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Discover why scholarships matter
Understand scholarships, their types, benefits, and how they empower students with fewer opportunities.
Scholarships
What are scholarships?
Scholarships are a form of financial support provided directly to students to help cover the costs of their higher education and do not need to be paid back.
Although the terms “grant” and “scholarship” are not exact synonyms, they are often used interchangeably in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) to refer to non-repayable financial support.
On this portal, we consistently use the term “scholarship” to maintain clarity.
What are the main types of scholarships?
Universal scholarships: These scholarships are open to all students, without targeting any specific category. They are either provided as a flat-rate contribution (i.e., not means-tested) or the amount is determined based on the student’s income. Parental income may also be considered if the student lives with their parents or guardians.
Need-based scholarships: These scholarships are awarded based on financial need or the socio-economic background of the student. Evaluation typically considers parental income, though the student’s own income may also be taken into account.
Merit-based scholarships: These scholarships are awarded based on the academic achievements or performance of the student.
This portal provides links to all three types of scholarships: universal, need-based, and merit-based.
Why are scholarships considered direct financial support for students?
Financial support for students generally falls into two categories: direct and indirect. Scholarships are considered direct financial support because the money is given directly to students to help cover their study-related expenses. Importantly, scholarships do not need to be paid back.
Although loans also fall under the category of direct financial support, they differ from scholarships because they must be repaid. This portal does not include loans.
On the other hand, indirect financial support is provided through allowances or tax incentives, mainly to students’ parents. These forms of support benefit students indirectly, often through their parents or other family members. This portal does not cover indirect financial support since it doesn’t go directly to students themselves.
Why does this portal provide scholarships only for home students?
Scholarships can be available for both home students and international students. A home student is someone who resides in, or has settled status in, the country where the higher education institution is located, making them eligible for domestic scholarships. In contrast, an international student is someone who moves to another country to pursue higher education and does not have residency or citizenship in that country. International students may be eligible for scholarships specifically designed to support their studies abroad and bring in diverse talent from around the world.
This portal focuses exclusively on scholarships for home students in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) member states. This remit was deemed feasible and agreed upon by the project partners. However, in some EHEA countries, students with the status of refugee, displaced person, or in a refugee-like situation may also qualify as home students.
Additionally, this portal does not include information on mobility programmes. For details on scholarships for international students and mobility programmes, you can visit the InclusiveMobility.eu portal.
Are scholarships available for both undergraduate and graduate studies?
Yes, scholarships can be available for bachelor’s (European Qualifications Framework (EQF) level 6), master’s (EQF level 7), and doctoral/PhD (EQF level 8) studies. This portal provides information on scholarships for all three levels of higher education, whether you are studying full-time or part-time, helping you find the financial support you need no matter where you are in your academic journey.
Who can provide scholarships?
Scholarships can come from both public and private sources. This portal focuses exclusively on public scholarships, which are typically offered by ministries, public agencies, public universities, or public foundations. Private scholarships may be provided by private companies, private foundations, private universities, or individuals, but these are not covered on this portal.
Which costs can be covered by scholarships?
Scholarships can help cover both direct and indirect costs of higher education:
- Direct costs are those immediately related to your study programme, such as tuition fees, administrative fees, and the cost of educational materials like books and computers.
- Indirect costs include living expenses while studying, such as accommodation, meals, and transportation.
This portal provides links to scholarships that cover both types of costs, helping you manage the financial aspects of your higher education more easily.
Useful web links
Eurydice – National Student Fees and Support Systems in European Higher Education – Provides detailed information on student fees and support systems in different European countries.
Study in Europe – Discover everything you need to know to plan and complete higher education studies in Europe.
Inclusive Mobility – A European platform that provides information on inclusion and support services offered by higher education institutions, national agencies, and ministries for international students.
Scholarships for students with fewer opportunities
Who are students with fewer opportunities?
In the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), there are three main categories of students with fewer opportunities :
- Underrepresented students
Underrepresented students are those whose presence in higher education is lower than their proportion in the general population. This could be due to characteristics such as gender, age, nationality, geographic origin, socio-economic background, or ethnic minority status. Underrepresentation can occur at various points in a student’s academic journey – during admission, throughout their studies, or at graduation – and can vary by study programme, higher education institution, or even the national higher education system. It is also important to consider “intersectionality,” where individuals may belong to more than one underrepresented group.
- Disadvantaged students
Disadvantaged students face additional challenges compared to their peers in higher education. These challenges may include disabilities, low family income, lack of family support, being an orphan, frequent school moves, mental health issues, or responsibilities such as work or caregiving that limit their study time. A student’s disadvantage can be permanent, temporary, or intermittent. Disadvantaged students may or may not belong to an underrepresented group, so the two terms are not synonymous.
