10 Overlooked European Countries With Surprisingly Generous Scholarships (2025)

Why apply for scholarships in these countries?

Smaller or less‑publicised scholarship programs in Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe often mean fewer applicants per place, lower living costs and, in some cases, generous packages that cover tuition plus a living allowance.

Note: Immigration and scholarship rules change, always confirm on official ministry/university pages. USD conversions are approximate and will vary with current exchange rates.

Country mini‑profiles

Poland

The Stefan Banach Scholarship (NAWA) and many university‑level tuition waivers support English‑taught Master’s and some PhD programmes, especially in STEM, economics and computer science.

Public universities across medium‑sized cities—Wrocław, Poznań, Gdańsk, Kraków—offer good English‑taught tracks and living costs well below Western Europe.

• Flagship scholarship: Stefan Banach Scholarship (NAWA)
• Typical deadline window: NAWA calls often close late‑June. Confirm the exact date on NAWA’s page
• Language test: Program‑by‑program. Many accept IELTS/TOEFL or prior English‑medium degree proof.
• Work during study: Allowed for enrolled students under student/residence rules (no separate employer‑sponsored permit needed for many full‑time students).
• Partner/spouse: Family reunification permitted (conditions apply).
• Stay‑back snapshot: Temporary residence options to seek employment and convert to work status exist. Check immigration office updates.
• Living‑cost band: €450–800 → $522–$928 / month
• Scholarship covers: Tuition coverage/waiver + monthly stipend + travel lump sum (where specified). If a particular call offers tuition‑only or university fee waivers, the call text will state that. Verify on NAWA.
• Verified stipend note: NAWA calls have included a monthly amount in PLN (up to PLN 3,500 in recent calls). Verify the current figure on NAWA.

Czechia

Czech government scholarships and faculty‑level grants are notable for research links and coverage for developing‑country nationals.

Prague and Brno host many English‑taught Masters and a strong academic/research environment. Government scholarships are administered through the Ministry and often require embassy‑level nomination processes for some partner countries.

• Flagship scholarship: Czech Government Scholarship Programme (MEYS/foreign development cooperation streams)
• Typical deadline window: Jul–Sep in the preceding year, but this varies by scheme and embassy. Confirm the current call dates on the Ministry’s site.
• Language test: Program‑specific. English tests commonly accepted, some Czech‑language pathways include funded language prep.
• Work during study: Students may work under national rules (conditions vary by permit). Check the Ministry of Interior guidance.
• Partner/spouse: Family reunification paths exist. Timing/conditions are national rules.
• Stay‑back snapshot: Graduates may apply for residence for seeking employment/starting a business. Confirm the exact permitted duration with the Interior Ministry.
• Living‑cost band: €400–750 → $464–$870/month
• Scholarship covers: Often tuition or tuition‑waiver. Guaranteed monthly stipends are on case‑by‑case basis and can vary by call or bilateral agreement. Check the official call text for whether a stipend or housing support is included.

Hungary

Stipendium Hungaricum remains Hungary’s flagship international scholarship: broad partner networks, many English‑taught degrees and a generally generous package for successful nominees.

The programme is well established and relatively easy to apply to if your home country is a sending partner.

• Flagship scholarship: Stipendium Hungaricum (Tempus)
• Typical deadline window: Nov–Jan (many cycles close mid‑January). Verify the precise date on the official portal.
• Language test: Standard English tests (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE) or proof of prior English‑medium instruction may be accepted in some programs.
• Work during study: Students with study residence may work under the rules in effect (recent guidance referenced up to 30 hrs/week in some contexts). Check the OIF/Tempus pages for current limits.
• Partner/spouse: Family reunification is possible in general, though some immigration measures have changed recently. Verify current rules before planning.
• Stay‑back snapshot: Temporary permits exist to move from study to employment/entrepreneurship. Check the immigration office for conversion steps.
• Living‑cost band: €500–900 → $580–$1,044/month
• Scholarship covers: Tuition coverage + monthly stipend + accommodation contribution (in many cases) + health insurance.
• Stipend note: Stipendium Hungaricum includes monthly stipends and accommodation support values that vary by study level. Check official Tempus call for exact figures.

