In March 2024, Kasia from Krakow opened an email from ETH Zurich. She read it three times, unable to believe it: “We are pleased to inform you that you have been awarded the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme.” Full tuition coverage plus CHF 12,000 for living expenses annually. Five months earlier, she had been filling out forms at 3 AM, convinced she had no chance. Today, she studies engineering at a university that surpasses MIT in several fields in global rankings – and doesn’t pay a single franc for it.
Kasia is not an exception. Every year, hundreds of Polish students secure scholarships at European universities, but thousands don’t even try because they’re unaware these scholarships exist, or they assume “such things aren’t for me.” The truth is: Europe offers one of the most comprehensive financial support systems for students globally, and as an EU citizen, you have access to it in a way that virtually no one from outside the continent does.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything: from Erasmus+ programs and government scholarships like Chevening or DAAD, through university grants in every country, to application strategies that genuinely boost your chances. If you’re also interested in scholarships across the Atlantic, read our guide to scholarships for studying in the USA. And if you first want to understand where in Europe it’s worth studying – check out our guides on the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland.
Scholarships for Studying in Europe – Key Figures 2025/2026
Sources: European Commission (Erasmus+ Programme Guide 2025), DAAD Annual Report 2024, Chevening.org, Nuffic 2025
Types of Scholarships in Europe: What You Need to Know Upfront
Before you start browsing specific programs, you need to understand how the European education funding system works – because it differs fundamentally from the American one. In the USA, the university is often the primary source of scholarships. In Europe, funds can come from several entirely independent sources, and a savvy student combines them.
Merit-based Scholarships
Awarded for outstanding academic results, scientific achievements, or research potential. In Europe, these are mainly offered by universities (e.g., ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship, Bocconi Merit Award) and governments (DAAD, Eiffel). Key criteria include: GPA, Matura (Polish high school leaving exam) results, motivation letter, and recommendations. For Master’s and doctoral studies, academic portfolio and research proposal are also considered.
Need-based Scholarships
Awarded based on a family’s financial situation. In many European countries (Italy, France, Scandinavian countries), social support systems are significantly more developed than in the USA. Italian regional DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario) scholarships cover tuition, accommodation, and meals for students from low-income families – and these also apply to EU students, including Poles. In France, the CROUS (Centre Régional des Oeuvres Universitaires) system operates similarly.
Government Scholarships
Every major European country runs at least one government program aimed at international students. DAAD (Germany), Chevening (UK), Eiffel (France), Swiss Government Excellence (Switzerland) are programs with the highest reputation, and simply receiving one opens doors in your career. They are highly competitive, but the amounts are substantial, and the prestige is immense.
University Scholarships
Many European universities have their own scholarship funds, especially those offering English-taught programs and actively recruiting international students. Examples include: Holland Scholarship (a national program, but distributed by universities), Bocconi International Awards, IE University Scholarships, KU Leuven Science@Leuven, or Edinburgh Global Scholarship.
EU Programs (Erasmus+ and related)
The European Union funds scholarships through framework programs. The most important is Erasmus+, which covers not only semester exchanges but also full Master’s degree programs (Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters) with a budget covering tuition, living, and travel costs. As an EU citizen, you have privileged access to many of these programs.
Erasmus+ and EU Programs – Money You Didn’t Know About
Erasmus+ isn’t just a semester exchange where you drink sangria in Barcelona (though that’s part of it too). In the 2021–2027 budgetary framework, the program has 26 billion EUR at its disposal, more than double the amount from the previous period. For Polish students, there are two key mechanisms:
Erasmus+ Mobility (Semester Exchange)
The classic exchange program: you study for a semester or a year at a partner university. The scholarship covers the difference in living costs between Poland and the destination country. Monthly rates for Polish students in the academic year 2025/2026:
- Group 1 (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden): 674 EUR/month
- Group 2 (Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, France, Greece, Spain, Netherlands, Malta, Germany, Portugal, Italy): 674 EUR/month
- Group 3 (Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey, Hungary): 606 EUR/month
Travel allowance: 275–1,500 EUR (depending on distance). Students with disabilities and from low-income families can receive an additional 250 EUR/month. Tuition at the host university is 0 EUR – you pay only at your home university.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM)
This is the jewel in the crown of Erasmus+, and one of the best-funded Master’s programs globally. EMJM are two-year Master’s degree programs jointly delivered by a consortium of 2–4 European universities (sometimes with non-EU partners). You study in at least two countries and receive a joint or double degree upon completion.
