Fully Funded Scholarships in Europe for International Students 2024

Fully Funded Scholarships in Europe for International Students 2024: Europe is one of the most popular destinations for international students who want to pursue higher education abroad. Europe offers a rich and diverse academic, cultural, and social experience, as well as a high quality of education and research. However, studying in Europe can also be very expensive, especially for students from developing countries who face financial challenges. Fortunately, there are many fully funded scholarships available for international students who want to study in Europe.

Fully funded scholarships are grants that cover all or most of the costs of studying abroad, such as tuition fees, accommodation, health insurance, books, and airfare. They are offered by various sources, such as governments, universities, organizations, foundations, and corporations. They are also available for different levels of study, such as undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and postdoctoral programs.

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However, finding and applying for fully funded scholarships can be difficult and time-consuming, as they are often very competitive and have specific eligibility criteria and application procedures. To help you with this process, we have prepared this comprehensive guide on how to find and apply for fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students. In this guide, we will cover the following topics:

What are the benefits of fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students?
What are the types of fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students?
What are the sources of fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students?
How to find fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students?
How to apply for fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students?
What are the tips and resources for getting fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students?

What are the benefits of fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students?

Fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students have many benefits, such as:

They allow you to pursue your academic and professional goals without worrying about the financial burden.
They enable you to access quality education and research opportunities in some of the best universities and institutions in Europe.
They expose you to different cultures, languages, and perspectives, and enhance your cross-cultural awareness and communication skills.
They expand your network and connections with peers, mentors, and experts in your field of study or interest.
They boost your resume and career prospects, as they demonstrate your academic excellence, leadership potential, and global competence.

What are the types of fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students?

Fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students can be classified into different types, depending on the criteria used to award them, such as:

Academic or merit-based scholarships: These are scholarships that are based on your academic achievements, such as your grades, test scores, publications, or awards. They are usually offered by universities or academic organizations to attract and reward outstanding students.
Need-based scholarships: These are scholarships that are based on your financial need, such as your income, assets, or family situation. They are usually offered by governments or charitable organizations to assist students who cannot afford to study in Europe.
Performance-based scholarships: These are scholarships that are based on your talents or skills, such as sports, arts, music, or leadership. They are usually offered by universities or cultural organizations to support and promote students who excel in these areas.
Field-specific scholarships: These are scholarships that are based on your field of study or research, such as engineering, medicine, law, or education. They are usually offered by universities, professional associations, or corporations to encourage and fund students who pursue these fields.
Country-specific scholarships: These are scholarships that are based on your country of origin or destination, such as the UK, France, Germany, Italy, or Spain. They are usually offered by governments, embassies, or bilateral agencies to foster and facilitate international cooperation and exchange.

What are the sources of fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students?

Fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students can come from various sources, such as:

Governments: Many governments offer fully funded scholarships for international students to study in Europe as part of their foreign policy, development aid, or cultural diplomacy. Some examples are the Fulbright Program (US), the Chevening Scholarships (UK), the DAAD Scholarships (Germany), the Eiffel Excellence Scholarships (France), and the Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia).
Universities: Many universities offer fully funded scholarships for international students to study in Europe as part of their academic excellence, diversity, or internationalization strategies. Some examples are the Gates Cambridge Scholarships (UK), the Rhodes Scholarships (UK), the Erasmus Mundus Scholarships (EU), the Schwarzman Scholars Program (China), and the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (US).
Organizations: Many organizations offer fully funded scholarships for international students to study in Europe as part of their mission, vision, or values. Some examples are the Rotary Foundation (global), the Ford Foundation (global), the Mastercard Foundation (Africa), the Aga Khan Foundation (Asia), and the Open Society Foundations (global).
Foundations: Many foundations offer fully funded scholarships for international students to study in Europe as part of their philanthropic or humanitarian goals. Some examples are the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (global), the Rockefeller Foundation (global), the Wellcome Trust (global), the MacArthur Foundation (global), and the Carnegie Corporation of New York (US).
Corporations: Many corporations offer fully funded scholarships for international students to study in Europe as part of their corporate social responsibility, talent development, or innovation initiatives. Some examples are the Google Scholarships (global), the Microsoft Scholarships (global), the Shell Scholarships (global), the Coca-Cola Scholarships (global), and the IBM Scholarships (global).

How to find fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students?