Romania

On top of tuition coverage, Romania’s national scholarships (Study in Romania/MFA) frequently offer a Romanian‑language prep year where needed, useful if you plan to study medicine or tech subjects that have Romanian‑language tracks.

• Flagship scholarship: Romanian Government Scholarship (MFA/Study in Romania)
• Typical deadline window: Jan–Mar/Apr, usually early in the year.
• Language test: Romanian‑language tracks offer a prep year.
• Work during study: Part‑time work is generally permitted. Rules can differ for EU vs non‑EU students.
• Partner/spouse: Family reunification routes exist but check Ministry of Interior guidance.
• Stay‑back snapshot: No broad dedicated job‑seeker permit. Graduates normally get to extend residence once they have a job offer.
• Living‑cost band: €300–600 → $348–$696/month
• Scholarship covers: Exemption from registration fees, financing of tuition (including a preparatory year in Romanian), monthly scholarship, accommodation subsidies, and transport discounts. Check the MFA studyinromania call text for details.
• Caveat: Medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy programs are excluded. Applicants for Bachelor and Masters are required to study in Romanian.

Slovakia

Slovakia’s smaller government scholarships and the National Scholarship Programme (NSP) offer accessible channels for full degrees and short mobility stays. Smaller cohort sizes mean lower competition for some calls.

• Flagship scholarship: Government scholarships of the Slovak Republic and National Scholarship Programme (NSP)
• Typical deadline window: Government call often Mar–May (example: application windows in spring with exact dates published by the ministry). NSP rounds are cyclical (e.g., Apr/Oct cycles).
• Language test: English accepted in many English‑taught programs. See details in program pages.
• Work during study: Allowed under national rules. Hour limits vary, so check the national immigration guidance.
• Partner/spouse: Family reunification is normally possible subject to residence conditions.
• Stay‑back snapshot: Graduates can apply for temporary residence permit for employment. Check interior ministry guidance for the exact procedure and permitted time to transition.
• Scholarship covers: Often tuition coverage + a monthly stipend in government calls. NSP mobility grants typically cover travel and short‑term subsistence for research/study visits. Exact coverage depends on the specific programme and call.
• Living‑cost band: €500–800 → $580–$928/month

Slovenia

Slovenia is compact, well‑connected to Austria and Italy, and runs targeted scholarships via the Public Scholarship Fund plus university waivers. Cohorts are small and the research environment is good for niche fields.

• Flagship scholarship: Scholarships for Foreigners (Public Scholarship Fund)
• Typical deadline window: Annual calls. Check the Fund’s notice, while university scholarships run on different timetables.
• Language test: Program level defines tests. English is widely accepted in international programs.
• Work during study: Students may work under national employment rules. Check the government portal for permit details.
• Partner/spouse: Family reunification exists with normal residence requirements.
• Stay‑back snapshot: Graduates normally change to an employment permit via an employer.
• Living‑cost band: €700–1,100 → $812–$1,276/month
• Scholarship covers: Varies by scheme. Some calls provide tuition waivers and a modest monthly stipend, while others are tuition‑only.

Estonia

Estonia is tech‑friendly, digitally efficient, and provides several state and institutional scholarships for degree studies. The country’s digital public services and English‑taught programs (U. of Tartu, TalTech) make it popular for ICT and business Masters.

• Flagship scholarship: State scholarships via HARNO (The Estonian Education & Youth Board) or through university waivers
• Typical deadline window: Main rounds often spring–summer. Check university pages for exact dates.
• Language test: IELTS/TOEFL/PTE accepted. Some programs accept prior English‑medium study.
• Work during study: Permitted where it doesn’t hinder studies, but national rules apply.
• Partner/spouse: Family reunification possible (subsistence conditions apply).
• Stay‑back snapshot: 270 days (~9 months) job‑seek/transition window after studies is commonly noted. Verify the exact conditions with Estonian immigration.
• Living‑cost band: €600–1,000 → $696–$1,160/month
• Scholarship covers: State scholarship awardees get monthly stipend. International degree students get €350 per month for BA and master’s students and €660 per month for doctoral students.