The EMJM scholarship includes:
- Program participation costs (tuition fees): up to 9,000 EUR/year
- Living costs: 1,400 EUR/month
- Travel and installation costs: 1,000–4,000 EUR/year (depending on distance)
- Total value: approx. 40,000–50,000 EUR for 2 years
The 2025/2026 offer includes over 200 active EMJM programs – from water engineering (Hydroinformatics) and European studies (Euroculture) to public health management. The full list is available on the EACEA website. The application process is managed by the consortium (not through a central system); each program has its own deadlines, typically from December to February for studies starting in the autumn.
Erasmus+ Mobility vs. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
Two programs, entirely different opportunities
| Aspect | Erasmus+ Mobility | Erasmus Mundus (EMJM) |
|---|---|---|
| Study Level | Bachelor's, Master's, PhD | Master's only (2-year) |
| Duration | 1 semester to 12 months | Full 2-year Master's studies |
| Monthly Scholarship | 606–674 EUR (from PL) | 1,400 EUR + tuition coverage |
| Total Value | approx. 3,000–8,000 EUR | approx. 40,000–50,000 EUR |
| Tuition Fees | 0 EUR (paid at home university) | Covered by scholarship (up to 9,000 EUR/year) |
| Degree | Home university degree | Joint/double degree from consortium |
| How to Apply | Through your university's international relations office | Directly to the program consortium |
| Competition | Moderate (depends on university and program) | High, approx. 5–15% acceptance rate |
Source: Erasmus+ Programme Guide 2025, EACEA Erasmus Mundus Catalogue
Scholarships Country by Country – A Comprehensive Overview
Each European country has its own education funding ecosystem. Below, you’ll find the most important scholarship programs, sorted from the most generous to the less obvious. In each case, I focus on what is realistically available for Polish students in 2026.
United Kingdom. Chevening, Gates Cambridge, Rhodes
After Brexit, tuition fees for Poles in the UK increased to the level of international students (£20,000–£45,000/year, depending on the university and program). This makes scholarships absolutely crucial. Fortunately, the UK has some of the most prestigious scholarship programs in the world.
Chevening Scholarships – the flagship program of the British government, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. It covers the full costs of a one-year Master’s degree at any British university: tuition fees, living costs (approx. £1,133–£1,516/month depending on location), flights, visas, and an arrival allowance. Total value: approx. £18,000–£25,000. Requirements: minimum 2 years of work experience, outstanding achievements, leadership potential, and a plan to return to your home country after studies. Deadline: typically August–November (for studies starting in the autumn of the following year).
Gates Cambridge Scholarship, one of the most elite scholarships in the world, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Full coverage of Master’s, doctoral, or MBA study costs at the University of Cambridge: tuition fees, living costs (approx. £18,744/year), flights, and academic development. Acceptance rate: approx. 3–4% (approx. 80 scholarships annually). More about Cambridge in our guide.
Rhodes Scholarship – the oldest international scholarship in the world (since 1903), for Master’s or doctoral studies at the University of Oxford. Covers tuition fees, living costs, and a personal allowance. Applications for Polish candidates: through the European pool (Rhodes Global Scholarships). More about Oxford in our guide to Oxford University.
University Scholarships in the UK: Many universities have their own programs, e.g., Edinburgh Global Scholarship (up to £10,000/year), Imperial President’s Scholarships, UCL Global Masters Scholarship (up to £5,000). Always check the “Fees & Funding” section on the specific program’s website.
Netherlands – Holland Scholarship and University Grants
The Netherlands is one of the most popular destinations for Polish students due to its vast offering of English-taught programs. Tuition fees for students from outside the EEA range from 8,000–15,000 EUR/year, but as an EU citizen, you pay the European rate: approx. 2,314 EUR/year (academic year 2025/2026), which makes Dutch studies extremely affordable.
