Finding a fully funded scholarship for a PhD in Europe is not only possible, it is one of the smartest ways for Indian students to study abroad without heavy financial pressure.
In many European countries, PhD candidates are treated as early-career researchers. That often means tuition waivers or zero tuition at public universities, plus a monthly stipend or salary that supports day-to-day living.
If your search terms look like “fully funded scholarships for Indian students”, “scholarships for Indian students to study abroad”, “fully funded internships abroad” or “foreign scholarship for Indian students”, you likely want two outcomes: reliable funding and a realistic path to selection.
This article focuses on both. You will get a country-wise view of major European PhD scholarship routes and funded doctoral positions, along with a clean shortlist method so you apply to options that actually match your profile.
Use this guide if you are planning a PhD intake in 2026 and want international scholarships for Indian students that can cover tuition and living costs, not partial fee waivers that still leave you struggling with expenses.
Quick Overview
| What this article covers | Fully funded PhD scholarships and salaried doctoral positions across Europe for Indian applicants |
| Coverage span | 20+ scholarship and funded PhD routes across 18+ European countries and EU-wide programmes |
| Typical funding formats | Pan-European doctoral networks, country scholarships, and university-employed PhD roles |
| Monthly support range | Varies by country and programme; many options provide €1,200+ per month and higher for salaried positions |
| Best-fit applicant profile | Indian students with a strong academic base, research interest, and readiness to contact supervisors or apply to advertised PhD roles |
| How to use this | Pick 2–3 countries, shortlist 6–10 programmes, then apply with a supervisor-first strategy |
đź”˝ Table of Contents
- Why Indian Students Choose Europe for PhD
- Pan-European Fellowships
- Germany: DAAD and Other Funded PhD Routes
- France: Key Scholarship Pathways
- Sweden: Salaried PhD Positions
- Netherlands: Funded PhD Options
- Switzerland: Excellence and Research Funding
- Italy: Government Scholarship Route
- Belgium: Scholarships and University Options
- Norway: Paid PhD Positions
- More Countries in Europe
- Summary Table: Scholarships at a Glance
- How to Apply for Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in Europe
- FAQs
Why Indian Students Should Choose Europe for PhD
Europe offers a unique advantage for PhD applicants. In many countries, doctoral candidates are hired as research staff instead of paying tuition. This makes several programmes function as fully funded scholarships for Indian students rather than traditional fee-based degrees.
For Indian applicants searching for scholarships for Indian students to study abroad, Europe provides structured doctoral networks, public university funding models, and country-sponsored research grants that reduce financial risk.
- No or minimal tuition fees at public universities
- Monthly stipend or salary for research work
- Access to funded research projects
- Clear employment-style doctoral contracts in some countries
Read Also: OECD Internship Programme 2026
Pan-European Fellowships
Pan-European fellowships are programmes where the funding and research training are organised across multiple European institutions. For Indian applicants, these routes can be a strong fit when you want a structured PhD pathway with clear funding, formal training, and cross-country research exposure.
This section covers two well-known pan-European routes: MSCA Doctoral Networks and Erasmus Mundus joint programmes that may include doctoral pathways depending on the specific programme cycle. The key idea is simple: you apply to a specific opportunity, not a generic “Europe scholarship”.
1) Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks
MSCA Doctoral Networks fund advertised PhD positions inside research consortia. You apply to a specific PhD opening within a funded network. Many networks involve universities plus industry partners, which can strengthen training and employability.
| Where it runs | Across European countries (host depends on the specific network) |
| Funding level | Fully funded (monthly support plus allowances, role and country dependent) |
| Monthly amount | €2,600 to €4,000+ (varies by country, contract, and allowances) |
| Duration | 3 to 4 years |
| Open to Indians | Yes (all nationalities can apply, subject to project rules) |
| Deadline style | Position-based and often rolling (each network has its own application window) |
What to check before you apply
- Mobility rule: Many MSCA roles require that you have not lived in the host country for more than 12 months in the last 3 years.
- Early-stage profile: These roles typically target candidates who do not already hold a PhD.
