Want a Fully Funded Degree in Europe (No Tuition + Living Support)?
Europe isn’t only about high costs and daunting visa rules. Several government scholarships in Hungary, Italy, and Poland offer fully funded study opportunities for international students.
In my experience helping students secure European scholarships, these aren’t small subsidies; they often include tuition waivers, monthly stipends, health insurance, and sometimes housing support. The key is knowing which programmes to target and how to apply strategically for the 2026 intake.
Let’s explore the best government-backed, fully funded scholarships in these three countries, including eligibility tips and timelines you must know.
1. Hungary Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship (2026/27)
What It Is
The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship is Hungary’s flagship government-funded programme, supporting thousands of international students to study for Bachelor’s, Master’s, one-tier Master’s, and doctoral degrees across Hungarian universities.
Scholarship Benefits
✔ 100% tuition fee exemption
✔ Monthly living stipend (approx. HUF 43,700 ~€110)
✔ Accommodation support (dormitory or monthly housing allowance)
✔ Health insurance coverage for the duration of study.
In many cities, housing and living costs are much lower than in Western Europe, helping your funds stretch further.
Eligible Levels
- Bachelor’s
- Master’s / One-tier Master’s
- Doctoral (PhD)
- Non-degree (language preparatory) options
Quick Eligibility Essentials
- Be a non-Hungarian citizen from an eligible partner country.
- Hold the required academic qualifications (e.g., high-school diploma for Bachelor’s, Bachelor’s degree for Master’s).
- Some programmes may require English or Hungarian proficiency, depending on the language of instruction.
Timeline & Application
- Applications open: Around autumn (late 2025)
- Deadline: 15 January 2026 (14:00 CET), no late entries accepted
- Portal: apply.stipendiumhungaricum.hu
👉 Expert Tip: Prepare your documents (transcripts, passport, motivation letter, language proof) early, as many local sending partners close their windows weeks before the official Hungarian deadline.
2. Italy – Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI) 2026
What It Is
The Italian Government Scholarship, funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), is part of national efforts to attract international talent. It supports full-time study, research, and language/advanced courses in Italy at bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels.
Scholarship Benefits
✔ Tuition fee exemption at Italian universities
✔ Monthly stipend (approx. €900) paid quarterly
✔ Health insurance coverage
✔ Eligibility across levels (Master’s, PhD, research programmes)
This generous grant helps you cover everyday expenses while studying in a country known for world-class arts, humanities, science, and business programmes.
Quick Eligibility Essentials
- Be a foreign student not residing in Italy (non-EU nationals usually).
- Hold the academic prerequisites required for your level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD).
- Some variants may require basic Italian (B2), especially for Italian-taught courses, though many English programmes exist.
Application & Timing
- Platform: “Study in Italy” portal managed by the Italian government
- Typical deadline: Mid-May 2025 (check for updates for 2026)
- Needs: Completed application form + academic documents + motivation letter + proof of admission (varies)
⚠️ Note: Since deadlines can shift year-to-year, confirm updated dates on the official studyinitaly.esteri.it portal when the 2026 call opens.
3. Poland – NAWA Scholarship Programmes
What It Is
Poland’s National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) runs government-backed scholarships for international students, most notably the NAWA Banach Scholarship Programme and Poland My First Choice initiative, both designed as part of Poland’s development aid efforts.
Core NAWA Benefits
✔ Tuition fee exemption at public Polish universities
✔ Monthly stipend to help with living costs
✔ Possible travel allowances for relocation to Poland
✔ Opportunities to study in English or Polish, depending on the study path
The stipend helps you cover basic living costs, while the tuition exemption makes study exceptionally affordable in Poland compared to many Western EU countries.
Eligibility Essentials
- Hold a relevant bachelor’s degree (or be in the final semester for Master’s paths).
- Have required language proficiency (Polish if studying in Polish; English B2 for programmes in English).
- Be a citizen of NAWA-covered developing countries, not Polish.
Application & Timeline
Deadlines vary by NAWA programme and year, but applications often open in late winter to spring ahead of the academic year. Programs like Banach NAWA may specify quotas per country group and close once filled.
👉 Expert Tip: Check NAWA’s official site early and prepare academic documents + language proof well before the call ends.
📌 Comparative Snapshot (Hungary vs Italy vs Poland)
| Country | Main Government Scholarship | Levels Covered | Major Benefits | Language Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇭🇺 Hungary | Stipendium Hungaricum | Bachelor, Master, PhD | Full tuition waiver + stipend + accommodation + insurance | English & Hungarian |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | MAECI Government Scholarship | Master’s, PhD, research | Tuition waiver + monthly stipend + insurance | Italian (varies) & English |
| 🇵🇱 Poland | NAWA Scholarship (Banach & Others) | Bachelor’s & Master mostly | Tuition waiver + monthly stipend + travel support | English or Polish possible |
How to Boost Your Chances (Expert Tips)
1. Apply Early and Track Deadlines
Government scholarships often close before the academic year begins. For example, Hungary’s deadline is 15 January 2026.
2. Tailor Motivation Letters
Highlight your career plan, academic goals, and impact story, not just grades.
3. Prepare Strong Evidence of Language Skills
Even when courses are in English, proof of proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL, B2+) strengthens your application.
4. Combine With Other Funding
Consider stackable options like Erasmus+ mobility programmes if you miss the main deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)
1. Are these European government scholarships truly fully funded?
Yes, the Stipendium Hungaricum and many NAWA scholarship options include full tuition waivers and stipends for living costs. Italian government scholarships often include monthly allowances and tuition exemptions.
2. Do I need to speak the local language?
Not always. Many programmes in Hungary and Poland are offered in English, though some Italian government programmes may require Italian proficiency.
3. Can I work part-time on these scholarships?
Most European study visas allow part-time work (up to certain hours), which you can combine with your scholarship. Check each country’s visa rules.
4. Are these scholarships open to all nationalities?
Generally, they are open to non-EU international students from eligible developing or partner countries, but specific lists vary by programme. (I Can Student)
5. When should I start applying for 2026?
Start preparing in mid-2025 and submit applications before deadlines, often between late 2025 and early 2026.
Final Steps for Your Europe Scholarship Journey (2026)
Here’s how to maximise your success:
- Choose 2–3 government programmes based on your level (Bachelor/Master/PhD).
- Check official portals for updated 2026 calls early.
- Prepare documents months ahead (passport, transcripts, motivation letter, language proof).
- Submit well before deadlines and confirm receipt.
- Track responses and prepare for interviews or additional steps.
Share your intended study level, field, and country of origin and I’ll help you shortlist the best fully funded scholarships across Hungary, Italy, and Poland for 2026 with application timing and tips.
