US students: Scholarships to study in Europe (2024)

Studying abroad is an exciting adventure, but it comes with its fair share of concerns, especially for US students considering their education accross the Atlantic.

Questions about the cost of education and living, language barriers, academic variations, safety, and career prospects are all valid worries that might stop you from taking the leap. However, these challenges are more manageable than they seem!

European universities are not only highly ranked globally but are also recognized and respected in the United States. With lower tuition fees, many scholarships available, and robust support systems, studying in Europe opens doors to countless opportunities. 

Let’s explore some financial options for American students planning to get their degree in Europe.

Study in Europe: Find Bachelors & Masters in English

💸 Countries where U.S. students can study tuition-free:

Did you know that - besides the United Kingdom and Ireland - most European countries offer English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees? And did you know you many of them cost less than $5,000 a year?

Germany is the standout option for tuition-free education for non-European citizens. While students pay a nominal fee of around $250 to $350 per semester, there are no tuition fees at public institutions, except at some universities in Bavaria.

Both public and private universities in most European countries offer degrees at significantly cheaper costs compared to the U.S. These are some of the most budget-friendly options at public institutions:

• Austria: Fees are set by the government at $780 per semester, or around $1,560 per year. 
• Belgium: Tuition fees for non-EU students range from $850 to $4,200 per year.
• Italy: Fees range from $1,000 to $4,000 per year, based on different factors such as the degree type or your family income.
• Poland: Fees range from $1,500 to $5,000 for Bachelors and $2,000 to $6,000 for Masters.
• Spain: Bachelor’s degrees cost between $1,000 and $7,000 annually, while Master’s degrees can be found from $3,000 upwards.

As you can see, tuition in these countries is actually cheaper than college or grad school in the United States, even if you do not qualify for any grants, bursaries, or scholarships! Note: While countries like Finland, Norway, Denmark, France, and Sweden offer free education, this is typically only for EU students.

🏆 Ranking: Top 10 countries in Europe where Americans study

In the 2021/22 academic year, 188,753 U.S. students studied abroad, with 73% choosing Europe. This growing trend shows that Europe’s appeal is difficult to turn down.

The following countries are the most popular destinations. Predominantly, these students are part of exchange programmes, particularly in countries like Italy, which consistently ranks high year after year.

Ranking	Country	Number of U.S. students	Average cost of living for students per month
1	Italy	30,610	$900 - $1,300
2	United Kingdom	27,503	$1,200 - $1,800
3	Spain	25,348	$700 - $1,000
4	France	14,397	$700 - $1,200
5	Germany	7,644	$800 - $1,100
6	Ireland	7,031	$1,000 - $1,800
7	Greece	4,484	$700 - $900
8	Denmark	4,393	$1,000 - $1,400
9	Czechia	2,425	$500 - $800
10	Switzerland	2,227	$1,800 - $2,300

💰 Are there scholarships for American students?

Yes. There are many scholarships and loans available for U.S. students aiming to study in Europe. Deadlines vary depending on the country, so it’s essential to check if applications should be submitted before or after you’ve been accepted to the university.

University-Specific Scholarships:

• University of Kent: Kent Future Student Scholarships for USA Students, where successful scholars will receive an automatic discount of around $1,200.

• Radboud University: Fulbright Scholarships to excellent American students for study and research purposes at graduate level.

• London School of Economics (LSE): BUTEX Scholarship for North American Students.

Country-Specific Scholarships:

• Campus France: More than 40+ grants, scholarships, and fellowships are listed on its official website.  

• Hungary Government: Stipendium Hungaricum, a prestigious programme for high-achieving international students with an excellent academic track record.

• Netherlands: NL Scholarship, offers ca. $5,000 to international students who want to do their Bachelor’s or Master’s in the Netherlands.

• The American-Scandinavian Foundation: Over 4,000 fellowships and grants have been given to Americans in the Nordic regions.

• The Belgian American Educational Foundation: 11 Fellowships awarded annually to American students or researchers.

Loan Opportunities:

• The U.S. Government: The Federal William D. Ford Direct Loan Program is a low-interest loan available for students attending European universities such Jönköping University.

🏛️ American Universities in Europe

For those preferring an American-accredited degree but still refuse to pay the expensive fees that universities in the United States charge, the solution might be as easy as joining one of the many American universities in Europe. 

Located all over the continent, these institutions also provide a wide variety of options: 

• The American University of Rome: Offers scholarships based on grades, financial need, and student level.

• Anglo-American University: For prospective and current students, they also offer discounts, fee waivers, referrals and early bird rates. 

• University of New York in Prague: Merit Scholarships, with up to 50% off on annual tuition fees. 

If you qualify for financial aid in the U.S., it may be also applicable at these institutions.

✔️ How to apply to an European university as a U.S. student: Steps & Tips

Here are some general recommendations and good practices. Keep in mind, though, that each university might have its own specific requirements.

1. Familiarise yourself with the education system: Understand terms like ECTS, Bologna Process, IELTS, FAFSA, terms vs. semesters, etc.

2. Narrow your search: Choose 1-3 countries that align with your values and expectations. Consider factors like climate, language proficiency, employment opportunities, connections, and cost of living.

• If you look for countries with high English proficiency → The UK, Ireland or Scandinavia might be the best options.

• If you want to stay after graduation → Look for countries that offer favourable post-study work visas, and cities/regions with many employment opportunities in your sector.

• If you are interested in travelling → Countries in Central Europe have great train and bus connections.

• If you are worried about the money → Eastern Europe or smaller towns can be more affordable.

3. Check university recognition and accreditation: Ensure that the universities you are interested in are recognized and accredited.

4. Prepare the Necessary Paperwork: This typically includes past grade reports, a CV, references, a motivation letter, and any specific requirements of the universities.

5. Follow Deadlines: Careful here! Each country has different application deadlines.

6. Apply to Multiple Universities: Applying to 3-4 universities can maximise your chances of admission.

🎀 Wrapping up:

Studying in Europe can be a transformative experience. You can immerse yourself in a variety of new cultures, study at an excellent university, and… even save some money!

With careful planning and the right resources, you can make the most of the opportunities available across the continent. Whether you decide to stay after or not, moving to Europe can be a great adventure and a chance to experience new ways of living.

Good luck!

 

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