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How to Find Scholarships to Study Abroad in Europe

Finding scholarships in your own country can be challenging enough, but what about when you’re looking for financial support to study abroad? Today, we’re kicking off a monthly series aimed at helping our readers gain access to the information, access and help they need to pursue their international study dreams -- wherever they may be. The first stop on our world tour of scholarship opportunities? Europe. Here’s a roundup of places to look when it comes to identifying financial support for your European studies.

Nov 1, 2016
  • Student Tips
How to Find Scholarships to Study Abroad in Europe

Finding scholarships in your own country can be challenging enough, but what about when you’re looking for financial support to study abroad? Today, we’re kicking off a monthly series aimed at helping our readers gain access to the information, access and help they need to pursue their international study dreams -- wherever they may be. The first stop on our world tour of scholarship opportunities? Europe. Here’s a roundup of places to look when it comes to identifying financial support for your European studies.

Young multi-racial peole in student city

1. Erasmus+

No comprehensive piece on European scholarships is complete without mention of Erasmus+, an EU program managed by the UK National Agency -- a partnership between the British Council and Ecorys UK -- focused on education, training, youth and sport.

Perhaps the world’s most famous scholarship program, Erasmus+ provides more than 2.1 billion euros in funding a year -- with cultivating “learning mobility” for higher education students and staff as one of its primary priorities. Funding amounts differ from university to university, but typically cover part of the expense of staying abroad for a study period of between three months and a year.

Any student of any nationality can apply for funding through Erasmus+ so long as they are studying at an Erasmus Charter for Higher Education institution. This includes master’s and doctoral students, as well as undergraduates. Additionally, thousands of institutions throughout Europe are Erasmus exchange partners with certain Erasmus+ eligibility.

Wondering whether your school is affiliated with Erasmus+ and if you are eligible to apply? Sending higher education institutions are responsible for the selection process so check in with your school’s international office or with the Erasmus+ National Agency in your home country.

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2. National Scholarships

While Erasmus+ is an EU initiative, many countries also have scholarship initiatives of their own for international students. And while they may come with restrictions, they’re also abundant. In other words, while it might take some time to track down a scholarship scheme which best fits your situation, your efforts are likely to pay off.

Some great places to start your search for funding in Europe?

Focusing on a specific region of Europe? Be sure to look into the CEEPUS Exchange Program, which promotes student exchange for students from 16 countries within Eastern and Central Europe and the Visegrad Scholarship Program, which offers support for students in the V4 region, Western Balkan, and Eastern Partnership countries.

But these are just a small sampling of the funding incentives offered by EU countries in an effort to support mobility, exchange, diversity and innovation on their campuses. For more comprehensive information, visit your school’s international office.

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3. University-Specific Scholarships

Given growing awareness of the benefits of diversity on innovation, our increasingly borderless economy, and the resulting push toward globalization across the higher education sphere, it’s hardly surprising that most universities also offer their own scholarship programs designed to entice international students to their communities.

If you have a specific destination university in mind, be sure to check in with its international office and/or visit its website to find out what funding may be available to you. Settled in on a country but not a specific university, meanwhile? Your sending school’s international office can point you in the direction of opportunities in the region of your choice.

While the question of whether or not you can afford to study abroad is certainly worth considering, closing the door on international studies due to financial constraints can be a premature move -- particularly when so many scholarships exist. Your takeaway? Before dismissing the prospect of international studies in Europe because of the high costs often associated with studying at its top-ranked higher education institutions and living in its phenomenal cities, invest a few minutes in exploring the many funding opportunities available to students just like you. You may be surprised to discover a pleasing and financially agreeable path to your international study goals.

Joanna Hughes

Author

Joanna worked in higher education administration for many years at a leading research institution before becoming a full-time freelance writer. She lives in the beautiful White Mountains region of New Hampshire with her family.