Fabrizio LeonardoIf you’re an engineering student dreaming of getting your PhD in Europe, here’s some good news. Do you know you don’t need to empty your pockets or bury yourself in debt to make that dream happen? Europe offers a good number of PhD scholarships, especially for engineering students, and many of them are fully funded. Yep, that means your tuition is covered, and you even get a monthly stipend to help you survive.
Now, I know how confusing it can be when you start searching for scholarships online. There’s just too much info, too many websites, and everything sounds either too good to be true or full of complicated jargon. That’s why this article is here to break it all down in a way that’s easy to understand. We’ll talk about what scholarships are available, what they offer, how much money you can get, and the basic things you need to apply.
Even though you’re into civil engineering, mechanical, electrical, or something more niche like aerospace or environmental engineering, there’s something out there for you in Europe. So let’s go in and see what’s possible.
An Overview of PhD Scholarships in Europe for Engineering Students
Europe is home to some of the best universities in the world, and they offer loads of PhD opportunities and many of them funded. These scholarships come from different sources: governments, universities, private companies, and even international bodies like the EU.
What’s really cool is that in many European countries, PhD students are considered staff, not just students. So you’re not just getting a scholarship but you’re actually employed by the university, which means you’re getting paid to do research.
The amount of money you get depends on the country and the scholarship, but on average, you can expect somewhere between €1,000 to €2,500 per month. In countries like Switzerland or Norway, it might even go higher because of the higher cost of living. In cheaper places like Hungary or Poland, the stipend might be lower, but your money goes a longer way.
So, whether you’re trying to study for free or even save some cash while doing your PhD, Europe has got plenty of great options.
General Requirements for PhD Scholarships in Europe for Engineering Students
The good news is, you don’t need to have a Nobel Prize to land a scholarship. But yes, there are a few things you’ll need:
- A Master’s degree in engineering or a related field. Some programs may accept outstanding bachelor’s students, but it’s rare.
- A good academic record. Usually, a minimum GPA or grade is expected.
- Research proposal. Some scholarships require a solid research idea or a plan before they consider your application.
- Language requirements. Most programs are in English, but some may require proof like IELTS or TOEFL scores.
- Recommendation letters and a good CV.
Some countries (like Germany or the Netherlands) may require a supervisor to accept you before you apply.
PhD Scholarships in Europe for Engineering Students
Let’s now get into some scholarships and programs that we know can support engineering PhD students in Europe.
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Fellowships
This is one of the biggest scholarship programs for PhD students in Europe. It’s funded by the European Commission and supports research across all fields including engineering.
The MSCA offers a generous monthly stipend (around €3,000 before taxes), along with research and travel allowances. It’s open to students of any nationality.
ETH Zurich Doctoral Scholarships – Switzerland
ETH Zurich is one of Europe’s top tech universities. They offer fully funded PhD positions in engineering and related fields. Besides tuition coverage, students earn a monthly salary (approximately CHF 47,000 per year). That’s about €3,700/month before tax. It’s highly competitive, but definitely worth a shot.
DAAD Scholarships – Germany
Germany is known for its no-tuition-fee policy in public universities, and DAAD makes it even better. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships to international students doing research-based PhDs. The stipend is around €1,200 per month, plus travel and health insurance.
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program – France
Offered by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this scholarship supports top international students. For PhD level, the monthly allowance is about €1,700.
Plus, you get free health insurance and a return ticket to your country. Many engineering schools in France partner with this program.
The Netherlands Research Council (NWO) PhD Programs
Dutch universities offer many funded PhD positions, especially through the NWO. Engineering students can apply directly for advertised PhD vacancies, which come with full salary often between €2,500 and €3,200/month. You’re technically hired as a junior researcher, not just a student.
Chalmers University of Technology PhD Scholarships – Sweden
Chalmers offers fully-funded PhD jobs in various engineering disciplines. You’ll be employed by the university and receive a monthly salary. The standard PhD salary in Sweden starts around SEK 29,000/month (about €2,500), depending on experience.
Finnish Government/Edufi Fellowships – Finland
Finland is another student-friendly country. Edufi fellowships offer grants for doctoral-level studies in Finnish universities. The monthly grant is around €1,500. Some universities even offer full employment contracts with higher stipends.
University of Cambridge PhD Scholarships – UK
Although the UK isn’t in the EU anymore, it still remains a popular choice. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship, for example, covers full tuition, gives a generous stipend of about £20,000/year (~€1,900/month), and even includes research and family allowances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s clear up a few questions that pop up often. This part is especially useful if you’re still on the fence or just need more info.
Is PhD fully funded in Europe?
Yes, in many European countries, PhDs are fully funded. Some scholarships cover only tuition, but most give monthly stipends. In fact, in places like Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands, you get paid as a staff researcher.
How much is the INSEAD PhD stipend?
INSEAD offers a monthly stipend of about €2,200, which includes tuition waiver and living expenses. It’s highly competitive and focuses more on business-related fields, but engineering students in operations or decision sciences might qualify.
Which European country is cheapest for PhD?
Countries like Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic are among the cheapest for living costs. They offer quality education at low cost and many scholarships too.
How long is a PhD program in Europe?
It usually takes 3 to 4 years, which is shorter compared to the US. Some might take a bit longer depending on the research project or university.
Which country pays you to study PhD?
Countries like Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Finland, and Sweden actually pay PhD students through research jobs or fellowships. You get a monthly salary, not just a stipend.
Which European country has the shortest PhD program?
UK and Netherlands typically offer the shortest programs around 3 years. But it also depends on your progress and research output.
Do PhD students get paid in Finland?
Yes! In Finland, PhD students often work under a salaried position or receive grants. The pay varies but is enough to live decently, and the education system is top-tier.
Final Notes
Doing a PhD in Europe as an engineering student doesn’t have to feel like a far-fetched dream. We can assure you that there’s a funded opportunity out there waiting for you. And the best part? You get to live in some of the most active and beautiful parts of the world while pushing your academic goals forward.
It’s not just about the degree, it’s about the experience, the people you meet, the skills you develop, and the doors that open up afterward. Bottom line? If you’re passionate about engineering and have your eyes set on a PhD, Europe is a great place to make that dream a reality and you can get paid while doing it.
Fabrizio Leonardo
