Your Complete Guide to Public Health Scholarships in Europe
Pursuing a degree in public health in Europe can open doors to incredible career opportunities. If you’re looking for ways to fund your studies, you’ve come to the right place. This guide provides detailed insights into the top scholarships available, helping you navigate the application process and find the perfect fit for your academic goals.
The Landscape of Public Health Studies in Europe
Europe is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities and research institutions in the field of public health. From epidemiology and health policy to global health and disease prevention, European master’s programs offer diverse specializations. Many of these programs are taught in English, making them accessible to a global student body. The key to unlocking these opportunities is often securing financial aid, and fortunately, numerous scholarships exist specifically for this purpose.
These funding opportunities can be broadly categorized into three main types: large-scale programs funded by bodies like the European Union, national scholarships offered by individual governments, and grants provided directly by universities.
Major Pan-European Scholarship Programs
These are large, competitive scholarships that often cover multiple countries and are open to students from around the world.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM) Scholarships
The Erasmus Mundus program is one of the most generous and prestigious scholarship schemes funded by the European Union. It supports students participating in select Joint Master’s programs that are delivered by a consortium of universities from different countries. This means you get to study in at least two different European nations, providing an unparalleled academic and cultural experience.
The scholarship is comprehensive and typically covers:
- Full tuition fees for the program.
- A monthly stipend for living expenses (around €1,400 per month).
- Travel and installation costs.
- Health insurance.
A standout example in the public health field is the Europubhealth+ Master’s Programme. This is a two-year course focused on public health and is offered by a network of eight renowned European universities. Students who are accepted into the program can apply for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship to cover all their costs.
Country-Specific Government Scholarships
Many European governments offer their own scholarships to attract talented international students. These are excellent options to explore, especially if you have a specific country in mind for your studies.
Germany: DAAD Scholarships
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is a major organization that offers a vast number of scholarships for international students. Their scholarship database is an essential tool for anyone looking to study in Germany. For public health students, the EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) scholarship is particularly relevant. It funds master’s and PhD programs that are focused on development, including many in public health. The scholarship provides a monthly stipend, travel allowance, and health insurance.
United Kingdom: Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships
While no longer in the EU, the UK remains a top destination in Europe for public health studies.
- Chevening Scholarships: This is the UK government’s global scholarship program, aimed at developing future leaders. It funds a one-year master’s degree at any UK university. The scholarship is highly competitive and requires applicants to have at least two years of work experience and clear leadership potential. It covers tuition fees, a living allowance, and travel costs.
- Commonwealth Scholarships: These are available to students from Commonwealth countries. They fund master’s and PhD studies in the UK, with public and global health being key development themes.
Sweden: Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarships
The Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP) are for full-time, one or two-year master’s programs at Swedish universities. The program aims to develop global leaders who will contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Public health is a core eligible field. This scholarship covers full tuition fees, living expenses of SEK 12,000 per month, insurance, and a travel grant.
Netherlands: Holland Scholarship
The Holland Scholarship is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science as well as several Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. It is for international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who want to do their bachelor’s or master’s in the Netherlands. The scholarship amounts to a one-time payment of €5,000 in the first year of your studies. While it doesn’t cover all costs, it’s a significant financial contribution.
University-Specific Scholarships
Beyond national programs, always check the websites of the individual universities you are interested in. Most leading institutions offer their own scholarships to attract the best candidates.
Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
As one of the world’s foremost medical universities, Karolinska Institutet offers a few scholarships for international master’s students. The Karolinska Institutet Global Master’s Scholarship is a tuition fee scholarship that covers the cost of tuition, but not living expenses. It’s awarded to excellent students and the selection is based on the applicant’s profile and CV submitted for the program application.
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), UK
LSHTM is a world-leading center for research and postgraduate education in public and global health. The university offers a wide range of scholarships, many of which are funded by generous donations. These often have very specific eligibility criteria, such as country of origin or intended field of study, so it’s crucial to review their funding pages carefully.
Maastricht University, Netherlands
Maastricht University offers the UM High Potential Scholarship for talented students from outside the EEA. This is a full scholarship that covers tuition fees, living expenses (€12,350 for 13 months), insurance, and visa costs. It is highly competitive and awarded to students with excellent academic records who have been admitted to a master’s program at the university.
### Frequently Asked Questions
Are most public health master’s programs in Europe taught in English? Yes, a large number of master’s programs in public health, especially at top-tier universities, are taught entirely in English to attract a global cohort of students. However, you should always check the specific language requirements for each program you apply to.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships at the same time? Absolutely. It is highly recommended to apply for several scholarships simultaneously to increase your chances of receiving funding. Just be sure to read the terms and conditions, as some scholarships cannot be combined with other major awards.
What are the most important parts of a scholarship application? Typically, selection committees look for a strong academic record (GPA), relevant work or volunteer experience, a compelling personal statement or motivation letter that clearly explains your goals, and strong letters of recommendation. For leadership-focused scholarships like Chevening, demonstrating your leadership potential is critical.