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Top 10 scholarships for Indian students in Europe 2027 – deadlines and eligibility featured image

Top 10 Scholarships for Indian Students in Europe 2027 (Deadlines Inside)

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If you are searching for scholarships for Indian students in Europe 2027, you have likely realised that a master’s degree in Europe can cost anywhere from ₹10 lakh to ₹40 lakh. The good news? Europe is home to some of the world’s most generous, fully funded scholarship programmes — and most Indian students never apply because they assume they are not eligible.

This guide breaks down 10 scholarships for Indian students in Europe 2027 that are open to Indian passport holders. For each one, you will find the value, eligibility, and the exact deadline you need to mark in your calendar. Some deadlines are as early as November 2026 for the 2027 intake, so read carefully and start preparing now.

Quick Comparison: 10 Scholarships for Indian Students in Europe 2027

Scholarship Country Level Deadline (2027 intake) Key Benefit
DAAD Scholarship Germany Master's / PhD 15 Oct & 21 Oct 2026 (varies) €992–€1,400/month
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters EU (multiple countries) Master's Dec 2026 – Jan 2027 (varies) Full tuition + ~€1,400/month
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship France Master's / PhD 20 Nov 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 (varies) Monthly stipend + travel
NL Scholarship (Holland) Netherlands Bachelor's / Master's 31 Jan – 1 May 2027 (varies) €5,000 (first year)
Orange Tulip Scholarship Netherlands Bachelor's / Master's Feb – May 2027 (varies) Partial to full tuition
Government of Ireland (GOI-IES) Ireland Master's / PhD ~12 March 2027 Full fee waiver + €10,000
Swedish Institute (SISGP) Sweden Master's 25 Feb 2027 (scholarship); 15 Jan 2027 (admission) Full tuition + SEK 12,000/month
Finland Scholarships Finland Master's ~20 January 2027 50–100% tuition waiver + €5,000
Italy DSU Scholarship Italy Bachelor's / Master's / PhD 7 Sept 2026 (varies by region) Full tuition waiver + cash + meals
Swiss Government Excellence Switzerland PhD / Research 10 November 2026 CHF 2,450/month + insurance

Important: Many deadlines for the 2027 intake fall in late 2026. If you are reading this in October 2026, you are already in the application window for several scholarships. Do not wait.

1. DAAD Scholarship (Germany)

The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) is one of the most well-known funding bodies for studying in Germany. However, the general master’s scholarship for all academic disciplines is not open to Indian applicants in the 2027/28 cycle. Indian students can apply for specific DAAD programmes instead.

What is available for Indian students:

  • Fine Art, Design, Visual Communication and Film — Deadline: 15 October 2026 — €992/month
  • Performing Arts — Deadline: 15 October 2026 — €992/month
  • Doctoral Programmes in Germany — Deadline: 21 October 2026 — €1,400/month
  • EPOS Master's Courses (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) — Deadlines vary by course; check the DAAD EPOS deadline list
Eligibility: Varies by programme. Generally, you need a bachelor’s degree (for master’s) or master’s degree (for PhD), relevant work experience for EPOS, and strong academic records. Check the DAAD scholarship database for India-specific requirements.
Bottom line: If you are targeting a standard master’s in Germany, DAAD may not be the right route for 2027. But if you are in Fine Arts, Performing Arts, or a development-related field, the October 2026 deadlines are imminent.

2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (European Union)

Erasmus Mundus is the most generous funding route into a European master’s that most Indian students overlook. These are fully funded joint degrees delivered by consortia of universities in at least two European countries. German universities appear in many Erasmus Mundus programmes.

What it covers:

  • Full tuition waiver
  • Travel and visa costs
  • Living allowance (commonly around €1,400/month, but varies by programme)
Deadlines: There is no single deadline. Each programme sets its own. Most applications open between October and January for the following academic year, with a cluster of deadlines falling between 1 December and the end of January.
Examples of 2027 deadlines:
  • Mundus MAPP — 1 December 2026
  • EMMIR (Migration and Intercultural Relations) — 20 December 2026
  • PlantHealth — 31 December 2026
  • Euroculture — 15 January 2027
Eligibility: A bachelor’s degree (or final-year student), no age limit, no nationality restriction. Indian bachelor’s degrees are routinely accepted. Most programmes are taught in English.
Bottom line: If you want a fully funded master’s in Europe and are willing to study in multiple countries, Erasmus Mundus is your best bet. Shortlist 6–10 programmes and build a spreadsheet of deadlines — this is the single biggest reason applicants miss out.

3. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France)

The Eiffel scholarship is funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs to attract top international students to French master’s and PhD programmes.

What it covers: Monthly stipend, travel costs, and insurance. Exact amounts vary by level.