Latvia

Latvia runs state scholarships (VIAA) and university waivers. Riga is a lively student city with lower living costs than Western capitals and clear English‑taught pipelines in technology and business.

• Flagship scholarship: Latvian State Scholarships (VIAA)
• Typical deadline window: Calls commonly open Feb–Apr for annual cycles. Check VIAA for exact timelines.
• Language test: IELTS/TOEFL or proof of English‑medium education, program pages vary.
• Work during study: Generally up to 20 hrs/week during term. You’re allowed more during breaks for some categories.
• Partner/spouse: Family reunification possible (conditions apply, including on financial capabilities).
• Stay‑back snapshot: Graduates are eligible to apply for temporary residence to seek employment or start a business (verify duration with PMLP/VIAA).
• Living‑cost band: €500–800 → $580–$928/month
• Scholarship covers: Often offers a monthly stipend and/or tuition coverage. Some calls include housing support or travel grants. Exact coverage must be checked in the VIAA call documentation.

Lithuania

Lithuania’s state scholarships for full‑time Master’s studies are centrally administered. It’s a budget‑friendly option with growing English‑taught offerings and supportive start‑up ecosystems in Vilnius.

• Flagship scholarship: Lithuanian State Scholarships (full‑time Master’s call)
• Typical deadline window: Feb–Apr (per cycle). Verify the call dates on Study in Lithuania
• Language test: Standard English tests or proof of English instruction accepted by many programs.
• Work during study: Typically ~20 hrs/week. Doctoral students often have different rules.
• Partner/spouse: Family reunification available for doctoral students, but confirm with Migration Dept.
• Stay‑back snapshot: Up to 12 months temporary residence to seek work or start self‑employment.
• Living‑cost band: €500–800 → $580–$928/month
• Scholarship covers: Study cost grant (covering study fees up to national standard) + monthly stipend. Some calls for applications include travel/relocation support.
• Stipend note: Recent calls have quoted a €560/month scholarship for some full‑time Master’s grants.

Malta

Malta’s University of Malta and smaller institutions run selective waivers and postgraduate scholarships; English is an official language and the island life draws internationals. Small cohorts help acceptance odds in some fields.

• Flagship scholarship: University of Malta postgraduate scholarships/waivers
• Typical deadline window: University‑specific intake windows (rolling for many programmes)
• Language test: English is commonly the MOI; some programs still require IELTS/TOEFL evidence.
• Work during study: Usually up to 20 hrs/week with a JobsPlus employment licence (conditions apply).
• Partner/spouse: No specific family reunification routes mentioned, but check with officials.
• Stay‑back snapshot: Graduates may be able to extend residence up to ~9 months to find work/convert to employment.
• Living‑cost band: €900–1,500 → $1,044–$1,740/month
• Scholarship covers: Often tuition waivers or partial tuition + occasional living stipends for postgraduate research awards. Exact coverage depends on the university call (call for applications).

One‑glance compact table (quick scan)

Note: the table shows concise summary fields only. Deadlines are typical windows observed in recent calls.

FAQ

• Do I always need IELTS? Usually yes, unless the program explicitly accepts prior English‑medium study or lists an IELTS/TOEFL waiver. Check each program page.
• Can I work part‑time? Generally yes. Expect 20–30 hrs/week caps in many countries but confirm the local rules (some restrict sectors or require employer registration).
• Can I stay in the country to look for jobs after I graduate? Generally yes, if you hold a national long-term student residence permit. This is usually granted to applicants for a full degree study – not exchange students.
• Can my spouse join me? Often yes through family reunification, but specific eligibility and timing vary by country and sometimes by level of study.
• Are acceptance rates much higher? Often better than the busiest Western programmes, but not guaranteed. Odds are best when your profile fits scholarship priorities and the sending‑country lists.