- Vulnerable students
Vulnerable students are at risk of disadvantage and often have special protection needs. These needs may arise from a disability, illness (including mental health issues), minor status, or dependency on study success for residence permits. Vulnerability also includes those at risk of discrimination or exploitation. Vulnerable students may struggle to maintain their well-being or protect themselves from harm, requiring additional support or attention to succeed in their studies.
In this portal, we predominantly use the term students with fewer opportunities to refer to all three categories, to keep the text shorter and simpler.
Why are scholarships important for students with fewer opportunities?
Scholarships are essential for students with fewer opportunities because they help create equality of opportunity. Many students with fewer opportunities face financial barriers that prevent them from entering or continuing in higher education. Scholarships provide the necessary financial support to ensure that these students have the same opportunities as their peers.
Scholarships also ensure equal access, progression, and completion. For students with fewer opportunities, financial instability can lead to difficulties in not only starting but also completing their studies. Scholarships reduce these financial pressures, allowing students to focus on their education and successfully complete their study programmes without the added burden of financial strain.
In addition, scholarships play a vital role in promoting social mobility. They give students from disadvantaged backgrounds the chance to pursue higher education, which can lead to better career prospects, breaking cycles of poverty and inequality. This opportunity for upward mobility can transform not just individual lives but entire communities.
Moreover, scholarships foster diversity and inclusion in higher education. By supporting students from a range of backgrounds scholarships help create more inclusive learning environments. This diversity enriches the educational experience for everyone and ensures that higher education reflects the broader society.
How can students with fewer opportunities find and apply for scholarships on this portal?
This portal makes it easy for students with fewer opportunities to both find and apply for scholarships. In the FIND section, you can explore scholarships tailored to your specific needs by selecting your country of study, where each country has a dedicated section on scholarships for students with fewer opportunities.
Once you’ve found a scholarship that fits your needs, the APPLY section provides step-by-step guidance on how to submit a successful application. This section includes tips on writing letters of motivation, preparing necessary documents, and securing recommendation letters, helping you navigate the entire application process with confidence.
In the FIND section, each country has a dedicated section on Alumni Networks for particular scholarships, if applicable. Alumni refers to former students who have completed their studies and received scholarships. These alumni can be a valuable resource for students with fewer opportunities, offering advice, support, and insights based on their own experiences. By connecting with alumni, students with fewer opportunities can gain guidance on how to successfully navigate the scholarship process and manage the challenges they may face during their studies.
Why is it important for students with fewer opportunities to maintain their scholarships?
Securing a scholarship is just the first step; maintaining it requires ongoing commitment. For students with fewer opportunities, scholarships provide crucial financial support that can make the difference between continuing and completing their education or having to withdraw due to financial hardship. That is why it is essential to implement strategies that help meet the scholarship requirements and ensure continued funding.
One key area to focus on is meeting the academic requirements, such as maintaining a minimum GPA and taking a full course load. Falling short in these areas could put a scholarship – and the ability to participate in and complete higher education – at risk. Developing a study plan, staying organized, and seeking help when needed are critical strategies for success.
Equally important is staying on top of reporting and renewal deadlines. Scholarships often require regular updates or the submission of documentation to demonstrate that a student is meeting the conditions. Missing a deadline or failing to submit required documents could result in the loss of a scholarship. Make sure to track renewal dates and keep all necessary paperwork organized.
Lastly, take full advantage of student support services, which are often available through higher education institutions. These services, such as tutoring, counseling, and academic advising, are designed to help students navigate academic and personal challenges that could affect their ability to maintain a scholarship. Using these resources increases the chances of meeting the necessary conditions and successfully continuing studies.
Useful web links
European Students’ Union (ESU) – The European umbrella organization of national unions of students that advocates for the rights of students across Europe, including students with fewer opportunities.
Inclusion in the European Education Area – Learn more about the EU’s efforts to create a more inclusive and connected higher education system across Europe, with a focus on supporting students with fewer opportunities and promoting inclusive higher education.
European Solidarity Corps – Explore opportunities for young people in Europe to engage in volunteering, learning, and work programmes that promote social inclusion. The initiative provides meaningful experiences to help young people grow personally and professionally.
Impact of scholarships
Scholarships can be life-changing for students in more ways than might be expected. Here is how scholarships can impact different aspects of life and future opportunities:
Financial Impact
Scholarships are not just about covering tuition – they can lift a significant financial burden, allowing students to focus on their studies and future success. Here is how scholarships make a financial difference:
- Economic Mobility: Scholarships relieve financial pressure, opening doors to better opportunities and helping students overcome economic challenges.
