If you’re ready to study in Europe but the cost has been holding you back, you’re about to discover something that could change everything. In this post I’ll walk you through 15 of the best fully-funded scholarships in Europe that go beyond just waiving tuition—they include accommodation support and monthly stipends so you can focus on your studies, not your bank account.
I’ll use direct, easy-to-read language, break things into bullet points, and add a comparison table for clarity. I’ll also answer common questions you may have at the end.
Why you should care about fully funded Europe scholarships
Let’s start by addressing your pain points directly.
- You’re asking: “How do I afford studying abroad when I’m on a budget?”
- Many European programmes still charge tuition + you’ll need living costs, accommodation, health insurance, etc. (Study in Germany)
- A fully-funded scholarship removes major financial barriers: tuition paid, monthly stipend, accommodation support, sometimes travel allowance. (University Living)
- But you need to act smart: know which scholarships truly cover tuition + accommodation + stipend, what the deadlines are, how to apply, and how to present your profile.
So: this blog post is your practical, actionable guide. You’ll learn what each scholarship offers, how to apply, and which ones match your profile.
How to use this list
Here’s how I structured things so you get the most value:
- I picked 15 scholarships that (to the best of available data) offer tuition coverage + accommodation/housing assistance + monthly stipend (or similar living expense support).
- For each, I include: name, host country / region, what is covered, eligibility highlights, and application tips.
- I’ll highlight some key numbers (amounts, durations) where available.
- Important: Always check the official websites for updated deadlines, coverage, and entry requirements—things may change.
- After the list, there’s a comparison table so you can quickly scan benefits and choose the best fits.
- Then I’ll cover frequently asked questions (FAQs) and a final wrap-up with your next steps.
High-value keyword heads (and yes I’ve included them as H2s)
I’ll use some of the high CPC keywords you want, so you’ll see these as section headings:
- “Fully funded scholarships Europe”
- “Scholarships Europe tuition accommodation stipend”
- “Best Europe scholarships for international students 2025”
The Top 15 Scholarships in Europe (2025 Edition)
Here are the scholarships you should put on your radar:
1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships (Europe)
- Host / Region: Multiple European countries (joint master’s by consortium)
- What’s covered: Full tuition, monthly stipend (~€1,000–€1,400), travel & relocation allowance, possibly health insurance. (Vocal)
- Eligibility highlights: Available to international students from all nationalities; you apply to a consortium programme. (European Commission)
- Why it stands out: Very flexible for study in different countries; strong brand name; great for master’s level.
- Tip: Look for the specific “Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree” programmes and check which ones offer full scholarships vs partial.
2. Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme (Hungary)
- Host country: Hungary
- What’s covered: Tuition-free education, monthly stipend, accommodation contribution / free dormitory place, health insurance. (Stipendium Hungaricum)
- Key numbers: For bachelor’s/master’s: monthly HUF 43,700 (~€110) for living; accommodation contribution HUF 40,000 (~€100) per month. (Stipendium Hungaricum)
- Eligibility highlights: Open to non-Hungarian citizens from certain partner countries; full degree programmes included. (University of Nyíregyháza)
- Tip: Although the stipend is modest by Western European standards, tuition is fully covered and living costs in Hungary are lower.
3. France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship (France)
- Host country: France
- What’s covered: Monthly allowance (~€1,200 for Master’s; ~€2,100 for PhD from January 2026) + travel allowance + health insurance + housing support. (Campus France)
- Important caveat: Does not cover tuition fees in all cases (tuition may still be charged) – you need to verify with the institute. (Sciences Po)
- Eligibility highlights: Non-French nationals only; age limits (e.g., under 29 for Master’s track). (Mastere.tn)
- Tip: If your target university offers a tuition waiver on its own, combining that with Eiffel stipend/allowance can effectively create a fully covered opportunity.
4. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
- Host country: Germany
- What’s covered: Many DAAD programmes cover full tuition (most German public universities have low/no tuition), monthly stipend (e.g., €850–€1,200) + travel + insurance. (Vocal)
- Eligibility highlights: Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees eligible depending on programme; strong academic/doctoral profiles needed.
- Tip: Note that “tuition-free” in Germany isn’t always meaningful for international students (some states still have semester fees) so always check cost details.
5. Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals (Sweden)
- Host country: Sweden
- What’s covered: Full tuition, living allowance (stipend) plus travel grant in many cases. (Vocal)
- Eligibility highlights: Non-EU/EEA students applying to selected Master’s programmes in Sweden; leadership potential considered.
- Tip: Sweden’s cost of living is high; even with coverage, budgeting is crucial.
6. VLIR‑UOS Scholarships (Belgium)
- Host country: Belgium
- What’s covered: Full tuition (in many cases), monthly allowance (~€1,150) and travel costs for students from developing countries. (Vocal)
- Eligibility highlights: Applicants from specific developing countries; usually Master’s programmes.
- Tip: These scholarships target development-related studies; ensure your programme aligns.
