Pursuing a Ph.D. in Europe can be an exciting and fulfilling experience for many students, offering opportunities for personal and professional growth, as well as access to world-class research facilities and academic communities.
However, the cost of tuition, living expenses, and research materials can be a significant barriers for many students. Fortunately, there are several Ph.D. scholarships available in Europe that can help alleviate some of these financial burdens.
These 10 best Ph.D. scholarships for Europe provide financial assistance to students from all around the world who wish to pursue their academic and research ambitions in Europe.
The scholarships cover a range of subjects, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, social sciences, humanities, and arts. Additionally, the scholarships offer a variety of financial coverage, such as tuition fees, living expenses, research costs, and travel allowances.
1. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) is a funding program established by the European Union to support the career development and mobility of researchers across all scientific disciplines.
The program is named after Marie Skłodowska-Curie, a pioneering scientist who was the first woman to be awarded a Nobel Prize and whose work contributed significantly to the development of the field of radioactivity.
The MSCA program provides funding for researchers at all stages of their careers, from doctoral candidates to experienced researchers. The program supports both academic and non-academic research and provides funding for a wide range of activities, including research, training, and knowledge transfer.
The program aims to support the development of a highly-skilled and international mobile research workforce in Europe.
One of the funding opportunities provided by MSCA is Innovative Training Networks (ITNs), which provide funding for doctoral programs. ITNs are designed to promote interdisciplinary research and international collaboration, with the aim of enhancing the employability and career prospects of the researchers involved.
ITNs are typically partnerships between universities, research institutions, and non-academic partners, such as businesses or NGOs.
In addition to ITNs, the MSCA program also offers funding for Individual Fellowships, which provide support for experienced researchers to undertake mobility projects, such as international research stays or placements in non-academic sectors.
The MSCA also provides funding for Research and Innovation Staff Exchange (RISE) projects, which promote collaboration between research institutions and non-academic organizations.
Institution Name
European Commission
Degree Level
Ph.D. Financial Coverage: Up to €290,000 for the entire project
Subjects
Any
Eligibility Criteria
Open to all nationalities, must have a master's degree or equivalent and not more than 4 years of research experience
How to Apply
2: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are awarded to international Ph.D. students in any discipline who wish to study at a Swiss university or federal institute of technology. The scholarship covers tuition fees, health insurance, and a monthly living allowance for up to three years. Applicants must have a master's degree and submit a research proposal along with their application.
 The proposal must demonstrate the candidate's academic ability, research skills, and relevance of the project to their field of study. The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are highly competitive, and applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria, including academic excellence and proficiency in either English, French, or German.
Successful candidates will have the opportunity to conduct research and study in Switzerland, which is renowned for its excellent universities and research institutions, as well as its high quality of life.
Institution Name
Swiss Government
Degree Level
 Ph.D
Financial Coverage
Monthly allowance, Health insurance and tuition fees waiver
Subjects
Any
Eligibility Criteria
Open to all nationalities, must have a master's degree or equivalent
How to Apply
3. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program is a scholarship program funded by the French government, which aims to attract outstanding international students to pursue masters and PhD programs in France. The program provides fully-funded scholarships covering tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and other associated costs.
The Eiffel Scholarship is awarded to candidates who demonstrate academic excellence and potential, and who have a strong commitment to contributing to their home countries upon completion of their studies. The program is open to students from all academic fields, including science, engineering, economics, law, and the humanities.
In addition to financial support, Eiffel Scholars also benefit from a range of other resources, including access to French language courses, academic and cultural events, and professional development opportunities.
 The program is highly competitive, with only a small number of candidates selected each year.
However, for those who are selected, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to pursue their academic and professional goals in one of the world's most vibrant and culturally rich countries, while also developing valuable skills and knowledge to contribute to the development of their home countries.
Institution Name
French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs
Degree Level
 PhD
Financial Coverage
Monthly allowance, international return trip, and social security coverage
Subjects
Engineering
Economics
Law
Political science, and Management
Eligibility Criteria
Open to all nationalities, must have a master's degree or equivalent
How to Apply
4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctorate (EMJD) Scholarships
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctorate (EMJD) Scholarship is a funding program established by the European Union to support interdisciplinary and international doctoral research across multiple European countries.
The program aims to support high-quality doctoral training and research and provides funding for travel, living expenses, and research costs.
The EMJD program is unique in that it allows doctoral candidates to undertake their research in multiple European countries, giving them the opportunity to gain valuable international experience and work with experts in their field from different cultural backgrounds.
