Scholarships with work permit in Europe - Scholarship Guide Global Hub

Introduction

Europe is one of the most popular destinations for international students because of its world-class universities, diverse cultures, and affordable education opportunities. Beyond tuition coverage, many European scholarships also provide work permit options, allowing students to work part-time while studying or stay after graduation for full-time employment.

For 2025, several European countries offer scholarships combined with work permit rights, giving international students the chance to earn money, gain professional experience, and improve career prospects.

This guide explores the best scholarships with work permit opportunities in Europe, benefits, eligibility, and how to apply.

Why Choose Scholarships with Work Permit in Europe?

Financial Support – Scholarships cover tuition, travel, and living expenses.
Part-time Work Rights – International students can legally work during their studies.
Professional Experience – Opportunities for internships and post-study work.
Residency Pathways – Many European countries allow students to apply for a work visa or residence permit after graduation.
Networking – Work experience builds industry connections in Europe.

Best Scholarships with Work Permit in Europe

1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships (EU-wide)

Funding: Fully funded by the European Union (tuition, travel, monthly stipend).
Work Permit: Students can work part-time in each host country (usually 20 hours per week).
Post-study: Many graduates stay in Europe with post-study work permits.
Benefit: Study in 2–3 different EU countries and gain international career exposure.

2. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

Funding: Fully funded scholarships for master’s and PhD students.
Work Permit: International students can work 120 full days or 240 half days per year.
Post-study: Germany offers an 18-month job-seeking visa for graduates.
Benefit: Access to one of Europe’s strongest job markets, especially in engineering and IT.

3. Swedish Institute Scholarships (Sweden)

Funding: Covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and insurance.
Work Permit: Students can work part-time while studying in Sweden (no specific hour limit).
Post-study: Graduates may apply for a 1-year residence permit to seek jobs.
Benefit: Strong opportunities in sustainability, engineering, and innovation fields.

4. Chevening Scholarships (UK) (Pre-Brexit, but UK is still Europe geographically)

Funding: Covers tuition, accommodation, travel, and living allowance.
Work Permit: Students can work up to 20 hours per week during studies.
Post-study: The Graduate Route Visa allows 2 years (3 years for PhD) of post-study work.
Benefit: Gateway to UK industries like finance, law, and public policy.

5. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France)

Funding: Monthly allowance (€1,031), travel, insurance, and housing.
Work Permit: International students can work up to 964 hours per year (~20 hours/week).
Post-study: Students can apply for a temporary residence permit to search for jobs.
Benefit: Opportunities in luxury, arts, and engineering industries.

6. Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship (Hungary)

Funding: Covers tuition, health insurance, monthly stipend, and free accommodation/dormitory.
Work Permit: Students can work 24 hours/week during term and full-time in breaks.
Post-study: Job-seeking residence permit available after graduation.
Benefit: Affordable lifestyle and growing job opportunities in Central Europe.

7. Orange Knowledge Programme (Netherlands)

Funding: Covers tuition, visa, insurance, and part of living costs.
Work Permit: Students in the Netherlands can work 16 hours/week during semesters.
Post-study: The Orientation Year Visa allows graduates to stay for 1 year to find work.
Benefit: High demand for skilled workers in tech, business, and healthcare.

8. Italian Government Scholarships (Italy)

Funding: Covers tuition fees, health insurance, and a monthly allowance.
Work Permit: Students may work 20 hours per week.
Post-study: Graduates can apply for a work permit if employed by an Italian company.
Benefit: Affordable education with exposure to art, design, and engineering fields.

9. ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship (Switzerland)

Funding: Covers tuition and living stipend.
Work Permit: Students in Switzerland can work 15 hours/week during term and full-time in holidays.
Post-study: Graduates can extend stay for 6 months to find jobs.
Benefit: Great opportunities in research, finance, and innovation.

10. Turkiye Burslari Scholarship (Turkey)

Funding: Fully funded (tuition, accommodation, health insurance, monthly allowance).
Work Permit: Graduate students are allowed to work during studies.
Post-study: Turkey offers work permits for graduates of Turkish universities.
Benefit: Affordable living with opportunities in business and research.

Fields of Study Supported by These Scholarships

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
Health and Medicine
Business, Management, and Economics
Social Sciences and Law
Arts, Architecture, and Humanities

How to Apply for Scholarships with Work Permit in Europe

Check Eligibility: GPA, language, and nationality requirements vary.
Prepare Documents: Academic transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and references.
Language Proof: IELTS/TOEFL (some scholarships accept without IELTS).
Apply Early: Most deadlines are 8–12 months before program start.
Secure Residence Permit: After receiving scholarship, apply for a student visa with work rights.

Tips for Maximizing Scholarships with Work Rights

Choose scholarships in countries with post-study work visas.
Balance study and work to maintain good academic performance.
Use part-time jobs and internships to build professional connections.
Plan for career opportunities and residency options after graduation.

Conclusion

In 2025, Europe remains one of the best destinations for international students, offering not only prestigious scholarships but also work permits during and after studies. Programs like Erasmus Mundus, DAAD, Swedish Institute, Eiffel Scholarship, and Stipendium Hungaricum allow students to combine academic achievement with professional growth.

For students looking for fully funded scholarships with work opportunities, Europe is the perfect choice to build both education and career.