I have been looking into doing my master’s in Europe someday and wondering… how do people actually get scholarships there if you’re not from the EU? Are there some full ones or is it mostly partial? I don’t have a solid profile or anything so if it’s even worth trying.
There are numerous scholarships available for master’s studies in Europe, including the DAAD, Erasmus Mundus Master’s programs, KAS Scholarship, Commonwealth Scholarship, and many more. A strong academic record and a well-written motivation letter are typically required. However, if your academic performance isn’t very strong, relevant work experience can also strengthen your application. You can visit the respective official websites for more detailed information. Additionally, some scholarships like DAAD and KAS do not strictly require an excellent academic profile.
Hi @naina_bop ,
Yes, non-EU students can get scholarships in Europe, and it’s definitely worth applying even if your profile isn’t perfect. There are both full and partial scholarships available, some cover tuition, living expenses, and even travel. Popular ones include the DAAD Scholarship (Germany), Erasmus+, Swedish Institute Scholarship, ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship, and the Eiffel Scholarship (France). I’d suggest first getting clear on which country in Europe you want to study in, then researching scholarships and admission requirements at least a year in advance. Start early, write a strong SOP, and apply smart many students with average profiles have succeeded just by being focused and well-prepared.
Hi @naina_bop ,
Totally get your question. A lot of students think scholarships in Europe are mostly for EU citizens, but there are actually some really good options out there for Indian students too. Some are full, some are partial, but either way, they can make a big difference. And honestly, even if your profile isn’t super strong, it’s still worth applying.
For example, in Germany, there’s the DAAD scholarship which is one of the best-known options. It covers tuition if any, living expenses, and travel. The Netherlands has a few good ones as well. The Orange Tulip Scholarship is made specifically for Indian students, and then there’s the Holland Scholarship which gives a one-time amount to help with your costs. France has the Charpak scholarship from the French Embassy in India. That one’s pretty popular and covers a decent chunk of expenses. If you’re aiming high, there’s also the Eiffel Scholarship. It’s fully funded and competitive, but definitely worth trying for.
Sweden and Italy have strong options too. Sweden offers the Swedish Institute Scholarships, which cover both tuition and living costs. Italy has a program called Invest Your Talent in Italy that’s open to Indian students and includes tuition, a monthly stipend, and even an internship. Hungary’s Stipendium Hungaricum is another fully funded one that many Indian students apply for.
Besides that, there are scholarships based in India that support students going abroad, like the Inlaks Foundation, the JN Tata Endowment, and the KC Mahindra Scholarships. These are not tied to any one country and can be used for various universities across Europe.
So yes, there are real opportunities out there, and you don’t need a perfect academic record to apply. A strong motivation letter, clarity about your goals, and applying on time can really make a difference.
If you have a country or course in mind, I can help you figure out which scholarships to focus on first.
Thanks, everyone for your helpful suggestions! I’ll definitely explore Erasmus Mundus and DAAD as those cover a decent amount. Does anyone of you know if Chevening is applicable for European programs? Also, for motivaton letters , @sharad_panchal do you have any tips on what universities specifically look for? Appreciate the help! ![]()
Hi,
Apologies for delayed response. I can definitely share some tips for SoP. Do you want some general tips or a specific part you want to improve.