Ever dreamed of studying in Europe but freaked out about the cost? Same here. But here’s the good news—Europe is packed with undergraduate scholarships, even for international students. And yes, that includes students from Asia, Africa, and other non-EU countries.
If you’re planning to study abroad and don’t want to drown in debt, this guide is going to break down the best undergraduate scholarships in Europe, how to apply, where to find them, and the real talk on what it takes to win one.
🎓 Why Study in Europe?
Before we dive into scholarships, let’s talk about why Europe is a hot spot for students:
Top universities like Oxford, Cambridge, ETH Zurich, University of Amsterdam, and more
Tuition-free options (yes, you read that right) in countries like Germany and Norway
Super cool student life—think travel, culture, and friends from all over the world
Courses in English (so no, you don’t have to be fluent in German or French)
And of course, tons of scholarship opportunities to help you afford it all.
🏆 Types of Undergraduate Scholarships in Europe
Let’s break down the types of scholarships you’ll find:
1. Government Scholarships
These are provided by countries to attract international students.
Erasmus+ – Offers scholarships for both EU and non-EU students to study across Europe
DAAD (Germany) – While more focused on Master’s, some undergraduate programs qualify
Norwegian Government Scholarships – Many universities in Norway don’t even charge tuition!
2. University Scholarships
Many schools give out their own scholarships to top-performing students.
University of Amsterdam Merit Scholarship
Sciences Po Emile Boutmy Scholarship (France)
Uppsala University Global Scholarships (Sweden)
KU Leuven Science@Leuven Scholarships (Belgium)
3. Private/NGO Scholarships
Offered by foundations, international orgs, or even companies.
European Forum Alpbach Scholarships
The Gen Foundation Scholarships (UK/Europe)
Eiffel Excellence Scholarships (France)
📍 Best Countries in Europe for Scholarships
Not all European countries are created equal when it comes to funding your studies. Here’s the inside scoop:
🇩🇪 Germany
Public universities = free tuition
Lots of English-taught programs
Scholarships: DAAD, Heinrich Böll Foundation, university-specific awards
🇫🇷 France
Affordable tuition (as low as €170/year for public universities)
Scholarships like Eiffel Excellence
Great lifestyle (croissants, anyone?)
🇸🇪 Sweden
High-quality education
Scholarships for non-EU/EEA students
Uppsala, Lund, and KTH offer major undergraduate funding
🇳🇱 Netherlands
Widely taught in English
Scholarships like Holland Scholarship, Orange Tulip, etc.
🇳🇴 Norway
Zero tuition fees for everyone (even international students)
High cost of living, but still an amazing option
🧠 How to Apply for Undergraduate Scholarships in Europe
Step 1: Pick Your Country & Course
Start by figuring out what you want to study and where. Check if the universities offer English-taught programs (most do).
Step 2: Research Scholarships
Use platforms like:
Scholarships.eu
DAAD.de
Study in Europe
Step 3: Gather Your Docs
Usually, you’ll need:
High school transcript
Motivation letter (aka personal statement)
Recommendation letters
Proof of language (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
Passport and ID stuff
Some scholarships may also ask for:
Portfolio (for arts)
Proof of financial need
Resume or CV
Step 4: Apply On Time
Deadlines vary. Some are in December–January, while others may be in spring or even summer. Always double-check the date.
✨ Tips to Increase Your Chances
Start early – Many people miss scholarships because they wait too long.
Write a killer motivation letter – Show your passion, goals, and why you’re a great fit.
Apply for multiple scholarships – Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
Get good grades – Most merit-based scholarships want students with strong academic performance.
Volunteer or join extracurriculars – This helps if you’re applying for leadership or community-based awards.
🧳 What Does a Scholarship Cover?
Not all scholarships are created equal. Some cover everything, others just part of it.
Type of Support Description
Full Tuition Waiver Covers your tuition 100%
Partial Tuition Waiver Pays for part of your tuition
Monthly Stipend Money for living expenses (rent, food, etc.)
Travel Allowance Plane tickets and transportation
Health Insurance Usually included in full scholarships
So read the details carefully. A scholarship that “sounds” full might only cover tuition.
📚 Real Example: Holland Scholarship
Offered by: Dutch Ministry of Education
For: Non-EU students
Amount: €5,000 (first year only)
Eligibility:
Applying for a bachelor’s or master’s
Never studied in the Netherlands before
Good academic background
It doesn’t cover full tuition or living expenses, but it’s a great boost when paired with other funding.
🧭 Where to Find Scholarships (Like, Right Now)
Here are some legit websites to find scholarships quickly:
ScholarshipPortal.com – All Europe in one place
StudyInEurope.eu – Official EU resource
DAAD.de – German scholarships
CampusFrance.org – France’s official student site
Sweden’s University Admissions – Info on Swedish universities & scholarships
❓ Q&A – You Asked, We Answered
Q1: Can I get a full scholarship to study in Europe?
A: Yes! Some universities and governments offer full scholarships covering tuition, living costs, and more. Check programs like Erasmus+, Eiffel, and university-specific awards.
Q2: Do I need to know another language?
A: Not necessarily. Many programs are taught in English, especially in the Netherlands, Sweden, and Germany. But knowing the local language helps with daily life.
Q3: Are scholarships only for smart students?
A: Not always! While academic scholarships want good grades, there are others based on leadership, financial need, or community service.
Q4: Can I work while studying in Europe?
A: Yes, most countries allow students to work part-time (usually 10–20 hours a week). But make sure your visa and program allow it.
Q5: What if I don’t get a scholarship?
A: Don’t give up. Look for tuition-free universities (like in Germany or Norway), student loans, or even part-time jobs once you’re there. There are also second-round scholarships once you start your degree.
🎉 Final Words
Getting an undergraduate scholarship in Europe isn’t just a dream—it’s totally possible. Whether you’re aiming for a full ride in Sweden or a tuition discount in France, the key is to start early, stay organized, and apply smart.
So grab your laptop, start researching, and who knows? Your European study adventure might be just a few clicks away. 🌍📚✈️