Top 40 Europe Scholarships 2027 Without IELTS (Funding Guide)
Top 40 Europe Scholarships for 2027 Without IELTS: Fully Funded Opportunities
Studying in Europe can open doors to internationally recognised degrees, research opportunities, and future career development. However, the cost of tuition, accommodation, travel, and English-language examinations can make studying abroad difficult for many international students.
The good news is that some European universities and scholarship programmes allow applicants to demonstrate English proficiency through alternatives to IELTS. Depending on the institution, these may include a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate, another recognised English-language test, previous education in English, or an internal assessment.
This guide introduces 40 scholarship programmes and funding opportunities to investigate for the 2027 academic intake. They cover undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and research opportunities across Europe and nearby European study destinations.
Important: These are not 40 scholarships guaranteed to waive IELTS. Each university and programme sets its own language requirements, eligibility criteria, funding conditions, and deadlines. Confirm these details on the official website before applying.
Top 40 Europe Scholarships for 2027: Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Study destination | European countries and selected European study destinations |
| Degree levels | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD and research |
| Funding | Full scholarships, partial scholarships and grants |
| Eligible applicants | Varies by programme and nationality |
| IELTS requirement | Programme-specific; alternatives may be accepted |
| Application deadlines | Vary by scholarship and university |
| Academic year | 2027–2028 |
1. Government and International Scholarship Programmes
These programmes provide funding through national governments, international partnerships, or public institutions. Coverage differs by award and academic level.
1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship — Europe
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programme allows students to study at multiple participating higher education institutions. Selected scholarship recipients may receive support towards participation costs, travel, visa expenses, and living costs.
- Study level: Master’s
- Study destination: Participating European countries
- Funding: Competitive scholarships available
- IELTS alternative: Depends on the specific master’s programme
- Official website: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/opportunities/individuals/students/erasmus-mundus-joint-masters
Many programmes accept applications between October and January for courses beginning in the following academic year, but individual deadlines differ.
2. DAAD Scholarships — Germany
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarship opportunities for international graduates, doctoral candidates, researchers, and other eligible groups.
- Study level: Primarily postgraduate and research, depending on the award
- Funding: Varies by scholarship
- IELTS alternative: Depends on the university and programme
- Official website: https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships/
Applicants should check each scholarship’s eligible countries, academic requirements, language rules, and application period.
3. Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship — Hungary
Stipendium Hungaricum supports eligible international students through Hungary’s higher education scholarship programme. Benefits can include tuition coverage, a stipend, accommodation support, and medical insurance under the programme’s conditions.
- Study level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, one-tier Master’s and PhD, subject to availability
- Funding: Programme-defined scholarship benefits
- IELTS alternative: Depends on the university and selected course
- Official website: https://stipendiumhungaricum.hu/
The 2027–2028 application call should be checked directly on the official portal. Applicants must also confirm whether their country and intended course are eligible.
4. France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship — France
The Eiffel programme helps French higher education institutions attract international students to selected Master’s and doctoral programmes in priority fields.
- Study level: Master’s and PhD
- Fields: Engineering, mathematics, digital sciences, biology, health, law, politics, economics, management and other specified areas
- Funding: Benefits depend on the programme rules
- IELTS alternative: Determined by the institution and degree programme
- Official website: https://www.campusfrance.org/en/france-excellence-eiffel-scholarship-program
2027 campaign: Campus France lists January 6, 2027, as the deadline for institutions to submit applications. Students must contact their chosen institution much earlier because the university’s internal deadline can be different.
5. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals — Sweden
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships for eligible international professionals applying to selected Master’s programmes in Sweden.
- Study level: Master’s
- Funding: Scholarship benefits are defined by the current call
- IELTS alternative: The university’s admission requirements still apply
- Official website: https://si.se/en/apply/scholarships/
Check the eligible-country list, work-experience requirements, leadership criteria, and the current scholarship call before preparing an application.
6. Türkiye Scholarships — Türkiye
Türkiye Scholarships offers funding opportunities for international students at several academic levels. Benefits may include tuition, accommodation, a stipend, health insurance, travel support, and language preparation, subject to the programme rules.
