Prestigious programs such as Erasmus Mundus, DAAD, and the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship are among the leading options for scholarships in Europe for Indian students.
Here is a quick look at some popular scholarships in Europe for Indian students:
Undergraduate: Stipendium Hungaricum, NL Scholarship and Padua International Excellence Scholarship
Postgraduate: Erasmus Mundus, DAAD Scholarships and France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship
PhD: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, DAAD Doctoral Scholarships and France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship
Funding: Depending on the scholarship, students may receive tuition fee waivers, monthly stipends, travel support, insurance, and accommodation assistance.
Application: Some scholarships require university admission or nomination, while others accept direct applications.
The sections below cover undergraduate, graduate, and PhD scholarships, eligibility criteria, required documents, the application process, and tips for applying for scholarships in Europe for Indian students.
Undergraduate Scholarships in Europe for Indian Students
Several European scholarships support international students pursuing bachelor's degrees, although available courses and eligibility requirements vary by country and university.
The following table includes major scholarships to study in Europe for Indian students after 12th:
Scholarship Name
Eligibility Criteria
Coverage Offered
France Excellence Charpak Bachelor
Age must be 23 or below, completing Class 12 in India, and applying for or admitted to a full-time Bachelor's in France.
EUR 860 (approximately INR 95,245) permonth living allowance, visa and Campus France fee waivers, social security and housing support.
Amba-Dalmia Scholarship
Young Indian women pursuing Master’s, PhD, or specialized short-term vocational programs (e.g., arts, culinary, music) in France.
Partial or full tuition support, living allowance, and visa support (Rarely applicable for traditional 3-year Bachelor's degrees).
50% or 100% tuition fee waiver, renewable yearly subject to conditions.
University of Bologna Study Grants
Under 30 and required test scores. SAT is used for UG selection.
100% tuition waiver or EUR 11,000 (approximately INR 12.18 lakh) per year grant. ER.GO may also cover fees, accommodation, and meals based on income.
University of Sheffield Scholarships
Strong academic record, usually AAA or 90%+ in Indian boards.
Up to 50% tuition discount or EUR2,000-2,500 per year, depending on the award.
UWE Bristol Scholarships
Eligible for full-time UG programs and strong academics.
Up to 50% tuition fee discount.
Germany Public Universities
Required language skills. Students without Abitur equivalence may need a 1-year Studienkolleg or IIT-JEE Advanced.
No tuition fees at many public universities. Semester contribution: EUR 150-EUR 350 (approximately INR 16,615-38,765). Living costs are separate; around EUR 11,900+ (approximately INR 13.18 lakh) per year is needed for a blocked account.
Looking for more fully funded scholarship opportunities? Check out these:
Graduate Scholarships in Europe for Indian Students
For master's students, a scholarship to study in Europe for Indian students can help reduce tuition costs while providing support for living and travel expenses.
Here’s a table with funding options to help you apply for a scholarship to study in Europe for Indian students after a bachelor's degree.
Scholarship Name
Eligibility Criteria
Coverage Offered
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
Open to all nationalities with a bachelor's degree or in the final year.
100% tuition, EUR 1,400 (approximately INR 1.55 lakh) per month for up to 24 months, plus travel, visa, and health insurance.
Non-French citizens aged 29 or below. Must be nominated by a French university; direct applications are not allowed.
EUR 1,200 (approximately INR 1.33 lakh) per month for Masters students, plus round-trip airfare, local travel, and health insurance. Tuition is not covered directly.
DAAD EPOS
Bachelor's degree, usually completed within 6 years;2 years relevant work experience.
EUR 992 (approximately INR 1.10 lakh) per month for Masters students, plus health, accident and liability insurance, a travel allowance, and possible rent or family support.
Scholarships can help fund doctoral research through monthly stipends, insurance, travel assistance, and research-related support.
The table below includes PhD scholarships for Indian students in Europe with their eligibility requirements and rewards offered.
Scholarship/Pathway
Eligibility Criteria
Coverage Offered
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
Must not hold a PhD. Must meet the 12 months in 3 years mobility rule.
Living and mobility allowances, family allowance, and 100% coverage of research, training, and networking costs.
DAAD PhD Research Grants
International students with a Master's degree, usually completed within 6 years. Must not have lived in Germany for over 15 months.
EUR 1,400 (approximately INR 1.55 lakh) per month, plus insurance support, a round-trip travel allowance, a research allowance, and possible rent or family support.
France Excellence Eiffel - PhD
Non-French citizens under 35. Must be nominated by a French institution. Supports joint or co-tutelle PhDs (dual PhD programs).
EUR 2,100 (approximately INR 2.32 lakh) per month, plus round-trip airfare, national train travel, healthcare, cultural support, and a possible housing allowance.
Inlaks Shivdasani Fellowships
Indian citizens under 30 with a first-class degree. Supports selected PhD fields in humanities, social sciences, and fine arts.
