Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships in Europe for International Students (2026 Guide)

Europe remains one of the most attractive destinations for international students seeking world-class education, cultural diversity, and generous scholarship opportunities. Every year, thousands of students from Nigeria, Africa, Asia, and other regions secure fully funded scholarships that cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, health insurance, and other academic expenses.

If studying in Europe is your dream but financial constraints seem like a barrier, fully funded scholarships can make that dream a reality.

This guide highlights some of the best fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students in 2026, including eligibility requirements, scholarship benefits, and official application portals.

Quick Comparison of Top European Scholarships

1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship is one of the most prestigious international scholarship programs funded by the European Union. It allows students to study in multiple European countries while earning a jointly recognized degree.

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition fee coverage.
• Monthly living allowance.
• Travel allowance.
• Visa support.
• Opportunity to study in multiple countries.

The scholarship covers participation costs and provides support for travel and living expenses for selected students. Applicants apply directly through their chosen Erasmus Mundus programme.

Eligibility Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification.
• Meet programme-specific admission requirements.
• Strong academic record.
• English language proficiency where required.

Official Scholarship Portal

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Official Portal

Related Resource: Study Abroad Without IELTS

2. DAAD Scholarship (Germany)

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers one of the largest scholarship programs for international students. DAAD scholarships support postgraduate and doctoral studies in Germany across a wide range of disciplines.

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition support where applicable.
• Monthly stipend.
• Travel allowance.
• Health insurance coverage.
• Research support.

Eligibility Requirements

• Completed undergraduate degree.
• Excellent academic performance.
• Relevant professional experience for some programmes.
• Meet programme-specific admission criteria.

Official Scholarship Portal

DAAD Scholarship Database

Related Resource: Scholarships in Germany for International Students

3. Chevening Scholarship (United Kingdom)

The Chevening Scholarship is the UK Government's flagship international scholarship programme. It supports future leaders, influencers, and decision-makers from around the world.

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition fees.
• Monthly living stipend.
• Travel costs.
• Visa application fees.
• Networking opportunities.

Eligibility Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.
• Leadership potential.
• Work experience requirements.
• Admission to an eligible UK university programme.

Official Scholarship Portal

Chevening Official Website

Related Resource: Scholarships in the UK for International Students

4. Commonwealth Scholarship (United Kingdom)

The Commonwealth Scholarship supports talented students from Commonwealth countries who would otherwise be unable to afford postgraduate study in the United Kingdom.

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition fees.
• Monthly stipend.
• Airfare support.
• Research grants where applicable.

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship of an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Strong academic record.
• Demonstrated development impact.

Official Scholarship Portal

Commonwealth Scholarship Commission

5. Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals (SISGP)

The Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals is a fully funded scholarship for master's studies in Sweden. It is designed for professionals who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to contributing to sustainable development in their home countries.

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition fee coverage.
• Monthly allowance of SEK 12,000.
• Travel grant.
• Access to the SI Network for Global Professionals.
• Membership in the Sweden Alumni Network after graduation.

The scholarship covers full tuition fees, provides a monthly stipend, and includes a travel grant for eligible students.

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship of an eligible country (including Nigeria).
• Admission to an eligible Swedish master's programme.
• Demonstrated work experience.
• Demonstrated leadership experience.

Nigeria is among the eligible countries listed for the scholarship programme.

Official Scholarship Portal

Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals

• Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France)
• Netherlands Government Scholarship
• Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship
• Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship
• Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship
• Application tips and FAQs

6. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program (France)

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program is funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. It was established to attract outstanding international students to pursue master's and doctoral studies at French higher education institutions.

Scholarship Benefits

• Monthly allowance for living expenses.
• International travel support.
• Domestic transportation allowance.
• Health insurance coverage.
• Cultural activities and support services.

It is important to note that the Eiffel Scholarship does not directly cover tuition fees. However, many participating institutions waive tuition fees for scholarship recipients.

Eligibility Requirements

• International student applying to a French institution.
• Strong academic performance.
• Application submitted through a participating French university.
• Meet program-specific admission requirements.

