Europe continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for international graduate students, offering high-quality education, diverse cultures, strong research environments, and generous scholarship funding. Whether you’re aiming for a Master’s or a PhD, there are numerous fully funded scholarship programmes that support tuition, living expenses, travel, accommodation, insurance, and research costs.
Below is an updated and comprehensive list of top fully funded graduate scholarships in Europe for the 2026 intake, plus eligibility essentials and direct application links.
🌍 1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s and Doctorate Scholarships (EU-wide)
Overview
Erasmus Mundus is the European Union’s flagship scholarship programme that funds integrated Master’s and some PhD joint degrees across multiple European universities.
Benefits
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Full tuition coverage
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Monthly stipend (~€1,400)
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Travel and installation support
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Health insurance coverage
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Study in 2–3 European countries in one programme
Eligibility
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Bachelor’s degree for Master’s applicants
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Competitive academic record
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English/other language proficiency as required
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Open to students globally
Direct Application Link
🇩🇪 2. DAAD Scholarships — Germany (Master’s & PhD)
Overview
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers extensive scholarships for graduate students from developing countries and beyond.
Benefits
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Monthly stipend (usually €934–€1,200)
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Tuition coverage (where applicable)
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Health insurance
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Travel allowance and research support
Eligibility
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Bachelor’s or Master’s degree depending on level
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Good academic standing
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Language proficiency (English/German)
Direct Application Link
🔗 https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships/
🇫🇷 3. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship — France (Master’s & PhD)
Overview
Offered by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, this prestigious award targets international students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership.
Benefits
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Monthly allowance (€1,200 for Master’s / €1,700 for PhD)
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Travel allowance and insurance
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Opportunity to study at top French institutions
Eligibility
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Strong academic record
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Applicants usually nominated through French institutions or via Campus France
Direct Application Link
🔗 https://www.campusfrance.org/en/eiffel-excellence-scholarship-programme
🇸🇪 4. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)
Overview
Funded by the Swedish Government, this programme supports master’s students committed to sustainable development, equality and innovation.
Benefits
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Full tuition fees
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Monthly stipend (SEK ~12,000)
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Travel grant
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Insurance
Eligibility
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Apply to a Swedish university programme first
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Minimum work experience required (varies by field)
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Leadership experience criteria
Direct Application Link
🔗 https://si.se/en/apply/scholarships/swedish-institute-scholarships-for-global-professionals/
🇭🇺 5. Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship — Hungary
Overview
The Stipendium Hungaricum is Hungary’s largest scholarship that funds Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD studies for international students, with thousands of awards each year.
Benefits
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Full tuition fee waiver
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Monthly stipend
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Accommodation contribution
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Health insurance
Eligibility
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High academic achievement
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Apply for a Hungarian university programme first
Direct Application Link
🔗 https://stipendiumhungaricum.hu
🇮🇪 6. Ireland Government Postgraduate Scholarship
Overview
Offered by Ireland for exceptional Master’s and PhD candidates focused on research, this scholarship supports academic contributions to innovation and knowledge creation.
Benefits
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Tuition fee coverage
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Monthly stipend
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Research support
Eligibility
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Excellent academic credentials
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Research proposal (for PhD)
Direct Application Link
🔗 https://www.education.ie/en/Graduate-Scholars/
🇵🇱 7. NAWA Poland Scholarship (PhD & Master’s)
Overview
The Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) offers scholarships for international Master’s and Doctoral students. Leaving Nigeria
Benefits
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Tuition coverage
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Monthly living allowance
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Insurance Leaving Nigeria
Eligibility
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Strong academic background
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Admission into a Polish university programme
Direct Application Link
🇨🇿 8. Czech Government Scholarships for Foreign Students
Overview
The Czech Republic provides scholarships to international students for graduate studies, including full tuition, stipend and living support. Future Help Portal
Benefits
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Tuition coverage
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Accommodation support
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Monthly allowance Future Help Portal
Eligibility
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Admission to a Czech public university
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Academic achievement Future Help Portal
Direct Application Link
🔗 https://www.msmt.cz/areas-of-work/higher-education/czech-government-scholarship-programme
🇨🇭 9. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Overview
Switzerland supports international Master’s and PhD students via its Government Excellence Scholarships, which emphasise research excellence.
Benefits
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Monthly scholarship amount (~CHF 1,920)
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Tuition exemption
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Health insurance coverage
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Housing/travel support
Eligibility
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Bachelor’s or Master’s degree depending on scholarship level
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National election process via Swiss embassies
Direct Application Link
🔗 https://sbfi.admin.ch/en/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships.html
🎓 Tips for Applying Successfully
📌 Start Preparing Early
Most scholarships open for 2026 intake between August–December 2025 with deadlines into early 2026.
📌 Strong Academic Profile
High GPA, compelling research goals (especially for PhD), and well-written statements of purpose significantly improve your chances.
📌 Required Documents
Prepare:
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Academic transcripts
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Letters of recommendation
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Statement of Purpose
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Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
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Proof of language proficiency (if required)
📌 Check Specific Deadlines
Each programme has its own timeline; always refer to the official scholarship pages listed above.
🧠 Conclusion
Europe offers a wealth of fully funded Master’s and PhD scholarships designed for global talent. From Erasmus Mundus’s cross-continental joint degrees to DAAD’s Germany programmes, Swedish Institute’s leadership scholarships, and innovative government awards across Hungary, Ireland, Poland, the Czech Republic, France, and Switzerland, there are multiple pathways to study in Europe with little to no financial burden. Applying strategically and preparing in advance can significantly elevate your chances of receiving these competitive awards.