To be eligible, candidates typically need a Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field and must meet the language requirements of the universities involved in the consortium.
 The application process typically involves submitting a research proposal, a CV, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Overall, the EMJD program provides an excellent opportunity for doctoral candidates to undertake high-quality research in an international and interdisciplinary environment.
Institution Name
European Commission
Degree Level
 PhD
Financial Coverage
Monthly allowance, travel allowance, and tuition fees waiver
Subjects
Any
Eligibility Criteria
Open to all nationalities, must have a master's degree or equivalent
How to Apply
5. DAAD Scholarships (One of the Best Scholarships for Europe)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Scholarships is a funding program that provides support to international students, researchers, and academics who wish to study or conduct research in Germany.
The program offers a wide range of scholarships for different levels of study, from undergraduate to postdoctoral, and covers various fields of study.
DAAD Scholarships aim to promote international academic cooperation and exchange, fostering a highly-skilled and internationally diverse research community in Germany. The program supports academic research, international research cooperation, and scientific exchanges between Germany and other countries.
To be eligible for DAAD Scholarships, applicants must typically meet the academic and language requirements of the university or research institution they wish to attend. In addition, applicants may be required to demonstrate financial need or a strong academic record.
The application process for DAAD Scholarships varies depending on the specific scholarship and level of study. Applicants may be required to submit a research proposal, a CV, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation. In some cases, applicants may also need to participate in an interview or selection process.
Overall, DAAD Scholarships provide an excellent opportunity for international students, researchers, and academics to study or conduct research in Germany, with the aim of promoting international academic cooperation and exchange.
Institution Name
German Academic Exchange Service
Degree Level
 PhD
Financial Coverage
 Monthly allowance, travel allowance, and health insurance
Subjects
 Any
Eligibility Criteria
Open to all nationalities, must have a master's degree or equivalent
How to Apply
6. Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan is a program that offers scholarships and fellowships to students and researchers from member countries to study or conduct research in other Commonwealth countries.
The program aims to promote international academic cooperation and exchange, with the goal of building a highly-skilled and globally diverse research community.
To be eligible, applicants must typically be citizens of a Commonwealth country and meet the academic and language requirements of the university or research institution they wish to attend.
The application process varies depending on the specific scholarship or fellowship and level of study, but may involve submitting a research proposal, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
Overall, the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan provides an excellent opportunity for students and researchers from Commonwealth countries to study or conduct research in other Commonwealth countries, with the aim of promoting international academic cooperation and exchange.
 Institution Name
 Commonwealth Scholarship Commission
Degree Level
PhD
Financial Coverage
Tuition fees, travel costs, and monthly allowance
Subjects
Any Eligibility
Criteria
 Open to citizens of Commonwealth countries, must have a master's degree or equivalent
How to Apply
7. Fulbright Scholar Program
The Fulbright Scholar Program is a prestigious funding program established by the United States government to support international academic exchange. The program offers scholarships for scholars, researchers, and professional
s from around the world to study, teach, or conduct research in the United States.
The program also offers opportunities for American scholars, researchers, and professionals to study, teach, or conduct research abroad.
The Fulbright Scholar Program aims to promote mutual understanding and cultural exchange between the United States and other countries, with the goal of fostering international cooperation and collaboration in research and academia. The program supports academic research, international research collaboration, and scientific exchanges between the United States and other countries.
To be eligible for the Fulbright Scholar Program, applicants must typically be citizens of a foreign country and hold a Ph.D. or equivalent professional/terminal degree. Applicants may also be required to demonstrate proficiency in English and meet other eligibility criteria specific to the program.
The application process for the Fulbright Scholar Program typically involves submitting a research proposal, a CV, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation. In some cases, applicants may also need to participate in an interview or selection process. Overall, the Fulbright Scholar Program provides an excellent opportunity for scholars, researchers, and professionals from around the world to engage in academic exchange and build international collaborations.
Institution Name:
The Fulbright Scholar Program is a prestigious funding program established by the United States government to support international academic exchange.
Degree Level
Ph.D.
Financial Coverage
Tuition fees, travel costs, and monthly allowance
Subjects
Any
Eligibility Criteria
 Open to all nationalities, must have a master's degree or equivalent
How to Apply
8. Gates Cambridge Scholarship Institution Name
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a highly prestigious program that offers fully-funded scholarships to outstanding students from around the world to pursue their studies at the University of Cambridge.
The scholarship was established by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation with the aim of supporting scholars who are committed to improving the lives of others and who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential.