Finding fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students can be a daunting and tedious task, as there are thousands of scholarships available, each with its own eligibility criteria, application process, and deadline. However, there are some steps that you can follow to make your search easier and more effective, such as:

Start your search early: The earlier you start your search, the more time you will have to research, prepare, and apply for the scholarships that suit you best. Ideally, you should start your search at least one year before your intended start date of your study abroad program.
Identify your goals and preferences: The first step in finding fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students is to identify your goals and preferences, such as your level of study, field of study, country of destination, and duration of stay. This will help you narrow down your search and focus on the scholarships that match your profile and interests.
Use multiple sources and methods: The next step in finding fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students is to use multiple sources and methods to look for the scholarships that are available, such as:
- Online databases and websites: There are many online databases and websites that provide comprehensive and updated information on fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students, such as Scholarship Portal, International Scholarships, Study Abroad Scholarships, and eduPASS. You can use these platforms to search, filter, and compare the scholarships that suit your criteria and preferences.
- University websites and catalogs: Another source of fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students is the university websites and catalogs, where you can find the scholarships that are offered by the universities that you are interested in applying to. You can visit the official websites of the universities and look for the sections on scholarships, financial aid, or international students. You can also browse the university catalogs or brochures and look for the information on scholarships, fees, and costs.
- Government websites and agencies: Another source of fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students is the government websites and agencies, where you can find the scholarships that are offered by the governments of your home country or your destination country. You can visit the official websites of the governments and look for the sections on education, scholarships, or international cooperation. You can also contact the government agencies or embassies that are responsible for administering the scholarships and ask for more information and guidance.
- Organization websites and newsletters: Another source of fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students is the organization websites and newsletters, where you can find the scholarships that are offered by the organizations that are related to your field of study or interest. You can visit the official websites of the organizations and look for the sections on scholarships, grants, or opportunities. You can also subscribe to their newsletters or social media accounts and get the latest updates and announcements on the scholarships that they offer.
- Personal contacts and networks: Another source of fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students is your personal contacts and networks, such as your professors, mentors, peers, alumni, or friends. You can ask them for advice, recommendations, or referrals on the scholarships that they know or have applied for. You can also join online forums, groups, or communities that are dedicated to scholarships, study abroad, or your field of study and interact with other students, experts, or professionals who can share their experiences, insights, or tips on the scholarships that they have applied for or received.

How to apply for fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students?

Applying for fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students can be a challenging and complex process, as each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria, application process, and deadline. However, there are some steps that you can follow to make your application easier and more successful, such as:

Check the eligibility criteria: The first step in applying for fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students is to check the eligibility criteria of the scholarships that you are interested in applying for. You need to make sure that you meet the minimum requirements.

Prepare the application materials: The next step in applying for fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students is to prepare the application materials that are required by the scholarships that you are applying for. You need to make sure that you have all the documents, forms, and essays that are requested by the scholarship providers and the host institutions. You also need to make sure that you follow the instructions, word limits, and formats of the documents. You also need to make sure that you check your spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style of your documents and essays, and ask someone else to review them for you. Some of the common application materials that you may need to prepare are:
- Passport: This is a document that proves your identity and nationality. You need to make sure that you have a valid and current passport that has at least six months of validity and two blank pages. You also need to make sure that you scan and upload a copy of your passport to the online application system or send it by mail to the scholarship provider or the host institution.
- Diploma: This is a document that proves your academic qualification and completion of your previous level of study. You need to make sure that you have an original and official diploma that is issued by your home institution and that is recognized by the scholarship provider or the host institution. You also need to make sure that you translate your diploma into English or the language of the host country, if required, and that you have it certified by a competent authority. You also need to make sure that you scan and upload a copy of your diploma to the online application system or send it by mail to the scholarship provider or the host institution.
- Transcript: This is a document that shows your academic performance and grades in your previous level of study. You need to make sure that you have an original and official transcript that is issued by your home institution and that is recognized by the scholarship provider or the host institution. You also need to make sure that you translate your transcript into English or the language of the host country, if required, and that you have it certified by a competent authority. You also need to make sure that you scan and upload a copy of your transcript to the online application system or send it by mail to the scholarship provider or the host institution.
- Test scores: These are documents that show your language proficiency and aptitude in your field of study. You need to make sure that you have valid and competitive test scores that meet the requirements of the scholarships and the host institutions. Some of the common tests that you may need to take are TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, GMAT, SAT, or ACT. You also need to make sure that you send your official score reports to the scholarship providers and the host institutions.
- Letters of recommendation: These are documents that show your academic and professional achievements, skills, and potential from the perspective of your professors, employers, or mentors. You need to make sure that you have at least two or three strong and specific letters of recommendation that highlight your suitability for the scholarships and the host institutions. You also need to make sure that you ask your recommenders in advance and provide them with the necessary information and guidance. You also need to make sure that you scan and upload a copy of your letters of recommendation to the online application system or send them by mail to the scholarship provider or the host institution.
- Essays: These are documents that show your personality, goals, interests, and suitability for the scholarships and the host institutions from your own perspective. You need to make sure that you write clear and compelling essays that answer the questions or prompts that are given by the scholarship providers or the host institutions. Some of the common types of essays that you may need to write are personal statements, study or research proposals, or motivation letters. You also need to make sure that you follow the instructions, word limits, and formats of the essays. You also need to make sure that you proofread and edit your essays multiple times and ask someone else to review them for you. You also need to make sure that you scan and upload a copy of your essays to the online application system or send them by mail to the scholarship provider or the host institution.