Holland Scholarship – a one-off grant of 5,000 EUR for students from outside the EEA starting Bachelor’s or Master’s studies in the Netherlands. Note: as an EU citizen, you do not qualify, but it’s worth knowing about if you have friends from outside the EU. For Polish students, Dutch universities offer other grants:
- University of Amsterdam Excellence Scholarships: Up to 25,000 EUR to cover tuition and living costs. For students with outstanding academic results.
- Leiden University Excellence Scholarship: Full tuition coverage or 10,000/15,000 EUR. For Master’s program students.
- TU Delft Excellence Scholarships: Up to 30,000 EUR/year, one of the most generous offers in continental Europe.
- University of Groningen Talent Grants: Up to 12,000 EUR for living costs.
As an EU citizen, the key advantage in the Netherlands is the low statutory tuition fee. Add to this the possibility of working up to 16 hours a week (or full-time in summer) – and studying in the Netherlands becomes financially feasible even without a scholarship. More in our guide to studying in the Netherlands.
Germany. DAAD and Free Tuition
Germany is a unique case in Europe: tuition fees at public universities are 0 EUR (with the exception of Baden-Württemberg, where non-EU students pay 1,500 EUR/semester – but Poles are exempt from this as EU citizens). You only pay a semester administrative fee: approx. 150–350 EUR, which usually includes a semester ticket for public transport.
Since tuition is free, scholarships in Germany focus on covering living costs (700–1,000 EUR/month).
DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst), the German Academic Exchange Service, is the largest academic scholarship funder in the world. It offers over 100 different programs. The most important for Poles:
- DAAD Study Scholarships for Graduates: 934 EUR/month + insurance + travel + German language course. For Master’s studies in Germany. Deadline: typically October–November.
- DAAD Research Grants: 1,300 EUR/month for doctoral students, 1,000 EUR/month for Master’s students. For research projects at German universities.
- DAAD-Helmholtz Programme: For doctoral students in natural sciences and engineering. Full funding.
Deutschlandstipendium – a federal program where universities award 300 EUR/month (half from the government, half from a private sponsor) for 12 months. Criteria: academic results, social engagement, overcome obstacles. Apply through the university, submit your application right after starting your studies.
Political foundations (Stiftungen): Germany has a unique system of political foundations that fund students: Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (CDU), Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (SPD), Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung (Greens), Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung (Left), Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung (FDP), Hanns-Seidel-Stiftung (CSU). Each offers 934 EUR/month + 300 EUR for books. You don’t have to be a party member – you must share the foundation’s values and demonstrate social engagement. More about studying in Germany in our guide.
Italy, DSU Scholarships and Bocconi Merit Awards
Italy has one of the most generous scholarship systems in Europe, which few people know about. Tuition fees at public universities range from 0–4,000 EUR/year (depending on ISEE – the financial situation indicator), and regional agencies for the right to study (DSU. Diritto allo Studio Universitario) award scholarships covering:
- Tuition fee exemption (full or partial)
- Living allowance: approx. 5,000–6,500 EUR/year
- Accommodation: free place in a dormitory or housing allowance
- Meals: free or subsidized meals in university canteens
As an EU citizen, you have full right to these benefits. Key document: family income certificate (sworn translation), based on which the ISEE-U (equivalent to a Polish asset declaration) is calculated. For low and middle-income families, the coverage is significant.
Bocconi International Awards: Bocconi University in Milan – one of the best business schools in Europe – offers merit-based scholarships covering up to 100% of tuition fees (13,854 EUR/year) + reduced dormitory costs. Criteria: academic results, SAT/ACT (if applying with SAT), essay. Deadline: typically January–February.
Politecnico di Milano Scholarships: One of Europe’s leading technical universities, it offers tuition fee waivers and a Diamond Grant (5,000 EUR + laptop) for top students. More about Italy in our guide.
