Studying for a postgraduate degree in Europe is a dream for many students from Africa, Asia, and around the world. Europe is home to some of the best universities globally, offering world-class education, cutting-edge research opportunities, and excellent career prospects. However, tuition fees and living costs can be a barrier for many international students.
The good news is that several universities in Europe offer postgraduate scholarships in 2025 to help international students pursue their academic goals. These scholarships can be fully funded (covering tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, and travel) or partially funded (covering part of the tuition or living expenses).
This guide lists the top 12 universities in Europe offering postgraduate scholarships in 2025. It explains the eligibility criteria, application procedures, benefits, and tips to increase your chances of winning these competitive scholarships. Whether you are looking to pursue a master’s degree or a PhD, this article will provide all the information you need to get started.
Summary Table: Top 12 Universities in Europe Offering Postgraduate Scholarships in 2025
| University | Country | Scholarship Type | Funding Coverage | Deadline (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Oxford | United Kingdom | Clarendon Scholarships | Full tuition & living costs | January 2025 |
| University of Cambridge | United Kingdom | Gates Cambridge Scholarships | Full funding | December 2024 - Jan 2025 |
| ETH Zurich | Switzerland | ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship | Full tuition + stipend | December 2024 |
| University of Copenhagen | Denmark | Danish Government Scholarships | Tuition + living allowance | January 2025 |
| KU Leuven | Belgium | Science@Leuven Scholarships | Tuition + expenses | February 2025 |
| Heidelberg University | Germany | DAAD Postgraduate Scholarships | Full or partial funding | Varies by program |
| University of Helsinki | Finland | Helsinki Scholarships | Full tuition & living costs | January 2025 |
| University of Amsterdam | Netherlands | Amsterdam Merit Scholarships | Tuition + stipend | January 2025 |
| Lund University | Sweden | Lund Global Scholarships | 25%–100% tuition waiver | February 2025 |
| Trinity College Dublin | Ireland | Global Excellence Scholarships | Partial or full funding | March 2025 |
| University of Warsaw | Poland | Poland Government Scholarships | Tuition + allowance | March 2025 |
| University of Vienna | Austria | Austrian Government Grants | Tuition + monthly stipend | March 2025 |
1. University of Oxford – Clarendon Scholarships
The University of Oxford in the United Kingdom is one of the most prestigious universities globally. Its Clarendon Scholarships are among the most generous postgraduate scholarships in Europe for 2025.
Key Details
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Eligibility: Open to all international students with excellent academic records.
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Funding: Covers full tuition and college fees, with a generous living stipend.
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Programs: All full-time and part-time postgraduate courses at Oxford.
Why Choose Oxford?
Oxford offers state-of-the-art facilities, global networking opportunities, and unparalleled academic mentorship. Clarendon scholars join a vibrant community of students from over 70 countries.
How to Apply
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Apply for a postgraduate course at Oxford by the January 2025 deadline.
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No separate application is required for Clarendon; you are automatically considered based on academic merit.
2. University of Cambridge – Gates Cambridge Scholarships
The University of Cambridge offers the Gates Cambridge Scholarships, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Key Details
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Eligibility: Open to international students from outside the UK.
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Funding: Covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge, including tuition, living expenses, travel, and dependent allowances.
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Programs: Available for any full-time postgraduate degree.
Benefits
Gates Cambridge is one of the most prestigious scholarships, offering leadership development programs alongside financial support.
How to Apply
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Apply for admission to Cambridge and the scholarship simultaneously through the university’s portal.
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Deadline: December 2024 or January 2025 (depending on your course).
3. ETH Zurich – Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Program (ESOP)
ETH Zurich in Switzerland is a top destination for science, technology, and engineering students.
Key Details
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Eligibility: High-achieving international students applying for a master’s program.
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Funding: Covers full tuition and living expenses with a generous stipend.
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Programs: All master’s programs at ETH Zurich.
Why ETH Zurich?
It is consistently ranked among the top universities worldwide, with strong industry connections and research opportunities.
How to Apply
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Submit an application for a master’s program by December 2024.
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A separate application for the ESOP scholarship is required, including references.
4. University of Copenhagen – Danish Government Scholarships
The University of Copenhagen offers Danish Government Scholarships to international students from non-EU/EEA countries.
Key Details
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Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA international students with strong academic records.
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Funding: Tuition fee waiver and a monthly living allowance.
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Programs: Postgraduate programs across all faculties.
Why Study in Denmark?
Denmark offers high-quality education and a welcoming environment for international students.
How to Apply
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Apply for a master’s program at the University of Copenhagen by January 2025.
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Selected candidates are automatically considered for scholarships.
5. KU Leuven – Science@Leuven Scholarships
KU Leuven in Belgium offers the Science@Leuven Scholarships to international students interested in science-related master’s programs.
Key Details
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Eligibility: Non-EU international students applying for eligible master’s programs.
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Funding: Up to €10,000 per year (covers tuition and part of living expenses).
