If you are from Sri Lanka and want to study in Europe, the best scholarship options are usually the competitive ones that open to international students. These include Erasmus Mundus, some government programmes, university scholarships, and tuition waivers. You should always check the official scholarship page, because rules, eligibility, and deadlines change from year to year.
Main scholarship types to look at
Not every scholarship works the same way. Some cover full costs. Some only reduce tuition. Some are for a full degree, while others are for exchange study or short research.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters - a well-known option for master's students. It is competitive and usually combines study in more than one European country.
- Government programmes - for example, DAAD in Germany, Swedish Institute scholarships, and other national schemes. These are often very selective.
- Country-level scholarships - such as the Holland Scholarship or similar awards offered by governments or agencies in a specific country.
- University scholarships and fee waivers - many universities offer merit-based scholarships, tuition discounts, or partial grants for strong applicants.
- Faculty or department awards - some universities give extra funding through the programme, especially for master’s and PhD students.
Where to search first
Start with official sources only. That saves time and lowers the risk of fake or outdated information.
- Erasmus Mundus Catalogue - check the official Erasmus+ page for current joint master's programmes.
- DAAD - use the official DAAD scholarship database for Germany-related funding.
- Swedish Institute - check the Swedish Institute site for scholarships for international students.
- University admissions pages - many schools list scholarships next to each programme page.
- National immigration and education sites - useful for checking whether a scholarship affects visa proof of funds.
Also search by country and subject. For example, “computer science scholarship in Netherlands” or “public health scholarship in Germany”. Then open only the official result.
What scholarships usually ask for
Most scholarships want proof that you can handle the programme and that you are a strong fit. The exact list depends on the scholarship, but these items are common:
- Academic records - transcripts and degree certificates.
- English proof - IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted test, if required by the university or scholarship.
- Motivation letter - why you chose the subject, the country, and the scholarship.
- CV or resume - education, work, internships, projects, and volunteer work.
- References - usually one or two recommendation letters.
- Passport - sometimes needed at application stage, sometimes later.
- Portfolio or research proposal - for art, design, or PhD applications.
Some scholarships also look at leadership, community work, or financial need. But grades still matter a lot for many of them.
Deadlines and timing
Deadlines vary a lot, but many major scholarships open once a year. Some close months before the programme starts, especially for fully funded awards.
- Erasmus Mundus - often opens in the autumn for intake the following year.
- Government scholarships - often follow an annual cycle and may close in winter or early spring.
- University scholarships - sometimes linked to programme admission, so the scholarship deadline can be the same as, or earlier than, the course deadline.
Do not wait for the final week. You may need time for transcripts, test scores, translations, or reference letters. If you are still missing a document, contact the admissions office early and ask what they accept.
How to improve your chances
Strong scholarship applications usually show a clear plan. You do not need perfect grades for every award, but you do need a focused profile.
- Choose one field and build your story around it.
- Keep your grades visible in your CV and documents.
- Show relevant work - internships, projects, research, teaching, or volunteering.
- Write a direct motivation letter - explain your goals and why that programme fits them.
- Match the scholarship values - some focus on leadership, gender balance, development impact, or academic excellence.
- Prepare documents early - certified copies, translations, and scans should be ready before deadlines.
If you are from Sri Lanka and applying to Europe, also check whether the scholarship requires you to return home after study, or whether it allows work after graduation. Always confirm this on the official scholarship site and the national immigration authority for the country.
Common questions
Can a student from Sri Lanka get a full scholarship in Europe?
Yes, some students do. But full scholarships are highly competitive. You should apply to several options and not depend on just one.
Do I need work experience?
Not always. Many master’s scholarships accept fresh graduates. Some programmes prefer work or research experience, especially for professional degrees or PhDs.
Should I apply before getting admission?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Some scholarships are part of the admission process, while others need an offer first. Check the programme page and the scholarship rules.
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 can help you get noticed by universities and scholarship-linked programmes that are looking for students like you.
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.