List of 10 Fully Funded Scholarships in Europe in October 2025

Every year, thousands of scholarships are advertised across Europe for international students, and this massive pool of opportunities often creates a cloud of confusion. Which ones are worth applying to? Which ones are fully funded? And most importantly, which ones are currently accepting new applications in October 2025?

To cut through the noise, this article pinpoints the top 10 fully funded scholarships in Europe that are opening for 2026 intakes during October 2025. Each of these European fully funded scholarship’s listed here are not just prestigious but also life-changing for students who aspire to study, research, and grow in some of the best academic environments in the world.

List of European Scholarships Accepting Applications in October 2025

1# Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France)

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, is one of the most prestigious scholarships in France. Opening on 1 October 2025, it allows international students to pursue Master’s and PhD programs in top French universities. Universities nominate applicants, with Campus France’s final deadline falling in early January 2026. Since some institutions like Paris-Saclay have internal deadlines as early as November, applicants must prepare in advance.

2# DAAD Project Scholarships (Germany)

Germany’s DAAD Project Scholarships open multiple calls every autumn, including research stays, doctoral opportunities, and short-term study grants. With deadlines stretching from October through December 2025, these scholarships remain some of the most reliable entry points for international students aiming to gain academic exposure at leading German universities. Fully funded packages often include tuition waivers, stipends, travel, and insurance.

3# Chevening Scholarship (UK)

The Chevening Scholarship is globally recognized for its mission of creating leaders and change-makers. Applications for the 2026 intake opened in August 2025 and will close on 7 October 2025 (12:00 UTC). This program funds a one-year Master’s degree in the UK, covering tuition fees, travel costs, and a generous living stipend. With a strong emphasis on leadership and networking, Chevening alumni often go on to occupy key leadership positions worldwide.

4# Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)

One of the world’s most prestigious awards, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship provides full funding for postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge. It covers tuition, maintenance, flights, visa fees, and even discretionary funding for academic development. Applications for international students typically close in October 2025 for entry in 2026. The scholarship emphasizes academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to improving the lives of others, making it a top-tier choice for ambitious scholars

5# Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship (Switzerland)

Switzerland’s Government Excellence Scholarship provides opportunities for PhD and postdoctoral researchers to work in leading Swiss institutions. Applications open on 4 August 2025, with deadlines set between late October and mid-December 2025 depending on each applicant’s country of origin. This program not only funds tuition and stipends but also emphasizes international collaboration and innovation. Securing a Swiss host professor is often a prerequisite.

6# Commonwealth Scholarship (UK)

The Commonwealth Scholarship is a golden chance for talented students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth nations to study for a Master’s or PhD in the UK. Calls generally open in October or November 2025, with deadlines varying by country through local nominating agencies. Fully funded, it covers tuition, flights, living costs, and thesis grants, making it a cornerstone of development-focused education in the Commonwealth.

7# ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship (Switzerland)

ETH Zurich’s Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) is tailored for outstanding Master’s applicants. The scholarship offers full coverage of tuition along with generous living stipends. For the 2026 intake, deadlines are expected to fall in mid-December 2025, aligned with ETH’s graduate program applications. ESOP recipients gain not only financial aid but also access to mentoring and networking opportunities within Switzerland’s top-ranked institution.

8# Pershing Square Scholarship (Oxford, UK)

At Oxford University, the Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship supports visionary students pursuing the MBA combined with select Master’s programs. Opening in October 2025, this competitive award covers the entire cost of tuition and provides a living stipend for both years of study. The scholarship is particularly focused on future leaders who want to tackle global challenges through business and social innovation.

9# Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship

The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme, administered by the Irish Research Council, opens its next call in late 2025, with deadlines expected in October or November 2025. The program funds Master’s and PhD candidates across all disciplines, offering stipends, fee contributions, and research expenses. It is one of Europe’s most flexible and inclusive schemes, encouraging international collaboration.

10# Maastricht University Scholarship (Netherlands)

The Maastricht University Scholarships, including the Maastricht University Holland-High Potential Scholarship, are among the most attractive in the Netherlands. Calls for the 2026 intake are expected to open in October 2025, with specific deadlines depending on the program. Fully funded packages often cover tuition fees, visa costs, health insurance, and monthly living allowances, making them a perfect gateway for ambitious students to study in a highly international Dutch environment.

Final Thoughts

With thousands of scholarships available across Europe, it’s easy to get lost in the details. But what matters most is knowing which ones are open right now and aligning your preparation with their deadlines. October 2025 is a crucial month for international students, as it marks the opening of several world-class, fully funded scholarships.

From France and Germany to Switzerland, Ireland, the UK, and the Netherlands, these 10 opportunities are your chance to pursue education without financial barriers while joining elite global networks.

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