types of scholarships offered by DAAD include: scholarships for graduate study, research projects, summer courses.

Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom)

Chevening Scholarships, funded by the UK government, are among the most sought-after and prestigious scholarships for studying in the UK. They are awarded to outstanding students with leadership potential who wish to pursue a one-year Master’s degree in the United Kingdom. The Chevening Scholarships cover all major expenses associated with studying abroad, including tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. The comprehensive nature of this scholarship ensures that students can focus on their studies and leadership development without the worry of financial constraints.

Applicants should have completed an undergraduate degree that allows them to apply for a Master’s programme at a UK university. Candidates must have at least two years of work experience or a total of approximately 2,800 worked hours. Candidates must apply to three different eligible UK Master’s degrees and secure at least one unconditional offer before the deadline of the scholarship application.

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme (France)

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme, offered by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, is an excellent opportunity for international students wishing to pursue Master's or PhD programmes in France. This scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and other necessary costs associated with studying in France. It aims to allow students to focus fully on their studies and professional growth without worrying about money.

The Eiffel Scholarship is targeted at younger students: applicants up to 25 years old for Master’s programmes applicants up to 30 years old for PhD studies This age-specific focus ensures that the scholarship benefits those at a critical stage of their career development. At the same time, the scholarship covers two main discipline areas: Science & Technology and Humanities & Social Sciences.

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Switzerland)

This scholarship is a great opportunity for international students and researchers to study in Switzerland. The award covers tuition fees, health insurance, and a monthly allowance, allowing you to focus only on your studies and research. There are two main types of Swiss Excellence Scholarships: for researchers and for artists.

Research Scholarships: These are designed for postgraduate researchers from any discipline who possess at least a Master’s degree. Candidates plan to come to Switzerland to do research or continue their studies at the doctoral or post-doctoral level. However, to be eligible for this scholarship, you need to be nominated by an academic supervisor from one of the eligible universities.

Art Scholarships: These scholarships are aimed at art students who already hold a Bachelor’s degree and intend to pursue their first Master’s degree in Arts in Switzerland. These scholarships are available for study at any Swiss conservatory or university of the Arts. However, they are restricted to students from a select number of countries.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

Beyond the featured programs, numerous other scholarships cater to specific nationalities, fields of study, or universities. Here's a glimpse of some additional opportunities:

Fulbright France: Various scholarships for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students to pursue study in French institutions.
Phi Beta Kappa Walter J. Rotary Global Grants: Rotary Club offers grant and scholarship opportunities through local chapters.
Ecole Normale Supérieure International Selection Awards (France): Scholarships for students to be enrolled in the 3rd year of bachelor in Math and in Computing science (licence 3) or 1st year of master (master 1).
Scholarships of Excellence École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (France): Scholarships for excellent international students to enroll in Masters programs in the Sciences, Arts, and Human and Social Sciences.
Eurecom / Institut Carnot Telecom et Société Numérique Excellence Scholarship Program (France): Supports students pursuing a Master of Science with an appetite for research.
Université Grenoble Alpes IDEX Scholarship (France): Open to foreign students applying for Masters programs.
Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship: A prize for students enrolled in the UK or any EU country.
Die Presse funding for MSc Environmental Technology & International Affairs (Austria): Half-scholarships for international students at the Vienna University of Technology.
Künstlerhaus Büchsenhausen Five-Month Fellowship for International Students in Austria: Fellowships for visual and media artists, art critics, theorists and curators.
CIUF-CUD Scholarships in Belgium for Developing Countries: Funding for training or research at master’s level.
Bocconi Scholarships in Italy for International Students: Scholarships for international students to study a Master of Science program at Bocconi University.
Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students: Scholarships for international students at all degree levels to study in Italy.
CICOPS Scholarships for Developing Countries: Scholarships from the University of Pavia (UNIPV) for research in collaboration with a professor.
Anne van den Ban Scholarships for Developing Countries at Wageningen University (Netherlands): Scholarships for international students from developing countries to study agriculture, food or environment-related programs at master’s level.
Netherlands Fellowship Programmes (NFP): Government-funded international scholarships to study in the Netherlands.
Radboud Scholarship Programme (Netherlands): Scholarship opportunities for non-EEA students to study an English-taught master’s degree at Radboud University.
UM High Potential Scholarships for International Students (Netherlands): Scholarships for international students to study at master’s level at Maastricht University.
VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme (VUFP) (Netherlands): Scholarships for talented students to study a selection of English-taught master's programs at VU University Amsterdam.
World Citizen Talent Scholarship for International Students (Netherlands): Scholarships offered by The Hague University of Applied Sciences.
Slovak Government Scholarships for Selected Developing Countries: Government-funded scholarships for students from developing countries to pursue higher education in Slovakia.

