Home > Scholarships > Europe Scholarships > Schengen Scholarships
Updated 19 October 2026 | Part of our Europe scholarships guide
Schengen scholarships do not exist as a single programme, and that is the first thing most websites get wrong. The Schengen Area is a border and visa zone of 29 European countries, not a funder. So ‘Schengen scholarships’ really means the scholarships offered by governments, universities and the EU for study in those countries. Each has its own deadline, country list and application, and none of them includes a free Schengen visa. This guide explains the term, lists all 29 countries, shows the visa you actually need and gives you a deadline calendar. For details of each scholarship, such as stipends and eligibility, see our Europe scholarships hub.
Quick answer: Schengen scholarships are national, EU and university awards for study in any of the 29 Schengen countries. Apply to each scheme separately. For a degree you need your host country’s national long-stay (type D) visa, not a short-stay Schengen visa. The nearest deadlines are 30 November 2026 (ETH Zurich and the Swiss Government call), 1 December 2026 (Wageningen) and mid-January 2027 (Sweden and Hungary).
Table of Contents
Schengen, the EU and Europe: What Is the Difference?
These three terms are often mixed up, and the confusion causes real mistakes in visa planning.
| Number of countries | What it is | |
|---|---|---|
| Europe | about 44 to 50, depending on definition | The continent |
| European Union (EU) | 27 | A political and economic union |
| Schengen Area | 29 | A border-free travel zone with a common short-stay visa policy |
The groups overlap but do not match:
- 25 EU countries are in Schengen.
- 4 Schengen countries are not in the EU: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
- 2 EU countries are not in Schengen: Ireland, which has an opt-out, and Cyprus, which has not yet joined.
- Many European countries are in neither, including the United Kingdom, Türkiye, Albania and Serbia.
This matters for scholarships. A scholarship in the UK, such as Chevening, does not give you access to Schengen countries, and a Schengen visa does not cover Ireland or the UK.
The 29 Schengen Countries in 2026
EU members in Schengen (25): Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
Non-EU members in Schengen (4): Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Croatia joined in January 2023. Bulgaria and Romania joined fully on 1 January 2025. Many older guides still say 26 or 27 countries, so check the date on any list you use. The four non-EU members matter because EU-funded programmes work differently for them. Switzerland, for example, runs its own government scholarship system.
What Are Schengen Scholarships?
The Schengen Agreement removed border checks between participating countries and created a common short-stay visa policy. It has nothing to do with funding. When students search for Schengen scholarships, they usually want one of three things:
- Scholarships in Schengen countries. Government schemes such as Stipendium Hungaricum in Hungary, DAAD in Germany and the Swedish Institute scholarships.
- EU-funded awards. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, which require study in at least two European countries.
- University waivers and grants, such as tuition waivers at Dutch and Swedish universities.
Pages that promise ‘thousands of Schengen scholarships’ with a ‘free study visa’ mix these together. Always follow the link to the real provider before you apply.
The Visa Behind Schengen Scholarships: C vs D
Winning a scholarship does not give you a visa. If your course lasts more than 90 days, you need the national long-stay visa (type D) of the country where you study, and then a residence permit. The short-stay Schengen visa (type C) is for visits and short courses.
| Schengen short-stay visa (type C) | National long-stay visa (type D) | |
|---|---|---|
| Length of stay | Up to 90 days in any 180-day period | More than 90 days, in the country that issues it |
| Study a degree on it? | No. It suits short courses and summer schools | Yes. This is the student visa for degree study |
| Residence permit? | No | Yes, usually registered after arrival |
| Fee example | €90 for adults | €75 in Germany; fees vary by country |
| Travel to other Schengen states | Yes, within the 90 days | Yes, up to 90 days in any 180 days, as a visitor |
| Who issues it | Embassy of your main destination | Embassy or consulate of the country where you will study |
The 90/180 rule. A visitor can spend up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period across all Schengen countries combined, not per country. The limit counts every visit, so plan trips carefully.
