How to get a scholarship to study in European countries 

Studying in Europe is an attractive option if you’re looking for high quality education, diverse cultures and comparatively affordable tuition. Even so funding remains a key concern for many students. The good news is that scholarships are available across several European countries and with the right planning, you can reduce your overall study costs.

Can you get scholarships to study in Europe?

Yes, you can get a scholarship to study in European countries, but availability and eligibility vary by country, university and course. European scholarships are offered by governments, universities and international organisations and they are usually awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or specific regional priorities.

Many students choose Europe because some countries combine lower tuition fees with scholarship support, making the overall cost more manageable compared to other destinations.

If you’re still exploring funding options more broadly, understanding how to get scholarship to study abroad for Indian students can help you apply similar strategies across destinations.

Popular European countries offering scholarships

Different European countries offer different types of funding, so choosing the right destination plays an important role in your scholarship chances.

Germany

Germany is well known for low or no tuition fees at public universities, along with scholarships supported by organisations such as DAAD. These are especially relevant if you have a strong academic background and are applying for technical or research-focused courses.

France

France offers government-funded and university level scholarships, particularly for postgraduate students. Some scholarships are linked to specific fields such as business, engineering, and public policy.

Netherlands

Dutch universities offer merit based scholarships for international students, especially for master’s programmes. These scholarships are competitive and usually awarded to students with strong academic profiles. 

Read more: Study in Netherlands

Sweden and other Nordic countries

Countries like Sweden and Finland offer scholarships that reduce tuition fees for international students. While tuition may be higher than some other European destinations, scholarships can significantly lower your costs.

You can also explore a wider range of study abroad scholarships to compare European options with other destinations.

Types of scholarships available in Europe

Understanding the type of scholarship you’re applying for helps you set realistic expectations.

Government funded scholarships

These are offered by European governments to attract international students. They often come with strict eligibility criteria and fixed deadlines.

University scholarships

Many European universities automatically consider you for scholarships when you apply for admission. These usually reduce tuition fees rather than covering full costs.

International and programme based scholarships

Some scholarships are linked to specific programmes or partnerships across European universities. These are often competitive but valuable if your profile matches the programme focus.

You can explore a wider range of study abroad scholarships to see how European options compare with other destinations.

What eligibility criteria should you check carefully?

Before applying, always review:

• Academic requirements for your chosen course
• Language requirements (English or local language)
• Country specific eligibility rules
• Scholarship deadlines and documentation

Some scholarships are designed for postgraduate pathways, so if you’re applying after completing your degree, understanding how you can get a scholarship to study abroad after graduation is especially important.

Can you get a fully funded scholarship in Europe?

Fully funded scholarships in Europe do exist, but they are limited and highly competitive. These are usually awarded to students with excellent academic or research profiles and are more common at postgraduate or research levels.

For most students, partial scholarships combined with personal funding are the realistic route. To understand how full funding works globally, it’s useful to read about a 100% scholarship to study abroad.

Common mistakes you should avoid

Many students reduce their chances by:

• Applying without checking country-specific requirements
• Missing scholarship deadlines
• Assuming scholarships will cover all costs
• Applying too late in the admission cycle

Careful planning and realistic budgeting can help you avoid these issues and make better decisions early on.

How Edvoy supports you in planning scholarships for Europe

We help you:

• Understand which European countries suit your academic and financial profile
• Shortlist universities with realistic scholarship opportunities
• Plan funding alongside tuition and living costs
• Prepare stronger applications with clarity and confidence

Our role is to guide you through the process so you can make informed choices at every stage.

Are scholarships in Europe available for Indian students?

Yes, many European scholarships are open to Indian students, especially at the postgraduate level. Competition is high, so early preparation and the right course selection are important.

Do European scholarships cover living expenses?

Most European scholarships focus on reducing tuition fees and do not fully cover living costs. You should plan additional funds for accommodation, food, and personal expenses.

When should you apply for scholarships in Europe?

You should start researching scholarships at least 10 to 12 months before your intended intake. This gives you enough time to prepare documents and meet early deadlines.

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