Europe is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world. This makes it quite expensive to receive quality education as getting into these prestigious institutions of higher learning can be very competitive. However, Europe is also home to some of the most generous fully funded Master’s scholarships in the world. These programs don’t just cover tuition, they often include living stipends, travel allowances, insurance, and more, making it possible for international students to study without financial stress.
The key is to know which programs are worth your time and how to apply. Below, we’ve put together 15 of the best fully funded Master’s scholarships in Europe, with all the details you need to apply.
1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship
One of the most popular Master’s scholarships in Europe, Erasmus Mundus lets you study in 2–3 different countries during a single program. It’s designed to promote international mobility and connect students with top European universities.
What it offers
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly stipend (~€1,400)
- Travel allowance and installation grant
- Health and insurance coverage
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- Strong academic performance
- English language proficiency (varies by program)
Number of recipients: ~2,000 annually
Deadline: October – January
Apply here: Erasmus Mundus
2. DAAD EPOS Scholarship
One of Germany’s top scholarships for international Master’s students, the DAAD EPOS program is aimed at those who want to make a difference in development-related fields. It’s highly regarded and has helped thousands of students worldwide pursue their Master’s in Germany.
What it offers
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly stipend (€934 Masters, €1,300 PhD)
- Travel allowance
- Health insurance
- Support for accommodation
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- 2+ years of relevant work experience
- English proficiency
- Commitment to return to home country
Number of recipients: 50–100 per course
Deadline: Varies by program, typically August – December
Apply here: DAAD EPOS
3. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals
The Swedish Institute Master’s Scholarships are among the most competitive in Europe, designed for students who demonstrate leadership potential and professional excellence. You’ll study in Sweden while participating in a unique leadership program that connects you with global professionals.
What it offers
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly stipend (~SEK 12,000)
- Travel grant
- Health insurance
- Access to leadership programs and networking
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum 3 years of work experience
- Leadership skills
- English proficiency
Number of recipients: ~300 annually
Deadline: February
Apply here: Swedish Institute
4. Holland Scholarship
The Holland Scholarship is one of the Netherlands’ most valuable scholarships for international Master’s students. It’s intended to attract talented students from outside the EU to Dutch universities and help cover tuition and living costs.
What it offers
- €5,000–€15,000 scholarship
- Tuition reduction (can combine with other funding)
Requirements
- Non-EU/EEA nationality
- Acceptance into an eligible Master’s program in the Netherlands
Number of recipients: ~1,000 annually
Deadline: February – May
Apply here: Holland Scholarship
5. ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship
If you want to study at one of Europe’s top technical universities, the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship is a perfect choice. It’s aimed at outstanding Master’s students from around the world, offering both financial support and recognition for academic excellence.
What it offers
- Full tuition coverage
- CHF 12,000 per semester to cover living costs
- Accommodation support
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
- Excellent academic record
- Motivation and leadership potential
Number of recipients: 30–40 annually
Deadline: December
Apply here: ETH Zurich Excellence
6. Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students
The Italian Government Scholarships are one of the most attractive opportunities in Southern Europe for Master’s students. They are offered to promote Italian culture and education and allow you to study at top universities across Italy.
What it offers
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly stipend (€900)
- Health insurance
Requirements
- Non-Italian nationality
- Acceptance into a recognized Italian Master’s program
Number of recipients: ~1,000 annually
Deadline: June
Apply here: Study in Italy
7. Chevening Scholarship
Although technically in the UK, Chevening is Europe’s most prestigious scholarship for Master’s students worldwide. It focuses on future leaders and influencers, providing full support to study at any top UK university.
What it offers
- Full tuition coverage
- Flights to and from the UK
- Monthly stipend for living expenses
- Arrival allowance
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- 2+ years work experience
- Leadership and networking potential
- English proficiency
Number of recipients: ~1,500 annually
Deadline: November
Apply here: Chevening
8. Denmark Government Scholarships
Denmark offers several fully funded Master’s scholarships through its universities. These are ideal for students wanting to study in a Scandinavian country with high-quality education and strong research opportunities.
