Studying in Europe remains an attractive goal for students from around the world. European universities offer a wide range of English-taught programmes, internationally recognised qualifications, diverse student communities and opportunities to experience different cultures.

However, tuition fees are only one part of the financial picture. Accommodation, food, transport, insurance and other living expenses can make studying abroad expensive. This is where scholarships can make a significant difference.

The best scholarships in Europe for international students in 2026 include government-funded programmes, university scholarships and international initiatives that support students at different academic levels. Some programmes contribute towards tuition or living costs, while others provide more comprehensive funding packages.

The most important thing for applicants is to understand that every scholarship has its own rules. Eligibility can depend on nationality, academic background, professional experience, chosen programme and university.

This guide explores some of the most recognised scholarships in Europe for international students, explains how they work and offers practical advice for preparing a stronger application.

Why Look for Scholarships to Study in Europe?

Studying abroad requires financial planning. Depending on the country and university, students may need to budget for:

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation
• Food and daily expenses
• Health insurance
• Public transportation
• Books and academic materials
• Visa and residence permit costs
• Travel expenses

scholarship can reduce some of these costs and, in certain cases, provide a more comprehensive funding package.

Students should also remember that the phrase “fully funded scholarship” does not always mean exactly the same thing across every programme. One scholarship may cover tuition and provide a living allowance, while another may offer a monthly stipend without covering all university fees.

For this reason, applicants should always read the official funding conditions carefully before making financial plans.

Best Scholarships in Europe for International Students in 2026

Below are several important opportunities that international students should research when looking for study in Europe scholarships.

1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships

Countries

Erasmus Mundus programmes involve universities in multiple European countries and, in some cases, partner institutions beyond Europe.

Who Is It Intended For?

Students from around the world who want to pursue an eligible international master’s programme.

Level of Study

Master’s degree.

What Funding May Cover

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters may offer full scholarships to highly ranked students. According to the official Erasmus+ information, scholarship support can cover participation costs and contribute towards:

• Travel
• Visa expenses
• Living costs

Students study through programmes delivered jointly by multiple higher education institutions. A typical programme involves at least three institutions from different countries.

Key Eligibility Considerations

Requirements vary between individual master’s programmes. Applicants normally need to meet the academic and admission requirements set by the consortium running their chosen programme.

How to Apply

Students apply directly to the institution or consortium responsible for the specific Erasmus Mundus programme.

Important Deadline Note

For many programmes, applications are typically submitted between October and January for courses beginning in the following academic year, although each programme has its own timeline. Always check the individual programme website.

Why It Is Popular

Erasmus Mundus is particularly attractive because it combines international education with mobility between institutions. It can be an excellent option for students seeking a genuinely international master’s experience rather than studying at only one university.

2. Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship

Country

Hungary

Who Is It Intended For?

Eligibility depends partly on the applicant’s nationality and the programme’s participating sending partners. Students should carefully check whether their country is eligible for the relevant application cycle.

Levels of Study

Depending on the available call and programme, opportunities may include:

• Bachelor’s programmes
• Master’s programmes
• One-tier master’s programmes
• Doctoral programmes
• Certain non-degree studies

What Funding May Cover

The official programme describes benefits including:

• Tuition-free education
• A monthly stipend
• Accommodation contribution
• Medical insurance

The exact terms and conditions should always be checked in the current call for applications.

Key Eligibility Considerations

Applicants must meet the academic requirements and submit the documents required for their level of study. Programme availability and eligibility can differ by nationality and sending partner.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the official Stipendium Hungaricum application system, alongside any required nomination procedures where applicable.

Important 2026 Deadline

For the 2026/2027 cycle, the official application deadline was 15 January 2026 at 2 p.m. Central European Time. The programme’s timeline also outlines subsequent nomination, examination and selection stages.

Why Students Should Consider It

Hungary has become an important destination for international students, particularly those looking for structured government scholarship opportunities across different degree levels.

3. France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship

Country

France.

Who Is It Intended For?

The Eiffel programme is designed to help French higher education institutions attract outstanding international students, particularly future professionals and decision-makers in priority academic fields.

Levels of Study

• Master’s
• Doctoral/PhD

What Funding May Cover

For the 2026 programme information, Campus France states that scholarship holders receive:

• A monthly allowance of €1,200 at master’s level
• A monthly allowance of €2,100 at doctoral level

The programme also provides certain additional services. However, an important point is that the Eiffel programme itself does not cover tuition fees.

Key Eligibility Considerations

The programme has specific eligibility conditions, including age limits for the relevant level of study and requirements related to academic fields and institutional selection.

How to Apply

Students cannot submit Eiffel applications directly to Campus France. Applications must be submitted by a French higher education institution supporting the student’s candidature.

Important 2026 Deadline

For the 2026 campaign, Campus France listed:

• Opening: 1 October 2025
• Institutional deadline to Campus France: 8 January 2026
• Results: from 30 March 2026

Students should contact their chosen French institution early because universities may set their own internal deadlines before the Campus France deadline.

