If you are a student from Vietnam and want to study in Europe, there are several scholarship routes you can realistically target. The main ones are joint programmes like Erasmus Mundus, national schemes such as DAAD or the Swedish Institute, and university scholarships or fee waivers.
The right choice depends on your level, subject, grades, English level, and how early you prepare. Always check the official scholarship site and the university programme page, because rules, eligible countries, and deadlines can change from year to year.
Main scholarship types to look at
Some scholarships are very competitive and cover a lot. Others only reduce tuition, but they can still make study abroad possible.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters - often gives a full package for a joint master's degree. It usually covers tuition, insurance, travel, and a monthly living grant. You apply to the specific programme, not to Erasmus Mundus in general.
- Government programmes - examples include DAAD in Germany, the Swedish Institute scholarships, and similar national schemes. These often support master's or PhD study and may have strict country, field, or work-experience rules.
- Country-specific schemes - some countries offer named scholarships for international students, such as the Holland Scholarship in the Netherlands. These are usually partial awards or start-up grants, not always full funding.
- University scholarships - many universities offer merit scholarships, tuition reductions, or fee waivers. These may be automatic or may need a separate application.
- Faculty or department awards - some schools give smaller grants to students in certain subjects, like engineering, business, or social sciences.
What these scholarships usually ask for
Most scholarship applications ask for similar documents. The exact list depends on the programme, but these items come up often.
- Academic records - transcripts, degree certificates, and sometimes class rank or GPA.
- English or other language proof - often IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted test. Some programmes accept a letter from your school or university if it meets their rules.
- Motivation letter - explain your goals, why the subject fits you, and why that country or programme is a good match.
- CV - keep it clear and focused on study, projects, work, volunteering, and awards.
- References - usually one or two academic recommendation letters.
- Passport copy - often needed for identity and nationality checks.
- Portfolio or research proposal - for art, design, architecture, or PhD applications.
Many scholarships also look at more than grades. They may want leadership, volunteer work, subject fit, or a clear plan for how the degree will help your future.
Deadlines and timing
Deadlines are not the same everywhere, but some patterns are common.
- Master's scholarships - often open in late autumn or winter for study starting the next academic year.
- University scholarships - may close at the same time as the degree application, or shortly after.
- National schemes - can have one fixed annual deadline, sometimes months before the course starts.
- PhD funding - may open whenever a project or supervisor has funding, so timing can be less predictable.
Do not wait for the final deadline. Many strong applicants prepare their documents several months early, because reference letters, test scores, and transcripts can take time. Check the scholarship's own site and the university admissions page for the current round.
How to qualify from Vietnam
You do not need to come from a rich background to compete well. You do need a profile that is complete, clear, and matched to the scholarship.
- Keep grades strong - many awards use academic merit as the first filter.
- Choose a subject with a clear link to your background - your past study should support your chosen degree.
- Show language readiness - take the required test early if the programme asks for one.
- Build relevant experience - internships, projects, research, student leadership, volunteering, or part-time work can help.
- Write a focused motivation letter - say what you want to study, why you chose that programme, and how it connects to your plans in Vietnam or internationally.
- Match every rule exactly - if the scholarship is for certain countries, levels, or subjects, check that you are eligible before spending time on the application.
For some scholarships, you also need to show that you can live in the country during the study period, or that you meet visa rules after selection. That part is separate from scholarship selection, so always check the national immigration authority and the university's admissions page.
How to make your profile stand out
If you want admissions offices and scholarship teams to notice you, make your profile easy to read and complete.
- Use one clear study goal - do not apply with a vague plan. Choose a field and level.
- List your education in order - most recent first, with dates and school names.
- Add your English level - include test scores if you have them, or your expected test date.
- Upload documents that are ready to review - transcript, diploma, passport, CV, and any language proof.
- Explain your strengths briefly - projects, awards, internships, publications, or leadership roles.
- Keep names and dates consistent - the same spelling across all documents helps avoid delays.
One good profile can be reused for several scholarship applications, but always adjust the motivation letter for each programme. Do not send the same text everywhere if the scholarship has a different focus.
Common questions
Can students from Vietnam get full scholarships in Europe?
Yes, some students do. Full scholarships are usually the most competitive, and they often go to applicants with strong grades, a clear study plan, and strong documents. Check the official scholarship site for the exact offer and selection rules.
Do I need work experience?
Not always. Some master's scholarships want it, especially in management, public policy, or development fields. Others do not ask for it. Always read the programme page and the scholarship criteria.
Should I apply to the scholarship first or the university first?
It depends on the scheme. Some scholarships need a university admission offer before funding can be final. Others use one application for both. Follow the order written on the official site.
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.
You stay in control, and you can show your profile to the right programmes without sending the same details one by one.
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.