Top Psychology Scholarships to Study in Europe
For students in the USA and around the world, pursuing psychology education in Europe can open doors to world-class research, clinical training, and diverse cultural perspectives. Whether you’re targeting clinical psychology scholarships, psychology master scholarships, or fully funded PhD programs in psychology Europe, there are numerous Study Psychology in Europe scholarships that support international students at both the master’s and doctoral level.
European Government and University-Level Scholarship Programs
Europe is home to several large scholarship initiatives that offer funding to international students pursuing psychology degrees at bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels. These programs often cover tuition, living costs, and sometimes research expenses.
Erasmus+ Scholarships
One of the most comprehensive programs available, the Erasmus+ Scholarships support mobility across European universities. Psychology students benefit from:
- Funding for master’s degree programs across participating universities
- Support for international internships or thesis research abroad
- Mobility grants that cover living stipends and travel costs
Erasmus+ is widely recognized for its emphasis on cross-cultural exchange and academic collaboration, making it ideal for psychology students interested in clinical practices, cognitive sciences, or educational psychology
DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a range of scholarships including those for psychology master scholarships and doctoral research. Highlights:
- Funding for Masters and PhD Psychology Programs in Europe (especially in Germany)
- Monthly stipends, health insurance, and travel allowances
- Opportunities to engage in clinical research or cognitive neuroscience projects
Germany’s strong emphasis on research institutions makes DAAD scholarships especially attractive for students pursuing advanced psychology research.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Switzerland offers competitive funding that includes psychology research opportunities, particularly at graduate levels. Key features:
- Scholarships for postgraduate studies and PhD programs
- Monthly allowances, tuition coverage, and health insurance support
- Placement in top research labs and psychology departments
These scholarships are highly selective but can result in fully funded PhD psychology programs in Switzerland and neighboring European countries.
University-Specific Scholarships for Psychology Students
Several European universities offer targeted scholarships for international psychology students:
University of Amsterdam – Amsterdam Merit Scholarships
The University of Amsterdam (Netherlands) provides merit-based funding for psychology and social sciences students, especially at the master’s level. Benefits include:
- Partial to full tuition waivers
- Possibility of research support for thesis work
- Opportunities to collaborate with clinical and cognitive psychology faculty
Sciences Po Emile Boutmy Scholarships
At Sciences Po (France), international applicants, including those in cognitive and behavioral psychology fields, can apply for:
- Full and partial tuition scholarships
- Support based on academic excellence and extracurricular engagement
Psychology graduate programs at Sciences Po often emphasize social research and public policy, offering a unique European perspective.
University of Edinburgh – Global Research Scholarships
While based in the UK, University of Edinburgh scholarships attract psychology researchers from around the world. Funding typically covers:
- Tuition fees and living stipends
- Research expenses for PhD psychology projects
These opportunities appeal to doctoral candidates pursuing experimental, developmental, or clinical psychology research.
Fully Funded Options for PhD and Clinical Psychology Scholarships
For students focused on doctoral research, some programs offer generous funding that extends beyond tuition:
- Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA): EU-wide research funding that can support psychology PhDs through multidisciplinary projects.
- ETH Zurich Excellence Fellowships: Highly competitive awards for doctoral research, including psychology-related cognitive science or neuroscience.
- Swedish Institute Scholarships: Funding for international master’s and PhD candidates, with psychological research eligibility.
These programs often provide monthly living allowances, travel grants, and tuition support — essential for students seeking long-term engagement in academic research.
How to Strengthen Scholarship Applications
Competition for psychology scholarships in Europe is strong. To improve your chances:
- Maintain a high GPA with strong psychology coursework
- Craft a clear research proposal (especially for PhD programs)
- Highlight relevant clinical or research experience
- Secure strong letters of recommendation
- Demonstrate language proficiency where required
Being proactive about deadlines, requirements, and university application procedures will help you make the most of opportunities across the continent.
Conclusion: Europe’s rich academic landscape offers numerous psychology scholarships for international students, from clinical psychology scholarships and psychology master scholarships to fully funded PhD programs. Whether you’re pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral studies, programs like Erasmus+, DAAD, and university-specific awards provide funding that makes study in Europe more accessible. With the right preparation, passion, and planning, you can turn your goal of studying psychology in Europe into reality.
