By the Portlio studio · Published · 8 min read
Europe combines low tuition in several countries with strong scholarship programs, which makes it one of the most affordable places to study abroad. Here are the main funding routes and what each covers.
Europe-wide: Erasmus Mundus
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are two-year degrees across universities in at least two countries. Scholars get tuition, travel, installation costs and EUR 1,400 a month. Each program selects its own scholars, usually with deadlines between October and January.
Country by country
- Germany: tuition is free at most public universities, and DAAD offers many scholarships. See study in Germany for free.
- Italy: regional DSU grants are need-based and can cover fees, a yearly allowance and sometimes housing and meals, for international students too. Each region runs its own call, usually in summer.
- Hungary: Stipendium Hungaricum funds bachelor's to PhD study for citizens of partner countries, with free tuition, a monthly stipend and housing support.
- France: the French government and universities offer awards, and Campus France lists them. Public university fees are low compared to most countries.
- Netherlands, Sweden and others: universities offer partial and full scholarships for non-EU students, often with early deadlines.
Low-cost alternatives
If you don't win a full scholarship, a country with low tuition can still be affordable. Compare the options in study in Europe for free and cheapest countries to study abroad.
Official sources
Figures, deadlines and eligibility rules were checked in October 2026 and change every year. Confirm everything on the official pages linked here before you apply. Portlio and Stamplio are not affiliated with any scholarship, university, government or embassy.
Frequently asked questions
- Which European country gives the most scholarships to international students?
- Germany (through DAAD) and the EU's Erasmus Mundus program fund the most students, while Italy's regional DSU grants and Hungary's Stipendium Hungaricum are popular with students from South Asia and Africa.
- Can I study in Europe for free?
- Tuition is free at most public universities in Germany and very low in several other countries, but you still need to cover and prove your living costs.
About this guide. Written by the Portlio studio as general guidance. It isn't any college's requirements and it can't predict an admissions decision, so check each program's current instructions. Last updated .
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