Most prominent fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students targeting the 2026-2027 academic year (or intakes starting in 2026). These programs typically cover tuition, living stipends, travel, health insurance, and sometimes accommodation or other costs. Competition is high, so strong academics, relevant experience, and a clear motivation statement are essential.
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1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM) – European Union
This flagship EU program funds joint master’s degrees delivered by consortia of 2–4 European universities (you study in at least two countries and earn a joint or double degree). It is open to students from all nationalities.
- Coverage: Full tuition waiver, monthly stipend (~€1,400), travel/installation costs, and health insurance.
- Levels: Master’s (1–2 years).
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent); excellent academic record; some programs have specific prerequisites.
- Application: Apply directly to the chosen program consortium. Deadlines vary by program but often fall between October 2025 and February/March 2026 for 2026 intake. Check the Erasmus Mundus Catalogue for available programs.6eae70
- Tip: Many new or renewed programs were added for 2026 in fields like AI, sustainability, biotechnology, and more.
2. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers numerous scholarships, with the Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) being especially popular for students from developing countries (including Nigeria).
- Coverage: Monthly stipend (€934–€1,300+ depending on level), travel allowance, health insurance, and sometimes rent subsidy or family allowances. Tuition is often low or free at public German universities.
- Levels: Master’s and PhD (focus on development-related fields like engineering, agriculture, public health, etc.).
- Eligibility: Usually requires at least 2 years of relevant professional experience for EPOS; bachelor’s/master’s degree; from eligible developing/newly industrialized countries.
- Application Deadlines: Vary by program/course (often August–October for the following year; check specific 2026/27 deadlines). Many EPOS courses have deadlines in late 2025 or early 2026.
- Other DAAD options: Research grants, study scholarships for STEM, and more.
Germany is tuition-free at most public universities, making DAAD even more attractive.
3. Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom)
The UK government’s global leadership scholarship for one-year master’s degrees at any UK university.
- Coverage: Full tuition, monthly living allowance, economy return flights, and additional grants.
- Levels: Master’s (1 year).
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree (equivalent to UK 2:1), at least 2 years (≈2,800 hours) of work experience, leadership potential, and commitment to return home for at least 2 years. Nigeria is eligible.
- Application: Applications for the 2026-2027 cycle are currently closed (they typically open in August and close in early October of the prior year). Results around June; studies start September/October 2026.
4. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme (France)
Funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs to attract top international talent.
- Coverage: Monthly stipend (€1,181+ for Master’s; higher for PhD), travel, insurance, housing assistance, and cultural activities. Tuition fees are usually covered separately by the host institution.
- Levels: Master’s (12–36 months) and PhD (12–18 or up to 36 months in some cases).
- Eligibility: Non-French nationals; age limits (up to 29 for Master’s, 35 for PhD); priority for students from developing countries; fields like engineering, sciences, economics, law, etc. Not for those already studying in France.
- Application Timeline for 2026: Institutions submit by January 8, 2026 (students apply via chosen French institution earlier, often by late 2025). Results from March/April 2026.
5. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP) – Sweden
Targeted at ambitious professionals from certain countries (check eligibility; many developing countries qualify).
- Coverage: Full tuition, living expenses stipend, travel grant, insurance, and membership in the SI Network for Future Global Leaders.
- Levels: Master’s (1–2 years).
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree, relevant work experience, leadership potential.
- Application: First apply to eligible master’s programs (Oct 2025–Jan 2026), then to the scholarship (Feb 9–25, 2026).
Other Notable Fully Funded Options
- Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary): Covers tuition, stipend, accommodation contribution, and medical insurance for bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD at Hungarian universities. Deadlines often around January.
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Switzerland): For research or postgraduate study; monthly stipend, tuition, etc. Applications via Swiss embassies (deadlines vary by country, often late 2025).
- Romania Government Scholarships: Fully funded for non-EU students (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD); often requires Romanian language study. Deadlines around February/March.
- NL Scholarship (Netherlands): Partial but can combine with university funding; check for full packages.
- University-specific or regional scholarships (e.g., in Italy via DSU regional aid, Poland, Czech Republic, or Belgium’s Master Mind).
General Tips for Applicants (Especially from Nigeria/Lagos)
Start Early: Many deadlines are in late 2025 or early 2026 for 2026/27 intake. Prepare documents like transcripts, motivation letters, CV, recommendation letters, and proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL often required; some programs accept alternatives).
- Eligibility Check: Confirm your country qualifies (most do for major programs).
Where to Search:
- Erasmus+ Catalogue: erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu
- DAAD Scholarship Database: daad.de
- Official sites for each scholarship
- Scholarship portals like scholars4dev.com or scholarshipportal.com
Language: Many programs are in English; German/French/Swedish options may require proficiency.
Visa & Practicalities: Scholarships often assist with visas. Germany, France, Sweden, etc., have straightforward processes for scholars.
For the latest details and exact deadlines, always visit the official websites as they can shift slightly. If you’re targeting a specific field or country, narrow your search there—e.g., DAAD or Eiffel for STEM/development fields.