7. Eiffel Excellence Programme (France) — another track
- Host country: France
- What’s covered: Very similar to the “Eiffel” above; monthly allowance + travel + other support. (Note: always check tuition coverage) (master-photonics4security.eu)
- Tip: If you are already applying for France, explore both the Eiffel programme and other national scholarships in parallel.
8. Netherlands Scholarship Programmes (Netherlands)
- Host country: Netherlands
- What’s covered: Many “excellence scholarships” for non-EEA students: tuition + living expenses/allowance. (Scholarships for Development)
- Eligibility highlights: Non-EEA students for English-taught Master’s programmes; high academic merit.
- Tip: Living costs in Netherlands are moderate relative to some other Western European countries, making it a strong option.
9. ARES Belgium Government Scholarships (Belgium)
- Host country: Belgium
- What’s covered: Fully-funded scholarships for students from developing countries, covering tuition, living expenses, etc. (Future Help Portal)
- Eligibility highlights: Students from developing countries; training or Master’s programmes.
- Tip: These government scholarships often require that you return to your home country after studies for a period — check conditions.
10. Ireland Government International Education Scholarships (Ireland)
- Host country: Ireland
- What’s covered: Scholarships for non-EU/EEA students; tuition + living expenses/travel support. (Future Help Portal)
- Eligibility highlights: High-calibre students from outside EU/EEA; usually one year Master’s.
- Tip: Being a one-year programme, it’s good for fast-track Masters; but ensure you check post-study work options.
11. ETH Zurich Excellence Master’s Scholarships (Switzerland)
- Host country: Switzerland
- What’s covered: Full tuition waiver + living grant (e.g., CHF 11,000 per semester) + other support. (Scholarships for Development)
- Eligibility highlights: Highly selective; outstanding academic records; English programmes available.
- Tip: Switzerland’s cost of living is high; the stipend is generous but still plan carefully.
12. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)
- Host country: UK (University of Cambridge)
- What’s covered: Full cost of studying at Cambridge (tuition + maintenance allowance + airfare) for international students. (Scholarships for Development)
- Eligibility highlights: Exceptional academic records, leadership, global outlook.
- Tip: UK visa rules and Brexit-related changes mean you should check immigration post-study work rules too.
13. Clarendon Scholarship Fund (UK)
- Host country: UK (University of Oxford)
- What’s covered: Full tuition + generous grant for living expenses across all graduate degree programmes. (Scholarships for Development)
- Eligibility highlights: Graduate applicants (Master’s/PhD); academic excellence.
- Tip: VERY competitive. Have a clearly defined research/project statement, and strong references.
14. Weidenfeld‑Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme (UK)
- Host country: UK (University of Oxford)
- What’s covered: Graduate scholarships targeting developing/emerging economy candidates, covering tuition + some living costs. (Wikipedia)
- Eligibility highlights: Early career professionals or graduates from developing countries; leadership potential matters.
- Tip: If you have some years of work/leadership experience this may be a very good fit.
15. Amsterdam Excellence Scholarships (Netherlands)
- Host country: Netherlands (University of Amsterdam)
- What’s covered: Tuition + living expenses for non-EU/EEA students (e.g., €25,000 scholarship) in some programmes. (Scholarships for Development)
- Eligibility highlights: Non-EU/EEA master’s applicants; outstanding academic record.
- Tip: Even though €25,000 covers one year, if your programme is more than one year you must check how the scholarship applies.
Scholarship Comparison Table
Here’s a quick table summarising key info (for easier scanning):
| # | Scholarship | Host Country | Tuition Covered? | Accommodation/ Housing Support | Monthly Stipend / Living Allowance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters | Europe (multi-country) | ✅ Full | Often yes (relocation/travel) | ~€1,000-1,400/month (Vocal) |
| 2 | Stipendium Hungaricum | Hungary | ✅ Full | Free dorm or ~€100/month contribution (University of Pécs) | HUF 43,700 (~€110)/month for BSc/MSc (Stipendium Hungaricum) |
| 3 | Eiffel Excellence Programme | France | Mostly tuition not included (Sciences Po) | Housing support + travel | €1,200/month (Master’s) + €2,100/month (PhD) (Scholarships Ads) |
| 4 | DAAD Scholarships | Germany | ✅ Many tuition-free universities | Travel/relocation + living allowance | €850-€1,200/month typical (Vocal) |
| 5 | Swedish Institute Scholarships | Sweden | ✅ Full | Yes | Living allowance + travel grant (Vocal) |
| 6 | VLIR-UOS Scholarships | Belgium | ✅ For eligible candidates | Allowance included | ~€1,150/month (Vocal) |
| 7 | (France) – Second Eiffel track | France | See #3 note | Yes | See #3 |
| 8 | Netherlands Excellence Scholarships | Netherlands | ✅ Tuition + | Yes | Varies; generous scheme (Scholarships for Development) |
| 9 | ARES Belgium Government Scholarships | Belgium | ✅ Full | Yes | Included in full funding (Future Help Portal) |
| 10 | Ireland Government International Education Scholarships | Ireland | ✅ Yes | Yes | Living expenses & travel included (Future Help Portal) |
| 11 | ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarships | Switzerland | ✅ Full tuition waiver | Living grant | CHF 11,000/semester living allowance (Scholarships for Development) |
| 12 | Gates Cambridge Scholarship | UK | ✅ Full | Maintenance allowance | £18,744/year + airfare (Scholarships for Development) |
| 13 | Clarendon Scholarship Fund | UK | ✅ Full | Grant for living | Generous living allowance (Scholarships for Development) |
| 14 | Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships & Leadership | UK | ✅ Full | Yes | Tuition + living support (Wikipedia) |
| 15 | Amsterdam Excellence Scholarships | Netherlands | ✅ Tuition + | Living expenses included (~€25,000) (Scholarships for Development) |
How to Choose the Right Scholarship for You
Here are some practical steps to follow:
- Check eligibility carefully
- Nationality requirements (some exclude EU nationals or require you be from a “developing country”).
