15 Fully Funded Scholarships in Europe in 2024

Studying in Europe offers the chance to gain world-class education, experience diverse cultures, and explore picturesque landscapes. However, the associated costs—tuition, living expenses, and travel—can be daunting.

Fully funded scholarships provide an incredible opportunity for talented students worldwide to pursue their dreams without financial stress. These scholarships typically cover tuition fees, living expenses, and often travel costs, making education accessible and affordable.

Countries like Germany, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, and the UK are renowned for their scholarship opportunities. Whether you’re aiming for a prestigious institution like the University of Oxford or exploring specialized programs such as Erasmus Mundus, Europe has plenty to offer.

In this guide, we’ll explore 15 fully funded scholarships in Europe for 2024, along with their eligibility criteria, benefits, and how to apply.

What Are Fully Funded Scholarships?

Fully funded scholarships cover a wide range of expenses, such as:

Tuition fees: Full or partial coverage of educational costs.
Living expenses: Monthly stipends or allowances.
Travel costs: Airfare or other travel-related expenses.
Additional benefits: Health insurance, study materials, and sometimes housing.

These scholarships are often funded by governments, universities, or private organizations and are designed to attract top talent from around the globe.

Fully Funded Scholarships in Europe

1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships

Overview: A prestigious EU-funded program for master’s students, allowing them to study across multiple European universities.
Coverage: Tuition fees, travel expenses, installation costs, and a monthly stipend.
Eligibility: Open to international students worldwide.
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, excellent academic performance.
How to Apply: Applications are submitted through the individual Erasmus Mundus program portals.

2. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

Overview: German Academic Exchange Service scholarships for international students pursuing master’s and doctoral studies in Germany.
Coverage: Tuition, monthly living allowance, health insurance, and travel costs.
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree holders with relevant experience.
Requirements: Proof of language proficiency (English or German), a motivation letter, and academic references.
How to Apply: Through the DAAD portal or partner universities.

3. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals

Overview: Scholarships for talented master’s students from developing countries to study in Sweden.
Coverage: Full tuition fees, monthly living expenses, travel grants, and insurance.
Eligibility: Students from eligible countries with leadership potential.
Requirements: Work experience, bachelor’s degree, and a strong motivation letter.
How to Apply: Apply via the Swedish Institute’s website.

4. Rhodes Scholarship (University of Oxford, UK)

Overview: One of the oldest and most prestigious scholarships for postgraduate study at Oxford.
Coverage: Tuition, living stipend, and travel expenses.
Eligibility: Citizens of specific countries aged 18–24.
Requirements: Academic excellence, leadership qualities, and a commitment to service.
How to Apply: Applications are submitted through the Rhodes Trust portal in your country.

5. British Chevening Scholarships (UK)

Overview: UK government-funded scholarships for one-year master’s degrees.
Coverage: Full tuition, airfare, and living allowance.
Eligibility: Applicants with at least two years of work experience.
Requirements: Demonstrated leadership potential and academic merit.
How to Apply: Submit applications through the Chevening website.

6. Holland Scholarship (Netherlands)

Overview: Aimed at non-EU/EEA students pursuing undergraduate or master’s degrees in the Netherlands.
Coverage: A €5,000 grant for the first year of study.
Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA students admitted to a Dutch institution.
Requirements: Strong academic records and program-specific criteria.
How to Apply: Apply via the participating institution’s website.

7. ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarship (Switzerland)

Overview: Scholarships for outstanding international master’s students at ETH Zurich.
Coverage: Full tuition waiver and a monthly living stipend.
Eligibility: High-achieving students admitted to a master’s program.
Requirements: Academic transcripts, motivation letter, and program-specific documents.
How to Apply: Alongside your admission application to ETH Zurich.

8. Utrecht Excellence Scholarship (Netherlands)

Overview: For exceptional students from outside the EU/EEA pursuing a master’s degree at Utrecht University.
Coverage: Tuition fees and a part of living expenses.
Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA students with a strong academic background.
Requirements: Admission to a master’s program at Utrecht University.
How to Apply: Through the university’s application system.

9. University of Edinburgh Global Research Scholarship (UK)

Overview: Supports international Ph.D. students at the University of Edinburgh.
Coverage: Covers the difference between international and home tuition fees.
Eligibility: Ph.D. candidates with exceptional academic achievements.
Requirements: A research proposal and academic references.
How to Apply: Through the university’s graduate school application portal.

10. KTH Royal Institute of Technology Scholarships (Sweden)

Overview: Scholarships for master’s programs in engineering and technology.
Coverage: Full tuition fees.
Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA students admitted to KTH.
Requirements: A bachelor’s degree and program-specific qualifications.
How to Apply: Through KTH’s online admissions system.

11. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)

Overview: A prestigious scholarship for international postgraduate students at the University of Cambridge.
Coverage: Full tuition, a living stipend, airfare, and other costs.
Eligibility: Open to non-UK applicants pursuing a full-time degree at Cambridge.
Requirements: Offer of admission to Cambridge and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
How to Apply: Through the Gates Cambridge application portal.

12. Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) Scholarships

Overview: Fully funded scholarships for master’s programs at NTNU.
Coverage: Tuition fees and a monthly stipend.
Eligibility: Open to students from outside the EU/EEA.
Requirements: A bachelor’s degree and program-specific prerequisites.
How to Apply: Applications are submitted through NTNU’s admissions portal.

13. Fulbright Program (US)

Overview: Although primarily for US-bound students, the Fulbright Program also supports European institutions with cultural exchange scholarships.
Coverage: Tuition, travel, and living expenses.
Eligibility: Students from participating countries pursuing postgraduate studies.
Requirements: A strong academic and leadership background.
How to Apply: Apply through your home country’s Fulbright office.

14. Aalto University Scholarships (Finland)

Overview: Scholarships for international master’s students in various fields of study.
Coverage: Tuition fees and, in some cases, living expenses.
Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA students with exceptional academic records.
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree and specific program criteria.
How to Apply: Via Aalto University’s admissions system.

15. IMD MBA Scholarships (Switzerland)

Overview: Scholarships for MBA candidates demonstrating leadership potential.
Coverage: Varies by scholarship, often including tuition and living costs.
Eligibility: Applicants to the IMD MBA program.
Requirements: A strong academic and professional background.
How to Apply: Apply through the IMD online portal.

How to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship

Research Thoroughly: Understand the specific requirements and deadlines for each scholarship.
Prepare in Advance: Gather necessary documents, including transcripts, language certificates, and reference letters.
Craft Strong Essays: Tailor your motivation letter to highlight your strengths and fit for the program.
Seek Feedback: Consult mentors or advisors to refine your application.
Apply to Multiple Programs: Increase your chances by applying to various scholarships simultaneously.

Conclusion

Europe’s fully funded scholarships are a gateway to achieving your academic aspirations without financial constraints. From the globally renowned Erasmus Mundus program to country-specific scholarships like DAAD and Chevening, the opportunities are vast.

Start your application process early, and take the first step toward a transformative educational experience in Europe.