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses, as well as providing a generous stipend for travel and other expenses.
Scholars also have access to a range of professional development opportunities and networking events, enabling them to build connections with leaders in their field and develop their skills as future leaders.
To be eligible for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, applicants must have a strong academic record and demonstrate a commitment to improving the lives of others through their research or other endeavors.
The application process involves submitting a research proposal, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other supporting materials.
Overall, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship provides an excellent opportunity for outstanding students from around the world to pursue their academic and professional goals at one of the world's leading universities, with the aim of making a positive impact on society.
Institute Name
University of Cambridge
Degree Level
Ph.D.
Financial Coverage
Full financial coverage
Institution Name
The University of Cambridge
Degree Coverage
Undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including master's degrees, PhDs, and other research-based degrees.
Tuition fees, travel costs, and monthly allowance
Subjects
 Any
Eligibility Criteria
Open to all nationalities, must have a master's degree or equivalent
How to Apply
9. Rhodes Scholarship
The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and highly competitive scholarship programs in the world. It was established in 1902 through the will of British philanthropist Cecil Rhodes, who sought to bring together future leaders from around the world to study at the University of Oxford in the UK.
The scholarship is awarded to outstanding students from a select group of countries, who have demonstrated exceptional intellectual ability, leadership potential, and a commitment to service.
Successful candidates are awarded a fully-funded scholarship to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Oxford, covering tuition, living expenses, and other associated costs.
Rhodes Scholars have gone on to achieve great success in a wide range of fields, including politics, academia, business, and the arts.
The scholarship is highly competitive, with only a small number of candidates selected each year. However, for those who are selected, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to pursue their academic and professional goals at one of the world's leading universities, while also engaging with a global community of scholars and leaders.
 Institution Name
 Rhodes Trust
Degree Level
 PhD
Financial Coverage
Tuition fees, travel costs, and monthly allowance
Subjects
 Any
Eligibility Criteria
 Open to citizens of eligible countries, must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent
 How to Apply
10. Netherlands Fellowship Program
The Netherlands Fellowship Program (NFP) is a scholarship program funded by the Dutch government, which aims to promote capacity building and knowledge exchange in developing countries.
 The program provides fully-funded scholarships to professionals from a select group of countries, enabling them to pursue short courses, master's degree programs, and PhD programs at Dutch universities and institutions.
The NFP is open to professionals working in a wide range of fields, including agriculture, water management, economics, health, and education, among others.
The program seeks to support individuals who are committed to improving the social and economic development of their home countries, and who can contribute to the transfer of knowledge and expertise between the Netherlands and their home countries.
In addition to providing financial support for study and research, the NFP also offers a range of other activities, including networking events, alumni associations, and online platforms, which enable scholarship recipients to connect with one another and with Dutch experts in their field.
Overall, the NFP is a valuable opportunity for professionals from developing countries to enhance their skills and knowledge, and to contribute to the sustainable development of their communities and countries.
Institution Name
Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Degree Level
PhD
Financial Coverage
Tuition fees, travel costs, and monthly allowance Subjects: Agriculture, water management, economics, engineering, natural resources, and public administration
Eligibility Criteria
Open to citizens of eligible countries, must have a master's degree or equivalent
How to Apply
How to Choose the Right Scholarship for You?
With so many scholarships available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a scholarship:
Eligibility Criteria: Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria before applying.
Financial Coverage: Check the financial coverage offered by the scholarship to ensure that it meets your needs.
Subjects: Ensure that the scholarship covers your area of study.
Institution: Consider the reputation and ranking of the institution offering the scholarship.
Application Process: Make sure you understand the application process and deadlines.
FAQ's
Q. Can I apply for multiple scholarships at once?
A. Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships at once, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.
Q. Are these scholarships open to international students?
A. Yes, most of these scholarships are open to international students. However, you should check the eligibility criteria for each scholarship.
Q. Can I apply for a scholarship before I'm accepted into a Ph.D. program?
A. Yes, you can apply for scholarships before being accepted into a Ph.D. program. However, some scholarships may require you to have a letter of acceptance before applying.
Conclusion
Pursuing a Ph.D. in Europe can be a dream come true for many students, but it can also be an expensive endeavor. Fortunately, these 10 best Ph.D. scholarships for Europe provide a way to fund your studies and achieve your academic goals. Make sure you read through the eligibility criteria and requirements carefully before applying to ensure that you select the right scholarship for you. With the right scholarship, you can focus on your studies and research without worrying about financial burdens.