France – Eiffel Scholarship and Campus France
France actively attracts international students. Tuition fees at public universities for EU students are only 170 EUR/year (Bachelor’s) or 243 EUR/year (Master’s), a symbolic amount.
Eiffel Scholarship (Bourse d’Excellence Eiffel) – one of the most prestigious French scholarships, awarded by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. For Master’s students: 1,181 EUR/month for 12–36 months + flight tickets + insurance + accommodation. For doctoral students: 1,700 EUR/month. Application through the university (the university nominates the candidate, not the student directly). Nomination deadline: typically January.
CROUS (Centre Régional des Oeuvres Universitaires): A social support system, EU students can apply for a scholarship based on social criteria (Bourse sur critères sociaux, BCS). Amounts: 1,084–6,335 EUR/year (depending on family income). Additionally: free meals in canteens for 1 EUR, access to affordable dormitories.
Sciences Po Scholarships: Sciences Po in Paris – one of the best political science universities in the world, awards scholarships covering up to 100% of tuition fees (approx. 14,500 EUR/year) based on social criteria. For EU students, the application is integrated with the admissions process.
Switzerland – Swiss Government Excellence and ETH/EPFL
Switzerland is not in the EU, but as a Polish citizen (EU/EFTA), you have facilitated access to its universities. Tuition fees are surprisingly low: CHF 730/semester at ETH Zurich and CHF 780/semester at EPFL, which are among the best technical universities in the world at an unbeatable price.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships – a program of the Swiss government for foreign researchers and artists. For Master’s and doctoral students: 1,920 CHF/month + tuition fees + health insurance + flights. Application through the Swiss Embassy in Warsaw. Deadline: typically August–November (for the following year).
ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP): Covers tuition fees + 12,000 CHF/semester for living costs. For top Master’s students. Requirement: outstanding academic results (top 10% of the year group). It’s also worth checking the ETH-D Scholarship (tuition fee subsidy + 7,500 CHF/semester).
EPFL Excellence Fellowships: Up to 32,000 CHF/year for Master’s studies. Automatically considered upon application for studies.
More about studying in Switzerland in our guide to ETH and EPFL.
Spain. IE University and University Grants
Tuition fees at public universities in Spain for EU students are approx. 700–1,500 EUR/year (Bachelor’s), making them among the most affordable in Western Europe.
IE University Scholarships (Madrid/Segovia): IE is a private business university, but it offers generous scholarships covering 25–100% of tuition fees (tuition: approx. 24,200 EUR/year for Bachelor’s). Criteria: academic results, SAT/ACT, leadership potential, essay. IE Foundation Scholarship, Presidenta Scholarship, Women in Tech Scholarship.
Becas del Ministerio de Educación: The Spanish Ministry of Education awards need-based scholarships for EU students studying at public universities in Spain. These include tuition fee exemption and a living allowance.
ESADE Scholarships: ESADE Business School in Barcelona – merit-based scholarships covering 25–50% of tuition fees for BBA and MSc programs. More about Spain in our guide.
Scandinavia, Free Tuition and Swedish Institute
Norway is the only country in Europe where studies are free for everyone – regardless of citizenship, at public universities. You only pay a semester administrative fee of approx. 300–600 NOK (30–60 EUR). However, living costs are high: 10,000–12,000 NOK/month (approx. 900–1,100 EUR). It’s worth applying for a Lånekassen (Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund) scholarship, but it is mainly available to people working in Norway or meeting specific residency criteria.
Sweden: Tuition fees for EU/EEA students are 0 SEK (free). Living costs: approx. 8,500 SEK/month (approx. 750 EUR). Swedish Institute Scholarships – scholarships for Master’s studies in Sweden, covering living costs (10,000 SEK/month), flights, and insurance. Primarily aimed at non-EU countries, but it’s worth checking the current offer.
Denmark: Tuition fees for EU students: 0 DKK (free). Danish Government Scholarships and university tuition waivers are available for non-EU students. For Poles, the key advantage is the possibility of working up to 20 hours/week (full-time in summer), which, at Danish rates (120–150 DKK/hour), provides significant financial support.
