A Complete Guide to Political Science Scholarships in Europe

Studying political science in Europe offers a front-row seat to diverse political systems, historic diplomatic centers, and major international institutions. However, funding an international education can be a significant hurdle. Fortunately, numerous political science scholarships are available to support students pursuing academic programs and research opportunities at top European universities.

Top Government and Regional Scholarship Programs

Many European governments and regional bodies offer generous funding to attract international talent. These programs often cover tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.

The Erasmus+ Programme

The European Union funds the Erasmus+ program, which is one of the most prominent sources of funding for international students. Specifically, the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees allow students to study in at least two different European countries. There are several joint master programs focused on public policy, international relations, and political science. These highly competitive scholarships cover tuition fees, insurance, and a monthly living allowance.

DAAD Scholarships in Germany

The German Academic Exchange Service, known as DAAD, provides extensive funding for international students. For political science students, the Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (Master’s Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance) is particularly relevant. This scholarship aims to qualify future leaders in politics, law, and economics. It covers tuition fees, provides a monthly stipend of 934 euros, and includes health insurance and travel allowances.

Chevening Scholarships in the United Kingdom

Funded by the UK government, Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding emerging leaders from all over the world to pursue a one-year master’s degree in the UK. Political science, international relations, and public policy are highly popular fields among Chevening scholars. The scholarship is fully funded, covering university tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, an economy class return flight to the UK, and additional grants to cover essential expenditure.

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship in France

Developed by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program attracts top foreign students to enroll in master’s and PhD courses. Political science and law are among the core fields of study supported by this program. Master’s students receive a monthly allowance of 1,181 euros, while PhD students receive 1,700 euros, alongside travel and health insurance coverage.

University-Specific Scholarships

Beyond government funding, individual European universities offer their own financial aid packages for prospective political science students.

Sciences Po in France

Sciences Po is one of Europe’s premier institutions for political studies. They offer the Emile Boutmy Scholarship, named after the founder of the university, specifically for top international students from outside the European Union. This scholarship can take the form of a tuition grant ranging from 3,600 euros to 14,210 euros per year for the duration of an undergraduate or master’s program.

London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

LSE offers the Graduate Support Scheme, which is designed to help students who do not have sufficient funds to meet the costs of their study. This scheme is open to international students applying for diploma and taught master’s programs, including their extensive range of political science degrees. Awards typically range from 5,000 to 15,000 pounds.

Funding for Research Opportunities

If you are looking to pursue a PhD or postdoctoral research in political science, the funding landscape shifts slightly.

In many European countries, such as the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden, PhD candidates are considered university employees rather than students. This means you do not apply for a scholarship in the traditional sense. Instead, you apply for a funded PhD position, which comes with a standard employment contract, a monthly salary, and benefits.

For postdoctoral researchers, the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions provide major grants funded by the European Commission. These fellowships support researchers at all stages of their careers, regardless of age and nationality, and are highly prestigious for those conducting advanced political science research in Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to speak a European language to get a scholarship? Not necessarily. Many master’s and PhD programs in political science across Europe are taught entirely in English, particularly in Germany, the Netherlands, and the Nordic countries. However, knowing the local language can be a strong advantage for daily life and certain specific research topics.

When should I apply for these scholarships? Scholarship deadlines are usually very early. For programs starting in September, scholarship deadlines often fall between October and January of the previous year. You must check the specific deadlines for each program, as they vary widely.

Can I work while receiving a scholarship? This depends on the specific rules of your scholarship provider and your student visa regulations. Some scholarships, like Chevening, have strict rules against full-time employment, while others may allow part-time work up to a certain number of hours per week. Always review the terms and conditions of your specific award.