4. Swedish Institute Scholarships

Country

Sweden.

Who Is It Intended For?

The Swedish Institute offers scholarship opportunities for eligible international students, including programmes such as the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals. Eligibility can depend on nationality, professional background and the chosen master’s programme.

Level of Study

Primarily eligible master’s studies.

What Funding May Cover

Funding conditions depend on the specific SI scholarship programme and annual call. Applicants should carefully review the current scholarship terms before applying.

How to Apply

Applicants generally need to apply for an eligible master’s programme through Sweden’s university admissions process and then complete the separate scholarship application where eligible.

The official SI application portal states that only master’s programmes listed as eligible for the relevant cycle can be included in the scholarship application.

Important 2026 Dates

For the 2026/2027 cycle, the SI scholarship application portal listed an application period from 9 February to 25 February 2026, with successful candidates scheduled to be announced later in April.

Important Advice

Do not assume that every master’s programme in Sweden qualifies for SI funding. Check the official list of eligible programmes for your application cycle.

5. DAAD Scholarships and EPOS Opportunities

Country

Germany

Who Is It Intended For?

DAAD offers a wide range of funding opportunities for international students, graduates and researchers. Eligibility varies significantly depending on:

• Nationality
• Academic level
• Field of study
• Professional background
• Specific scholarship programme

Levels of Study

Depending on the scholarship, opportunities may be available for:

• Graduates
• Master’s students
• Doctoral candidates
• Researchers
• Other academic categories

DAAD EPOS

One particularly important programme is EPOS — Development-Related Postgraduate Courses.

According to DAAD, EPOS provides individual scholarships for participants from developing countries who wish to study selected development-related postgraduate programmes at German universities.

Key Eligibility Considerations

There is no single universal DAAD eligibility rule. Each programme has its own requirements.

This is why students should use the official DAAD Scholarship Database and filter opportunities according to their country, academic level and field of study.

How to Apply

Application procedures depend on the scholarship. The official DAAD programme page or scholarship database should be used to confirm current requirements.

Why DAAD Deserves Attention

Germany has a large and internationally diverse higher education sector, and DAAD’s scholarship database provides a useful starting point for students researching funding opportunities rather than searching randomly across different websites.

6. Romanian Government Scholarships for Non-EU Citizens

County

Romania.

Who Is It Intended For?

The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs scholarship programme is aimed at eligible foreign citizens from non-EU countries, subject to specific exceptions and eligibility conditions.

Levels of Study

Available opportunities depend on the official programme rules and eligible study fields.

Key Eligibility Considerations

The official programme states that applicants must have strong academic results and meet the required application conditions. For example, the official information specifies a minimum academic average equivalent to 7 in the Romanian grading system or a “Good” score, depending on the relevant educational system

Important Restrictions

Applicants should carefully review programme restrictions. The official FAQ states that scholarships are not awarded for:

• Medicine
• Dental medicine
• Pharmacy

also notes specific language requirements for bachelor’s and master’s programmes.

How to apply

Applications are submitted through the official online scholarship platform.

Important 2026 Dates

The official programme information listed an application period from 16 February 2026 to 31 March 2026, with results expected around 15 July 2026.

Fully Funded vs Partially Funded Scholarships: What Is the Difference?

Students often search specifically for fully funded scholarships in Europe, but it is important to understand what the term means.

Fully Funded or Comprehensive Funding

A comprehensive scholarship package may include several elements, such as:

• Tuition or participation costs
• Monthly living allowance
• Travel support
• Health insurance
• Accommodation support

However, the exact package depends entirely on the scholarship.

Partially Funded Scholarships

A partially funded scholarship may provide:

• Tuition reduction
• A fixed grant
• A monthly contribution
• Accommodation assistance
• Funding for one specific expense

Neither type is automatically better. A student should compare the scholarship benefits against their expected total budget.

How to Find Scholarships at European Universities

Government programmes receive a lot of attention, but European university scholarships should not be ignored.

A practical search strategy includes:

1. Start With the University Website

After identifying a university, visit:

• International student pages
• Scholarships and funding pages
• Financial aid sections
• Master’s or doctoral programme pages

2. Search by Your Academic Level

Funding opportunities may differ for:

• Undergraduate students
• Master’s students
• PhD candidates

3. Check Whether Nationality Matters

Some scholarships are open globally, while others target applicants from specific countries or regions.

4. Search Early

Many scholarship applications close before university classes begin. Waiting until you receive every document can sometimes leave too little time.

5. Use Official Sources

Scholarship information changes. Always verify the current call through:

• Government websites
• Official scholarship organisations
• University websites
• Recognised education agencies

Documents Commonly Required for Scholarship Applications

Requirements vary, but international students are commonly asked for:

• Academic transcripts
• Degree certificates where applicable
• CV or academic resume
• Motivation letter or statement of purpose
• Recommendation letters where required
• Language test results where required
• Passport or identification documents
• Proof of professional experience where applicable

Always check formatting requirements. A strong application can still face problems if documents are incomplete, incorrectly translated or uploaded in the wrong format.