- Cover Tuition and Living Costs: Scholarships can cover tuition fees, but they can also help with accommodation, meals, and other living expenses, giving students peace of mind.
- Reduce or Eliminate Debt: Since scholarships do not need to be repaid, students may be able to avoid student loans entirely, allowing them to graduate with little to no debt.
Academic Impact
Scholarships do not just help students enter higher education – they support them throughout their academic journey, allowing them to take full advantage of the many opportunities higher education offers and encouraging excellence in their studies.
- Access to Higher Education: Scholarships make it possible for students to pursue higher education, even if the costs seemed beyond their reach.
- Higher Retention, Graduation Rates, and Academic Excellence: With reduced financial stress, students are more likely to stay enrolled, complete their degree, and achieve academic excellence. Scholarships reward hard work and dedication, motivating students to reach their full potential.
- Unlock New Opportunities: Scholarships can fund research projects, conferences, or professional development programmes, giving students more ways to enrich their academic experience and expand their skills.
Career Impact
Scholarships help set the foundation for a future career by providing the connections, skills, and experiences that employers value.
- Career Boost: Scholarships can open doors to internships, jobs, and mentorships, helping students get ahead in their field.
- Develop Professional Skills: Many scholarships include leadership training, workshops, and networking events to help students grow professionally.
- Better Job Prospects: Having a scholarship on a résumé demonstrates commitment and achievement, giving students an edge in the job market.
Personal Development
Scholarships do not just support higher education – they help build confidence and inspire students to aim higher.
- Boost Student Confidence: Earning a scholarship can motivate students to pursue goals with greater determination.
- Feel a Sense of Accomplishment: Scholarships recognize hard work and potential, giving students validation and encouragement to keep pushing forward.
- Inspire Students to Give Back: Many students feel inspired to give back to their community after receiving a scholarship, becoming a role model for others.
Social Impact
Scholarships do more than support individuals – they help create a more inclusive and socially engaged academic community, benefiting both students and society as a whole.
- Promote Diversity and Inclusion: Scholarships provide opportunities for students with fewer opportunities. By ensuring that students from all walks of life can access higher education, scholarships help create a learning environment that reflects the diversity of society.
- Strengthen Communities: Educated individuals are more likely to actively contribute to their communities. Scholarships empower students to pursue higher education, enabling them to return to their communities with the skills and knowledge to make a positive impact, from economic development to social change.
- Foster Social Awareness and Collaboration: Scholarships bring together students from diverse backgrounds, encouraging them to collaborate and learn from one another. This exchange of ideas and experiences fosters social awareness and mutual understanding, enriching the academic environment and preparing students to engage with diverse perspectives in the broader world.
Impact on Students with Fewer Opportunities
For students facing significant challenges, scholarships are more than financial aid – they are a lifeline to success, stability, and personal empowerment.
- Support for Students with Fewer Opportunities: Scholarships can be life-changing for students with fewer opportunities, offering a chance to pursue higher education and overcome the obstacles that might otherwise hold them back.
- Breaking the Cycle of Poverty: For students with fewer opportunities, scholarships offer a crucial way out of poverty, opening doors to education and creating the foundation for a brighter future.
- Empowerment and Agency: Scholarships give students with fewer opportunities the confidence and resources to pursue their goals, advocate for themselves, and face challenges with resilience and determination.
Scholarships and social dimension policy
What is the social dimension policy in the EHEA?
In the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), the aim is for the student body to reflect the diversity of society. Policies are designed to ensure that access to higher education, progression, and graduation are based on students’ abilities and not on personal circumstances like socio-economic background or factors beyond their control.
To address this goal, in 2020, education ministers from the 47 EHEA member states defined the social dimension of higher education as a process aimed at creating an inclusive environment in higher education that fosters equity, diversity, and is responsive to the needs of local communities. This means ensuring that students entering, studying, and completing higher education at all levels come from all walks of life, reflecting the wide range of social, economic, and cultural backgrounds across Europe.
To further support this vision, in 2020 ministers also adopted 10 key principles and guidelines for the social dimension in higher education. These principles, updated with indicators in 2024, guide public authorities and higher education institutions in enhancing the social dimension through targeted policies and action plans.
The progress of these initiatives is evaluated every three years through the Bologna Implementation Report, which assesses how well EHEA countries are integrating these principles into their higher education systems.
How do social dimension policies benefit individuals and society?
Social dimension policies in higher education increase the participation of students with fewer opportunities, which in turn generates wider personal and societal benefits. As more students with fewer opportunities obtain higher education qualifications, they improve their employment prospects and income levels, reducing their reliance on social welfare. Additionally, higher education often promotes healthier lifestyles and better access to healthcare, leading to improved health outcomes.