What it offers
- Full tuition waiver
- Living allowance support
- Access to Danish academic resources
Requirements
- Non-EU student
- Admission into an eligible Danish Master’s program
- Strong academic performance
Number of recipients: Varies by university and program
Apply here: Study in Denmark Scholarships
9. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are among the most prestigious in Europe, supporting Master’s and PhD students who want to study in Switzerland at top universities. They are highly competitive but extremely valuable.
What it offers
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly stipend for living costs
- Accommodation support
- Health insurance
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- Strong academic record
- Acceptance by a Swiss university
Number of recipients: ~180 annually for all levels (Masters + PhD)
Deadline: November – December
Apply here: Swiss Government Scholarships
10. Norwegian Quota Scheme Scholarship
Norway is famous for tuition-free higher education, and the Quota Scheme adds living support for international Master’s students. It’s a great way to study in a Scandinavian country without worrying about finances.
What it offers
- Tuition-free education at Norwegian universities
- Monthly living stipend
- Travel support to and from Norway
Requirements
- Non-EU/EEA nationality
- Admission into a Norwegian Master’s program
- Strong academic performance
Number of recipients: ~400 annually
Apply here: Study in Norway
11. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
The Eiffel Scholarship is one of France’s most prestigious Master’s scholarships, aimed at attracting top international talent in fields like engineering, law, and political science.
What it offers
- Monthly allowance: €1,181 (Masters)
- Travel allowance
- Health insurance
- Tuition coverage
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Academic excellence
- Admission into a French Master’s program
Number of recipients: ~200 annually
Deadline: January
Apply here: Campus France Eiffel
12. Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship
Hungary’s Stipendium Hungaricum is one of the easiest fully funded European scholarships to apply for, designed to promote Hungary’s universities globally. It’s highly flexible and available across a wide range of Master’s programs.
What it offers
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly stipend
- Accommodation
- Health insurance
Requirements
- Non-Hungarian nationality
- Admission into a recognized Master’s program in Hungary
Number of recipients: ~1,000 annually
Deadline: January
Apply here: Stipendium Hungaricum
13. Finland Government Scholarship Pool
Finland offers Master’s scholarships through the Scholarship Pool, aimed at attracting talented international students to its high-quality universities.
What it offers
- Tuition waiver
- Grant support of €5,000–€10,000
- Living support
Requirements
- Admission to an eligible Finnish Master’s program
- Strong academic performance
Number of recipients: Varies by year and program
Apply here: Study in Finland
14. VLIR-UOS Scholarship
Belgium’s VLIR-UOS scholarship is perfect for students from developing countries who want to pursue a Master’s in sustainable development, agriculture, or social sciences. It’s well-known for combining study with practical development impact.
What it offers
- Full tuition
- Monthly stipend (€1,150)
- Travel and accommodation support
- Insurance
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- Professional experience recommended
- From eligible developing countries
Number of recipients: ~200 annually
Deadline: February
Apply here: VLIR-UOS
15. NAWA Scholarship
Poland’s NAWA scholarship is designed to attract international Master’s students to top Polish universities. It’s gaining popularity for its comprehensive coverage and high-quality programs in science, engineering, and social studies.
What it offers
- Tuition waiver
- Monthly stipend
- Settlement allowance
- Insurance
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- Admission to a Polish Master’s program
Number of recipients: Varies by university
Apply here: NAWA Poland
Quick Comparison Table
| Scholarship | Tuition | Monthly Stipend | Travel | Selected Students |
| Erasmus Mundus | Yes | €1,400 | Yes | ~2,000/year |
| DAAD EPOS | Yes | €934–€1,300 | Yes | 50–100/course |
| Swedish Institute | Yes | SEK 12,000 | Yes | ~300/year |
| Chevening | Yes | Yes | Yes | ~1,500/year |
| ETH Zurich | Yes | CHF 12,000 | Yes | 30–40/year |
| Eiffel | Yes | €1,181 | Yes | ~200/year |
| Stipendium Hungaricum | Yes | Yes | Yes | ~1,000/year |
Final Thoughts
These 15 fully funded Master’s scholarships are some of the best opportunities in Europe for international students. They cover tuition, living expenses, travel, and sometimes even insurance. The key is preparing strong applications, meeting deadlines, and applying to multiple programs.
If you want even more options specifically for undergraduate students, check out this post:
15 Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students in 2026