Erasmus Mundus students move between countries. If your programme spans several countries, ask your consortium which visa or permit each stay needs. The 90-day travel allowance is for visits, not for study.
EES and ETIAS. The EU’s biometric Entry/Exit System has been fully operational at Schengen external borders since 10 April 2026. ETIAS, the pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers, has no confirmed start date yet, and the EU says it will announce one several months ahead. It does not apply to people who need a visa, so most scholarship applicants from countries such as Pakistan, India and Nigeria are not affected.
Funded Routes by Schengen Country
This is a route finder, not a full guide. Stipends, eligibility and coverage are explained in each guide and on the Europe hub.
| Route | Country | Level | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters | Several Schengen states | Master’s | Erasmus Mundus guide |
| Stipendium Hungaricum | Hungary | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD | Stipendium Hungaricum guide |
| Swedish Institute (SISGP) | Sweden | Master’s | Sweden scholarships |
| DAAD EPOS | Germany | Master’s, PhD | DAAD guide |
| Eiffel Excellence | France | Master’s, PhD | Eiffel guide |
| Swiss Government Excellence | Switzerland | Research, PhD | Swiss Government guide |
| ETH Zurich Excellence (ESOP) | Switzerland | Master’s | ETH Zurich guide |
| Wageningen Africa Scholarship Programme | Netherlands | Master’s | Wageningen guide |
| Italian Government (MAECI) | Italy | Master’s, PhD, arts | Italian Government guide |
| Banach NAWA | Poland | Master’s | Check NAWA |
| Czech Government Scholarships | Czechia | Master’s, doctoral | Check the Czech call |
| APPEAR (Austrian Development Cooperation) | Austria | Master’s, PhD | Open to priority countries only |
For all 15 routes in one place, including Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Romania and Ireland, see the Europe scholarships hub.
Deadline Calendar: October 2026 to September 2027
Dates marked expected follow the previous cycle. Confirm each one on the official page.
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Mid-October 2026 | Sweden’s autumn 2027 application round opens on universityadmissions.se (verify) |
| November 2026 | Stipendium Hungaricum call expected to open; ETH Zurich ESOP runs 1 to 30 November |
| 30 November 2026 | Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships call open until this date; your country’s deadline may be earlier |
| 1 December 2026 | Wageningen complete application deadline; KTH scholarship form opens |
| December 2026 to February 2027 | Most Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters deadlines |
| Early January 2027 | Eiffel: Campus France deadline for nominated candidates |
| Mid-January 2027 | Sweden admission deadline (15 January); Stipendium Hungaricum deadline expected |
| 1 February 2027 | Austria’s Ernst Mach grants for research stays (based on the 2026 date) |
| February 2027 | Swedish Institute scholarship portal (9 to 25 February in 2026) |
| March 2027 | Italian Government scholarship call expected (2026/27 closed 26 March 2026) |
| 1 April 2027 | University of Twente NL Scholarship deadline |
| Spring 2027 | Banach NAWA call expected |
| Around August 2027 | Czech Government Scholarships call expected |
Which Route Fits Your Profile?
| If you are | Check first | Why |
|---|---|---|
| An African citizen | Wageningen, Stipendium Hungaricum, Swedish Institute | These list African countries and cover full tuition or more |
| From Pakistan, India or Bangladesh | Stipendium Hungaricum, Erasmus Mundus, DAAD EPOS | Check each country list, which changes every year |
| From the Middle East or North Africa | Stipendium Hungaricum, Swedish Institute, Czech Government, Italian MAECI | Each scheme has its own country list |
| Without work experience | Stipendium Hungaricum, Erasmus Mundus, Italian MAECI | The Swedish Institute scheme needs substantial work or leadership experience |
| A PhD applicant | DAAD EPOS, Swiss Excellence, Stipendium Hungaricum doctoral call | Research-based funding is common at doctoral level |
How to Apply, From Scholarship to Visa
- Pick the country route that fits your profile. Match your citizenship, level and work experience to a scheme.