Finland: Since 2017, tuition fees apply to non-EU students – but Poles, as EU citizens, study for free. The University of Helsinki, Aalto University, and other leading Finnish universities do not charge tuition fees for EU students.
Ireland, Belgium, and Others
Ireland: Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships, 10,000 EUR one-off (tuition and living costs) for one year of Bachelor’s or Master’s studies. Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin also offer their own merit scholarships.
Belgium: VLIR-UOS Scholarships – for students from developing countries (does not directly apply to Poles). However, KU Leuven Science@Leuven Scholarships offer up to 10,000 EUR/year for Master’s studies. Tuition fees at KU Leuven for EU students: approx. 1,000 EUR/year.
Czech Republic: Studies in Czech are free at public universities (also for foreigners). English-taught programs: 2,000–10,000 EUR/year. The Czech government offers Government Scholarships for international students.
Study Costs and Scholarships in Europe – Country Comparison
Perspective of a Polish student (EU citizen), academic year 2025/2026
| Country | Tuition Fees (EU, Bachelor's) | Living Costs (monthly) | Flagship Scholarship Program | Scholarship Amount | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 0 EUR | 800–1,200 EUR | DAAD Study Scholarships | 934 EUR/month | Moderate |
| Norway | 0 EUR | 1,000–1,400 EUR | Lånekassen (loan/scholarship) | approx. 1,200 EUR/month | Limited (residency requirements) |
| Netherlands | 2,314 EUR/year | 900–1,300 EUR | TU Delft / UvA Excellence | up to 30,000 EUR/year | Moderate |
| Italy | 0–4,000 EUR/year | 700–1,100 EUR | DSU + Bocconi Awards | 5,000–13,854 EUR/year | High (DSU need-based) |
| France | 170–243 EUR/year | 800–1,400 EUR | Eiffel Scholarship | 1,181 EUR/month | Low (very competitive) |
| Switzerland | 730–1,560 CHF/year | 1,500–2,200 CHF | ETH ESOP / Swiss Gov. | 12,000–24,000 CHF/year | Low (top 10%) |
| UK | £20,000–£45,000/year | £1,000–£1,500 | Chevening / Gates | Full coverage | Very Low (3–5%) |
| Spain | 700–1,500 EUR/year | 700–1,000 EUR | Becas MEC / IE Scholarships | 1,500–24,200 EUR/year | Moderate |
| Sweden | 0 SEK | 750–1,100 EUR | Swedish Institute (non-EU) | 10,000 SEK/month | For EU citizens, low tuition is the grant itself |
| Belgium | ~1,000 EUR/year | 800–1,100 EUR | KU Leuven Science@Leuven | up to 10,000 EUR/year | Moderate |
Sources: university and education ministry websites of individual countries, DAAD, Nuffic, CROUS, DSU. As of January 2026. Living costs are approximate monthly amounts in larger cities.
How to Apply for a Scholarship – Timeline and Strategy
Knowing about scholarship programs is half the battle. The other half is a strategic approach to the application process. Below, I present an optimal timeline for a student planning to start studies in Europe in autumn 2027.
Scholarship Application Timeline 2026/2027
For students planning to start European studies in autumn 2027
Approximate deadlines, always verify exact dates on program websites. The timeline assumes Master's studies; for Bachelor's, deadlines may be shifted by 1–3 months.
”Scholarship Portfolio” Strategy
The most effective approach is to treat scholarship applications like an investment portfolio. You don’t apply for one scholarship and wait – you build a portfolio:
- 2–3 “dream” scholarships, highly competitive (Chevening, Gates, Eiffel, ESOP). Chances: 3–10%. But if you get one – full coverage.
- 3–4 “realistic” scholarships, university merit scholarships, DAAD, Erasmus Mundus. Chances: 10–30%. They cover tuition or a significant portion of costs.
- 2–3 “safety net” – need-based scholarships (DSU in Italy, CROUS in France), Deutschlandstipendium, local grants. Chances: 30–60%. They cover some costs, but every penny counts.
- Free tuition, apply to universities in countries where tuition is 0 EUR (Germany, Norway, Czech Republic, Scandinavia). This is your “base scholarship” – even without an additional grant, you save 10,000–40,000 EUR compared to the UK.
