19 September 2025
5 minutes read
10 Best Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students in Europe
19 September 2025
5 minutes read
Key Takeaways
- Fully funded scholarships for Indian students in Europe remove tuition, living, and travel costs, making world-class education realistic for Indian families.
- Around 600 Erasmus Mundus and other prestigious scholarships are awarded each year, giving Indian students access to top universities across Europe.
- Preparing transcripts, GPA, IELTS or TOEFL, and a strong personal statement early helps students apply for fully funded opportunities without stress.
Money is the one villain every Indian student secretly fears more than exam results. Tuition fees in Europe can look like they belong in a horror movie. I have met families who literally calculate costs like grocery bills only to realise one year of study abroad can wipe out decades of savings. Brutal, right?
The good news is fully funded scholarships are available and they change the game completely. I have seen international students pack their bags for Europe without touching their parent’s retirement money because the scholarship covers tuition, living, and sometimes even flight tickets.
The dream of postgraduate studies in Europe does not need to be a financial nightmare anymore.
What are Fully-Funded Scholarships to Study Abroad?
Free education is not a myth, it is a well-kept secret. Fully funded scholarships are offered by governments, universities, and institutions that cover almost everything from tuition to living. Think of it as “Tera ghar banega Switzerland” without paying EMI.
Here is what a fully funded scholarship for international students usually covers:
- Tuition fees completely waived with scholarships, yes zero, not even GST jokes.
- Living allowance that keeps you from surviving on Maggi packets.
- Airfare tickets paid so your parents do not pawn jewelry.
- Health insurance, because “Picture abhi baaki hai mere dost.”
- Research and travel grants, which feels like an Avengers-level privilege.
10 Best Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students in Europe
More than 37 scholarships are available and approximately 600 scholarships are awarded every year to international students wishing to study in Europe. Some are prestigious scholarships that make LinkedIn flex-worthy, while others simply pay your rent on time.
Here is my list of scholarships to Indian students that actually work.
1. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Chevening scholarship is a fully funded offer for Indian students who want to study in UK universities. Covers tuition, living, and travel.
2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EU/Europe)
This funded scholarship for international students is like a Europe tour package. One course, multiple countries, full funding.
3. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
DAAD scholarship is a fully funded program for postgraduate studies. Tuition free, stipend loaded.
4. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
Scholarship is offered to students from Commonwealth nations. Covers full tuition and living.
5. Rhodes Scholarships (UK)
Prestigious scholarships at Oxford. Only the academic Avengers get in.
6. Gates Cambridge Scholarships (UK)
Cambridge scholarship is a fully funded deal. Even covers airfare. GPA and statement of purpose matter.
7. ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarship (Switzerland)
Excellence-scholarship is a fully funded option for master’s programs. Open to international students with strong GRE or GPA.
8. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program (France)
Scholarship provides living allowance, full tuition, and is available for international students wishing to study in France.
9. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship (Switzerland)
Scholarship is available for PhD scholarship is a fully covered program. Awarded to students who want to pursue research.
10. Netherlands Government Scholarships (Netherlands)
This scholarship takes care of tuition and living for students who want to study in the Netherlands. Scholarships are available for undergraduate too.
Quick Comparison Table:
| Sl No | Scholarship Name | Country | Scholarship-Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chevening Scholarship | UK | Tuition, living, travel |
| 2 | Erasmus Mundus | EU | Multiple countries, full ride |
| 3 | DAAD Scholarship | Germany | Tuition, stipend |
| 4 | Commonwealth | UK | Tuition, living |
| 5 | Rhodes | UK | Tuition, living, prestige |
| 6 | Gates Cambridge | UK | Tuition, airfare |
| 7 | ETH Zurich Excellence | Switzerland | Tuition, living allowance |
| 8 | Eiffel | France | Tuition, allowance |
| 9 | Swiss Govt Scholarship | Switzerland | Research, stipend |
| 10 | Netherlands Govt Scholarship | Netherlands | Tuition, living |
Why Study Abroad in Europe in 2025 as an Indian Student?