How to Write a Strong Scholarship Application

Winning scholarships is competitive, so simply meeting the minimum eligibility requirements may not be enough.

Start With Your Academic Story

Explain your educational background clearly. Show how your previous studies connect with the programme you want to pursue.

Be Specific About Your Goals

Avoid vague statements such as:

“I want to study abroad because Europe has good universities.”

Instead, explain:

• Why you chose the field
• Why the programme fits your academic plans
• What skills you hope to develop
• How the education connects with your future goals

Write a Personal but Professional Motivation Letter

A good motivation letter should sound like a real person with a clear academic direction.

It should not read like a collection of dramatic statements or copied phrases.

Follow Instructions Carefully

If the scholarship requests a 500-word statement, do not submit 1,500 words.

Selection committees may review many applications, so clarity and attention to instructions matter.

Common Scholarship Application Mistakes International Students Should Avoid

Applying Without Checking Eligibility

Never assume that a scholarship is open to every nationality or degree level.

Using the Same Motivation Letter Everywhere

Your application should be tailored to the scholarship and programme.

Missing Internal University Deadlines

Some scholarships require university nomination, meaning the university may have an earlier deadline than the scholarship organisation.

Submitting Incomplete Documents

Missing transcripts, incorrect uploads or incomplete forms can make an application ineligible.

Depending on One Scholarship

Scholarships are competitive. Apply to multiple opportunities where you genuinely meet the requirements.

Using Unverified Scholarship Websites

Be cautious of websites that promise guaranteed scholarships or request unnecessary payments.

Official sources should always be your first reference.

When Should You Apply for Scholarships for the 2026 Academic Year?

There is no universal scholarship deadline for Europe.

Some applications open almost a year before classes begin, while others operate later in the admission cycle.

For example:

• Erasmus Mundus programmes often have application periods between October and January for the following academic year. �Erasmus+
• Stipendium Hungaricum’s 2026/2027 deadline was in January 2026. �Stipendium Hungaricum
• The Romanian government scholarship listed a February–March 2026 application window for its 2026 cycle. �scholarships.studyinromania.gov.ro

The best approach is to begin researching months in advance, create a spreadsheet of scholarships and track:

• Opening date
• Deadline
• Required documents
• Eligibility
• University admission requirements
• Recommendation letter requirements

Can International Students Work While Studying in Europe?

Many international students consider part-time work as part of their financial planning.

However, work rights vary according to:

• Country
• Nationality
• Visa or residence permit
• Type of study programme
• Local immigration rules

Students should never assume that rules in one European country apply everywhere else.

A part-time job may help with some living expenses, but students should avoid relying on future employment income to cover costs that must be demonstrated before receiving a visa or residence permit.

Always check the official immigration guidance for your destination country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which European countries offer scholarships for international students?

Many European countries have scholarship opportunities for international students. Examples include Germany, Hungary, Sweden, France and Romania. Availability depends on nationality, academic level, programme and current funding cycles.

Can international students get fully funded scholarships in Europe?

Yes, some programmes offer comprehensive funding packages. However, benefits differ between scholarships. Always check exactly what is covered, including tuition, living costs, travel and insurance.

Do I need IELTS for scholarships in Europe?

Not necessarily. Language requirements depend on the university, programme and scholarship. Some English-taught programmes accept alternative evidence of English proficiency, while others specifically require recognised language tests.

Never assume that an IELTS waiver applies to every university or scholarship.

When should I start applying for 2026 scholarships?

Ideally, students should begin researching opportunities well before the application season. Some major scholarship deadlines occur many months before classes start.

Can undergraduate students get scholarships in Europe?

Yes. However, scholarship availability varies considerably by country and institution. Some programmes focus primarily on master’s and doctoral students, while others include bachelor’s-level opportunities.

Are scholarships available for students from Asia and other regions?

Yes, many scholarships accept applicants from eligible countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America and other regions. However, nationality and residency requirements differ between programmes.

Final Thoughts

The best scholarships in Europe for international students in 2026 are not necessarily the ones with the biggest names. The right scholarship is the one that matches your academic level, nationality, chosen subject and long-term goals.

Programmes such as Erasmus Mundus, Stipendium Hungaricum, the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship, Swedish Institute scholarships, DAAD opportunities and Romanian government scholarships demonstrate the variety of funding options available across Europe.

The strongest approach is to start early. Research official programmes, read eligibility requirements carefully, prepare your documents in advance and apply only to opportunities that genuinely match your profile.

Most importantly, scholarship conditions and deadlines can change between academic cycles. Before submitting an application, always verify the latest information directly through the official scholarship organisation or university.

For students planning their next academic move, careful preparation can make the search for scholarships to study in Europe far more organised and realistic.