- Level of study (Bachelor, Master, PhD).
- Application deadlines and living-in need status.
- Language requirements (English, French, local language).
- Match with your study plan
- Is your degree in a field covered by the scholarship?
- Does it align with your career goals (many scholarships want leadership or future impact).
- Is the duration compatible (one year vs two years vs full programme).
- Evaluate full costs, not just scholarship headline
- Even a “fully funded” scholarship may not cover everything (books, travel, visa, high cost city living). Example: Stipendium Hungaricum provides modest stipend and accommodation contribution. (Stipendium Hungaricum)
- Make a budget of rent, food, transport for that country/university.
- Prepare a strong application
- Use a clear personal statement: Why this country/university? What will you contribute? What are your goals?
- Get strong references.
- Highlight academic excellence + extracurricular/leadership experiences.
- Meet deadlines early; gather all documents (transcripts, language test, etc).
- Consider post-study/work options
- Will you be allowed to stay and work after you finish? This may affect your decision.
- Will the degree boost your home country career if you plan to return?
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Are these scholarships only for Masters or PhD?
A: No, some cover Bachelor’s as well (for example, Stipendium Hungaricum covers bachelor’s, master’s, PhD) (Stipendium Hungaricum). Others are mainly Master’s/PhD level (e.g., Gates Cambridge, Clarendon). Always check the individual call.
Q2: Does “aid” mean all costs are covered (tuition + accommodation + living expenses)?
A: Not always. “Fully funded” can mean different things in different scholarships. Some may cover tuition and living stipend but you still pay for visa/travel. For example, the Eiffel Scholarship covers living allowance but not always tuition. (Sciences Po)
Hence you must read “what’s covered” carefully.
Q3: How competitive are these?
A: Very competitive. For example, prestigious scholarships like Gates Cambridge or Clarendon get thousands of applicants for a handful of awards. But don’t get discouraged – thorough preparation and a strong application help.
Q4: When should I apply?
A: Most scholarships have application windows well in advance of the start date (often a year before). For example, Stipendium Hungaricum had a deadline 15 Jan 2025 for the 2025/26 intake. (University of Nyíregyháza)
Start your application process early, align your documents, language tests, references.
Q5: Will I need to know the local language?
A: Many programmes are offered in English, but you should check. Also, even if your study is in English, day-to-day life may require local language. Knowing basics helps. For example, students in Hungary are encouraged to learn Hungarian. (Stipendium Hungaricum)
Q6: Does accommodation mean free housing?
A: Often it means either a free dormitory place or a contribution / allowance toward rental housing. Example: Stipendium Hungaricum provides free dormitory OR a contribution of HUF 40,000/month. (Stipendium Hungaricum)
Hence, check what the accommodation benefit actually is.
Conclusion – Your Next Steps
You’re now equipped with a powerful list and actionable information. Here’s what to do next:
- Select 3-5 scholarships from the list above that match your level of study, your field, your country of nationality and your timeframe.
- Visit the official website of each scholarship you selected and download the “call for applications” or “programme details” to understand:
- What is covered exactly.
- Eligibility requirements.
- Application deadline.
- Documents needed.
- Create a timeline: set reminders for deadlines, prepare your documents (transcripts, reference letters, CV, motivation statement, language test results).
- Draft your motivation/personal statement: highlight you, your goals, why this scholarship/university, what value you bring.
- Budget: Even with the scholarship, make a basic cost estimate for living in the target country (rent, food, transport, health insurance) so you know how much you need beyond what’s provided.
- Apply and follow-up: Submit ahead of deadline, keep copies of all submitted documents; if shortlisted, prepare interview/presentation if required.
You now have a clear roadmap to go after fully funded scholarships in Europe that cover tuition, accommodation and monthly stipends. If you like, I can research and send you a downloadable list of “10 more lesser-known scholarship programmes in Europe” (with deadlines, fields, coverage) so you have even more options. Would you like me to do that?
