Europe remains one of the most sought-after study destinations for international students due to its high academic standards, rich cultural diversity, and affordable education opportunities. In 2026, European governments and institutions continue to expand European government scholarships you should not miss — offering fully funded and partially funded programs that support global talent across various academic levels. These scholarships not only cover tuition fees but also provide living allowances, travel grants, health insurance, and sometimes even monthly stipends. For international students seeking a world-class education, these opportunities make pursuing degrees in Europe more accessible than ever.
European government scholarships often provide financial values that far outweigh ordinary student financial aid packages. For instance, the Erasmus+ Scholarship can provide between €10,000 to €25,000 per year depending on the country and level of study, the DAAD Scholarships can be valued at up to €1,300 per month for 2–4 years, and the Swedish Institute Scholarships offer around SEK 10,000–15,000 per month for up to two years. These funds are designed to cover accommodation, day-to-day living expenses, travel support, and academic research costs, empowering students to focus entirely on their educational and career goals.
What makes these scholarships particularly compelling is their focus on academic excellence, leadership potential, and global engagement. Students from all regions of the world can apply — from Bachelor’s and Master’s programs to doctoral research and specialized professional development opportunities. Throughout this article, we will guide you through the most prestigious European government scholarships available in 2026, including eligibility criteria, benefits, application processes, and deadlines — ensuring that you don’t miss out on these life-changing opportunities.
Scholarship Summary
| Scholarship Name | Level of Study | Institution(s) | Study in | Opportunity Focus Areas | Program Period | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erasmus+ Scholarships | Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD | EU Universities | Multiple European Countries | All Majors | 1–4 years | Varies (2026) |
| DAAD Scholarships | Master’s, PhD | German Universities | Germany | STEM, Humanities, Social Sciences | 1–4 years | Oct 2025–Feb 2026 |
| Swedish Institute Scholarships | Master’s | Swedish Universities | Sweden | All Majors | 2 years | Jan 2026 |
| Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships | PhD, Postdoc | Swiss Institutions | Switzerland | Research Focus | 1–3 years | Nov 2025 |
| Chevening Scholarships | Master’s | UK Universities | United Kingdom | Leadership & Development | 1 year | Nov 2025 |
1. Erasmus+ Scholarships
Courses Offered and Their Advantages
Erasmus+ supports a wide array of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs throughout Europe — including Business, Engineering, Data Science, Environmental Studies, Humanities, and more.
Advantages:
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Study across multiple European universities.
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Opportunity to experience diverse cultures.
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Networking with international peers and industries.
Program Period – Erasmus+ Scholarships
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1–4 years depending on the degree level.
Scholarship Coverage and Benefits – Erasmus+ Scholarships
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Monthly stipend up to €10,000–€25,000 per year (varies by host country).
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Tuition fee waivers or reductions.
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Travel allowance and study support.
Eligibility Criteria – Erasmus+ Scholarships
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Admission to an eligible European university.
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Academic excellence and motivation.
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Demonstrable interest in cultural exchange and European collaboration.
How to Apply – Erasmus+ Scholarships
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Apply directly through the university offering the Erasmus+ program.
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Prepare academic transcripts, motivation letter, and language proof (where required).
Website for Apply – Erasmus+ Scholarships
👉 Official Website: https://erasmusplus.ec.europa.eu
2. DAAD Scholarships
Courses Offered and Their Advantages
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships for Master’s and PhD studies in fields such as Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, Agriculture, Environmental Science, and Social Sciences.
Advantages:
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Strong research funding and academic mentoring.
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Opportunity for hands-on lab and industrial experience.
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Access to Germany’s world-class research facilities.
Program Period – DAAD Scholarships
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Master’s: 1–2 years
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PhD: Up to 4 years
Scholarship Coverage and Benefits – DAAD Scholarships
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Monthly stipend up to €1,300.
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Travel allowance and health insurance.
