Are you a graduate from a very poor background or you have been dreaming of studying in Abroad? Do you keep wondering how you will ever afford a master’s or PhD abroad? This guide is made for you.
Do you already hold a bachelor’s degree? Have you been quietly planning your Japa journey to Europe? Then you are in the right place.
Here is the truth. You do not need to be rich to study in Europe. You need the right information. You need the right scholarship. And you need the discipline to apply correctly and on time. That is exactly what this guide gives you.
Below are 12 prestigious, fully funded scholarships in Europe. They cover tuition, monthly stipends, flights, and health insurance. Many are open to applicants from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. So add every single one of these to your bucket list today.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Scholarship Overview
- Scholarship Summary Table
- Scholarship Benefits
- Eligibility Criteria
- Available Courses and Fields of Study
- Required Documents
- English Language Requirements
- How to Apply Step by Step
- Application Deadlines
- Selection Process
- Why You Should Apply
- Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
Every year, thousands of brilliant students miss out on fully funded scholarships in Europe. This usually has nothing to do with talent. Instead, it happens because they never knew these programs existed. Or they simply applied too late.
This guide fixes that problem. Maybe your dream is Germany. Maybe it is the United Kingdom, Switzerland, France, Sweden, Hungary, Italy, or Denmark. Either way, there is a scholarship on this list built for you.
Governments, foundations, and even the European Union itself sponsor these scholarships. As a result, the funding is real, consistent, and awarded to genuine applicants every single year.
Scholarship Overview
So what exactly is a fully funded scholarship? Simply put, it means the sponsor covers everything. You do not spend your own money on tuition, accommodation, feeding, or flights.
Most of the scholarships below fall into this category. They target master’s students, PhD candidates, researchers, and in some cases, early career professionals.
Here is the complete list of the 12 scholarships in this guide.
- DAAD EPOS Scholarship, Germany
- Chevening Scholarship, United Kingdom
- Commonwealth Master’s and PhD Scholarships, United Kingdom
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship, Germany
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship
- France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship
- Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals (SISGP)
- Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship, Hungary
- Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks
- Italian Government MAECI Scholarship
- Danish Government Scholarship
Scholarship Summary Table
The table below gives you a quick snapshot of each scholarship. Use it to shortlist the programs that fit your profile.
| Scholarship | Host Country | Study Level | Funding Type | Eligible Countries | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAAD EPOS | Germany | Master’s, PhD | Fully funded | Developing countries | Varies by program |
| Chevening | United Kingdom | Master’s | Fully funded | Chevening eligible countries worldwide | Opens August, closes October |
| Commonwealth Scholarships | United Kingdom | Master’s, PhD | Fully funded | Commonwealth member countries | Opens October, closes December or January |
| Mastercard Foundation Scholars | Multiple partner universities | Undergraduate, Master’s | Fully funded | Mostly African countries | Set by each university |
| Heinrich Böll Foundation | Germany | Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD | Fully funded | Worldwide | March (undergrad), September (grad) |
| Swiss Government Excellence | Switzerland | PhD, Postdoctoral, Research | Fully funded | Over 180 countries | Varies by country, August to December |
| France Excellence Eiffel | France | Master’s, PhD | Fully funded | Worldwide, age limits apply | Around January |
| SISGP | Sweden | Master’s | Fully funded | Selected developing countries | Around February |
| Stipendium Hungaricum | Hungary | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral | Fully funded | Partner countries worldwide | Mid January |
| MSCA Doctoral Networks | Multiple EU countries | PhD, Doctoral research | Fully funded | Worldwide | Varies by project |
| Italian MAECI | Italy | Master’s, PhD | Fully or partially funded | Worldwide | Around May |
| Danish Government Scholarship | Denmark | Master’s | Tuition waiver plus grant | Non EU and non EEA students | Varies by university |
Keep in mind that deadlines shift every intake year. So always confirm the current date on the official portal before you prepare your documents.
4. Scholarship Benefits
What exactly do you get if you win one of these scholarships? Most fully funded programs in Europe typically cover the following.
- Full tuition fees at the host university
- A monthly stipend for living costs
- Return flight tickets or travel allowance
- Health and accident insurance
- Visa and residence permit support
- Research allowances and, in some cases, family allowances
For example, the DAAD EPOS Scholarship offers a monthly stipend, full tuition coverage, health insurance, and travel support. This applies to master’s and PhD candidates from developing countries.
5. Eligibility Criteria
Every scholarship has its own specific requirements. However, there are common threads across almost all 12 programs.
- A completed bachelor’s degree for master’s applicants, or a completed master’s degree for PhD applicants
- A strong academic record, usually a good CGPA or GPA
- Relevant work experience, since Chevening requires about two years of professional experience
- Citizenship of an eligible country, because Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships restrict applications to specific nationalities
- A genuine motivation letter or research proposal, depending on your study level
- A confirmed academic supervisor in the host country, which many PhD programs like the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship require before you apply
Always read the official call for applications carefully. Eligibility rules can change from one intake to another.
6. Available Courses and Fields of Study
These scholarships are not limited to one discipline. In fact, you will find funding across many fields, including:
- Engineering, technology, and applied sciences
- Public health and medicine
- Development studies, governance, and public policy
- Business, economics, and finance
- Environmental studies and sustainability
- Law and international relations
- Arts, humanities, and social sciences
The DAAD EPOS Scholarship, for instance, focuses heavily on development related courses. Meanwhile, the Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals leans toward sustainability and leadership. The Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions Doctoral Networks are almost entirely research and PhD focused, so they cut across nearly every academic field in the European Union.
