Top Scholarships for Indian Students in Europe

Introduction

Do you dream of a degree in Europe but are worried about the cost? It’s not a problem. There are many options for Indian college students, the financial challenges frequently hinder their ability to pursue higher education in the United States. However, Europe has a range of top scholarships that will cover the cost of tuition along with living expenses, as well as travel costs. This guide reveals the best scholarships available to Indian students studying in Europe to help you turn your dream of studying abroad into reality. From university-funded grants for specific countries to country-specific programs, find out the best ways to access an elite education with no cost.

Best Government-Funded Scholarships in Europe

Erasmus+ Scholarship Program

Erasmus+ is the European Union’s most prestigious program that supports education training, youth, and education.

Coverage Includes: Tuition or travel costs
Eligibility: A bachelor’s degree is required and a solid academic background and acceptance into one of the Erasmus Mundus Master Degree programs.
Application Procedure: Directly through this website. Erasmus Mundus course website

DAAD Scholarships – Germany

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a range of scholarships for Indian students.

Coverage: Monthly stipend and travel allowance, Health insurance
Eligibility: Minimum requirements: Bachelor’s degree, and at least two years of work experience
Popular Fields: Engineering, Social Sciences, and Business

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship – France

Offered by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

Coverage: Monthly allowance and international travel and health insurance
Eligibility: Students who are under 25 (Master’s) and less than 30 (PhD) and with high academic performance

Top University-Funded Scholarships

ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship (Switzerland)

The most competitive scholarship based on merit for students in Europe.

Coverage: Coverage includes tuition for full-time and living costs
Eligibility: Achieving exceptional academic records and admission to Master’s programs.

Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (Netherlands)

Students from countries outside of the European Union are eligible for this program, which includes Indian citizens.

Coverage: Coverage for tuition fee waiver
Fields: Law, Science, Social and Behavioural Sciences

University of Bologna Study Grants (Italy)

Italy’s oldest university gives each year study grants to meritorious international students.

Coverage: $11,000 for each academic year
Eligibility: Based on scores from SAT/ACT and GRE scores

Country-Specific Scholarship Opportunities

Sweden – Swedish Institute Scholarships

Sweden provides generous scholarships to international professionals.

Coverage: Coverage includes tuition fees and living costs as well as insurance and travel grants
Eligibility: High leadership potential and academic record

Ireland – Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships

Awarded to outstanding students from countries outside the EU.

Coverage: Full tuition plus EUR10,000 stipend
Eligibility: A bachelor’s degree that has outstanding academic qualifications

Norway – Quota Scheme (Phased Out but Alternatives Exist)

Even though it is true that the Quota Scheme has ended, numerous universities in Norway provide tuition-free learning and financial options.

Coverage: Education tuition-free and living-cost scholarship
Eligibility: Admission to full-time Master’s degree programs

Tips for Securing a Scholarship in Europe

Start Early and Stay Organized

Deadlines can vary widely. Begin your research at least 12 months ahead.

Tailor Every Application

Make your statement of intent and recommendation letters to be in line with the criteria of each scholarship.

Leverage Online Platforms

Websites like DAAD.de, ScholarshipPortal.eu, and StudyinEurope.eu are goldmines for opportunities.

Scholarship for Indian Students in Europe? Complete Guide for 2025

What is a Scholarship for Indian Students in Europe?

An award for Indian students studying in Europe is an award of financial aid to Indian nationals to fund their studies at European universities. They typically are based on merit or need, program-specific, or need-based with the aim of making global education affordable and accessible.

Common Scholarship Categories:

Government-funded (e.g., Erasmus+, DAAD)
University-specific (e.g., ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship)
Foundations that are private (e.g., Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation)
Country-specific (e.g., Charpak Scholarship in France)

6 Common Causes of Scholarship Problems in 2025

Insufficient centralization of management systems
Application procedures that are no longer valid.
Insufficient communication between the universities and applicants
Unknown scholarships
Lack of transparency in the selection requirements
Delayed fund distribution along with bureaucratic obstacles

13 Pro Tips for Scholarship Management in 2025

Utilize dedicated platforms such as DAAD, Campus France, or ScholarshipPortal.
Set calendar reminders for deadlines.
Follow influential influencers and education experts on LinkedIn.
Participate in online communities such as The GradCafe, Reddit, or Quora.
Track several applications with tools such as Trello as well as Notion.
Create documents that include LORs, SOPs, as well as transcripts and CVs.
Scholarships for niches in fields that are emerging, such as sustainable development or AI.
Create an outline of your budget to reflect the scholarship coverage.
Email past scholars for insights.
Have SOPs reviewed by professors or mentors.
Do not submit last-minute applications for a thorough review.
Questions to practice for an interview in the event that the scholarship is one.
Save backup options such as student loans and assistantships.

