Fabrizio LeonardoGetting a PhD is no joke. It’s difficult, takes years, and, let’s face it, can be very costly. However, what if I told you that there are plenty of scholarships available in Europe that could cover everything? I mean, tuition, rent, and even your airfare. Doesn’t it sound too good to be true? However, it isn’t.
Many people believe that scholarships are only available to “super genius” types, but believe me when I say that there are fully funded PhD programs throughout Europe that are just waiting for applicants like you. Some of them have real salaries. All of your living expenses are paid for by others. Either way, you won’t have to keep checking your bank app every time you want to buy a textbook.
The European continent is a great place to study too. Its not just the education, but the experience. And if you’re planning this year, now is the perfect time to start figuring things out. So let’s make your European dreams become a reality.
What Are Fully Funded PhD Scholarships?
Now, let’s discuss the basics. That’s exactly what a fully funded PhD scholarship is. This scholarship covers almost all of your PhD-related expenses. We’re talking full tuition, a monthly allowance to pay for housing, food, transportation, and, if you’re careful with money, Netflix. With a contract, benefits, and even paid time off, some programs compensate you like a full-time researcher. Others simply provide you with a monthly stipend that is tax-free.
In any case, earning your doctorate won’t have to cost you the earth. To what extent are we conversing? Well, that depends on the program and the country. It could range from €1,500 to more than €2,000 a month in Germany or the Netherlands. In Switzerland? Even more. That’s sufficient to survive in a foreign country.
The point is that these aren’t scraps. These scholarships are meant to help you live while you study, not just barely survive.
General Requirements for Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in Europe
Okay, so before you start packing your bags, let’s talk about the requirements. Don’t worry, they’re not as scary as you might think.
First, most European PhD programs expect you to have a Master’s degree. Some might accept you with just a Bachelor’s, but that’s less common. You’ll also need a solid idea of what you want to research though not the full thesis yet, but a direction at least.
Then there’s the usual stuff: transcripts, a CV, reference letters, maybe a motivation letter. Please, and don’t forget about English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL — unless the program is in your native language or you’re from an English-speaking country.
And here’s a tip from someone who’s helped people apply before: be real in your application. Don’t try to frame up information you provide. Show your real self and the passion you have. That’s what makes them consider you.
Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in Europe 2026
Now let’s get into the real deal which is the scholarships. These aren’t made-up or “maybe someday” things. These are actual opportunities you can apply for. I’ll walk you through a few of the best ones open currently.
DAAD PhD Scholarships
DAAD is one of the biggest scholarship bodies not just in Germany but in the continent. And they’re super generous too. If you get the DAAD scholarship, you’re looking at around €1,200 per month, plus they throw in health insurance, travel costs, research support, and even a study allowance. Some students also get money for language courses before their program kicks off.
Now, the application window depends on your course and university, but generally, the deadlines for DAAD fall between October and December of the previous year if you’re aiming for the start. So yeah, if Germany’s on your plan, you better start preparing soon.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Let’s head over to Switzerland. Don’t let the high cost of living scare you. The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship covers most things, including tuition, monthly stipends of around CHF 1,920, travel, and insurance. That’s more than enough to live pretty comfortably if you budget smart.
The application opens around August, and the deadline is typically by the end of September. These are pretty competitive though, so give your application some real love and attention.
ETH Zurich Doctoral Scholarships
Still in Switzerland, but this one’s from ETH Zurich, which is basically the MIT of Europe. The cool part is that you don’t just get a scholarship. But you get a legit job contract. Like, you’re employed by the university and you earn a salary while doing your PhD.
Contingent on your field and stage, you could be making between CHF 47,000 to CHF 50,000 a year. That’s good money. Plus, it’s a prestigious name to have on your resume. Deadlines aren’t set in stone — they depend on the department. But many start accepting for the next year around December and wrap things up by early the next year.
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
This one is a big deal. It’s an continent-wide initiative. What’s cool about MSCA is that you’re not stuck in one country. These programs are often part of international research networks, so you might start in Spain, continue in Belgium, and finish in France. That’s amazing, right?
They give you a full salary (yeah, salary — not stipend), cover relocation, training, research costs, and even support if you have a family. Projects open and close at different times, but many launch in mid-year with deadlines hitting before the end of the year. You’ll find them posted on job websites like EURAXESS.
Netherlands PhD Jobs
Let’s clear up a big misconception here. Do you know that in Netherlands, PhD students are actually employees? Not “students” in the traditional sense. You apply for a PhD position, not a program. You get a contract, a desk, and a paycheck. On average, the salary starts around €2,770 per month and can go up to €3,500 depending on your progress.
Big research universities like TU Delft, University of Groningen, and Leiden University post these jobs regularly. The hiring seasons vary, but for 2025 starts, many positions will open from October through early 2027. Pro tip: set up job alerts on university websites — it helps.
Swedish Institute Scholarships
Sweden’s also a good country. English is widely spoken, and the academic environment is very chill and progressive. The Swedish Institute offers scholarships that cover tuition, a monthly living grant of around SEK 10,000, insurance, and travel allowance.
But here’s the catch. These scholarships are mainly for Master’s students. That said, many universities in Sweden offer fully funded PhD jobs with salary contracts — just like in the Netherlands. The Swedish Institute scholarships for this year are expected to open early, probably February, so keep that on your radar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Alright, let’s just address some important things. Definitely, everyone has got questions about this scholarship. Here’s a few of the most common ones, answered like you’d hear from a friend, not a brochure.
Which country is best for fully funded PhD?
Honestly, Germany and the Netherlands are top-tier. Germany has free tuition and DAAD is amazing. In the Netherlands, you literally get hired and paid. Switzerland’s great too, but it’s super competitive and more expensive unless you get a strong scholarship.
Is it hard to get a PhD scholarship?
Yeah… it’s not like winning the lottery, but it’s competitive. Still, if you’ve got solid grades, a good research idea, and you’re serious about it — you’ve got a fair shot. Put in the effort and don’t send cookie-cutter applications.
Which country in Europe is cheapest for PhD?
Germany wins again here. Tuition is usually free, and the living costs are manageable — especially if you’re not living in Munich or Berlin. Poland and Hungary are also affordable options.
What is the easiest European country to get PhD admission?
No country’s easy-easy, but places like Portugal, Czech Republic, and Estonia tend to have more flexible admission processes. It still depends on your field and your application, though.
What is the most expensive country to study in Europe?
Switzerland and the UK. Lovely places, but your wallet might cry. That’s why scholarships are your best friend.
How long is a PhD in Europe?
Usually around 3 to 4 years. Some fields (especially in humanities or social sciences) might stretch to 5. STEM fields are more predictable — 3 years is pretty standard.
How to find PhD opportunities in Europe?
First thing first, Google is your best friend to find good PhD scholarship opportunities in Europe.
Alternatively, you can be checking university websites, national scholarship portals, and research job websites like EURAXESS, FindAPhD.com, and DAAD.de. Networking with professors and joining academic groups on LinkedIn can also help.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve made it this far, here’s the truth most people won’t tell you. The idea of doing a PhD in Europe without going broke is completely possible. These scholarships are out there real, fully funded, and waiting for the right applicants.
But you can’t just sit back and wait for something magical to happen. You’ve got to put in the work. It’s not about being perfect but it is about being prepared and persistent.
So whether you’re into AI, agriculture, ancient history, or aerospace, Europe’s got something for you. The journey is tough, sure. But if you grap one of these scholarships, trust me, it’s worth every late night and every document you upload.
Good luck from us at EuroInfopedia, and go get that PhD dream in Europe. We hope to see you soon.
Fabrizio Leonardo