Deadlines: Deadlines vary by institution because you apply through a French university, which then nominates you to Campus France.
  • ENS de Lyon — 20 November 2026
  • Université Côte d'Azur — 24 November 2026
  • University of Rennes — 6 November 2026
  • Campus France final deadline (institutional nominations) — 8 January 2027
Eligibility: Non-French citizens. For master’s: up to 29 years old (born after 31 March 1996). For PhD: up to 35 years old (born after 31 March 1990). You must also apply separately to the French master’s programme itself.
Bottom line: Eiffel is highly competitive but prestigious. If you are targeting France, check with your chosen university’s international office for their internal Eiffel deadline — it will be earlier than the Campus France final date.

4. NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship) — Netherlands

The Holland Scholarship has been renamed the NL Scholarship. It is a €5,000 award for the first year of a bachelor’s or master’s programme at a participating Dutch institution.

What it covers: €5,000 paid in the first year. This is not a full-tuition scholarship.

Deadlines: Each university sets its own deadline. For the September 2027 intake, dates range from 31 January to 1 May 2027.
  • Radboud University — Submit by 31 January 2027, complete by 14 February 2027
  • University of Groningen — 1 February 2027
  • University of Twente — 1 April 2027
  • Wageningen University — Invitations from 1 February 2027; no applications after 1 May
Eligibility: Non-EEA nationality, applying for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s at a participating institution, and no prior Dutch degree. Some universities add their own requirements (e.g., minimum grades, IELTS 6.5).
Bottom line: The NL Scholarship is a helpful contribution but will not cover your full costs. Use it alongside other funding or savings.

5. Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS) — Netherlands

The Orange Tulip Scholarship is a country-specific funding route for students from 11 eligible countries, including India. It is coordinated through Nuffic NESO offices and participating Dutch universities.

What it covers: Coverage varies by university — from partial to full tuition. Examples: VU Amsterdam offers full tuition; Maastricht School of Management offers €16,000–€28,500; Groningen Arts offers €450/month living support.

Deadlines: Typically February to May 2027 for the September 2027 intake. The central NESO India programme ended in 2024 — you must now apply through each university’s OTS channel directly.
Eligibility: Indian citizenship, admission to a participating Dutch university programme, strong academic record, and English proficiency as required by the university.
Bottom line: OTS is one of the few scholarships specifically designed for Indian students in the Netherlands. However, because the central programme has closed, you must check with your chosen Dutch university to see whether they still offer an OTS route for Indian applicants.

6. Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES)

The GOI-IES is Ireland’s flagship fully funded award for non-EU postgraduate students. It is one of the most generous scholarships in Europe for Indian students.

What it covers: Full tuition fee waiver (worth €15,000–€25,000 at major universities) plus a €10,000 stipend for one year of master’s, PhD, or postgraduate diploma study. There is no service bond or return-home clause.

Deadline: Expected around 12 March 2027 (the HEA typically opens the portal in late January and closes on 12 March at 5 pm Irish time).
Eligibility: Non-EU, non-EEA, non-UK, non-Swiss citizen. You need a conditional or final offer from an eligible Irish higher education institution for a full-time master’s, PhD, or postgraduate diploma at NFQ Level 9 or 10. Outstanding academic record required.
Bottom line: GOI-IES is arguably the best-value scholarship on this list for Indian master’s students — full fees plus €10,000. But you need your Irish admission offer secured before the scholarship portal opens. Start your university application by late 2026.

7. Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals (SISGP)

The Swedish Institute offers fully funded master’s scholarships for professionals from eligible countries, including India.

What it covers: Full tuition fees, SEK 12,000/month living allowance, travel grant, and insurance.

Deadlines (two separate deadlines — miss one and you are out):
  • University admission deadline: 15 January 2027 (apply to a Swedish master's programme via UniversityAdmissions.se)
  • Scholarship application window: Expected 9 February – 25 February 2027
Eligibility: You must first apply to and be admitted to an eligible Swedish master’s programme. The SISGP is for professionals with work experience. Check the SI website for the full eligibility criteria.
Bottom line: The January university deadline is non-negotiable. If you miss it, you cannot apply for the scholarship in February. Mark both dates now.

8. Finland Scholarships (University-Specific)

Finland does not have one central government scholarship for international students. Instead, Finnish universities offer their own scholarship programmes for non-EU students, typically covering 50–100% of tuition and sometimes including a €5,000 relocation grant.

Deadlines: Most Finnish universities use the joint application system at Studyinfo.fi. For the August/September 2027 intake, the joint application period is 7–21 January 2027. Individual university scholarship deadlines often coincide with or follow admission deadlines.