- Check the country list and deadline. Confirm your citizenship is eligible, and note whether a sending partner or nominating institution is involved.
- Apply for the university programme. Most schemes require admission to a programme the scholarship accepts.
- Submit the scholarship application. Complete the separate form, motivation letter and references.
- Accept your award and request your admission letter. Ask the university for the documents your embassy needs.
- Apply for the national long-stay D visa. Apply to the embassy of the country where you will study, with your award letter, admission letter, insurance and accommodation proof as required.
- Register your residence after arrival. Collect your residence permit within the deadline set by the country.
Most schemes ask for references and a motivation letter. See our guides to a recommendation letter for a scholarship and the English proficiency certificate.
Myths and Mistakes
- ‘There is a Schengen scholarship you can apply for.’ There is not. These are separate country and university schemes.
- ‘A Schengen visa lets me study.’ Not for degree study. You need a national long-stay visa.
- ‘Europe is tuition free.’ Germany and Czechia are the exceptions. Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway and the Netherlands charge non-EU students.
- ‘Schengen means all of Europe.’ The UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Türkiye and many others are outside it.
- ’26 countries.’ There are 29 since 2025.
- Skipping the sending partner. Stipendium Hungaricum needs nomination by your country’s partner.
- Overstaying travel limits. Visits to other Schengen states count against 90 days in any 180.
- Paying an agent for a ‘guaranteed’ scholarship or visa. Official schemes do not sell guarantees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Schengen scholarship? There is no official programme called the Schengen scholarship. The term is shorthand for scholarships offered by governments, universities and the EU for study in the 29 Schengen countries. Each scheme has its own funder, rules and application.
How many countries are in the Schengen Area in 2026? There are 29: 25 EU members plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Bulgaria and Romania joined fully on 1 January 2025.
Is Schengen the same as the EU or Europe? No. Europe has about 44 to 50 countries, the EU has 27 and Schengen has 29. Ireland and Cyprus are in the EU but not in Schengen, and four non-EU countries are in Schengen.
Do Schengen scholarships include a free Schengen visa? No. Scholarships pay tuition and sometimes a stipend, but you still apply for a visa and pay any fee. For degree study you need the national long-stay (type D) visa.
Can I study on a Schengen short-stay visa? Only for short courses of up to 90 days in any 180 days. For a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD, you need a national long-stay visa and then a residence permit.
Can I travel to other Schengen countries with a student visa? Generally yes, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, as a visitor. That does not allow you to study or work there.
Which Schengen scholarship is fully funded? Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, Stipendium Hungaricum, the Swedish Institute scholarships, Wageningen’s Africa Scholarship Programme and the Czech Government Scholarships for listed countries are among the fully funded routes. Each has its own country list, and some do not cover travel.
Is education free in all Schengen countries? No. Germany’s public universities charge no tuition in most states, and Czechia is free for programmes taught in Czech. Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway and the Netherlands charge non-EU students.
Do I need ETIAS to study in a Schengen country? No. ETIAS is for short-stay travellers from visa-exempt countries, and it has no confirmed start date. If you need a visa, you apply for a visa instead.
Can I apply for several Schengen scholarships at once? Yes, and you should. Each scheme is a separate application, but watch for first-choice rules at some universities, and note that Stipendium Hungaricum allows only one application through your country’s sending partner.
Do Schengen scholarships require IELTS? It depends on the programme. Each university or scheme sets its own English requirement, and some accept proof that your earlier studies were in English. Check the programme page before you pay for a test.
Conclusion
The smart way to use Schengen Area scholarships is to pick the scheme that matches your citizenship, apply early through its sending partner or admissions system, and plan for the national long-stay visa from the day you win. Browse every option on the Europe scholarships hub, check the scholarship deadlines hub, and confirm every date on the official page before you apply.