Europe continues to be one of the world's leading destinations for higher education, attracting millions of international students every year through its world-class universities, internationally recognised degrees, and generous scholarship programmes. As the 2027–2028 admissions season approaches, governments and universities across Europe are expected to launch a new round of fully funded scholarships for students seeking Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD degrees.
These scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying abroad by covering tuition fees, monthly living expenses, accommodation, health insurance, travel costs, and other academic expenses. However, not every scholarship advertised as "fully funded" provides complete financial support, making it important for applicants to understand what each programme actually offers.
This guide explores the major European scholarship programmes expected to open for the 2027–2028 academic year, eligibility requirements, projected application timelines, funding benefits, and practical advice to help applicants prepare early.
Why Study in Europe?
European universities consistently rank among the best in the world for academic excellence, research, innovation, and graduate employability. Students also benefit from multicultural learning environments and access to numerous career opportunities after graduation.
Some advantages include:
- Internationally recognised degrees
- High-quality teaching and research
- Modern laboratories and facilities
- Opportunities to travel across Europe
- Diverse cultural experiences
- Numerous English-taught programmes
- Strong government-funded scholarship schemes
Many European countries also allow international graduates to remain after completing their studies to seek employment.
What Does a Fully Funded Scholarship Cover?
A genuine fully funded scholarship usually includes most or all of the following benefits:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Monthly living allowance
- Accommodation support
- Return airfare
- Health insurance
- Visa assistance
- Research or study materials allowance
- Settlement grant
- Language preparation courses (where applicable)
Some scholarships cover every major educational expense, while others only provide partial financial assistance.
Best European Fully Funded Scholarships for 2027–2028
The Erasmus Mundus programme remains one of Europe's most prestigious scholarship schemes for international students pursuing joint master's degrees.
Benefits
Full tuition coverage
Monthly stipend
Travel allowance
Installation allowance
Insurance coverage
Opportunity to study in multiple European countries
Degree Level
Master's
Funded by the UK Government, the Chevening Scholarship supports future leaders from around the world pursuing one-year master's programmes.
Benefits
Full tuition fees
Monthly living allowance
Return flights
Visa costs
Arrival and departure grants
Degree Level
Master's
Applicants generally need professional work experience and demonstrated leadership potential.
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers funding for talented students from eligible Commonwealth countries.
Benefits
Tuition fees
Monthly stipend
Airfare
Thesis grants
Warm clothing allowance (where applicable)
Family allowances in selected cases
Degree Levels
Master's
PhD
Germany's DAAD EPOS programme funds postgraduate studies related to sustainable development.
Benefits
Monthly stipend
Health insurance
Travel allowance
Tuition-free education at most public universities
Research support
Degree Levels
Master's
Selected PhD programmes
Türkiye Scholarships are among the most comprehensive government-funded awards available for international students.
Benefits
University placement
Full tuition
Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Health insurance
Return flight ticket
Turkish language course
Degree Levels
Bachelor's
Master's
PhD
Hungary's flagship scholarship programme attracts thousands of students every year.
Benefits
Tuition fee waiver
Monthly allowance
Accommodation support
Medical insurance
Degree Levels
Bachelor's
Master's
One-tier Master's
PhD
The Swedish Institute provides scholarships to outstanding international students applying for eligible master's programmes.
Benefits
Full tuition
Monthly living allowance
Travel grant
Insurance
Degree Level
Master's
Although based in the United Kingdom, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship remains one of the world's most competitive postgraduate awards.
Benefits
Full tuition
Living expenses
Airfare
Academic development funding
Family allowance (where applicable)
Degree Levels
Master's
PhD
Switzerland offers prestigious research scholarships for international scholars.
Benefits
Monthly stipend
Health insurance
Tuition support (where applicable)
Research funding
Degree Levels
PhD
Postdoctoral
Research Fellowships
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship supports outstanding international students studying in France.
Benefits
Monthly allowance
Travel expenses
Health insurance
Cultural activities
Although generous, applicants should note that this scholarship generally does not cover university tuition fees.
Degree Levels
Master's
PhD
Scholarships That Offer Partial Funding
Some well-known European scholarships provide valuable financial assistance but should not be considered fully funded.
These include:
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship
NL Scholarship (Netherlands)
Students should carefully review the funding package before applying.
Expected Application Timeline
Although official dates differ by programme, the European scholarship season generally follows this pattern:
- August–September 2026: UK, Switzerland, and Commonwealth scholarship applications are expected to begin opening.
- October–November 2026: Erasmus Mundus, DAAD, and France Excellence Eiffel scholarship application periods are expected to continue.
- November 2026–January 2027: Scholarship programmes in Hungary, Sweden, and the Netherlands are expected to open for international applicants.
- January–March 2027: Türkiye Scholarships and the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship application cycles are expected to conclude.
Important: Applicants should regularly check the official scholarship and university websites, as many institutions set internal nomination or admission deadlines that may be earlier than the published scholarship deadlines.
Which Scholarship Should You Choose?
Different scholarships suit different applicants.
Bachelor's Students
Türkiye Scholarships
Stipendium Hungaricum
Recent Graduates
Erasmus Mundus
Stipendium Hungaricum
Türkiye Scholarships
Working Professionals
Chevening
DAAD EPOS
Swedish Institute Scholarship
PhD Applicants
Gates Cambridge
Commonwealth PhD Scholarship
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship
Eiffel Scholarship.
How to Prepare Before Applications Open
Preparing documents early can significantly improve your chances of success.
Essential documents typically include:
Passport
Academic transcripts
Degree certificates
Updated CV
Statement of Purpose
Recommendation letters
English language test results
Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
It is also advisable to shortlist universities and scholarship programmes well before application portals open.
Final Thoughts
The 2027–2028 European scholarship cycle offers outstanding opportunities for international students seeking fully funded education at some of the world's most respected universities. From the UK's Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships to Erasmus Mundus, DAAD, Türkiye Scholarships, Stipendium Hungaricum, Gates Cambridge and the Swedish Institute Scholarship, applicants have access to a wide range of funding options across different academic levels.
Success, however, depends on more than simply meeting eligibility requirements. Early preparation, careful document planning, and close attention to official deadlines are essential. Since many scholarships require separate university admissions or institutional nominations, applicants should begin researching their preferred programmes months before applications officially open.
With thorough preparation and a well-planned application strategy, students can maximise their chances of securing a fully funded scholarship and pursuing higher education in Europe without the burden of overwhelming financial costs.
