If you are from Brazil and want to study in Europe, there are a few scholarship routes that are realistic to target. The best match depends on your degree level, your grades, your English level, and the country you choose.
Most awards are competitive. They usually look at academic results, language proof, motivation, and whether your profile fits the programme. Check the scholarship's own site, the university's admissions page, or the national scholarship body for the exact rules.
Main scholarship types to look at
There is no single scholarship for all Brazilian students. In practice, most people search across these categories:
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters - for master's students who want to study in more than one European country.
- Government scholarships - for example DAAD in Germany, Swedish Institute awards, and other national schemes.
- Country-specific university scholarships - common in the Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, France, and other countries.
- Tuition waivers or fee reductions - often offered by universities to strong applicants, especially at master's level.
- Merit awards - based on grades, test scores, or a strong application package.
Some scholarships cover tuition only. Others may also help with living costs, travel, or insurance. Always read the coverage section carefully.
Erasmus Mundus: one of the strongest options
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters is one of the best-known funding routes for international students, including students from Brazil. It is open to many subjects, but each programme has its own selection rules.
What they often ask for:
- a relevant bachelor's degree, or proof that you will finish it before the start date
- good grades
- English proof, and sometimes another language
- a motivation letter
- CV, transcripts, passport, and references
Deadlines are usually once a year and often fall between late autumn and winter for the next academic year. The exact date depends on the programme, so check the official Erasmus Mundus page and the joint master's site.
Government scholarships and national programmes
Many students from Brazil also look at scholarships run by national agencies or ministries. These can be very competitive, but they are worth checking because some are generous and well known.
Examples include:
- DAAD - Germany's main academic exchange body
- Swedish Institute scholarships - for master's study in Sweden
- Dutch university or government-linked awards
- French, Austrian, and other national mobility schemes
These programmes usually ask for strong academics, a clear study plan, and proof that you meet the language requirement. Some also want work experience, leadership activity, or a link between your background and the programme.
Deadlines are usually months before the course starts. Many open in the second half of the year for studies that begin the next autumn. Check the official scholarship site early, because the application window can be short.
University scholarships and tuition waivers
Many universities in Europe offer their own scholarships. These are often easier to find than national awards, but they are still competitive. Some are automatic if you apply early and meet the grade threshold. Others need a separate scholarship form.
Common forms of support include:
- tuition waivers
- partial fee discounts
- merit scholarships for top applicants
- faculty-based awards
- need-based support, less common for international students
These awards often favour applicants who are already a strong match for the course. Good grades matter, but so do your motivation letter, CV, and the way you explain your academic goals.
Always check the programme page. Some universities list the scholarship directly with the course. Others have a separate funding page for international students.
What scholarships usually require
Most scholarship applications ask for a similar set of documents. Prepare them early, because translating and updating them can take time.
- Academic records - school or university transcripts, and degree certificates if you already graduated
- Language proof - often IELTS or TOEFL for English-taught programmes, or another language test if needed
- Motivation letter - why you want the course, and why you are a good fit
- CV - keep it clear and short
- References - academic or professional, depending on the programme
- Passport copy - often required early
- Portfolio or research proposal - for some subjects
Some scholarships also ask for proof of residence, income, or country eligibility. Others only consider students from specific regions or partner universities. Read the rules carefully so you do not waste time on awards you cannot apply for.
How to prepare a profile that gets noticed
Admissions offices and scholarship teams notice profiles that are complete, clear, and relevant. You do not need to look perfect. You need to show that your background fits the course.
Focus on these points:
- match your field to the programme
- show strong grades where they matter most
- list your English level honestly
- include internships, research, volunteering, or work if relevant
- write a simple motivation that explains your goals
- upload clean documents in the right format
If your grades are good but not outstanding, a focused story can still help. Explain why this subject, why this country, and how the degree fits your next step. Keep it specific.
Also check whether the university wants a scholarship application before or after admission. Some scholarships need a course offer first. Others are linked to the application for the programme itself.
Common questions
Can Brazilian students get full scholarships in Europe?
Yes, sometimes. Full funding is more common in competitive schemes like Erasmus Mundus or some government scholarships. But many awards are partial, so also look for tuition waivers and living-cost support.
Do I need to speak the local language?
Not always. Many master's programmes are taught in English. But some scholarships or courses need the local language, especially at bachelor level or for clinical and public-sector subjects. Check the programme page and the language rules.
When should I start applying?
Start early. A safe plan is to begin research 9 to 12 months before your intended start date. Scholarship deadlines are often earlier than course deadlines, so make a shortlist first and track each official page.
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 gives you a simple way to be visible to universities looking for students like you, without having to apply everywhere at once.
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.