Documents: What to Prepare
Regardless of the program, you’ll need a set of documents. Prepare them once, then adapt them for specific applications:
- Motivation letter / personal statement (600–1,000 words) – the most important document. It must answer the question: why this program, why this university, why you. Use specific examples, not generalities.
- Academic CV (1–2 pages), education, achievements, experience, publications (if any), extracurricular activities.
- Recommendation letters (2–3) – from teachers/lecturers who know you well. Give them at least 4 weeks and provide your CV + program description.
- Academic transcript, official, with a sworn translation into English (or the target language).
- Language certificate – IELTS Academic (6.0–7.0), TOEFL iBT (80–100), Cambridge C1 Advanced. Depends on the university and country.
- Financial documents (for need-based scholarships), family income certificates, tax returns (PITs), sworn translations.
- Portfolio / work sample (some programs) – academic essay, research project, artistic portfolio.
How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay
A scholarship essay is not a university admissions essay; it has a different purpose and structure. While a personal statement for university answers the question “who am I,” a scholarship essay answers the question “why do I deserve this scholarship and what will I do with it.”
Structure of an Effective Scholarship Essay
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Hook (1–2 sentences) – a specific scene, moment, or problem. Not “since childhood, I’ve dreamed of…”. Rather: “In July 2025, I stood in the Warsaw University of Technology lab at 3 AM, staring at data that made no sense, and that’s when I realized I needed tools I couldn’t acquire in Poland.”
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Context and Motivation (3–4 sentences) – why this specific program? What in your previous experience has prepared you for these studies? Be precise: name the professor whose research you want to continue, the course that interests you, the research project.
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Plan (3–4 sentences), what do you want to achieve during your studies? What skills do you want to acquire? Which project or lab do you want to work in? The scholarship committee wants to know that you have a plan – you don’t have to execute it 100%, but you must have one.
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Return / Impact (2–3 sentences), what will you do after your studies? How will you use the knowledge gained? Many government programs (Chevening, DAAD) emphasize “giving back” – a plan to return to your country or transfer knowledge.
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Closing (1–2 sentences), connect the hook with the plan. Close the narrative loop.
What to Avoid
- Generalities: “Studying abroad will broaden my horizons” – everyone says that. Be specific.
- Financial desperation: “Without this scholarship, I won’t make it.” The committee is not a charity. Show what you bring to the table.
- Lists of achievements: This is not a CV – you have a separate document for that. An essay is a narrative, not a report.
- Writing what the committee “wants to hear”: Falsehoods come to light. Be authentic.
5 Principles of an Effective Scholarship Essay
Financial Planning: How to Piece Together the Puzzle
A scholarship rarely covers 100% of costs. A savvy student assembles funding from several sources – and Europe provides unique tools for this.
The “Free Tuition + Work + Grant” Model
The most popular model among Polish students in Europe:
- Base tuition = 0 EUR, study in Germany, Norway, Czech Republic, Sweden, Denmark, or Finland. As an EU citizen, you have free tuition at public universities.
- Paid work – in most EU countries, you can work without restrictions as an EU citizen. In Germany, students earn 520 EUR/month (tax-free Minijob). In Denmark: 120–150 DKK/hour. In the Netherlands: 13–16 EUR/hour. This covers a significant portion of living costs.
- Living grant. Deutschlandstipendium (300 EUR/month), DAAD (934 EUR/month), DSU in Italy (5,000–6,500 EUR/year), CROUS in France (1,000–6,000 EUR/year). Even smaller grants make a difference.
How Much Do You Really Need?