- Role-specific requirements: Documents and tests vary by project and host institution.
Where to find MSCA doctoral openings
- EURAXESS Jobs (search “MSCA Doctoral Networks” + your domain)
- EU Funding and Tenders portal project pages (networks often post openings)
- Network or university lab pages (position details and deadlines are usually posted here first)
2) Erasmus Mundus joint programmes (multi-university pathway)
Erasmus Mundus is best known for joint degree programmes that involve mobility across at least two European universities. Some programme cycles and catalogues may list doctoral pathways, but availability can vary by year and discipline. Treat this as a programme-by-programme route, not a guaranteed annual PhD scholarship list.
| Where it runs | Multi-country programmes across partner universities |
| What the package may include | Tuition coverage, monthly living allowance, travel support, and installation support (programme dependent) |
| Indicative monthly support | €1,400/month + travel (programme dependent) |
| Typical duration | About 3 years (if a doctoral pathway is offered by the programme) |
| Open to Indians | Yes (eligibility depends on programme rules) |
| Deadline style | Often Oct to Jan, but it varies by programme |
How to use Erasmus Mundus correctly for PhD planning
- Search the official Erasmus Mundus catalogue for your discipline.
- Check whether the listed programme is master’s-only or includes doctoral pathways.
- Confirm the exact funding components and mobility rules for that specific programme.
MSCA vs Erasmus Mundus
| Point | MSCA Doctoral Networks | Erasmus Mundus joint programmes |
|---|---|---|
| What you apply to | A specific advertised PhD position | A specific joint programme (availability and level vary) |
| Best fit for | Research-role applicants who match a project description | Applicants who want a structured multi-university pathway |
| How to shortlist | Filter by research topic + host country mobility rule | Filter by discipline + programme level + funding components |
How to shortlist Pan-European fellowships without wasting time
- Start with your research area and keywords, not the country name.
- Shortlist 5–8 relevant MSCA doctoral openings and programme options.
- Check eligibility rules early (especially mobility conditions).
- Apply only where your past work matches the project description.
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Germany: DAAD and Structured Funded PhD Routes
Germany offers two dominant funding models for doctoral study: structured scholarship grants and salaried research positions. For Indian students seeking fully funded PhD scholarships in Europe, Germany remains one of the most stable and transparent systems.
1) DAAD Research Grants (Doctoral Degree in Germany)
The DAAD Research Grant is a scholarship-based route that supports international doctoral candidates conducting research in Germany. Applications are submitted through the DAAD portal under the specific doctoral funding scheme.
| Funding Type | Scholarship |
| Monthly Stipend | €1,200–€1,300 (doctoral grant range) |
| Duration | 1–4 years depending on approval |
| Coverage | May include health insurance, travel allowance, research subsidy |
| Application Method | Direct application via DAAD scholarship database |
2) Helmholtz Research Schools
The Helmholtz Association funds doctoral researchers through structured research schools and institutional PhD programmes. Positions are typically funded and tied to specific research projects.
| Funding Type | Funded doctoral position (often structured research school model) |
| Monthly Support | Varies by centre and contract type |
| Duration | Commonly 3 years |
| Application Method | Apply to advertised doctoral vacancies |
3) Max Planck Society (IMPRS)
The International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS) recruit doctoral candidates into institute-led programmes across Germany. Funding structure may differ by institute and programme.
| Funding Type | Funded doctoral programme (stipend or contract depending on institute) |
| Monthly Support | Institute-specific |
| Duration | Typically around 3 years |
| Application Method | Apply through specific IMPRS programme page |
Germany: Funding Model Comparison
| Route | Funding Type | Typical Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAAD | Scholarship | 1–4 years | Applicants seeking structured grant funding |
| Helmholtz | Funded position | ~3 years | Project-based research applicants |
| IMPRS | Institute-led funded programme | ~3 years | Lab-based structured research training |
France: Key Scholarship Pathways
France offers doctoral funding through nationally administered scholarships and salaried university contracts. For Indian students exploring fully funded PhD scholarships in Europe, these two routes represent the primary structured options.
1) Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (Doctoral Track)
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is administered by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. Applications must be submitted by a French higher education institution on behalf of the candidate. Direct individual applications are not accepted.
| Funding Type | National Scholarship (institution-nominated) |
| Monthly Stipend | €1,700 |
| Duration | Up to 36 months for doctoral studies |
| Additional Coverage | May include travel support, health insurance, cultural services |
| Application Method | Via French university nomination |
2) French Doctoral Contracts (Contrat Doctoral)
Most PhD candidates in France are hired under a doctoral employment contract. In this model, candidates are considered employees of the university or research institution.
| Funding Type | Employment Contract |
| Monthly Salary | Approximately €2,000–€2,300 gross |
| Duration | Typically 3 years |
| Benefits | Social security coverage and employee rights |
| Application Method | Apply directly to doctoral schools or research vacancies |
France: Funding Model Comparison
| Route | Funding Type | Typical Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eiffel Scholarship | Scholarship | Up to 3 years | Applicants nominated by host university |
| Doctoral Contract | Employment | 3 years | Project-based salaried PhD candidates |
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Sweden: Salaried PhD Positions
In Sweden, PhD candidates are employed by the university rather than funded through external scholarships. Doctoral study is treated as a formal employment position, and candidates receive a salary under Swedish labour regulations.
Although Sweden primarily offers salaried doctoral positions rather than traditional grants, these employment-based routes function as fully funded scholarships for Indian students planning advanced research in Europe.
University Doctoral Employment Model
Swedish universities advertise PhD openings as job vacancies. Candidates apply directly to a specific doctoral position within a department or research group.
| Funding Type | Employment Contract (Doctoral Researcher Position) |
| Salary Structure | Monthly salary determined by university pay scale; increases progressively during the PhD period |
| Duration | Typically 4 years (full-time doctoral study) |
| Benefits | Social security coverage, pension contributions, paid leave |
| Application Method | Apply directly through official university vacancy portals |
Doctoral positions are competitive and selection is based on academic merit, research fit, and project requirements.
Sweden: Funding Model Summary
| Model | Funding Type | Typical Duration | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| University PhD Employment | Salary (employment contract) | 4 years | Structured pay scale with annual increments |
Netherlands: Funded PhD Options
In the Netherlands, most PhD candidates are employed as doctoral researchers by universities. Instead of receiving a traditional scholarship, candidates are hired under fixed-term employment contracts and paid a structured monthly salary.
This employment model makes the Netherlands one of the more transparent and stable fully funded PhD systems in Europe.
University PhD Employment Model
Dutch universities advertise PhD vacancies as job positions tied to specific research projects.
Dutch doctoral employment contracts are widely recognised among scholarships for Indian students to study abroad because they provide stable monthly funding and long-term research security.
Applicants apply directly to the advertised doctoral opening.
| Funding Type | Employment Contract (Doctoral Researcher) |
| Monthly Salary | Typically €2,700–€3,500 gross per month (salary increases annually) |
| Duration | Usually 4 years |
| Benefits | Social security coverage, pension contributions, paid leave |
| Application Method | Apply through official university vacancy portals |
Salary progression follows national collective labour agreements applicable to Dutch universities.
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Netherlands: Funding Model Summary
| Model | Funding Type | Typical Duration | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| University PhD Employment | Salary (employment contract) | 4 years | Structured salary scale with annual increments |
Switzerland: Excellence and Research Funding
Switzerland offers doctoral funding through federal excellence scholarships and salaried research positions at universities and research institutes. For Indian applicants exploring fully funded scholarships for Indian students in Europe, Switzerland represents one of the higher-funded doctoral systems.
1) Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship supports international doctoral candidates pursuing research in Switzerland. Applications are typically submitted through the Swiss diplomatic mission in the applicant’s home country.
| Funding Type | Government Scholarship |
| Monthly Stipend | Approximately CHF 1,920 |
| Duration | Up to 3 years (subject to renewal conditions) |
| Coverage | Monthly living allowance and health insurance support |
| Application Method | Through Swiss Embassy or Consulate process |
2) University and Research Institute PhD Positions
Many Swiss doctoral candidates are employed directly by universities or research institutes such as ETH Zurich or EPFL. These positions are typically salaried under institutional contracts.
| Funding Type | Employment Contract |
| Monthly Salary | Varies by institution; generally higher than many European doctoral systems |
| Duration | Typically 3–4 years |
| Benefits | Employee status with social security contributions |
| Application Method | Apply directly to advertised PhD vacancies |
Switzerland: Funding Model Summary
| Route | Funding Type | Typical Duration | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swiss Government Excellence | Scholarship | Up to 3 years | Embassy-based application process |
| University PhD Employment | Salary (contract) | 3–4 years | Higher institutional pay scale |
Italy: Government Scholarship Route
Italy offers doctoral funding through government-administered scholarships and university-funded PhD programmes. For Indian applicants exploring scholarships for Indian students to study abroad, Italy provides structured doctoral grants within public universities.
1) Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI)
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) provides scholarships to international students pursuing doctoral studies in Italian institutions.
| Funding Type | Government Scholarship |
| Monthly Stipend | Approximately €900 |
| Duration | Typically 6–9 months (renewable under conditions) |
| Coverage | Monthly allowance and health insurance support |
| Application Method | Apply via official MAECI scholarship portal |
2) University Doctoral Programmes (Borse di Dottorato)
Italian public universities also offer funded doctoral positions known as borse di dottorato. These are structured three-year PhD programmes with annual stipend payments.
| Funding Type | University Doctoral Stipend |
| Annual Stipend | Approximately €16,000–€18,000 gross per year |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Benefits | Research funding support and institutional access |
| Application Method | Apply through individual university PhD calls |
Italy: Funding Model Summary
| Route | Funding Type | Typical Duration | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAECI Scholarship | Government Scholarship | Up to 9 months (renewable) | Embassy-based application |
| University PhD (Borsa) | Doctoral Stipend | 3 years | Structured public university programme |
Belgium: Scholarships and University Options
Belgium funds doctoral study primarily through salaried research positions and competitive research foundation grants. For Indian applicants exploring international scholarships for Indian students in Europe, Belgium offers structured university-led PhD funding routes.
1) FWO (Research Foundation – Flanders)
The Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) funds doctoral fellowships in Flemish universities. These fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis and support full-time research.
| Funding Type | Doctoral Fellowship (Research Grant) |
| Monthly Support | Stipend amount varies based on funding scheme |
| Duration | Up to 4 years (subject to evaluation) |
| Application Method | Apply through FWO call in coordination with supervisor |
2) FNRS (Wallonia-Brussels Federation)
The National Fund for Scientific Research (FNRS) supports doctoral researchers in French-speaking Belgian universities. Funding is competitive and linked to approved research proposals.
| Funding Type | Doctoral Fellowship |
| Monthly Support | Determined by FNRS funding regulations |
| Duration | Typically up to 4 years |
| Application Method | Apply through FNRS doctoral fellowship call |
3) University PhD Positions
Many Belgian universities advertise funded PhD vacancies tied to specific research projects. These positions may be funded through institutional budgets or external grants.
| Funding Type | Employment Contract or Research Grant |
| Duration | Usually 3–4 years |
| Application Method | Apply directly to university research vacancies |
Belgium: Funding Model Summary
| Route | Funding Type | Typical Duration | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| FWO | Research Fellowship | Up to 4 years | Flemish university funding route |
| FNRS | Doctoral Fellowship | Up to 4 years | French-speaking research foundation |
| University PhD | Contract or Grant | 3–4 years | Project-based doctoral positions |
————-
Norway: Paid PhD Positions
Norway does not follow the traditional scholarship model. Instead, PhD candidates are hired as employees of the university. For Indian students looking for fully funded scholarships for Indian students in Europe, Norway’s salaried PhD system effectively functions as a fully funded doctoral route with structured employment benefits.
| Funding Model | Employment Contract (PhD Research Fellow) |
| Compensation Type | Monthly salary under national pay scale |
| Duration | 3–4 years |
| Who Should Apply | Students seeking salaried PhD roles rather than competitive scholarship grants |
This structure makes Norway one of the most stable options among foreign scholarships for Indian students who prefer employment-backed doctoral study.