Up to USD 100,000 (approximately INR 84 lakh) for tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
Salaried PhD Positions
Master's degree in a relevant field, strong references, and a research proposal. Common in Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
EUR 2,500-4,500+ (approximately INR 2.77-4.98 lakh+) gross per month, plus paid leave, pension benefits, and parental leave.
Eligibility for Scholarships in Europe for Indian Students
The requirements for a scholarship to study in Europe for Indian students vary by program, but most scholarships consider academic performance, admission status, nationality, language skills, and other supporting criteria.
Here’s the complete breakdown of criteria you need to be eligible for before applying for any scholarship to study in Europe for Indian students.
Academic Requirements
One of the most common criteria for European scholarships is a strong academic record, although the minimum score required differs for each program and study level.
For undergraduate courses, it's usually required that students have passed Class 12 or any other high school equivalent.
Usually, a bachelor's degree is required for admission to a master's program.
Overall, PhD students are expected to have a background in a relevant Master's degree or equivalent qualification.
Academic performance and/or the quality of the study plan may be taken into account for some scholarships.
Age Requirements
Age limits are not the same for all scholarships. Some programmes have specific age requirements, while others do not set a general age limit.
Check the age requirement mentioned in the latest scholarship call.
Age criteria may differ between bachelor's, master's, and PhD scholarships.
The age may be calculated on a specific date mentioned by the scholarship provider.
Do not assume that being within a general student age range automatically makes you eligible.
Nationality Requirements
International, country-specific, and regional scholarships might be available for students.
Students from India should verify if India is on the list of eligible countries.
Some government scholarships work through specific country partnerships or national nomination systems.
The nationality requirements for University scholarships might differ from those of government scholarships.
It is important to note that the countries eligible for this scholarship may vary from one call to another.
Language Requirements
The language requirements for a university and programme are generally met by students.
IELTS, TOEFL, or other accepted English-language tests may be required for English-taught programs.
The required score depends on the university and program.
If a German, French, or other European-language program is offered, there may be a requirement for proof of the relevant language.
A few universities might be willing to accept alternate evidence of language proficiency.
Be sure to confirm that the scholarship requires a separate language course as opposed to the University.
Admission Requirements
Several scholarships will have entry criteria for the university or programme that students are applying to attend.
The academic eligibility of the selected course should be fulfilled by the applicant.
Some scholarships require acceptance to a college or university before a scholarship is awarded.
Some programs have students submit applications and scholarship requests at the same time.
Verify if the University application needs to be submitted before the Scholarship application.
Admission to the university is not guaranteed if the student meets the requirements for the scholarship.
Work Experience Requirements
Experience is not a standard requirement for every European scholarship. It mainly depends on the study level and specific program.
Bachelor's scholarships generally do not require previous professional experience.
There are many master's scholarships available for fresh graduates.
Certain scholarships for professionals and/or development may ask for applicable work experience.
The applicant needs to determine if there is a requirement to have internship experience, work experience, or research experience.
Experience can also make a competitive scholarship application, even if it's not required.
Financial or Income Requirements
There are some European scholarships that are not based on financial need. Some are awarded primarily based on academic merit, and others may take financial considerations into account.
Determine if the scholarship is based on merit, need, or a mix of both.
Scholarship applications will ask for documents or family income if they are considering giving scholarships based on need.
There are some scholarships that will not require proof of income when you apply.
Students might still be required to show adequate financial means on their own for their student visa.
An applicant may not always be eligible for full funding of living and/or study expenses.
Documents Required for Scholarships in Europe for Indian Students
The documents required for scholarships for Indian students to study in Europe depend on the scholarship and university, but several documents are commonly requested.
Here’s a list of documents that you need to keep into consideration while applying for scholarships in Europe for Indian students.
Academic transcripts and certificates
Class 10 and Class 12 certificates for undergraduate applicants
Bachelor's degree and transcripts for master's applicants
Master's degree and transcripts for PhD applicants
Valid passport
University admission or offer letter, where required
Updated CV or resume
Statement of Purpose (refer to this SOP format for detailed guidance)
Recommendation letters (check out the correct LOR format)
IELTS, TOEFL, or other accepted language test scores
Research proposal for doctoral or research scholarships
Proof of work experience, where applicable
Income or financial documents for need-based scholarships
Scholarship-specific forms, certificates, or supporting documents
Make sure all documents follow the required format, language, and certification rules. Some universities may ask for translated or officially certified copies.
How to Apply for Scholarships in Europe?
The application process varies from scholarship to scholarship, but most students will go through a similar procedure when trying to apply for funding opportunities in Europe.
The following is the step-by-step guidance on applying for a scholarship in Europe as an international student.
Step 1: Apply to Selected Scholarships
Explore and find scholarships that align with your academic standing, academic qualifications, subject choice, destination, and career aspirations.
Step 2: Check Eligibility Criteria
Carefully read the requirements mentioned in the official notification, including educational qualifications, nationality, age, language, work experience, etc.
Step 3: See the Official Application Deadline
Please see the scholarship and university websites for the most up-to-date deadline, as dates may vary between programmes and institutions.
