Studying in Europe is one of the smartest moves any student can make — world-class education, affordable living, international exposure, and most importantly access to hundreds of fully funded scholarships that cover tuition, living allowance, travel costs, insurance, and sometimes even monthly stipends.
If you’ve always dreamed of studying in Europe without spending money, this guide will show you the exact steps that thousands of students use every year to win 100% fully funded scholarships.
Why Europe Is the Best Destination for Fully Funded Scholarships
Europe is currently one of the easiest regions to secure funding because:
- Governments allocate huge budgets for international students
- Many countries want to attract skilled talents
- Most scholarships include monthly stipends (€350 – €1,500)
- Tuition fees are low or completely free in some countries (e.g., Germany, Norway)
Some scholarships even require no IELTS, making the process easier.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Europe You Should Target
Here are some of the top scholarships Nigerian students win yearly:
1. DAAD Scholarship (Germany)
Covers full tuition, €934 monthly stipend, health insurance, and travel.
Read how to apply: Search “DAAD” on Icanstudent.
2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
One of the most prestigious — covers everything, including relocations across multiple countries.
3. Ireland Government Scholarship
(You can internally link to your last post here).
A top choice offering a full fee waiver + €19,000 stipend.
4. Holland Scholarship / Orange Knowledge Programme (Netherlands)
5. Swedish Institute Scholarship (SI Global Professionals)
Fully funded, but highly competitive.
Step-By-Step: How to Secure a Full Scholarship in Europe
1. Choose Your Course and Country
Scholarships in Europe are usually tied to a specific course or department.
Decide whether you want:
- Health & Medical Sciences
- Engineering / Tech
- Business / Management
- Social Sciences
- Arts & Humanities
Tip: Courses in tech, nursing, engineering, and sustainability are HIGH-DEMAND.
Explore more opportunities like this
2. Prepare the Required Documents
Every scholarship in Europe will require:
- International Passport
- Academic Transcripts
- Degree/SSCE Certificate (Depending on level)
- CV (European Format — Europass)
- Motivation Letter
- Recommendation Letters
3. Write a Powerful Motivation Letter
This is where 70% of students lose their chance.
Your motivation letter should:
- Tell your story clearly
- Show academic achievement
- Explain your career goals
- Show why you chose that country
- Explain how you plan to contribute after your studies
Applicants who write generic letters get rejected.
4. Apply Early
Most European scholarships receive thousands of applications, so submitting early increases your chances.
Peak application period:
- October – February (for September intake)
- March – June (some summer intakes)
5. Target Scholarships That Fit Your Background
Instead of applying randomly, choose scholarships that match your:
- Level (Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD)
- Field of study
- Academic performance
- Language requirements
Bonus Tip: Apply for Multiple Scholarships at Once
Many students don’t know this, but you can apply to:
- Up to 3–5 Erasmus programmes
- Multiple DAAD universities
- Several European countries at the same time
READ MORE ON DAAD SCHOLARSHIP
or Find out about best Insuarance plan for students
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I get a full scholarship in Europe without IELTS?
Yes. Countries like Germany, Norway, Poland, and some Erasmus programmes accept English proficiency letters.
2. Do European scholarships pay monthly stipends?
Yes — DAAD, SI, Erasmus, and Norway scholarships all provide monthly living allowances.
3. Can HND or ND holders apply?
Yes. Erasmus and some German universities accept HND holders for Master’s.
4. Do I need work experience?
Not always. Some scholarships require 1–3 years of experience, but many do not.
5. Which European country is the easiest for scholarships?
Germany, Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, and Hungary are the top choices for fully funded programs.
Final Thoughts
A fully funded scholarship in Europe is achievable for any determined student — even if you don’t have high grades or money. What truly matters is
- Strong motivation
- Early application
- Targeting the right program
- A powerful motivation letter