More Countries in Europe
Beyond Germany, France, Sweden, and the Netherlands, several European countries offer international scholarships for Indian students through research grants, doctoral networks, and university employment models. These funding formats differ from traditional tuition-waiver scholarships and often include monthly financial support.
Denmark
Denmark follows a salaried PhD model similar to Norway. Universities recruit PhD candidates as research employees.
| Funding Type | Employment Contract |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Best For | Applicants seeking fully funded PhD scholarships in Europe with salary security |
Danish doctoral positions are attractive for Indian students aiming for structured European research careers.
Finland
Finland offers both salaried doctoral positions and grant-based PhD funding through universities and national research foundations. These qualify as scholarships to study abroad for Indian students pursuing research-intensive careers.
| Funding Model | University Salary or Research Grant |
| Duration | 3–4 years |
| Application Route | Supervisor-led or advertised vacancies |
Austria
Austrian universities provide funded doctoral research roles, often supported by national science funding agencies. These international scholarships for Indian students typically require prior supervisor agreement.
| Funding Type | University-funded Research Position |
| Duration | 3–4 years |
| Suitable For | Research-driven candidates in STEM and applied sciences |
Ireland
Ireland offers competitive doctoral scholarships through national research councils as well as university-funded PhD contracts. These are among the more recognised fully funded scholarship pathways in Europe.
| Funding Type | Research Council Grant or University Salary |
| Duration | 3–4 years |
| Competitive Level | High – proposal quality is critical |
Spain
Spain provides doctoral contracts under national research funding frameworks. These contracts function similarly to fully funded scholarships for Indian students seeking long-term academic research roles.
| Funding Type | Research Employment Contract |
| Duration | Typically 4 years |
| Entry Path | Research group-based recruitment |
Portugal
Portugal offers doctoral research fellowships funded through national science foundations and EU research programmes. These scholarships for Indian students to study abroad typically follow competitive call-based selection processes.
| Funding Type | Research Fellowship Grant |
| Duration | 3–4 years |
| Application | National funding call or university supervisor nomination |
Summary Table: Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in Europe
The table below compares major fully funded PhD scholarships in Europe for Indian students, including employment-based doctoral systems and competitive research fellowships.
| Country | Funding Model | Duration | Support Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Germany | DAAD + University/Research Employment | 3–4 years | Scholarship or Salary | Structured research pathways |
 France | Eiffel + Doctoral Contract | 3 years | Scholarship or Salary | Project-based doctoral research |
 Sweden | University Employment Model | 4 years | Full Salary + Benefits | STEM and applied sciences |
 Netherlands | University PhD Employment | 4 years | Monthly Salary | Advertised PhD vacancies |
 Switzerland | Govt Excellence + University Roles | 3–4 years | Scholarship or Salary | High-intensity research institutions |
 Italy | MAECI + University PhD Grants | 3 years | Scholarship Stipend | Public university programmes |
 Belgium | FWO / FNRS + University Funding | 3–4 years | Research Fellowship | Proposal-driven candidates |
 Norway | University Employment Model | 3–4 years | Salary under National Scale | Employment-backed PhD |
 Denmark | University Employment | 3 years | Salary + Benefits | Structured academic research |
 Finland | Salary or Research Grant | 3–4 years | Employment or Fellowship | Supervisor-led routes |
 Austria | University-funded PhD Positions | 3–4 years | Research Contract | Applied sciences |
 Ireland | Research Council + University Contract | 3–4 years | Scholarship or Salary | Strong research proposals |
 Spain | National Research Contracts | 4 years | Research Employment | Group-based recruitment |
 Portugal | National Fellowship Grants | 3–4 years | Research Fellowship | EU-funded projects |
This comparison helps Indian students evaluate fully funded PhD scholarships in Europe based on funding structure, stability, and research model.