Expert & Influencer Insights

We contacted experts who work in the study-abroad field:

Shweta Singh, EduEurope Consultant

“Indian students often miss out due to lack of knowledge about university-managed funds. Follow scholarship officers on LinkedIn or attend webinars.”

Dr. Martin Koch, DAAD Program Coordinator

“Prioritize scholarships with strong alumni networks. These open doors even after funding ends.”

Finding Other Points of View

Certain experts believe that the centralization of management tools can deter smaller local and regional NGOs from participating in scholarships. Some experts also argue that real-time updates via mobile applications improve accessibility for applicants from rural areas.

Anita Pillai, Founder, India2EU Foundation

“We need both digital innovation and grassroots inclusion to truly democratize scholarships.”

Scholarships by the Numbers (2025)

Erasmus+: More than 5,000 Indian students were awarded funding in 2024.
DAAD: 800+ Indian recipients enrolled at German universities.
Charpak (France): 120 Indian scholars are funded.
Inlaks Foundation: Avg. award in the amount of USD 100,000 to each pupil.

Expert-level Articles

Here are some articles that discuss scholarship opportunities for Indian students studying in Europe, written by well-known experts in international affairs and education:

“Unlocking Global Potential: How Scholarships Empower Indian Students in Europe”

Written by Dr. Rajika Bhandari – International higher education expert and the author of “America Calling”

“Bridging Continents: The Impact of European Scholarships on India’s Talent Pipeline”

by Dr. Rahul Choudaha – Global higher education strategist and co-founder of DrEducation

“Financing Dreams Abroad: A Deep Dive into Scholarship Trends for Indian Students in Europe”

Written by Shiksha Sudhakar, Senior Education Correspondent for The Hindu and columnist on global education policy

Expert Quotations Regarding the Subject of Scholarships Available to Indian Students Studying in Europe

Dr. Anjali Gupta, Education Consultant & Director at Global EduMentors

“European universities are increasingly taking note of the academic capabilities that Indian students possess. With the EU’s push for internationalization, we’re seeing a rise in need-based and merit-based scholarships that not only reduce tuition fees but also support living expenses–especially in countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands.”

Prof. Markus Lehmann, Head of International Programs, University of Cologne, Germany

“India is a major partner in the European academic collaboration strategy. To draw the best Indian talent, a number of European institutions are providing special scholarships that are specifically tailored for Indian students. These scholarships are part of an overall initiative to broaden the scope of campuses and encourage international research exchange.”

The LetzStudy Assisted Indian Students’ Stories

Vijay Kumar’s Journey: From Rural Karnataka to Germany with 100% Tuition Waiver

Growing up in a humble background in a tiny village within Karnataka, Vijay Kumar wanted to study in Europe but was unsure whether it was financially viable. He approached LetzStudy, and experienced counselors found tuition-free schools in Germany and assisted him in applying to the DAAD Award.

Thanks to the guidance of LetzStudy:

He created a compelling statement of purpose and CV.
He was assisted in understanding the German basic language and the APS certification process.
He was given free tuition MS seats within Embedded Systems at TU Berlin with the monthly living allowance of EUR934 via DAAD.

“LetzStudy didn’t just guide me–they believed in my dream. Their support changed my life,” says Vijay Kumar.

Puneeth Achar’s Leap: Winning the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship for Dual Master’s

Puneeth Achar, a Computer Science graduate from Bengaluru, was looking to pursue a focused Master’s in Technology within Europe but was left overwhelmed with the options. LetzStudy’s team ranked the top Erasmus Mundus programs aligned with his goals and guided him in his application.

The LetzStudy mentorship program:

He gained acceptance for his joint Master of Erasmus Mundus of Big Data Management.
He was awarded his ErasmusPlus Scholarship, which covers the cost of tuition, travel, insurance, and an annual stipend of $1,400.
He’s presently studying across Spain, Italy, and France and gaining worldwide exposure.

“I didn’t know how to navigate the Erasmus application, but LetzStudy made it seamless. I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Shashank S K’s Win: Partial Scholarship + Internship Support in the Netherlands

Shashank K received good marks; however, he was not able to afford the tuition. He reached out to LetzStudy, hoping to get the right scholarship to study Management Studies in Europe. The team recommended Business schools within the Netherlands and assisted him in applying to receive a merit-based tuition discount as well as grants linked to internships.

With the help of LetzStudy:

He was awarded the 60% tuition allowance at Nyenrode Business College.
They also assisted him in securing a paid job to help pay for his living expenses.
He’s currently flourishing in Amsterdam and is building a solid network and career direction.

“LetzStudy’s expertise in matching scholarships and internships was a game-changer. They really care about your success.”

🎓 Ready to Start Your Scholarship Journey?

If you’re looking for tuition-free colleges, full scholarships, or financing for your internship, LetzStudy can help you along the way. Contact LetzStudy today and schedule your complimentary consultation now!

Let your European educational journey begin the smart way with LetzStudy.

Shopping cart