Bollywood spends crores making Europe look dreamy but I will give you the real deal. Europe has 280 universities open to students with scholarships for Indian students.
Tuition is cheaper than US, culture is diverse, and international students studying there often find fellowships for Indian and international students that cover everything.
Do You Need International Scholarships as Indian Students to Study Abroad?
Yes, unless your family owns a cricket team. Tuition plus living in Europe can easily cost as much as a house in Delhi NCR. Scholarships are available for undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs.
A scholarship is only offered if you meet GPA, IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, SAT, GMAT, ACT requirements along with transcripts, resume, and statement of purpose. I tell students who wish to pursue studies abroad that searching for scholarships that match their profile is more important than booking flights.
A university scholarship is a fully funded option for some but a government scholarship is offered to more categories. Scholarships that match your profile can save you lakhs.
University Scholarships vs Government Scholarships: 5 Key Differences
Every scholarship is not born equal. Some scholarships are listed with big names but a government scholarship covers more than a university one.
Here is a breakdown of scholarships:
| Sl No | University Scholarship | Government Scholarship |
| 1 | Looks fancy on Instagram | Pays your rent consistently |
| 2 | Limited to one university | Open to international students worldwide |
| 3 | Sometimes only tuition | Scholarship takes care of tuition and living |
| 4 | Fewer scholarships available | Number of fully funded scholarships is higher |
| 5 | University graduate scholarships are fully funded for selected | Government scholarships are available under this scholarship at more than 280 universities |
Top 10 Universities to Study in France, UK, Germany and Other European Countries
Students who wish to apply for fully funded scholarships offered by top universities need to know where to look. Scholarships and funding are available under this scholarship list of universities.
Remember dialogues and lyrics also apply to study abroad.
| Sl No | University | Country | Average Fee |
| 1 | University of Oxford | UK | £40,000 |
| 2 | University of Cambridge | UK | £38,000 |
| 3 | ETH Zurich | Switzerland | CHF 1,500 |
| 4 | Sorbonne University | France | €10,000 |
| 5 | Heidelberg University | Germany | €8,000 |
| 6 | Leiden University | Netherlands | €12,000 |
| 7 | University of Geneva | Switzerland | CHF 1,800 |
| 8 | Ludwig Maximilian Munich | Germany | €9,000 |
| 9 | University of Edinburgh | UK | £30,000 |
| 10 | PSL Research University | France | €11,000 |
Conclusion
Europe has a range of scholarships available for Indian students and international students who want to study without loans. The key takeaway is simple: apply for fully funded scholarships before anything else.
If you want to study in Europe and need help matching scholarships that fit your GPA, transcripts, and personal statement, Ambitio can guide you step by step with precision.
FAQs
What are fully funded scholarships for Indian students in Europe?
Fully funded scholarships for Indian students in Europe cover tuition fees, living expenses, and sometimes travel costs for the entire study program in European universities.
Which countries in Europe offer 100% scholarships for Indian students?
Countries such as Germany, France, Norway, Austria, and Iceland provide generous fully funded scholarships to international applicants, including Indian students.
What is the eligibility criteria to apply for these scholarships?
Eligibility often depends on academic merit, financial need, extracurricular achievements, and leadership skills; specific criteria vary by scholarship provider.
How can Indian students apply for fully funded scholarships in Europe?
Students can apply directly through the scholarship provider’s website or the university they wish to attend, following guidelines and submitting the required documents.
Do fully funded European scholarships require English proficiency tests like IELTS?
Some scholarships do not require IELTS, but most will ask for proof of English proficiency; requirements vary based on program and university.
What documents are essential when applying for scholarships in Europe?
Commonly required documents include academic transcripts, Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LOR), proof of funds, and English proficiency scores.
Can Indian students get scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Europe?
Yes, Indian students are eligible for both undergraduate and postgraduate fully funded scholarships in many European countries and universities.
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