Are you an aspiring researcher looking to pursue a fully funded doctoral degree in Europe? Europe offers some of the best opportunities for international students to earn a PhD with world-class research facilities, competitive stipends, and fully funded programs.
Keep scrolling for a highlight of the top 10 doctoral scholarships in Europe for 2026 with direct application links to help you start your academic journey immediately.
Summary of Top 10 Doctoral Scholarships in Europe 2026
| Scholarship Name | Country | Funding Type | Application Link |
| Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks | EU-wide | Full tuition + stipend + mobility | Apply Here |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctoral Programmes | EU-wide | Tuition, living allowance, travel | Apply Here |
| Gates Cambridge PhD Scholarship | UK | Tuition + living allowance + airfare | Apply Here |
| Clarendon Fund PhD Scholarship | UK | Full tuition + stipend | Apply Here |
| UKRI PhD Studentships | UK | Tuition + stipend | Apply Here |
| Eiffel Excellence Doctoral Scholarship | France | Tuition + stipend | Apply Here |
| University of Copenhagen PhD Fellowships | Denmark | Salary-based full-time PhD | Apply Here |
| Dutch Research Council (NWO) PhD Positions | Netherlands | Salary + research funding | Apply Here |
| Swedish Institute PhD Scholarships | Sweden | Tuition + stipend | Apply Here |
| Government of Ireland Postgraduate PhD Scholarship | Ireland | Tuition + stipend | Apply Here |
Detailed Overview of Each Scholarship
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Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks (EU-wide)
The MSCA Doctoral Networks is one of the most prestigious fully funded PhD opportunities in Europe. It allows students to conduct research across multiple European institutions, receive advanced training, and benefit from generous stipends and mobility allowances.
Apply Here: MSCA Doctoral Networks
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Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctoral Programmes (EU-wide)
Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctorates (EMJD) enable students to earn their PhD by studying in two to three European countries. Funding includes tuition fees, monthly living allowances, and travel costs.
Apply Here: Erasmus Mundus
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Gates Cambridge PhD Scholarship – United Kingdom
This fully funded scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, airfare, and research costs for exceptional international students at the University of Cambridge.
Apply Here: Gates Cambridge
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Clarendon Fund PhD Scholarships – University of Oxford, UK
Awarded automatically to high-achieving PhD applicants at Oxford University, this scholarship covers tuition and living expenses.
Apply Here: Clarendon Fund
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UKRI PhD Studentships – United Kingdom
Funded by UK Research & Innovation, these studentships provide tuition, stipends, and training at multiple UK universities.
Apply Here: UKRI Studentships
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Eiffel Excellence Doctoral Scholarship – France
Sponsored by the French government, the Eiffel Scholarship supports outstanding international PhD candidates with tuition fees and a monthly stipend to study in France.
Apply Here: Eiffel Scholarship
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University of Copenhagen PhD Fellowships – Denmark
Denmark offers fully paid PhD fellowships at the University of Copenhagen. These are employment-based positions with salary, benefits, and research support.
Apply Here: Copenhagen PhD Fellowships
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Dutch Research Council (NWO) PhD Positions – Netherlands
The NWO PhD positions in Dutch universities are fully funded, salary-based, and provide additional research support.
Apply Here: NWO PhD Positions
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Swedish Institute PhD Scholarships – Sweden
These scholarships allow international students to pursue doctoral studies in Sweden with full tuition coverage, monthly stipend, and additional research funds.
Apply Here: Swedish Institute Scholarships
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Government of Ireland Postgraduate PhD Scholarship – Ireland
The GOIPG Scholarship funds PhD research in Irish universities for outstanding candidates, covering tuition and living stipend.
Apply Here: Ireland GOIPG
FAQs
Are these scholarships fully funded?
Yes. Most cover tuition, living expenses, and research costs, with some (like Denmark and the Netherlands) providing a salary instead of a stipend.
Can international students apply?
Absolutely. All scholarships listed here accept international applicants, including African students.
Do I need IELTS or TOEFL?
Many programs require English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL), but some waive it if your previous degree was in English.
When should I apply?
Deadlines vary. Some scholarships like Erasmus Mundus and MSCA have specific project deadlines, while university-based programs may accept applications year-round.
How long does a PhD last in Europe?
Typically, 3–4 years, depending on the country and research program.
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