Top 10 European Scholarships for International Students in 2024

Europe is a prime destination for international students seeking high-quality education and diverse cultural experiences. Many European countries and universities offer generous scholarships to attract the best and brightest students from around the world.

1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD)

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) is a highly integrated international study program offered by a consortium of higher education institutions from different countries. The program provides students with the opportunity to study in at least two different countries, leading to the award of a joint, double, or multiple degree upon completion.

Benefits:

• Tuition Fees: Full coverage of tuition fees for the entire duration of the program.
• Travel Costs: Contribution towards travel expenses, which varies depending on the distance between the student’s home country and the host institutions.
• Installation Costs: Financial support to help students settle into their new environment.
• Monthly Allowance: A monthly subsistence allowance to cover living expenses throughout the program duration.

Eligibility:

• Open to students from any part of the world
• Must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Application Deadline: Varies by program (typically between October and January)

2. Chevening Scholarships in the UK

The Chevening Scholarships program is one of the most prestigious and sought-after scholarships for international students looking to study in the United Kingdom. Funded by the UK government and partner organizations, Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding emerging leaders from around the world to pursue a one-year master’s degree in any subject at any UK university.

Benefits:

• Full Tuition Fees: Coverage of full tuition fees for the selected master’s program.
• Monthly Stipend: A monthly stipend to cover living expenses. The amount varies based on the location of the university to account for the cost of living differences.
• Travel Costs: An allowance for travel to and from the UK at the beginning and end of the course.
• Arrival and Departure Allowances: Financial support to cover initial and final travel-related expenses.
• Visa Application Costs: Reimbursement of the UK visa application fee.
• Travel Grant: A grant for travel expenses related to attending Chevening events in the UK

Eligibility:

• Open to citizens of Chevening-eligible countries
• Must have an undergraduate degree and at least two years of work experience

Application Deadline: November 7, 2024

3. Holland Scholarship (Netherlands)

he Holland Scholarship is a prestigious program aimed at international students who wish to pursue higher education in the Netherlands. Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science in collaboration with Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences, this scholarship seeks to attract talented and ambitious students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA).

Benefits

• One-time grant of €5,000

Eligibility

• Non-EEA national
• Applying for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s program at one of the participating Dutch higher education institutions

Application Deadline

May 1, 2025

4. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Switzerland)

Switzerland, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and world-class education system, offers the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships to attract talented international students and researchers. Administered by the Swiss Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), these scholarships aim to promote international exchange and research collaboration at Swiss universities and institutions.

Benefits

• Monthly stipend
• Health insurance
• Tuition fee waiver
• Housing allowance

Eligibility

• Master’s or doctoral degree
• Academic excellence and research potential
• Acceptance letter from a Swiss institution

Application Deadline

December 2024

5. Danish Government Scholarships (Denmark)

Denmark, known for its progressive society, rich cultural heritage, and world-class education system, offers the Danish Government Scholarships to international students. Managed by the Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science, these scholarships aim to attract highly qualified students from outside the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) to pursue full-degree programs at Danish universities.

Benefits

• Full or partial tuition fee waiver
• Monthly living expenses stipend

Eligibility

• Non-EU/EEA national
• Acceptance to a full-degree program at a Danish university

Application Deadline

Varies by institution

6. VLIR-UOS Scholarships (Belgium)

Belgium, a hub of cultural diversity and academic excellence, offers the VLIR-UOS Scholarships to international students from eligible developing countries. Administered by the Flemish Inter university Council (VLIR-UOS), these scholarships aim to promote sustainable development by providing opportunities for higher education and research in Belgium.

Benefits

• Tuition Fees: Full or partial tuition fee waivers, depending on the scholarship program.
• Living Expenses: Monthly allowances to cover accommodation, food, and other living expenses.
• Travel Costs: Round-trip airfare to Belgium at the beginning and end of the scholarship period.
• Insurance: Health and accident insurance coverage for the duration of the scholarship.

Eligibility

• Citizenship of one of the 31 eligible countries
• Strong academic background
• Commitment to returning to home country after completion

Application Deadline

February 2025

7. Italy Government Scholarships for Foreign Students

Italy, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and renowned academic institutions, offers a variety of scholarships to attract talented international students. Managed by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Italy Government Scholarships aim to promote cultural exchange and strengthen international relations through education.

Benefits

• Monthly allowance of €900
• Health and medical insurance

Eligibility

• Non-Italian nationals
• Strong academic record
• Proficiency in Italian or English, depending on the course

Application Deadline

May 2025

8. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program (France)

France, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and prestigious educational institutions, beckons international students with the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program. Funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, this scholarship aims to attract top talents from around the world to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees in France.

Benefits

• Monthly allowance (€1,181 for master’s, €1,400 for PhD)
• Travel expenses
• Health insurance
• Cultural activities

Eligibility

• Under 25 years old for master’s applicants, under 30 for PhD applicants
• Non-French nationals
• Admission to a French higher education institution

Application Deadline

January 2025

9. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)

Sweden, known for its innovation, sustainability, and high-quality education, offers the Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP). This prestigious scholarship program aims to attract talented professionals from around the world who are committed to contributing to sustainable development in their home countries

Benefits

• Full tuition fee waiver
• Monthly living expenses of SEK 10,000
• Travel grant of SEK 15,000
• Insurance coverage

Eligibility

• At least 3,000 hours of demonstrated work experience
• Strong academic and leadership potential
• Admission to an eligible Swedish university

Application Deadline

February 28, 2025

10. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

Germany, known for its world-class education system and vibrant cultural scene, attracts thousands of international students each year. Among the numerous opportunities available for international students, the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) scholarships stand out as prestigious awards aimed at supporting academic endeavors in Germany

Benefits

• Monthly stipend (€861 for master’s students, €1,200 for doctoral candidates)
• Health insurance
• Travel allowance
• Accommodation support

Eligibility

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• Proficiency in German or English, depending on the program
• Strong academic record

Application Deadline

Varies by program, typically between August and October

Conclusion

These scholarships not only provide financial assistance but also facilitate cultural exchange and academic collaboration across borders. They empower students to pursue their academic passions and contribute to global knowledge and innovation. Whether you aspire to study in France, Germany, the UK, or elsewhere in Europe, these scholarships represent a gateway to a world of opportunities, academic achievement, and personal growth.