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Programs: Science, mathematics, statistics, and related fields.
How to Apply
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Apply for admission by February 2025 and complete the scholarship application form.
6. Heidelberg University – DAAD Postgraduate Scholarships
Germany remains a top choice for international students due to its low tuition fees and excellent universities. DAAD Scholarships at Heidelberg University are highly sought after.
Key Details
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Eligibility: International students with strong academic performance and work experience (for some programs).
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Funding: Covers tuition, travel, monthly stipend, and health insurance.
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Programs: Wide range of master’s and PhD programs.
How to Apply
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Apply for DAAD scholarships through the DAAD portal before the program’s deadline.
7. University of Helsinki – Helsinki Scholarships
Finland’s University of Helsinki offers scholarships to top-performing international students.
Key Details
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Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA students applying for a master’s program.
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Funding: Full tuition waiver and a €5,000 living cost grant.
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Programs: All English-taught master’s programs.
Why Study in Finland?
Finland is known for innovation, safety, and excellent quality of life.
8. University of Amsterdam – Amsterdam Merit Scholarships (AMS)
The University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands offers AMS Scholarships to talented non-EU/EEA students.
Key Details
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Eligibility: International students from outside the EU/EEA.
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Funding: Tuition fees and a monthly stipend.
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Programs: Wide range of master’s programs.
Application
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Applications are typically due in January 2025.
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Submit an AMS scholarship application alongside your admission application.
9. Lund University – Global Scholarship Program
Sweden’s Lund University is well-known for its Global Scholarship Program.
Key Details
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Eligibility: International students from outside the EU/EEA.
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Funding: Tuition waivers covering 25%–100% of tuition fees.
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Programs: All master’s programs.
How to Apply
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Apply for a master’s program by January 2025.
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Submit a separate scholarship application through Lund’s portal.
10. Trinity College Dublin – Global Excellence Scholarships
Ireland’s Trinity College Dublin is one of the best universities in Europe offering partial and full scholarships.
Key Details
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Eligibility: International postgraduate applicants with strong academic records.
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Funding: Up to €5,000–€10,000 contribution towards tuition fees.
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Programs: Master’s degrees across different faculties.
11. University of Warsaw – Polish Government Scholarships
Poland is a budget-friendly study destination. The Polish Government Scholarships at the University of Warsaw provide financial support for master’s programs.
Key Details
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Eligibility: Students from developing countries with excellent academic records.
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Funding: Tuition waiver and a monthly allowance.
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Programs: English-taught master’s programs.
12. University of Vienna – Austrian Government Scholarships
Austria offers excellent postgraduate funding opportunities, and the Austrian Government Scholarships at the University of Vienna are among the best.
Key Details
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Eligibility: International students from all countries.
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Funding: Tuition, monthly stipend, travel, and health insurance.
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Programs: Master’s and PhD programs.
Tips for Applying to Postgraduate Scholarships in Europe
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Start early: Most deadlines fall between December 2024 and March 2025.
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Prepare strong documents: Transcripts, reference letters, motivation statements, and proof of English proficiency are essential.
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Meet eligibility criteria: Check each university’s academic, language, and nationality requirements.
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Tailor your applications: Customize essays and references for each scholarship.
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Apply to multiple universities: Increases your chances of success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are these postgraduate scholarships open to African students?
Yes. Most scholarships listed are open to international students from Africa, Asia, and other regions.
2. Do these scholarships cover living expenses?
Some scholarships are fully funded and include living expenses, while others only cover tuition fees. Always read the details carefully.
3. Can I apply to multiple scholarships at the same university?
Yes, you can apply to multiple scholarships as long as you meet the requirements.
4. Do I need IELTS or TOEFL for these scholarships?
Most European universities require proof of English proficiency unless your previous education was in English.
5. How competitive are these scholarships?
They are highly competitive. Submit a strong application with excellent academic records and clear career goals.
6. Can I work part-time while studying in Europe on a scholarship?
Yes, many countries allow international students to work part-time during their studies.
7. Do I need an admission offer before applying?
Some scholarships require an admission offer first, while others allow you to apply simultaneously.
8. Are PhD students eligible for these scholarships?
Yes. Many scholarships listed are available for both master’s and PhD programs.
9. Can I defer my scholarship?
Most scholarships do not allow deferrals. Confirm with the awarding institution.
10. When should I start applying for 2025 scholarships?
Start preparing in mid-2024 and apply by each university’s deadline (between December 2024 and March 2025).
Conclusion: Take Advantage of Postgraduate Scholarships in Europe
Europe remains one of the best study destinations for international students. The 12 universities listed above offer generous postgraduate scholarships in 2025, making it possible to earn a world-class degree with little or no financial burden.
If you are serious about your academic and career growth, start your application now. Prepare your documents early, research each scholarship’s eligibility, and apply to as many as possible. Winning one of these scholarships can change your life and open doors to international opportunities.