Step 4: Apply to University, if required
Some scholarships will have a university application before the scholarship application, and others will be looking at students through the same application. In this step, you will draft your scholarship application.
Step 5: Create Scholarship Documents
Make sure that all transcripts, CV, motivation letter, recommendation letters, and test scores are complete and ready by the deadline.
Step 6: Apply for Scholarship
Fill out the Scholarship application carefully and submit all the documents in the necessary format by the deadline.
Step 7: The Selection Process is Finished
The selection process can vary depending on the scholarship and may involve submitting documents, an academic assessment, an interview, or nomination from the university.
Step 8: Getting the Scholarship Decision
The students who are selected are given a scholarship offer/award notification, which must be followed to accept the scholarship and complete admission formalities.
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Scholarships in Europe?
A lot of scholarships in Europe for Indian students are in demand, and everyone can ease up by preparing a focused and complete application.
The following tips may help you increase your chances of getting scholarships in Europe:
Keep an outstanding academic record: High grades can help bolster applications, particularly for merit scholarships.
Choose wisely: Select scholarships that are related to your academic field and career objectives.
Research the Scholarship Requirements: Do research on the requirements for the scholarships and the University to which you're applying.
Be Prepared: Papers are in advance, including your transcript, test scores, certificates, and recommendation letters.
Compose a convincing SOP: Clearly state your academic objectives, career plans, and the reason for opting for this programme.
Emphasize achievements: Mention pertinent academic, research, extracurricular, leadership, or professional accomplishments.
Emphasise relevant experience: If the scholarship values work experience, explain the work experience in relation to the course that you are going to take on.
Ask for recommendations from good recommenders: Discuss with professors or employers whose opinion is well-informed and who can provide specific recommendations.
Speak in the language: Take the appropriate English or local language tests before the deadline for application.
Avoid last-minute delivery: Make sure to submit the document and application before the deadline; allow time for corrections.
Conclusion
Europe offers scholarships across bachelor's, master's and PhD levels, giving Indian students several ways to reduce the financial burden of studying abroad.
From government-funded programmes such as Stipendium Hungaricum and Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships to Erasmus Mundus, DAAD and university-specific awards, funding can include tuition support, monthly stipends, travel assistance and insurance.
Students looking for PhD scholarships for Indian students in Europe should pay particular attention to research requirements, supervisor support, and academic eligibility. Always check official scholarship and university websites for the latest eligibility criteria, application requirements, and deadlines before applying.
Indian students can study abroad with minimal or no personal expenses by receiving a fully funded scholarship. Depending on the scholarship, it may cover tuition fees, living costs, travel, and other study-related expenses.
Which countries let you study for free as an international student?
Germany is one of the most popular destinations where many public universities offer programs with no tuition fees for eligible students, although some exceptions apply. Other countries also provide free or subsidized education through selected programs, universities, or scholarships.
What are some MBA scholarships for Indian students in Europe?
Apply for MBA scholarships for Indian students in Europe through prestigious funding programs such as the Deepak and Sunita Gupta Fellowship at INSEAD, HEC Paris Scholarship for Excellence, and EDHEC Excellence & Merit Scholarships. Awards may cover part or all of tuition and, in some cases, living costs.
Which universities give fully funded scholarships for Indian students?
Several universities provide full or significant financial support to international students, although eligibility differs. Harvard and other highly selective universities may offer need-based financial aid, while Chevening supports eligible students studying at participating UK universities.
How much CGPA is required for a scholarship in Europe?
There is no fixed CGPA requirement for all European scholarships. Many merit-based scholarships prefer a strong academic record, often around 3.0-3.5 GPA or equivalent, but requirements vary by country, university, and scholarship; MBA scholarships for Indian students in Europe may be different from PhD scholarships.
Which country is easy to get a scholarship for international students?
There is no country where getting a scholarship is automatically easy, as selection depends on the programme and the applicant’s profile. Germany can be a good option because many public universities have low or no tuition fees, while scholarships can support living costs.
Which scholarship can be easier for Indian students to study abroad?
No single scholarship is the easiest for all Indian students. Your chances depend on factors such as academic performance, work experience, leadership, financial background, course, and eligibility. It is better to target scholarships that closely match your profile.
Who is eligible for a scholarship in India to study abroad?
Scholarship eligibility differs across schemes and may depend on Indian citizenship, academic performance, family income, age, chosen course, university admission, and specific social or community categories. For instance, the National Overseas Scholarship is available only to specified eligible groups.
How to get a free government scholarship?
Check official government scholarship portals to understand the eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and required documents. Select a scheme that matches your academic level, category, and course, and submit complete and accurate academic, financial, and admission details before the deadline.
When should I start searching for scholarships?
Ideally, begin looking for scholarships 9-12 months before your planned intake. Some major scholarships open several months before university applications or follow separate nomination timelines, so early preparation allows time for documents, essays, tests, and recommendation letters.
What is the last date to apply for scholarships?
There is no common deadline for all scholarships, as each program has its own application schedule. For example, the National Overseas Scholarship had an application window earlier, while other scholarships follow different deadlines.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |5023 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
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