Your Guide to International Relations Scholarships in Europe

Studying International Relations in Europe is an incredible opportunity to learn in the heart of global diplomacy. If you’re looking for financial support to make this dream a reality, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will explore the top scholarships available for students aspiring to pursue this dynamic field.

Understanding the Scholarship Landscape in Europe

Europe offers a diverse range of funding opportunities for international students. These can be broadly categorized into three main types: scholarships funded by pan-European programs, those offered by national governments, and those provided directly by individual universities. Finding the right one requires research, but the rewards are well worth the effort. A strong application can significantly reduce or even eliminate tuition fees and living costs.

Pan-European Programs: The Erasmus+ Advantage

One of the most prestigious and comprehensive scholarship programs is Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM). This initiative, funded by the European Union, supports high-level master’s programs jointly delivered by an international consortium of higher education institutions.

How it Works: Students in an EMJM program study in at least two different European countries, gaining a uniquely international perspective. The scholarships are extremely generous, often covering full tuition fees, travel costs, and a monthly living allowance.
International Relations Focus: Many EMJM programs are directly focused on or related to international relations, security, and global studies. A great example is the “International Master in Security, Intelligence and Strategic Studies (IMSISS)”, which involves universities like the University of Glasgow (UK), Dublin City University (Ireland), and Charles University (Czech Republic). Another is the “European Politics and Society (EPS)” joint master’s program.
Where to Find Them: The official EU catalogue of Erasmus Mundus Master’s Programmes is the best place to search for current offerings and application deadlines.

Top National Government Scholarships

Many European countries offer their own government-funded scholarships to attract talented international students. These are highly competitive but offer fantastic benefits.

Germany: The DAAD Scholarships

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a vast database of scholarships for students wishing to study in Germany, a country known for its excellent and affordable higher education.

What’s Offered: DAAD scholarships can cover everything from a monthly stipend and health insurance to travel allowances. They have programs for both master’s and PhD students.
Relevant Programs: The DAAD EPOS scholarship is particularly relevant for students from developing countries pursuing degrees in fields related to social sciences and public policy. You can use the DAAD scholarship database to find programs in International Relations at top German universities like the Free University of Berlin or the Hertie School.

United Kingdom: The Chevening Scholarships

The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government’s global scholarship program, aimed at developing future leaders. It funds students to pursue a one-year master’s degree at any UK university.

Who is it for? Chevening is for ambitious individuals with a clear career plan and leadership potential. Applicants typically need at least two years of work experience.
Why it’s Great for IR: The UK is home to world-leading universities for International Relations, such as the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), King’s College London, and the University of Oxford. A Chevening scholarship provides full funding to study at these prestigious institutions.

France: The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme was established by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs to attract the best international students for master’s and PhD programs.

Fields of Study: The program prioritizes specific fields, including political science, which makes it a perfect fit for International Relations students.
Benefits: Master’s students receive a monthly allowance of €1,181, plus coverage for travel, health insurance, and cultural activities. Note that it does not cover tuition fees, but many French public universities have very low tuition costs. Top institutions for IR like Sciences Po are eligible.

The Netherlands: Holland Scholarship

The Holland Scholarship is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science as well as several Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences.

What it is: This scholarship is for non-EEA international students who want to do their bachelor’s or master’s in the Netherlands. It amounts to a one-time payment of €5,000 in the first year of your studies.
Applying: You apply directly to the participating Dutch institution. Many universities renowned for IR, such as Leiden University and the University of Amsterdam, participate in this program.

University-Specific Scholarships to Watch

Beyond national programs, many top universities offer their own scholarships to attract talented students. You should always check the financial aid page of any university you are interested in.

Sciences Po, France: This world-renowned university for political science offers several scholarships based on merit and financial need. The Emile Boutmy Scholarship, named after the founder of Sciences Po, is designed for top students from outside the European Union.
Leiden University, Netherlands: Leiden offers the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) for outstanding non-EU/EEA master’s students. It comes in several award levels, ranging from a partial tuition fee waiver to a full waiver plus a living stipend.
Geneva Graduate Institute, Switzerland: Located in the heart of international diplomacy, the institute offers a range of scholarships for its master’s and PhD programs in international and development studies. These are often awarded based on a combination of academic merit and financial need.
Lund University, Sweden: The Lund University Global Scholarship is a merit-based program that targets top academic students from outside the EU/EEA. Scholarships may cover 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% of the tuition fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical eligibility requirements for these scholarships? Most merit-based scholarships require a strong academic record (a high GPA), a compelling motivation letter explaining your career goals, strong letters of recommendation, and proof of language proficiency (usually English). Some, like Chevening, also require professional work experience.

Can I get a scholarship that covers all my expenses? Yes, it is possible. Full-ride scholarships like those offered through the Erasmus Mundus programs or the Chevening Scholarship are designed to cover tuition, travel, and living expenses. However, they are extremely competitive. It’s wise to apply for multiple funding opportunities.

When is the best time to start applying for scholarships? You should start your research at least 12 to 18 months before you plan to begin your studies. Application deadlines for major scholarships are often in the autumn or early winter for programs starting the following academic year. This gives you plenty of time to prepare your documents and craft a strong application.