Ever dreamed of studying in Europe but worried about the money?
What if we told you there are scholarships that cover everything – your university fees, flight tickets, and even your rent and food?
Sounds like a dream, right? But it’s real.
Some European countries and universities offer fully funded scholarships for international students – meaning you don’t pay a single rupee, dollar, or euro!
Let’s break it down in the simplest way so anyone can understand – whether you’re a student, a parent, or just someone planning ahead.
What Does “Fully Funded” Really Mean?
A fully funded scholarship is not just free tuition.
It usually includes:
- Tuition fees (no need to pay the university)
- Flight tickets to and from the country
- Monthly living allowance (for rent, food, travel, etc.)
- Sometimes even covers books, health insurance, and visa costs
Basically, it’s like someone sponsors your entire education journey – from your plane ride to your hostel bed.
Top 5 Fully Funded Scholarships in Europe
Let’s look at the most popular and powerful scholarships that cover it all – open to students from anywhere in the world.
1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship
This is Europe’s biggest scholarship program for Master’s degrees.
You study in 2 to 3 countries, at top universities.
And yes — it’s fully funded!
What it covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance (€1,000–1,200 per month)
- Travel and visa costs
- Flight tickets
Who can apply?
Anyone with a bachelor’s degree from any country.
Example:
A student from Ghana studied Sustainable Energy in Spain, Sweden, and Italy — for free!
2. DAAD Scholarships – Germany
Germany has one of the best free education systems, but the DAAD scholarship takes it further — offering full financial help for Master’s and PhD students.
What it covers:
- 100% of tuition
- Monthly living expenses (~€934 per month)
- Flight travel (round trip)
- Health insurance
- Extra money for books and family (if applicable)
Who can apply?
Graduates from developing or transitioning countries (like India, Pakistan, Kenya, etc.)
Example:
An engineering student from Nepal did their Master’s in Mechanical Engineering in Berlin — all paid by DAAD!
3. Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarships – Sweden
Sweden charges tuition for non-EU students, but this scholarship makes it free – and covers more than just tuition.
What it covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly stipend of SEK 11,000 (~€950)
- Flight tickets
- Insurance
- Membership to a global alumni network
Who can apply?
Students from 42 eligible countries, including India, Bangladesh, and Nigeria.
4. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship – France
Want to study in Paris?
France has a government-funded program just for international students — especially for science, tech, law, and management fields.
What it covers:
- Full tuition
- Monthly allowance (~€1,200)
- International flight
- Health insurance
- Cultural activities
Who can apply?
Students under 25 (Bachelor’s) or 30 (Master’s) applying to French institutions.
Note: You apply through the university – not directly.
5. Holland Scholarship – Netherlands
The Dutch government offers scholarships to students from outside Europe who want to study in the Netherlands.
It’s not always “fully” funded, but some universities offer a top-up grant that makes it fully covered.
What it includes:
- €5,000–€15,000 grant (first year)
- Tuition support
- Some universities add housing and food stipends
Who can apply?
Non-EU students applying for Bachelor’s or Master’s programs.
Other Countries That Offer Similar Full Scholarships:
- Norway: No tuition, but some scholarships offer living expenses too.
- Finland: Full scholarships available for non-EU students.
- Austria & Hungary: Government-funded scholarships cover everything.
How to Apply (In Simple Steps)
- Choose your program and country
Think about what you want to study and where. - Check eligibility
Read the scholarship website carefully. - Prepare your documents
Common requirements:- Passport
- Academic transcripts
- English test (IELTS/TOEFL – sometimes optional)
- Motivation letter
- Letters of recommendation
- Apply before the deadline
Most deadlines fall between October and March. - Wait for the results (and prepare your suitcase!)
Is It Really Possible to Get Selected?
Yes, but these are competitive scholarships. You’ll need:
- Good grades
- A strong motivation letter
- Some extracurricular or community work helps too
Tip: Even if you don’t get selected on the first try, keep applying. Thousands get in every year — and you can too.
Real-Life Story (to Inspire You)
A boy from a small town in India applied for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship.
He got selected. He studied in Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands — all for free. Now, he’s working in Europe with a great salary.
If he can do it, so can you.
Final Thoughts – The Door Is Open
You don’t have to be rich to study abroad.
You just need the right information, a little hard work, and the courage to apply.
These fully funded scholarships can change your life.
You’ll get a world-class education, see new places, make international friends — and you won’t have to spend your parents’ savings or take loans.
So… what are you waiting for?