- Study level: Undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral
- Funding: Comprehensive benefits for selected scholars
- IELTS alternative: Depends on the chosen programme; some courses may require recognised language results
- Official website: https://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr/
The general application period is usually January 10 to February 20. Confirm the 2027 dates on the official application calendar.
7. Austrian Government Scholarships — Austria
Austria offers several scholarship and research funding opportunities through government and institutional programmes.
- Study level: Varies by award
- Funding: Varies
- IELTS alternative: Depends on the institution and programme
- Official website: https://grants.at/
Search by nationality, study level, field, and destination rather than assuming one scholarship covers all international applicants.
8. VLIR-UOS Scholarships — Belgium
VLIR-UOS supports selected international students and professionals through development-related education and training programmes.
- Study level: Selected training and Master’s programmes
- Funding: Depends on the call
- IELTS alternative: Check the host institution’s language requirements
- Official website: https://www.vliruos.be/
Eligibility may be restricted to particular countries, professional backgrounds, and academic programmes.
9. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships — Switzerland
Switzerland offers government scholarships for eligible international researchers and, in certain cases, artists. Available categories depend on nationality and the annual call.
- Study level: Primarily research and doctoral or postdoctoral opportunities, depending on the category
- Funding: Varies by scholarship type
- IELTS alternative: Determined by the host institution and scholarship category
- Official website: https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/
Applicants should verify whether their country is included and whether their intended research category is eligible.
10. CEEPUS Mobility Grants — Central Europe
The Central European Exchange Programme for University Studies supports academic mobility among participating institutions and countries.
- Study level: Eligible students, doctoral candidates and university staff
- Funding: Mobility support according to programme rules
- IELTS alternative: Depends on the host institution and exchange arrangement
- Official website: https://www.ceepus.info/
This is a mobility programme rather than a universal full-degree scholarship. Applicants should confirm whether their university participates.
2. University Scholarships in Europe
The following university awards are worth investigating for 2027 entry. Their availability, eligibility, and language requirements must be confirmed on the university’s official pages.
Netherlands
11. TU Delft Excellence Scholarships
TU Delft offers selected scholarships for high-achieving international Master’s applicants. Funding and eligibility vary by award.
Official website: https://www.tudelft.nl/
12. University of Amsterdam Scholarships
The University of Amsterdam has offered scholarship schemes for selected international students. Check the current faculty and programme-specific opportunities.
Official website: https://www.uva.nl/
13. Maastricht University Scholarships
Maastricht University offers funding opportunities for selected international students, including some Master’s applicants.
Official website: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/
14. Utrecht University Scholarships
Utrecht University provides selected scholarship opportunities for eligible international students. Availability depends on the programme and current funding arrangements.
Official website: https://www.uu.nl/
Germany
15. SBW Berlin Scholarship
SBW Berlin provides support to eligible applicants under its programme conditions, including criteria relating to social commitment and future plans.
Official website: https://sbw.berlin/
16. Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarships
The Friedrich Ebert Foundation supports eligible students under academic, social, and other selection criteria. Check nationality and programme conditions carefully.
Official website: https://www.fes.de/studienfoerderung
17. Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
The Heinrich Böll Foundation provides scholarships for eligible students and doctoral candidates. Selection conditions and language requirements vary.
Official website: https://www.boell.de/en/scholarships
Italy
18. DSU Regional Scholarships
Italian regional authorities offer need-based support to eligible students, which may include tuition exemptions, meals, accommodation, or financial assistance.
Official website: Check the relevant regional authority, such as https://www.dsu.toscana.it/
19. University of Pavia Scholarships and Fee Waivers
The University of Pavia provides different scholarship and tuition-support opportunities. Availability and benefits depend on the specific call.
Official website: https://www.unipv.eu/
20. University of Bologna Study Grants
The University of Bologna offers selected study grants and tuition benefits for eligible international applicants.
Official website: https://www.unibo.it/
21. Italian Government MAECI Scholarships
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation funds eligible international students and researchers under annual calls.
Official website: https://studyinitaly.esteri.it/
France
22. Émile Boutmy Scholarship — Sciences Po
Sciences Po offers the Émile Boutmy Scholarship to eligible international students under programme-specific conditions.
