EUROPEAN UNION
The 27 countries of the EU have many scholarship opportunities, and in some situations international students pay the same amount of tuition as local students and may also be able to work a certain number of hours to supplement the living costs. If you are considering studying abroad, searching for opportunities in Europe may be a great place to start!
One of the most interesting initiatives is the Erasmus+ (Plus), which basically allows students from certain countries and universities to organize part of their education at partnering universities throughout the EU. The experience of studying for a period of 3 mos – 1 year in another institution can provide an enriching experience. Visit the Erasmus+ website to check for available programs, application details, and legible countries.
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) program is a large European initiative that has a consortium of universities jointly delivering master’s degree studies. Interestingly, the collaborating universities need not be in Europe with many partnering with universities in other regions. Requirements include recent studies and English proficiency. There are no age restrictions and the EU’s law encourages diversity and inclusive practices as well as adult education. The variety of available programs requires careful study and analysis in order to ensure that the program is suitable. Support from your organization or university may be a great starting point and can create clarity about expectations and direction. Each consortium has a link to the project/program that is available on the EMJMD’s catalogue, thus applications are made directly to the consortium on their portal and you may expect some fees. Start your application here.
AUSTRIA
Austria is a landlocked country in central Europe. The official language is German, and they provide several scholarships and research grants. The Organization for Education and Internationalization (OeAD) can provide you with plenty of opportunity regarding different types of scholarships, programs, eligibility, and applications; visit their website here. You could also download a guide to studying in Austria at the study in Austria website, located here.
CZECH REPUBLIC
The Czech Republic offers scholarships through several programs. Though most of the scholarships appear to be for graduate studies, there are some programs for undergraduate studies. Their foreign development program assists countries with which there are bilateral programs; you can find more information here. For other types of scholarships and a list of participating universities, visit the following website.
ESTONIA
Estonia is located in the Balkans and has recently been attracting foreign residents globally with a policy that encourages investments, studies, and relocation to this beautiful Baltic nation. In an effort to set itself as a major multinational digital hub in the region, many of its universities are teaching in English. Estonian Academy of Arts, Estonian Academy of Music & Theatre, Estonian Aviation Academy, Estonian Business School, Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tallinn Health Care College, Tallinn University, Tallinn University of Technology, Tartu Health Care College, and University of Tartu. You may check the university website for more information regarding admissions and scholarships, and you can check the following links:
- Estonian Scholarships for Bachelor Programs
- Estonian Scholarships for Master’s Programs
- Estonian Scholarships for Doctorate Programs
Other scholarship opportunities for those studying in Estonia could be found here.
FINLAND
Finland is an EU nation located in northern Europe. The Ministry of Education and Culture provides a scholarship in association with several universities in the country. The scholarships are geared towards master and PhD studies. Visit the Study in Finland website for more information.
FRANCE
France has over 360,000 international students, and every year thousands more move there to pursue their studies either as undergraduate or postgraduate students and researchers. While France is a partner in the Erasmus+ program, it also offers several scholarships throughout its ministry of Foreign Affairs. These scholarships can be accessed through their cultural office at their embassies globally. There are also local scholarships for international students available from the local government of the constituency within which they live. For more information, visit the following website. Make sure to visit the site for the Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence.
GERMANY
DAAD is a German foundation that is the largest global funder of international exchange students and researchers. The foundation funds universities and students, thousands every year. Funding could be found for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. For those wishing to find available scholarships, visit their homepage or click here.
Scholar Rescue Fund: The Institute of International Education is an independent non-profit organization that seeks to provide fellowships for scholars who are persecuted through the Scholar Rescue Fund. This SRF is for PhD holders from partnering universities who seek affiliation to the fellowship program. The scholarship is open year round, and appointments are good for one to two years. For further information, check their website. APPLY HERE
HOLLAND
The Netherlands is located in Northern Europe and is a very multicultural and advanced country. It is best known for a large selection of English language studies, which makes it easier for international students to access. Like most EU countries, the Erasmus+ program includes Dutch institutions, however there are several local scholarships for bachelor, graduate, and short professional courses. Some of these scholarships are meant for specific nationalities, while others are open to all. The scholarships include the following: DIKTI-LPDP-STUNED Joint Scholarship Programme (Indonesia), Erasmus+, Holland Scholarship, MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP), NN Future Matters Scholarship, NRF-Nuffic Programme South Africa, Orange Knowledge Programme, Orange Tulip Scholarship Programme, Sino-Dutch Scholarship, StuNed Scholarships (Indonesia), and The Desmond Fortes Scholarship. Visit the following website.