List of Fully Funded Scholarships in Europe for International Students 2024

Here are some names of fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students:

Fulbright Scholarship (US)
Chevening Scholarship (UK)
Commonwealth Scholarship (UK and other Commonwealth countries)
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship (EU)
Australia Awards Scholarship (Australia and the Pacific region)
Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)
Rhodes Scholarship (UK)
Schwarzman Scholars Program (China)
Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (US)
Rotary Foundation Scholarship (global)
Ford Foundation Scholarship (global)
Mastercard Foundation Scholarship (Africa)
Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship (Asia)
Open Society Foundations Scholarship (global)
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Scholarship (global)
Rockefeller Foundation Scholarship (global)
Wellcome Trust Scholarship (global)
MacArthur Foundation Scholarship (global)
Carnegie Corporation of New York Scholarship (US)
Google Scholarship (global)
Microsoft Scholarship (global)
Shell Scholarship (global)
Coca-Cola Scholarship (global)
IBM Scholarship (global)
Mandela Rhodes Scholarship (Africa)
Mandela Washington Fellowship (US)
African Union Scholarship (Africa)
African Development Bank Scholarship (Africa)
African Leadership Academy Scholarship (Africa)
African Institute for Mathematical Sciences Scholarship (Africa)
Mwalimu Nyerere African Union Scholarship (Africa)
Jim Ovia Foundation Scholarship (Africa)
Ashinaga Africa Initiative Scholarship (Japan)
Japanese Government Scholarship (Japan)
Korean Government Scholarship (Korea)
Singapore Government Scholarship (Singapore)
New Zealand Government Scholarship (New Zealand)
Swiss Government Scholarship (Switzerland)
Swedish Institute Scholarship (Sweden)
VLIR-UOS Scholarship (Belgium)
Orange Knowledge Programme Scholarship (Netherlands)
Nuffic Scholarship (Netherlands)
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France)
DAAD Scholarship (Germany)
Italian Government Scholarship (Italy)
Turkish Government Scholarship (Turkey)
Hungarian Government Scholarship (Hungary)
Russian Government Scholarship (Russia)
Brazilian Government Scholarship (Brazil)
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (EU)
European Research Council Grants (EU)
Horizon Europe (EU)
Jean Monnet Actions (EU)
European University Institute Scholarships (EU)
European Molecular Biology Organization Fellowships (EU)
European Space Agency Scholarships (EU)
European Southern Observatory Fellowships (EU)
CERN Fellowships (EU)
NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme (NATO)
Nordic Council of Ministers Scholarships (Nordic countries)
Baltic Sea Region Programme (Baltic countries)
Visegrad Fund Scholarships (Central and Eastern Europe)
Nordic Africa Institute Scholarships (Nordic and African countries)
Coimbra Group Scholarships (European universities)
Santander Scholarships (European and Latin American universities)
Europubhealth Scholarships (European public health universities)
EMBO Scholarships (European molecular biology universities)
EMJMD Scholarships (European joint master degree universities)
EIT Scholarships (European innovation and technology universities)
EACEA Scholarships (European education, culture, and audiovisual universities)