Here are approximate monthly budgets (accommodation + food + transport + personal expenses) in popular academic cities:
- Berlin: 850–1,100 EUR/month (affordable accommodation: 400–550 EUR)
- Amsterdam: 1,000–1,400 EUR/month (accommodation: 500–800 EUR)
- Paris: 1,000–1,500 EUR/month (accommodation: 500–900 EUR, with CAF/APL assistance: 300–600 EUR)
- Milan: 800–1,100 EUR/month (accommodation: 400–600 EUR)
- Stockholm: 900–1,200 EUR/month (accommodation: 400–700 EUR)
- Zurich: 1,500–2,200 CHF/month (accommodation: 600–900 CHF)
- London: 1,200–1,800 GBP/month (accommodation: 600–1,000 GBP)
- Madrid: 700–1,000 EUR/month (accommodation: 350–500 EUR)
Key advice: start looking for accommodation at least 3–4 months before your arrival. In cities like Amsterdam, Munich, or London, the market is extremely tight. University dormitories (if available) are always the cheapest option.
Additional Funding Sources
- NAWA (Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange): The Polish government offers scholarships for studies and research abroad. Programs include STER, Bekker Program, and Ulam Program.
- Fulbright Foundation (for studies in the UK/Europe): A lesser-known fact – the Polish-U.S. Fulbright Commission also supports academic mobility in Europe.
- Private foundations: Czartoryski Foundation, Batory Foundation, Lesław Paga Foundation, each offers educational grants.
- Educational crowdfunding: Platforms like GoFundMe or Patronite – some students successfully raise funds for their studies.
Three Scenarios for Funding Studies in Europe
Example annual budgets for a Polish student (Bachelor's, EU citizen)
Illustrative scenarios; actual amounts depend on lifestyle, accommodation location, and scholarship availability. Minijob and Deutschlandstipendium: not guaranteed, require application.
College Council – How We Help with Scholarships
The application process for studies and scholarships in Europe requires strategy, precision, and a significant amount of time. Many excellent applications fail not due to a candidate’s lack of qualifications, but because of a poorly written essay, an overlooked deadline, or incomplete documentation.
At College Council, we have been working with Polish students for years, helping them secure places and scholarships at universities across Europe, from ETH Zurich and Bocconi, through Dutch TU Delft and UvA, to German TU Munich and LMU. Our team knows the specifics of each admissions and scholarship system because we work with them every day.
What We Offer:
- Application strategy – analysis of your profile, selection of universities and scholarship programs that give you the highest chances. You don’t apply “blindly”; you have a plan.
- Essay editing – multi-stage work on your motivation letter and personal statement with experienced mentors. We help you find your voice and transform experiences into a narrative that resonates with the committee.
- Interview preparation, mock interviews (Chevening, Gates Cambridge, Erasmus Mundus). You’ll know what to expect and how to respond.
- Document coordination – we keep track of deadlines, checklists, and translations. Nothing will be missed.
Want to discuss your options? Schedule a free consultation; we’ll analyze your profile and tell you honestly what your chances are and where it’s worth applying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary. Europe Awaits, Just Reach Out
Studying in Europe is not a compromise – it’s a strategic choice. Universities like ETH Zurich, Oxford, Dutch research universities, or German TU9 institutions offer education at an absolutely world-class level, and the scholarship system and free tuition in many countries make it financially accessible in a way that American universities can only dream of.
As an EU citizen, you have an advantage that students from outside Europe can only envy: free tuition in a dozen countries, access to Erasmus+ programs, the right to work without restrictions, and social support systems that genuinely help. All you need is information, strategy, and determination.
Start with three steps:
- Choose 3–5 countries that interest you and check tuition costs for EU citizens.
- Identify 5–8 scholarship programs you can apply for, using this guide as a map.
- Take IELTS or TOEFL – this is your passport to English-taught programs across Europe.
If you need help with applications and essays, contact us. College Council helps Polish students get into the best European universities with scholarships. We do it every day.
Read Also
- Scholarships for Studying in the USA – A Complete Guide. Fulbright, Ivy League universities, merit-based and need-based scholarships
- Study in the Netherlands – Universities Accepting SAT. UvA, TU Delft, Leiden, Groningen, and others
- Study in Germany with SAT – TUM and Other Universities, free tuition, DAAD, best technical universities
- Study at Oxford University – A Complete Guide. UCAS, interview, scholarships, and student life
- Study in Switzerland – ETH Zurich and EPFL, some of the best technical universities in the world for surprisingly low tuition fees