HUNGRY
Hungry has always been a destination for international students, and there are many programs that are taught in English. Because Hungary is in the EU, the Erasmus+ program is active. But for those applying from outside the EU or wish to begin their studies in Hungary, the admissions process is pretty straightforward and once you have identified a university of interest, visit their website for admission criteria. We also suggest visiting the Hungarian embassy for more information on education and to get an idea of their visa process.
Students in Hungary are allowed to work full time (allowing 40 hours/week instead of 20hours/week) and this allows students to supplement their living costs. For more information on funding your studies and scholarships, visit the studyinhungry website.
IRELAND
Ireland is a great choice for international students as it offers abundant choice, reasonable living costs, and because your English capabilities will take you further. Over the years, Ireland has transformed itself into a tech hub and its economy is thriving; all this in addition to being part of the EU.
Most scholarship offers for international students require an acceptance (or offer) from the university. And though most universities have scholarship information on their website, you may also be interested in visiting the Higher Education Authority (undergraduate & graduate education) and the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Program.
ITALY
While Italy is a member of the EU initiative called Erasmus+, its government and universities also offer other scholarships for prospective international students. Check the following webpage for more information on application procedures. Make sure to pay the Italian embassy a visit.
IYT is a program that allows students to access scholarships and studies in Italy. Visit their site to know more about the program and the rules and regulations. Further information on scholarships in Italy is available here.
LATVIA
The government of Latvia provides scholarships to citizens of 40 countries. Most of these countries are located in Europe, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and South America. The scholarships and fellowships cover some of the expenses, so make sure to review the conditions of the scholarship carefully. To apply, you should already have an acceptance from a higher education institution in Latvia. Visit the site here to check for your eligibility and sign up. You may also visit the website of specific universities for more information.
LITHUANIA
The government of Lithuania provides different types of scholarships for certain nationalities. These scholarships can be either partial or full depending on the criteria. For more information on the application procedures and conditions of the scholarship, visit their site here. You may also find scholarship opportunities in the websites of the specific university, for example check this scholarship opportunity from the Vytautas Magnus University.
NORWAY
Many students from around the world prefer to study in Norway. The Norwegian government finances most education costs, and generously funds its universities. Get more information by visiting this website.
POLAND
The Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange provides several scholarship opportunities for students from specific countries who are qualified to attend master programs. The scholarship covers tuition and provides a living stipend to its recipient. Documented knowledge of Polish and English are necessary. The scholarship covers studies in engineering, technical science, agricultural sciences, as well as natural sciences. For more information visit their site here. Other information on scholarships for students from developing countries can be found here.
ROMANIA
Every year the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides scholarships for students from non-EU students. The basic requirement is a good highschool evaluation equivalent to a 7 on the Romanian score system. These scholarships are not available for medicine, dentistry or pharmacy. Recipients will also have to take a year of Romanian language and attain a minimum of B1 score on their language proficiency examination. All bachelors and master’s programs are in Romanianlanguage, while PhD studies can be taken in English. For more information visit the Romanian government website.
RUSSIA
Every year the Russian government allocates thousands of scholarships for international students. These scholarships cover most costs related to tuition and your accommodation. Living expenses, health insurance, and travel costs may not be fully covered. To get more information about how to apply, visit the study in Russia website here.
The process of applying to Russia is done online through the government portal where you need to establish an account and follow instructions on making 6 valid choices. You will then be called for an interview at the Russian embassy or Cultural Office in your country. You may access the education portal here to establish your account and make your application.
If you already have passed your entrance exam and have an acceptance letter, you may also contact the international office at your university for more information.
SWEDEN
Sweden is a beautiful picturesque country located in Northern Europe and is known for its industry, exports, music, and excellent food. It is also a democratic and educated society that hosts communities from all over the globe. So it is only natural that it comes highly recommended for studies, as it has excellent universities and institutes and invests heavily in research.
Swedish Institute: If you are a professional seeking leadership in your field through a fully funded master’s program that is geared towards sustainable development and millennial SDGs, then the Swedish Institute is definitely somewhere to start searching. It provides scholarships to nationals from 42 countries and many different master’s field. A full list of master programs available for the 2022-2023 year is available here. Further information can be accessed here.
The Karolinska institute is perhaps most famous for its participation choosing winners of the Noble Prize in Medicine. They have a global master’s program that may interest those seeking a firm foundation in global studies and public health related research. For more information visit their site here.
For more specific on opportunities based on your nationality and inclusive of specific university offers, visit the StudyinSweden website.
SWITZERLAND
Though not part of the EU, Switzerland offers a variety of scholarships for international students and the majority are related to business studies, international diplomacy and humanitarian work as well as other programs. Visit the following website for a list of scholarships and the general criteria for application.