Your Complete Guide to Psychology Scholarships in Europe

Thinking about studying psychology in Europe is an exciting step. The continent offers world-class universities and a rich history in the field. This guide provides the insights you need to find and apply for scholarships that can help turn your academic dream into a reality, covering everything from government grants to university-specific awards.

Why Europe is a Top Choice for Psychology Students

Europe is not just a beautiful travel destination; it is a global hub for psychological research and education. Universities here are at the forefront of fields like cognitive neuroscience, clinical psychology, and social psychology. Studying in Europe gives you access to diverse cultural perspectives, which is invaluable for any psychologist. Many programs, especially at the Master’s and PhD levels, are taught entirely in English, making them accessible to international students from around the world.

However, funding this education can be a major hurdle. That is where scholarships come in. Many European governments, universities, and private organizations are eager to attract talented international students and offer financial support to make it possible.

Key Types of Scholarships You Can Find

Understanding the different sources of funding is the first step in your search. Scholarships in Europe generally fall into four main categories.

Government-Funded Scholarships: Many European countries offer prestigious scholarships funded by their governments to attract top international talent. These are often highly competitive but typically offer generous funding, sometimes covering full tuition, living expenses, and even travel costs.
University-Specific Scholarships: Almost every major university offers its own scholarships to incoming students. These can range from small tuition fee waivers to full-ride scholarships. They are often awarded based on academic merit, but some may be targeted toward students from specific countries or those in financial need.
EU-Wide and Regional Programs: The European Union funds programs that encourage mobility and collaboration between member countries. The most famous of these is the Erasmus Mundus program, which offers fully-funded scholarships for specific Joint Master’s Degree programs hosted by a consortium of universities.
Third-Party and Private Foundation Scholarships: Various external organizations, foundations, and corporations offer scholarships for students pursuing specific fields of study. These may be tied to a particular area of psychological research or aimed at supporting students with a specific background.

Specific Scholarships and Programs for Psychology Students

To make your search more concrete, here are some of the most well-known scholarship opportunities available for students wanting to study psychology in Europe.

Pan-European Programs

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM): This is one of the best opportunities available. The EU funds various Joint Master’s programs, and many have a psychology focus. For example, programs like the “European Master in the Psychology of Global Mobility, Inclusion and Diversity in Society” (Global-MINDS) offer full scholarships that cover tuition, travel, and a monthly living allowance. You apply directly to the program consortium, not the EU.

Country-Specific Government Scholarships

Germany (DAAD Scholarships): The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a vast database of scholarships for international students. Their “Master’s Scholarships for All Academic Disciplines” is a popular option that psychology students can apply for. Germany is known for its tuition-free public universities, and a DAAD scholarship can cover your living expenses.
United Kingdom (Chevening Scholarships): This prestigious UK government scholarship is for outstanding emerging leaders to pursue a one-year Master’s degree at any UK university. While highly competitive, it is a fantastic opportunity for those with a strong academic background and leadership potential. Many Chevening scholars study psychology-related fields.
Netherlands (Holland Scholarship): This scholarship is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education and is intended for international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who want to do their Bachelor’s or Master’s in the Netherlands. It provides a one-time payment of €5,000 in the first year of your studies. Many Dutch universities known for psychology, like Leiden University and the University of Amsterdam, participate.
France (Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme): The Eiffel Scholarship is for international students wishing to enroll in a Master’s or PhD program in France. It is aimed at future leaders in the private and public sectors and covers a monthly allowance and other expenses. Psychology students in fields like cognitive science or organizational psychology are often successful applicants.
Switzerland (Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships): Aimed at young researchers who have completed a Master’s degree or PhD, these scholarships are an excellent choice for those wanting to pursue doctoral or postdoctoral research in psychology at one of Switzerland’s top public universities.

Noteworthy University Scholarships

Always check the financial aid or international office website of the universities you are interested in. Here are a few examples:

Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) (Netherlands): Leiden University has a world-renowned psychology department and offers this merit-based scholarship to outstanding non-EU/EEA students.
Uppsala University Global Scholarships (Sweden): Uppsala University, one of the oldest in Scandinavia, offers scholarships for international students applying to their Master’s programs, including those in psychology.
KU Leuven Science Scholarships (Belgium): KU Leuven is a leading research university. Their Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences offers scholarships for students in its international Master’s programs.

How to Craft a Successful Application

Finding the right scholarship is only half the battle. A strong application is what will set you apart.

Start Early: Scholarship deadlines can be as early as a year before your program starts. Give yourself plenty of time to research, gather documents, and write compelling essays.
Tailor Your Personal Statement: Do not use a generic essay. For each scholarship, explain why you are the ideal candidate. Connect your academic background in psychology, your career goals, and the specific program you are applying to.
Secure Strong Recommendations: Ask professors or employers who know you well and can speak to your academic abilities and potential. Provide them with your resume, personal statement, and details about the scholarship to help them write a targeted letter.
Meet All the Requirements: Pay close attention to every detail, from document formats to word counts. A small mistake can get your application disqualified.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there many psychology scholarships for undergraduate (Bachelor’s) students? While more common for Master’s and PhD levels, undergraduate scholarships do exist. They are often provided directly by universities rather than by national governments. The Holland Scholarship is a notable exception that is open to Bachelor’s students.

Do I need to speak the local language to get a scholarship? Not necessarily. Many Master’s and PhD programs in Europe are taught in English. For these programs, you will need to prove your English proficiency (e.g., with a TOEFL or IELTS score), but knowledge of the local language is not always a requirement for the scholarship itself. However, learning the local language is highly recommended for daily life.

Can a scholarship cover all my expenses? Yes, some of the most prestigious scholarships, like Chevening or certain Erasmus Mundus programs, are “fully funded.” This means they cover tuition fees, provide a monthly stipend for living costs, and may include airfare and health insurance. However, many scholarships only offer a partial tuition waiver or a one-time grant.