How to Apply for Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in Europe
To apply for fully funded PhD scholarships in Europe, Indian students must first identify the funding model, shortlist research-aligned universities, secure supervisor support where required, and submit applications through official university or government portals.
Most international scholarships for Indian students fall under one of three structured pathways: employment-based doctoral positions, government scholarship programmes, or research grant-funded PhD routes.
Application Path Summary
- Employment-based PhD → Apply like a job vacancy (Sweden, Netherlands, Norway, Denmark)
- Government scholarship → Apply through national portal or embassy (Germany DAAD, France Eiffel, Switzerland Excellence)
- Research grant route → Apply with confirmed supervisor and project proposal (Belgium, Finland, Austria)
Step 1: Identify the Correct Funding Structure
Understanding whether the country follows a salaried PhD model or a scholarship model determines your strategy. Many fully funded scholarships for Indian students in Europe are actually employment contracts, not tuition waivers.
Step 2: Shortlist Research-Focused Universities
Select 2–3 countries and shortlist universities offering funded doctoral positions in your subject area. Focus on:
- Active research groups
- Recently funded projects
- Faculty publication alignment
- Open doctoral vacancy listings
Foreign scholarships for Indian students are often tied to project-based recruitment rather than general admission cycles.
Step 3: Contact Potential Supervisors (Where Required)
In countries using supervisor-led models, early academic contact improves acceptance probability.
- Introduce your academic background
- Explain research alignment in 4–5 sentences
- Attach CV and short proposal summary
- Keep communication concise and research-focused
Step 4: Prepare Required Documents
Most scholarships to study abroad at the doctoral level require:
- Academic transcripts
- Research-focused Statement of Purpose
- Detailed research proposal
- Letters of recommendation
- English proficiency proof (if applicable)
Employment-based PhD roles may also include technical interviews and project discussions.
Step 5: Apply Through Official Portals Only
Submit applications through verified university or government portals. Avoid third-party aggregators claiming guaranteed foreign scholarship access.
- University vacancy portals
- National research council websites
- Government scholarship portals
- Embassy-administered scholarship systems
Typical Application Timeline
- University PhD vacancies: October to February (varies by country)
- Government scholarships: Often earlier deadlines
- Research council grants: Annual competitive calls
Checking country-specific deadlines early improves preparation time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Sending generic research proposals without project alignment
- Applying without confirming supervisor interest (where required)
- Applying to too many unrelated universities
- Ignoring funding model differences between countries
Focused applications aligned with funded research projects consistently produce stronger outcomes than volume-based application strategies.
FAQs: Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in Europe
đź”˝ Are there fully funded PhD scholarships in Europe for Indian students?
Yes. Many European countries offer fully funded PhD scholarships for Indian students through government grants, research council funding, or university employment-based doctoral contracts. In several countries, PhD candidates are hired as salaried researchers rather than receiving traditional scholarships.
đź”˝ Is a PhD in Europe fully funded?
In most major European research systems, PhD programmes are funded either through a monthly salary or structured research fellowship. Countries such as Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, Norway, and Denmark commonly provide funded doctoral positions covering living expenses.
đź”˝ What is the difference between a scholarship and an employment-based PhD?
A scholarship provides a fixed stipend without employment status. An employment-based PhD treats the candidate as a university employee with salary, social benefits, and structured contracts. Many international scholarships for Indian students in Europe operate under the employment model.
đź”˝ Can Indian students apply directly for European PhD funding?
Yes. Indian students can apply directly to university PhD vacancies, government scholarship portals, or research council calls. Some funding routes require prior supervisor approval before formal submission.
đź”˝ What documents are required for fully funded PhD scholarships in Europe?
Most applications require academic transcripts, a research proposal, statement of purpose, recommendation letters, and proof of English proficiency where applicable. Employment-based doctoral roles may also require interviews and technical discussions.
đź”˝ Which European country is easiest for fully funded PhD admission?
There is no single easiest country. Acceptance depends on research alignment, proposal strength, and supervisor support. Employment-based systems such as Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands often prioritise project fit over general admission metrics.
