If you are a student from Australia and want to study in Europe, there are a few scholarship routes worth checking first. The best fit depends on your level, subject, grades, and language skills, and many awards are open to international students rather than only EU citizens.
Start with official programme pages and the university admissions pages. Scholarship rules change often, so the safest plan is to use the scholarship's own site and the university's admissions page as your main sources.
1. The main scholarship types to look for
There is no single scholarship for all Australian students. Most offers fall into a few groups:
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters - competitive master's programmes taught by a group of European universities. Many include a scholarship that covers tuition and may include a monthly grant and travel support. Check the official Erasmus Mundus catalogue.
- Government programmes - for example DAAD in Germany, the Holland Scholarship in the Netherlands, and the Swedish Institute scholarships. These are usually for selected degree levels and countries or regions, and they often have strict eligibility rules.
- National merit schemes - some countries offer scholarships based on academic results, subject area, or research strength. These are often listed on a national education or scholarship portal.
- University fee waivers and tuition awards - many universities offer partial tuition reductions or merit awards for international students. These are often easier to find than full funding, but they may only cover part of the cost.
- Research funding - at master's by research or PhD level, funding may come from the university, a supervisor's project, or a national research council.
2. What these scholarships usually require
Each scheme has its own rules, but many ask for similar things. If you prepare these early, you can apply faster when a suitable award opens.
- Strong academic record - many awards expect good grades, especially for competitive master's and PhD funding.
- Relevant degree background - your previous study should match the programme or research area.
- English proof - most English-taught programmes ask for IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted test. Some universities also accept proof from previous study in English, but you must check the programme page.
- Motivation letter - explain your goals, why that country or university fits you, and how the scholarship helps.
- CV or résumé - show study, work, volunteering, internships, projects, and skills.
- References - academic or professional referees may need to send letters directly.
- Portfolio or research proposal - common for art, design, architecture, or PhD applications.
Some scholarships also ask for proof of nationality, a passport, financial details, or an admission offer. Always read the full rules before you start.
3. Deadlines and timing
Deadlines vary a lot, but scholarship timelines are usually earlier than the programme start date. For many European scholarships, the main round opens several months before classes begin, and some close in winter or early spring for programmes starting later that year.
- Many master's scholarships open once a year.
- Some university awards open with admissions and close soon after.
- Research funding can follow project-specific timelines.
- Document checks can take time, so start early.
Do not wait for the last week. You may need time to request transcripts, test scores, references, and certified translations. Always check the scholarship's own site and the university admissions page for the current dates.
4. How to improve your chances
You cannot control the competition, but you can make your application clear and easy to trust.
- Choose a focused list - apply only for scholarships that match your degree level and subject.
- Show fit - explain why that programme, not just Europe in general.
- Keep documents neat - use the same name, same dates, and clear file titles.
- Write for the selection panel - use simple language and direct answers.
- Match the rules exactly - word limits, file formats, and required forms matter.
- Apply for several options - one scholarship is never guaranteed, so build a wider list.
If you are aiming for a university waiver, show why you are a strong academic fit. If you are aiming for a research scholarship, make your proposal specific and realistic. If you are applying for a government award, check whether your nationality, degree level, or subject is on the eligible list.
5. Where to search
Use only official and reliable sources first.
- Scholarship pages - the award's own website is the best source for rules and deadlines.
- University admissions pages - many universities list scholarships beside each programme.
- National education portals - useful for government scholarships and country-wide funding schemes.
- Embassies and cultural institutes - sometimes they list current funding routes for students.
- Programme catalogues - for example, the official Erasmus Mundus catalogue for joint master's degrees.
A useful habit is to check three things for every scholarship: who can apply, what documents are needed, and whether you must already have an admission offer.
Common questions
Can Australian students apply for scholarships in Europe?
Yes, often they can. Many European scholarships are open to international students, but some are only for certain countries, study levels, or subjects. Always check the eligibility rules on the official site.
Do I need perfect grades?
No, but stronger grades help for competitive awards. Some scholarships also value experience, motivation, research plans, or leadership. Read the selection criteria carefully so you know what matters most.
Can I get a full scholarship?
Sometimes, but not always. Some awards cover tuition only, while others may also help with living costs, travel, or insurance. Treat full funding as a strong possibility to search for, not as something guaranteed.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, and admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
This helps you get noticed by universities that are looking for students like you, while you keep control of where you apply.
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.