Official website: https://www.sciencespo.fr/students/en/financing-your-studies/scholarships-and-financial-aid/
23. Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships
Université Paris-Saclay has offered scholarships for selected international Master’s students.
Official website: https://www.universite-paris-saclay.fr/
24. Grenoble Alpes University Scholarships
International funding opportunities may be available through university, departmental, and partner schemes.
Official website: https://www.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr/
Switzerland
25. ETH Zurich Scholarships
ETH Zurich offers Master’s scholarship opportunities, including the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme for eligible applicants.
Official website: https://ethz.ch/
26. EPFL Excellence Fellowship and Master’s Funding
EPFL publishes funding opportunities for eligible students. Check the current Master’s funding arrangements and application criteria.
Official website: https://www.epfl.ch/
Spain
27. University of Barcelona Scholarships
The University of Barcelona publishes institutional and external funding opportunities. Eligibility and language requirements depend on the course.
Official website: https://www.ub.edu/
28. University of Granada Scholarships
The University of Granada provides information about scholarships and financial support for students, including opportunities that may be relevant to international applicants.
Official website: https://www.ugr.es/
29. University of Valencia Scholarships
The University of Valencia lists institutional and external funding opportunities. Applicants should check the conditions for their selected programme.
Official website: https://www.uv.es/
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is geographically part of Europe, although its scholarship and immigration rules are separate from those of the European Union.
30. Rhodes Scholarship — University of Oxford
The Rhodes Scholarship supports eligible postgraduate students at Oxford. Eligibility, country constituencies, and selection criteria apply.
Official website: https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/
31. Clarendon Scholarship — University of Oxford
Clarendon supports eligible graduate applicants at Oxford. Applicants are considered according to the programme’s published selection process.
Official website: https://www.ox.ac.uk/clarendon
32. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Gates Cambridge supports eligible applicants pursuing postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge.
Official website: https://www.gatescambridge.org/
33. Chevening Scholarship
Chevening funds eligible applicants for qualifying Master’s study in the UK. The 2027–2028 application round is closed as of October 27, 2026, so applicants should monitor the official website for future rounds.
Official website: https://www.chevening.org/
34. University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships
The University of Bristol has offered Think Big scholarships for international students. Check the current 2027 call, available degrees, and funding amounts.
Official website: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/
3. Additional European and Regional Funding Opportunities
The remaining opportunities below are useful starting points for research. Some are exchange schemes, university funding, or targeted grants rather than full-degree scholarships.
35. University of Twente Scholarship — Netherlands
A scholarship opportunity for eligible international Master’s applicants, subject to the university’s current call.
Official website: https://www.utwente.nl/
36. Leiden University Scholarships — Netherlands
Leiden University lists scholarships for selected international students, including opportunities for Master’s programmes.
Official website: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/
37. Radboud Scholarship Programme — Netherlands
Radboud University has offered scholarships for selected non-EEA Master’s applicants. Check current availability and eligibility.
Official website: https://www.ru.nl/
38. University of Luxembourg Scholarships and Funding — Luxembourg
The university lists student funding and scholarship opportunities according to the relevant programme and eligibility conditions.
Official website: https://www.uni.lu/
39. University of Helsinki Scholarships — Finland
The University of Helsinki provides information about scholarships and tuition-fee arrangements for eligible international students.
Official website: https://www.helsinki.fi/
40. University of Oulu Scholarships — Finland
The University of Oulu publishes tuition-fee and scholarship information for international applicants. Check the rules for the 2027 intake.
Official website: https://www.oulu.fi/
How to Study in Europe Without IELTS
Not taking IELTS does not automatically mean that a student qualifies for admission. Universities may accept other evidence of English proficiency, but their policies differ.
1. Obtain a Medium of Instruction Certificate
Contact your previous institution and request an official letter confirming the language used to teach and assess your degree.
The letter should normally include:
- Your full name as recorded by the institution.
- The degree or programme completed.
- Confirmation that the programme was taught in English, if accurate.
- The institution’s official letterhead and verification details.
- An authorised signature or stamp, where applicable.