SEE ALSO:Tunde Onakoya ₦250m Scholarship 2026: How to Apply
Required Documents
Prepare these documents ahead of time. This way, you will not be rushing once applications open.
- International passport
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- CV or resume in the Europass or standard academic format
- Statement of purpose or motivation letter
- Research proposal, for PhD and research based scholarships
- Two or three academic or professional reference letters
- Proof of English or relevant language proficiency
- Passport photograph
- Admission letter from the host university, where required before you apply for the scholarship
English Language Requirements
Most of these scholarships teach in English. Therefore, you will typically need to prove your proficiency through IELTS or TOEFL. That said, waivers do exist in several cases.
For example, if your previous degree was taught fully in English, programs like DAAD EPOS and Chevening often accept a letter of proof from your university instead of a fresh test. Similarly, some universities in Germany and Hungary accept alternative certifications, such as the Duolingo English Test.
On the other hand, French taught programs under France Excellence Eiffel may require proof of French proficiency instead. So always check your specific program page, since requirements differ from one university to another.
How to Apply, Step by Step
Ready to start? Follow these steps in order.
- Choose the scholarship and country that fits your academic level and career goals.
- Confirm your eligibility on the official scholarship portal.
- Secure admission to your chosen course first, where the scholarship requires this.
- Prepare all required documents, including your motivation letter and reference letters.
- Complete the official online application form before the deadline.
- Submit your application and keep a copy of your confirmation.
- Prepare for a possible interview, since DAAD, Chevening, and the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship often include this stage.
- Wait for the outcome and respond quickly to any follow up requests.
Application Deadlines
Deadlines vary by scholarship, country, and intake year. So treat every date below as a guide, not a fixed rule.
- DAAD EPOS Scholarship: varies by program
- Chevening Scholarship: opens August, closes early October
- Commonwealth Scholarships: opens October, closes December or January
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program: set individually by each partner university
- Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship: March for undergraduates, September for graduates
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship: varies by country, roughly August to December
- France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship: usually around January
- Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals: usually around February
- Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship: usually mid January
- Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions Doctoral Networks: varies by individual project
- Italian MAECI Scholarship: usually around May
- Danish Government Scholarship: varies by host university
Because dates shift each year, bookmark every official portal below. Then set a personal reminder at least two months before the expected opening date.
Selection Process
How do sponsors actually pick winners? Selection is competitive, and it usually involves more than one stage.
- Document screening to confirm eligibility and completeness
- Academic evaluation of transcripts, research proposals, or motivation letters
- Shortlisting of the strongest candidates
- Interviews, either in person, online, or through recorded video responses
- Final selection and official award notification
Chevening and the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship, in particular, place heavy weight on your motivation letter. So treat this document as the heart of your application, not an afterthought.
Why You Should Apply
Still unsure if this journey is worth it? Consider these benefits.
- You study in Europe without paying tuition out of your own pocket.
- You build an international network of scholars, professors, and alumni.
- You gain access to postgraduation work opportunities in countries like Germany, Sweden, and Denmark.
- You strengthen your CV with a globally respected credential.
- You open doors for future research, employment, or further studies in Europe.
- You break the financial barrier that stops so many talented students from studying abroad.
If your background or your bank account has ever made your dreams feel far away, these scholarships exist to prove that idea wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for more than one scholarship on this list at the same time? Yes, you can. Just make sure you meet each program’s eligibility criteria. Also, plan carefully around the different timelines and documents required.
Do I need admission before I apply for these scholarships? It depends on the program. For example, DAAD EPOS requires you to apply to a specific course first. Chevening, on the other hand, lets you apply for the scholarship and admission around the same period.
Is work experience compulsory for all 12 scholarships? No, it is not. Work experience is a strict requirement for Chevening. However, scholarships like Stipendium Hungaricum and France Excellence Eiffel focus more on academic performance.
Can undergraduates apply for any of these scholarships? Most programs target master’s and PhD candidates. Still, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship, and Stipendium Hungaricum also fund undergraduate study in specific cases.
Are these scholarships truly free, with no hidden charges? Yes, genuine applications through the official portals below are completely free. So never pay anyone who promises to guarantee your slot. And never send money to secure an interview or admission letter.
Official Scholarship Portal Links
Always apply directly through these official websites. Avoid third party agents who ask for payment to process your application.
- DAAD EPOS Scholarship: https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/scholarships/daad-scholarships/
- Chevening Scholarship: https://www.chevening.org/apply/
- Commonwealth Scholarships: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program: https://mastercardfdn.org/en/what-we-do/all-programs/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program/
- Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship: https://www.boell.de/en/study-abroad-programme
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship: https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/en/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships
- France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship: https://www.campusfrance.org/en/eiffel-scholarship-program-of-excellence
- Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals: https://si.se/en/apply/scholarships/
- Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship: https://stipendiumhungaricum.hu/apply/
- Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions Doctoral Networks: https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/doctoral-networks
- Italian Government MAECI Scholarship: https://esteri.it/en/opportunita/borse-di-studio/
- Danish Government Scholarship: https://ufm.dk/en/education/recognition-and-transparency/find-a-danish-institution/state-scholarships
So here is the one thing to remember. Your background does not disqualify you from studying in Europe. What disqualifies most people is missing the deadline, or never applying at all. Pick two or three scholarships from this list that match your profile. Start preparing your documents today. Then give yourself a real shot at a fully funded future.