Fabrizio LeonardoHave you always wished to study law in Europe? I know you might be worried about the crazy school fees, living expenses, and all the other bills that come with studying abroad?
Well, I will assure you’re not alone and you’re on the right page. Thousands of students across the world share that same dream and the same concerns. Europe is full of world-class universities with rich legal traditions, vibrant cities, and amazing career opportunities. But the financial struggle? That’s real.
So, here’s the big question: Is it possible to study law in Europe without drowning in debt? The good news is, yes—it is. There are lots of scholarships out there that are designed specifically for international students, especially those interested in law. Some of these scholarships are even fully funded, covering everything from tuition to living expenses and even travel.
Sounds like a dream, right? But it’s very much real if you know where to look and how to apply. Let’s break it all down in a way that’s simple for you to apply and be successful.
About Law Scholarships in Europe for International Students
Law scholarships in Europe are basically financial awards or grants that help international students study legal courses at European universities. These scholarships can come from a few places like governments, universities, private organizations, or even international institutions. The whole goal is to make education more accessible and attract bright minds from all over the world.
Now, let’s talk money. Scholarship amounts can vary. Some cover just tuition fees, while others go all the way and cover living expenses, travel costs, health insurance, and even study materials. You might come across partial scholarships that offer €3,000–€10,000 per year, or fully funded ones that pay for literally everything. Some of the bigger scholarships can even offer up to €30,000 or more per year, depending on the country and university. Honestly, it’s life-changing if you land one of these.
Another great thing about these scholarships is that many of them don’t just look at your grades. They also consider things like motivation letters, community work, leadership skills, and your passion for law.
Eligibility Requirements for Law Scholarships in Europe for International Students
Okay, so what do you need to qualify for these scholarships? Well, requirements differ based on the program, but here are the common things they usually ask for:
Display of academic excellence – Most scholarships need you to have good grades from your previous studies.
You must have a bachelor’s degree (for master’s scholarships) – If you’re applying for a master’s in law, you should already have a bachelor’s degree in law or a related field.
English or other language proficiency is necessary – You’ll need proof that you can speak and write in the language of instruction (usually English, but sometimes German, French, etc.).
Motivation letter – You’ll have to write a personal statement explaining why you want to study law, why that school, and how the scholarship would help.
Reference letters – These usually come from teachers, professors, or work supervisors who can vouch for you.
Sometimes work or volunteer experience – Not all programs need this, but it helps.
And remember, these scholarships are for international students, so you must be from a country outside the one where the university is located.
Fully Funded Law Scholarships in Europe for International Students
Having met the requirements, here are some of the most popular and fully funded law scholarships you should check out.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD)
This is probably the most well-known scholarship in Europe. It’s a program that offers fully funded master’s degrees in different fields—including law. You get to study in at least two European countries, and they cover everything: tuition fees, travel costs, living allowance (around €1,000/month), and insurance.
Bonus: You get to experience multiple cultures in one degree program. Applications usually open in October and close around January or February.
DAAD Scholarships in Germany
Germany is a hotspot for international students, and the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers loads of scholarships for law-related postgraduate programs. It’s fully funded, covering tuition, monthly stipend (€934 or more), health insurance, and even travel.
Are you interested in this one? To qualify, you’ll usually need a first degree in law and at least two years of professional experience if you’re going for postgraduate studies.
Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)
Sweden offers this amazing scholarship to talented students from select countries. It covers full tuition, a monthly allowance of SEK 11,000, travel grants, and even insurance.
It’s open to students applying to Swedish universities for master’s programs, including those in law and human rights. Applications open every year around February.
Chevening Scholarships in the UK
The Chevening Scholarship is funded by the UK government and covers a full one-year master’s degree at any UK university. It pays for tuition, flights, visa costs, and living expenses (you get a monthly stipend).
This one’s competitive though. You’ll need leadership experience and a strong academic background. This is perfect for anyone looking to study law in the UK.
KU Leuven Scholarships in Belgium
KU Leuven, one of the top universities in Europe. It offers scholarships for its Master of Laws program. They have several funding options including fully funded awards that cover tuition and living costs.
To apply, you’ll need a law degree and proof of English proficiency. It’s a great option if you want to study in a quieter but academically strong environment.
Sciences Po Emile-Boutmy Scholarship
Sciences Po in France is super famous for political science and law. The Emile-Boutmy scholarship is for international students who want to study here. It can be partially or fully funded, depending on your profile.
Fully funded ones cover tuition and living costs. They’re very competitive, but it’s a great chance to study law in a globally respected institution.
Deadlines for Law Scholarships in Europe for International Students
The application deadlines is different depending on the scholarship and university. So it’s super important to check each program’s official site. But here’s a general idea.
As we already stated, the Erasmus Mundus usually closes between December to February. And DAAD has it application deadlines are often between August and October. Chevening UK applications open in August and close by November. While, the Sciences Po (France) is generally January to February.
We will advise you to have reminders and start your applications early because documents take time to gather, especially recommendation letters and certificates.
Conclusion
So, here’s the bottom line: studying law in Europe doesn’t have to break the bank. There are real opportunities out there for students from all corners of the world. Irrespective of the fact you want to go into international law, human rights, European law, or just want to expand your legal career. This continent got options and scholarships to match for you.
Don’t let the application process scare you. It might seem like a lot, but if you take it step by step and stay organized, you’ll be just fine. Start early, write a strong personal statement, and don’t be afraid to apply for more than one scholarship. You never know which one will click.
We wish you all the best and hope Europe is waiting for you.
Fabrizio Leonardo