Do not submit an MOI certificate unless it accurately reflects your previous education.
2. Confirm the University Accepts MOI
Before applying, check the language requirements for the exact degree and intake. Some universities accept MOI certificates, while others require IELTS, TOEFL, another test, or their own assessment.
Ask the admissions office in writing if the published policy is unclear.
3. Check Scholarship Eligibility Separately
Scholarship eligibility and university admission are different processes. A university may accept an MOI certificate while a particular course, department, or funding scheme has additional language requirements.
Check the scholarship’s eligible nationalities, academic qualifications, age restrictions if applicable, required work experience, and eligible fields of study.
4. Prepare Your Application Documents
Depending on the programme, you may need:
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- Passport or accepted identification.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Motivation letter or personal statement.
- Recommendation letters.
- Research proposal for certain doctoral programmes.
- Proof of English proficiency or an accepted alternative.
- Evidence of financial circumstances for need-based awards.
5. Apply Before the Relevant Deadline
Many scholarships have earlier internal university deadlines than the final national or programme deadline. Submit all documents in the requested format and retain confirmation of your application.
6. Prepare for Admission and Visa Requirements
After receiving an offer, review the institution’s enrolment requirements and the relevant country’s student-visa process. Admission or scholarship selection does not guarantee visa approval.
Important 2027 Scholarship Deadlines
Deadlines differ by university, degree, nationality, and funding category. The following dates are useful planning points, but applicants should always verify the current official call.
| Scholarship | 2027 application information |
|---|---|
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters | Many programme deadlines fall between October 2026 and January 2027 |
| France Excellence Eiffel | Campus France lists January 6, 2027, as the institutional submission deadline |
| Stipendium Hungaricum | Check the official portal for the 2027–2028 call |
| Türkiye Scholarships | The general application period is usually January 10–February 20; confirm 2027 dates |
| DAAD | Deadlines vary by scholarship and academic programme |
| Swedish Institute Scholarships | Check the current call and eligible Master’s programmes |
| University scholarships | Each university sets its own deadlines |
For Erasmus Mundus, review each participating Master’s programme’s website. For the Eiffel Scholarship, contact the French institution well before the Campus France deadline because students generally cannot submit the application directly to Campus France.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study in Europe in 2027 without IELTS?
Yes, some universities and programmes accept alternatives to IELTS. Whether you qualify depends on your previous education, the selected course, and the institution’s language policy.
Does an MOI certificate guarantee admission?
No. An MOI certificate may satisfy a language requirement only where the university accepts it. Applicants must still meet academic, course-specific, and scholarship requirements.
Are all 40 opportunities fully funded?
No. The list includes different types of funding, such as full scholarships, partial awards, tuition benefits, and mobility grants. Read the individual scholarship terms to establish which costs are covered.
Can bachelor’s students apply?
Some opportunities support undergraduate study, including Türkiye Scholarships and selected national or university schemes. Many prominent awards, including Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters and Eiffel, are intended for postgraduate study.
Can Pakistani students apply?
Pakistani students may be eligible for some of these opportunities, but eligibility depends on the individual scholarship, nationality rules, sending-country agreements, degree level, and course availability. Confirm these details on the official website.
Do scholarships cover travel and accommodation?
Some comprehensive scholarships provide travel support, accommodation assistance, or a living stipend. Others provide only tuition reductions or partial funding. Never assume every expense is covered.
When should I start preparing for 2027 admission?
Start as early as possible. Prepare transcripts, references, a CV, a motivation letter, language documentation, and any required research proposal before the relevant deadline.
Conclusion
The Top 40 Europe Scholarships for 2027 Without IELTS list provides a starting point for students seeking international education and financial support. Opportunities range from government scholarships and joint Master’s programmes to university awards, research grants, and regional mobility schemes.
The most important step is to confirm two separate requirements: whether you qualify for the scholarship and whether your chosen university accepts an alternative to IELTS. An MOI certificate can be useful, but only when the institution recognises it.
Begin with official scholarship portals, check the 2027 application call, and prepare your documents early. A careful application strategy can help you identify realistic funding opportunities and avoid missed deadlines.
Official Scholarship Resources