Application Strategies and Tips

Securing a scholarship requires a well-planned and executed application strategy. Here are some key tips to increase your chances of success:

Meet the Eligibility Criteria: Carefully review the eligibility requirements for each scholarship before applying. Ensure that you meet all the criteria to avoid wasting time and effort.
Craft a Compelling Essay: Many scholarships require an essay. Use this opportunity to showcase your personality, academic achievements, and future goals. Highlight your passion for your chosen field of study and explain why you deserve the scholarship.
Gather Strong Letters of Recommendation: Request letters of recommendation from professors or mentors who know you well and can speak to your academic abilities and potential.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread it for any errors in grammar or spelling. A well-written application demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism.
Apply Early: Start your scholarship search and application process early to avoid missing deadlines.

Key Application Dates

Applications open: 15 May 2025, 14:00 CEST
Applications close: 15 May 2026, 12:00 CEST
Finalists notified: 15-26 June 2026
Winner announced: 13-17 July 2026
Scholarship paid out: Fall 2026 semester

Overlooked Scholarship Opportunities

Thousands of dollars worth of scholarships go unclaimed every year simply because no one applies for them. Common places to find scholarships you qualify for are through study abroad program providers, third-party organizations, and through your home university's international or study abroad office.

Read also: Your Counseling Career

Study Abroad Program Provider Scholarships

SIT Study Abroad: Awards need-based scholarships and grants.
IES Abroad: Offers diversity scholarships and grants.
Semester at Sea: Offers need-based and merit scholarships, including the Inclusive Engagement Scholarship.
CISabroad: 70% of all CISabroad students receive scholarships, grants, or discounts to study abroad.
CET: Offers scholarships and financial assistance for its high school abroad, gap year abroad, and college study abroad programs.
Verto Education: The Verto Education Opportunity Grant can reduce tuition by as much as $15,000.
Global Experiences: Offers scholarships for both summer and semester terms.
IFSA: Financial assistance is available for IFSA January term, semester, year, and summer programs.
Arcadia Abroad: Offers need-based scholarships.
GLA: Scholarships to provide inclusion, diversity, equity and access to GLA programs.
AIFS: Offers merit and need-based scholarships.
CEA CAPA: Committed to increasing access to study and interning abroad.
Forum-Nexus: Offers study abroad scholarship opportunities by participating in a student assistantship.
International Business Seminars: The Founder's Scholarship provides assistance to students studying abroad on a program organized by International Business Seminars.
Barcelona SAE: Providing targeted financial resources is one of the core components of TODOS, Barcelona SAE's commitment to removing barriers for students.
TEAN: The Global Opportunity (GO) Full-Ride Scholarship is designed to give a stand-out student the opportunity to study abroad.
Global Scholarships: Offers a scholarship for one international student, studying in a country where they are not a citizen or permanent resident.
Child Family Health International: Awarded scholarships to support participation in global health programs, electives, practicums, and internships.
Diversity Abroad: Stipends of $500 are available for those who successfully apply to become a Diversity Abroad Overseas Ambassador.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: Provides scholarships for U.S. undergraduate students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad.
Boren Awards for International Study: Provides funding for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests.
Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship: Awarded biannually to passionate students who want to explore the world.
Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants: Designed to help support undergraduates as they seek knowledge and experience in their academic fields by studying abroad.

Scholarships for Graduates

IPSL Global Engagement: Offers an automatic grant for Graduate degree programs in International Development and Service (IDS MA) and the Community Organizing and Social Activism Degree (COSA MA) to any AmeriCorps Alum, Peace Corps returnee or Veteran.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program: For recent college graduates, master- and doctoral-degree candidates, and young professionals.
AAUW: Supports women pursuing a variety of graduate academic opportunities.
Kappa Gamma Pi: Scholarship for graduates who enroll in a master’s program that will help alleviate the impact of climate change and make the world a more sustainable place.

Regional Scholarships

Some study abroad scholarships are tied to a specific destination, region, or country.

Africa: Bridging Scholarships for Study in Japan
Asia: Freeman Asia
Saudi Arabia: IDB King Abdullah University International Scholarships
Taiwan: Taiwan Fellowships & Scholarships (TAFS)
China: Schwarzman Scholars
Europe: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Scholarships
Greece: American School of Classical Studies in Athens
Australia: Scholarships for students who are interested in or are currently studying abroad in Australia.

Additional Resources

Federal Financial Aid: Many students don't realize that these government grants and loans may be used towards study abroad.
BIPOC Student Scholarships: Research scholarships specifically for BIPOC students.

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