Furthermore, individuals from diverse backgrounds who succeed in higher education tend to become more involved in their communities, contributing through civic participation and local initiatives, thereby strengthening community ties.
Together, these benefits help build more cohesive and democratic societies, where values like social justice, public good, and social mobility thrive. As more students with fewer opportunities and from diverse backgrounds attain higher education, they not only improve their own lives but also inspire future generations to pursue education and contribute to society.
Why are scholarships important for social dimension policy in the EHEA?
Scholarships are essential in advancing the social dimension policy within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). They directly support the implementation of the sixth Principle of the social dimension in the EHEA, which highlights the importance of financial support in making higher education accessible to all students, especially those with fewer opportunities. By reducing financial barriers, scholarships help ensure that more students can pursue and succeed in higher education.
This portal also aligns with the fifth Principle of the social dimension in the EHEA on counselling and guidance by providing comprehensive and reliable information on scholarships. It serves as a valuable resource for both students and counsellors, helping them access accurate and up-to-date information about financial support options, which is crucial for making informed decisions.
Useful web links
EHEA Info – Official portal of the European Higher Education Area, providing key information on social dimension policies and initiatives in higher education.
Inclusive Higher Education – Provides resources supporting the implementation of the Principles and Guidelines for the social dimension in the EHEA. It is also the official site of the PLAR-U-PAGs project, which supports this scholarship portal.
Alumni networks
Alumni networks are an important resource for those seeking to connect with former students and scholarship recipients who can provide guidance on academic and career decisions.
These networks are often linked to specific higher education institutions or scholarship programmes and can offer valuable advice on selecting study programmes and higher education institutions, applying for scholarships, and maintaining scholarships throughout one’s studies.:
What are alumni networks?
Alumni networks are communities of former students, or alumni, who remain connected through their shared educational and scholarship experiences. These networks may be associated with a specific higher education institution or scholarship programme. Alumni networks provide support, advice, and opportunities for personal and professional development.
Engaging with these networks can assist prospective students and scholarship applicants in making informed decisions about higher education institutions and study programmes, while also offering guidance on preparing competitive scholarship applications and maintaining scholarships once awarded.
What are the potential benefits of collaborating with alumni networks?
Collaborating with alumni networks offers a range of benefits that support both academic and professional growth, especially when applying for and maintaining scholarships:
- Networking Opportunities: Alumni networks, whether linked to a higher education institution or a scholarship programme, provide opportunities to connect with former students and scholarship recipients. Alumni can share valuable insights into choosing the right study programmes and higher education institutions, as well as offer strategies for creating successful scholarship applications.
- Mentorship and Guidance: Alumni who have successfully completed their studies can provide valuable mentorship. Their experience offers essential guidance on selecting the right study programme and higher education institution, as well as strategies for progressing through studies and successfully completing their degrees. Additionally, alumni who have received scholarships can offer insights into the scholarship application process, crafting a competitive application, and maintaining scholarships throughout one’s studies.
- Career Advancement: Alumni networks often share information on job openings, internships, and other career opportunities. Engaging with these networks provides insights and support, helping to align academic goals with career objectives and facilitating the transition from higher education to the professional world.
How to engage with alumni networks?
Prospective or current students can engage with alumni networks to establish meaningful connections and obtain guidance on both academic and scholarship-related matters:
- Higher Education Institution Alumni Associations: Many higher education institutions facilitate alumni engagement through events, workshops, and networking sessions. These activities allow prospective or current students to connect with former students who can share their experiences on selecting the right study programmes and institutions, as well as applying for scholarships. Alumni can also provide advice on progressing through studies successfully and strategies for completing degrees effectively.
- Scholarship Programme Alumni Networks: Some scholarship programmes maintain their own alumni networks, offering mentoring programmes that connect prospective or current students with former recipients. Alumni in these networks can offer insights into the scholarship application process and provide tips on maintaining scholarships throughout one’s studies.
- Online Platforms: Professional platforms like LinkedIn enable connections with alumni from both higher education institutions and scholarship programmes. These platforms serve as valuable resources for selecting suitable study programmes and higher education institutions, learning about scholarship opportunities, and accessing advice on academic success and career progression.
- Alumni Events: Higher education institutions and scholarship programmes frequently host events where alumni can meet with prospective and current students. These events present opportunities to gain insights into selecting the right study programmes and higher education institutions, preparing competitive scholarship applications, and developing strategies for academic success and timely completion of degrees.
Locating alumni networks for specific higher education institutions or scholarship programmes is straightforward through this portal. In the FIND section, users can access information about alumni organisations in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) member states.