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Research grants and German language support.
Eligibility Criteria – DAAD Scholarships
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International students with strong academic records.
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Acceptance into a German university program.
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Clear research proposal (for PhD candidates).
How to Apply – DAAD Scholarships
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Apply through the DAAD portal or affiliated university application system.
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Attach transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and research plans.
Website for Apply – DAAD Scholarships
👉 Official Website: https://www.daad.de
3. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals
Courses Offered and Their Advantages
This scholarship focuses primarily on Master’s degree programs in Swedish universities, including programs in Public Policy, Environmental Studies, Business, IT, and International Relations.
Advantages:
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Fully funded study experience in Scandinavia.
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Extensive leadership and networking workshops.
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Post-study career support through global alumni connections.
Program Period – Swedish Institute Scholarships
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Up to 2 years master’s study in Sweden.
Scholarship Coverage and Benefits – Swedish Institute Scholarships
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Monthly living stipend of SEK 10,000–15,000.
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Full tuition coverage.
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Travel grants and networking activities.
Eligibility Criteria – Swedish Institute Scholarships
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International students from eligible countries.
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Acceptance to eligible Swedish Master’s programs.
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Strong academic performance and leadership potential.
How to Apply – Swedish Institute Scholarships
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Apply through the Swedish Institute portal.
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Submit academic transcripts, essays, letters of recommendation.
Website for Apply – Swedish Institute Scholarships
👉 Official Website: https://si.se
4. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Courses Offered and Their Advantages
These scholarships support postgraduate research (PhD and postdoctoral levels) in areas such as Life Sciences, Engineering, Physics, Social Sciences, and Humanities.
Advantages:
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Access to Swiss research excellence.
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Collaboration with internationally recognized academics.
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Strong post-graduation professional networks.
Program Period – Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
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1–3 years of research in Switzerland.
Scholarship Coverage and Benefits – Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
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Monthly stipend (varies by research level).
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Full tuition coverage.
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Travel allowance and health insurance support.
Eligibility Criteria – Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
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Applicants must have a recent Master’s degree (for PhD) or PhD (for postdoc).
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Strong research proposal.
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Letter of acceptance from Swiss university preferred.
How to Apply – Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
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Apply through the Swiss Embassy in your home country or the national scholarship portal.
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Submit CV, research proposal, academic credentials.
Website for Apply – Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
👉 Official Website: https://www.sbfi.admin.ch
5. Chevening Scholarships
Courses Offered and Their Advantages
Chevening supports a wide range of one-year Master’s degree programs in the UK, covering Business, Policy, Law, Technology, Economics, and Media Studies.
Advantages:
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Prestigious global scholarship from the UK government.
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Leadership training and mentoring.
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Excellent post-study career exposure.
Program Period – Chevening Scholarships
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1 year Master’s program in the UK.
Scholarship Coverage and Benefits – Chevening Scholarships
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Full tuition coverage.
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Monthly living allowance (~£18,000–£25,000 GBP value per year).
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Travel costs, visa fees, and networking events.
Eligibility Criteria – Chevening Scholarships
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Citizen of a Chevening-eligible country.
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Bachelor’s degree and experience in leadership roles.
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Strong academic and professional plan.
How to Apply – Chevening Scholarships
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Apply online through the Chevening portal.
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Submit personal statement, references, academic transcripts.
Website for Apply – Chevening Scholarships
👉 Official Website: https://www.chevening.org
Final Thoughts
In 2026, European government scholarships you should not miss offer vast opportunities for international students aiming to pursue degrees in Europe. From fully funded Master’s and PhD programs to multi-nation exchange experiences, these scholarships provide financial support, academic mentorship, and career acceleration.
The key to securing these scholarships lies in strong academic profiles, clear research or study objectives, compelling personal statements, and early preparation. These programs not only help reduce financial barriers but also shape future leaders, researchers, and professionals with global perspectives.
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