  • University of Helsinki — Master's scholarship applications: 5–19 January 2027 (closes 20 January)
  • University of Oulu — 19 January 2027
  • University of Jyväskylä — 21 January 2027
Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA students applying to a participating master’s programme. Requirements vary by university — check the specific programme page on Studyinfo.fi.
Bottom line: Finland is one of the most affordable Nordic options if you secure a tuition waiver. The January 2027 deadline is fixed — there is no late application.

9. Italy DSU Scholarship (Regional)

The DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario) is a regional need-based scholarship in Italy. It is one of the most comprehensive scholarships in Europe because it covers almost everything.

What it covers: Full tuition waiver, free accommodation (or rent subsidy), free meals in university canteens, and a cash allowance for extra expenses.

Deadline: Deadlines vary by region. For the 2026/27 academic year, the University of Pisa (Tuscany DSU) deadline was 7 September 2026. The University of Milan (Lombardy DSU) deadline was 30 September 2026. For the 2027/28 cycle, expect similar September 2027 deadlines — but you must apply before you enrol.
Eligibility: Open to students from any country enrolling in a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD at a participating Italian university. Eligibility is based on family income and assets (ISEE Parificato). You must submit family income documents translated into Italian and legalised by the Italian embassy.
Bottom line: DSU is the best-kept secret for studying in Italy almost for free. But the documentation is heavy and the deadline is in September — start preparing your income documents in early 2027.

10. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are offered by the Swiss Confederation for research fellowships and PhD scholarships (not for standard master’s coursework).

What it covers: CHF 2,450/month, a one-time rental deposit grant of CHF 600, health insurance coverage, a half-fare travelcard, and a return flight allowance for non-EU recipients.

Deadline for India: 10 November 2026 (applications opened 20 August 2026).
Eligibility: You must have a master’s degree (or equivalent) and be born after 31 December 1991. You need a research proposal and a letter of support from a Swiss academic supervisor. This is for PhD or research, not taught master’s.
Bottom line: If you are research-oriented and have a supervisor lined up in Switzerland, this is a prestigious and well-funded option. But the November 2026 deadline is very close.

How to Win These Scholarships: 5 Practical Tips

  • Start with admission, not scholarship. Most European scholarships require you to have an admission offer (or at least an application) before you can apply for funding. Secure your university place first.
  • Build a deadline tracker. The deadlines for scholarships for Indian students in Europe 2027 are scattered across late 2026 and early 2027. A simple spreadsheet with columns for "University," "Scholarship," "Deadline," and "Status" will keep you organised.
  • Prepare your documents early. Transcripts, degree certificates, IELTS/TOEFL scores, letters of recommendation, and statements of purpose take time. Do not wait until the week before a deadline.
  • Check eligibility carefully. Some scholarships (like DAAD's general master's) are not open to Indian students. Others (like Eiffel) have age limits. Read the fine print.
  • Apply to multiple scholarships. There is no rule against holding more than one application. The more you apply to, the higher your chances of securing at least one funding offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which scholarship is easiest for Indian students to get in Europe?

There is no "easy" scholarship — all require strong profiles. However, the NL Scholarship and Finland university scholarships have more straightforward applications. The Erasmus Mundus and GOI-IES are the most generous but also the most competitive.

Can I apply for a scholarship after I get admission?

For most scholarships, yes — but some require you to apply simultaneously with your university application. Check the specific scholarship's rules.

Do I need IELTS for these scholarships?

Almost always, yes. European universities and scholarship committees require proof of English proficiency. Some may accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate, but IELTS/TOEFL is safer.

Are these scholarships open to students from Surat and Gujarat?

Yes. All the scholarships listed here are open to Indian nationals, regardless of which city or state you are from. Your eligibility is based on your academic profile and nationality, not your location.

What if I miss a deadline?

Most scholarships have only one application cycle per year. If you miss the deadline, you will have to wait for the next cycle (usually the following year). This is why starting early is critical.

Can I work while on a scholarship?

It depends on the country and the scholarship terms. In most European countries, student visa holders can work part-time (typically 20 hours/week). Check the specific visa rules for your destination.

Which scholarship covers the most costs?

Erasmus Mundus and GOI-IES are the most comprehensive — they cover full tuition plus a living stipend. Italy DSU is also excellent because it covers tuition, accommodation, and meals.

Do I need to pay to apply for these scholarships?

Most scholarship applications are free. However, you may need to pay university application fees separately. Never pay a third party to "guarantee" a scholarship.

Final Word from People’s Overseas, Surat

“Europe is not out of reach. With the right scholarship, a world-class master’s degree can cost you less than studying in India. But the window is narrow — and the deadlines for 2027 are already approaching.
At People’s Overseas, we help students from Surat and Gujarat identify the scholarships they are actually eligible for, prepare the documentation, and submit applications that stand out. We do not make false promises — we give you honest, practical guidance.
The scholarships are there. The question is: will you be ready before the deadline?”
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