Official Scholarship Portal

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Official Information

7. NL Scholarship (Netherlands)

The NL Scholarship, previously known as the Holland Scholarship, is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science together with participating Dutch universities.

Although this scholarship is not fully funded in every case, it remains one of the most valuable opportunities available to international students studying in the Netherlands.

Scholarship Benefits

• Financial support towards study costs.
• Available for bachelor's and master's programs.
• Access to high-quality Dutch education.
• Available at numerous participating institutions.

Eligibility Requirements

• Non-EEA nationality.
• Admission to a participating Dutch institution.
• Meet specific university requirements.
• Strong academic record.

Official Scholarship Portal

NL Scholarship Official Website

8. Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship

The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship is one of Ireland's flagship scholarship programs for international students.

The scholarship supports high-achieving students who wish to pursue master's or doctoral studies at eligible Irish higher education institutions.

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition fee waiver.
• Annual stipend of €10,000.
• Recognition as a Government of Ireland Scholar.
• Access to Ireland's world-class universities.

Eligibility Requirements

• International student status.
• Offer of admission from an eligible Irish institution.
• Outstanding academic achievements.
• Strong communication and leadership qualities.

Official Scholarship Portal

Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship

9. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 countries worldwide.

The program is highly competitive and primarily targets postgraduate researchers, doctoral students, and postdoctoral scholars.

Scholarship Benefits

• Monthly stipend.
• Tuition support where applicable.
• Health insurance.
• Housing allowance in some cases.
• Research support opportunities.

Eligibility Requirements

• Excellent academic record.
• Research proposal for research-based programs.
• Acceptance from a Swiss academic supervisor where required.
• Meet country-specific requirements.

Official Scholarship Portal

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

10. Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship (Hungary)

The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship is one of the largest fully funded scholarship programs in Europe. Funded by the Hungarian Government, it supports thousands of international students each year.

The scholarship is particularly popular among Nigerian students because it covers a wide range of degree programs and provides extensive financial support.

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition fee coverage.
• Monthly stipend.
• Accommodation contribution.
• Medical insurance support.
• Study opportunities at leading Hungarian universities.

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship of an eligible partner country.
• Meet university admission requirements.
• Strong academic record.
• Complete scholarship application.

Official Scholarship Portals

Stipendium Hungaricum Official Website

Stipendium Hungaricum Application Portal

How to Increase Your Chances of Winning a European Scholarship

Competition for fully funded scholarships in Europe can be intense. However, students who prepare strategically significantly improve their chances of success.

• Start your applications early.
• Maintain strong academic performance.
• Develop leadership and volunteer experience.
• Write a compelling motivation letter.
• Prepare a strong scholarship essay.
• Apply to multiple scholarships.
• Follow application instructions carefully.
• Submit complete documentation.

Scholarship Comparison Table

Conclusion

Europe offers some of the most generous scholarship opportunities available to international students. Whether you are interested in studying in Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, France, Ireland, Switzerland, Hungary, or across multiple European countries through Erasmus Mundus, there are numerous opportunities to obtain a world-class education with little or no financial burden.

The key to success is preparation. Research scholarship requirements early, build a strong academic profile, craft compelling application documents, and apply to as many suitable opportunities as possible.

With determination and proper planning, a fully funded education in Europe can become a reality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can Nigerian students get fully funded scholarships in Europe?

Yes. Nigerian students are eligible for many European scholarships including Erasmus Mundus, DAAD, Chevening, Commonwealth, Stipendium Hungaricum, and Swedish Institute Scholarships.

Which European scholarship is the most prestigious?

Erasmus Mundus, Chevening, DAAD, and Commonwealth Scholarships are among the most prestigious and competitive programs.

Do European scholarships cover living expenses?

Many fully funded scholarships provide monthly stipends that help cover accommodation, food, transportation, and other living costs.

Can I study in Europe without IELTS?

Some universities and scholarship programs accept alternatives such as a Medium of Instruction certificate, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo English Test.

When should I start applying for European scholarships?

Students should ideally begin researching and preparing applications 6 to 12 months before their intended study start date.