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Engineering scholarships for Middle East students in Europe

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Engineering scholarships for Middle East students in Europe

Looking for engineering scholarships for Middle East students in Europe but overwhelmed by options, deadlines, and requirements? You’re not alone. Funding your degree abroad can be confusing, competitive, and time-consuming. The good news: there are many generous, reputable programs tailored to international students—including fully funded options—for bachelor’s (rare), master’s, and PhD engineering degrees across the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Italy, and beyond.

This guide is your practical playbook. We’ll map the best engineering scholarships for Middle East students in Europe, outline eligibility and deadlines, share application strategies that win, and answer your most-asked questions. Read on to find the right scholarship, check your eligibility, and submit a standout application—on time.

Highlights you’ll get here:

  • A curated list of top fully funded and partial engineering scholarships in Europe
  • Who’s eligible, what they cover, and when to apply
  • Step-by-step application timeline and document checklist
  • Long-tail tips for success (e.g., Erasmus Mundus engineering scholarships, DAAD, Eiffel, ETH/EPFL, TU Delft)
  • Clear calls to action: Apply Now, Check Eligibility, See Deadline

Pro tip: Bookmark this page. Most deadlines fall between October and February for the next academic year.

Why Europe is a great destination for Middle Eastern engineering students

  • World-class universities with industry-connected engineering programs
  • Wide range of funding options—fully funded master’s/PhD and generous tuition waivers
  • English-taught programs across Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and more
  • Strong post-study work opportunities (e.g., Germany’s 18-month job-seeking visa, UK Graduate Route)
  • Multicultural campuses with active Middle Eastern and MENA student communities

For students Googling “engineering scholarships for Middle East students in Europe,” Europe offers both breadth (many countries) and depth (strong research and labs), with prestigious credentials that boost employability across the Gulf, Levant, and North Africa.

Top engineering scholarships for Middle East students in Europe

Below is a handpicked list—fully funded programs first—followed by the best university excellence awards. For each, we include typical benefits and timelines. Always verify current details on official pages before applying.

Fully funded and flagship scholarships

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EU-wide)

  • What it is: Fully funded joint master’s programs run by European university consortia. Many options in engineering: sustainable energy, AI, robotics, transport, materials science, water engineering, and more.
  • Coverage: Tuition, monthly stipend, travel, and insurance (varies by program).
  • Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree; some programs require specific engineering prerequisites; English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) or proof of medium of instruction.
  • Deadline window: October–January.
  • Start: Next September.
  • Apply: Choose a program from the official catalogue and apply directly to the consortium.
  • Link + CTA: https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/scholarships/erasmus-mundus-catalogue_en — Apply Now

DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

  • What it is: German Academic Exchange Service offers multiple scholarships (e.g., EPOS for development-related fields), plus research grants for master’s and PhD. Many engineering specializations are eligible via university programs.
  • Coverage: Monthly stipend, travel allowance, health insurance; sometimes tuition if applicable (most German public universities have no tuition for master’s/PhD, but semester fees apply).
  • Eligibility: Varies by program; typically requires strong academics; work experience can be important (EPOS).
  • Deadline window: August–October for many intakes; university-specific.
  • Link + CTA: https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships/ — Check Eligibility

Chevening Scholarships (UK)

  • What it is: UK Government scholarships for one-year master’s degrees, including engineering and technology fields.
  • Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, travel, visa, and more.
  • Eligibility: Citizens of Chevening-eligible countries across the Middle East are encouraged to apply; requires leadership potential and 2+ years of work experience (can include part-time or internships).
  • Deadline window: Opens August; closes early November.
  • Link + CTA: https://www.chevening.org/ — See Deadline

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France)

  • What it is: Prestigious scholarship led by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs; strong in engineering and sciences.
  • Coverage: Monthly allowance, international travel, insurance; tuition often waived by host university.
  • Eligibility: Apply through a French institution (you don’t apply directly to Eiffel); engineering master’s and PhD tracks available.
  • Deadline window: Universities nominate candidates—typically October–January.
  • Link + CTA: https://www.campusfrance.org/en/eiffel-scholarship-program-of-excellence — Apply via University

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Switzerland)

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) – Doctoral Networks (EU)

  • What it is: Fully funded PhD positions in Europe with a salary, mobility allowances, and research/training benefits.
  • Coverage: Employment contract (salary), mobility allowance, research/training funds.
  • Eligibility: Apply to specific advertised positions; mobility rule usually applies (cannot have resided/studied in host country for more than 12 months in the last 36).
  • Deadline: Rolling, depending on projects.
  • Link + CTA: https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/ — Find Positions

Gates Cambridge (UK)

  • What it is: Full-cost scholarships for master’s/PhD at the University of Cambridge in engineering and related fields.
  • Coverage: Full tuition and maintenance, travel; additional academic development funds.
  • Deadline window: Early December/early January (depending on course and nationality).
  • Link + CTA: https://www.gatescambridge.org/ — Apply Now

Clarendon Fund (University of Oxford, UK)

  • What it is: Automatic consideration for full scholarships for graduate study (master’s/DPhil) across engineering departments.
  • Coverage: Full tuition and a generous stipend for living costs.
  • Eligibility: Apply to Oxford by December/January deadlines for your course.
  • Link + CTA: https://www.ox.ac.uk/clarendon — Check Deadline

Rhodes Scholarships (Oxford, UK)

  • What it is: Highly competitive scholarships. Several constituencies cover Middle Eastern countries (e.g., UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan/Lebanon/Syria/Palestine). Engineering applicants welcome.
  • Coverage: Full funding (tuition + stipend), visa, flights.
  • Deadline window: June–August (varies by constituency).
  • Link + CTA: https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/scholarships/ — See Eligibility by Country

Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarships

  • What it is: Scholarships for citizens of IsDB member countries (includes many across the Middle East) for undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and postdoc—often in STEM/engineering areas supporting development goals.
  • Coverage: Tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance, travel.
  • Deadline window: Typically February–April.
  • Link + CTA: https://www.isdb.org/scholarships — Apply Now

British Council Women in STEM (MENA) – Master’s in the UK

  • What it is: Scholarships for women from eligible MENA countries to pursue STEM master’s programs in the UK (includes engineering fields).
  • Coverage: Tuition, stipend, travel, visa, special support.
  • Deadline window: Typically February–April (varies by partner university).
  • Link + CTA: https://www.britishcouncil.org/study-work-abroad/in-uk/scholarship-women-stem — Check Eligibility

University excellence scholarships (tuition waivers and stipends)

ETH Zürich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) – Switzerland

EPFL Excellence Fellowships – Switzerland

TU Delft Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarships – Netherlands

KTH Scholarships – Sweden

Chalmers IPOET Scholarships – Sweden

Lund University Global Scholarship – Sweden

University of Twente Scholarship (UTS) – Netherlands

Imperial College President’s PhD Scholarships – UK

Aalto University + Finland Scholarship – Finland

  • What it is: Tuition-fee waivers and Finland Scholarship (including a first-year stipend) for non-EU/EEA master’s students in engineering.
  • Coverage: Tuition waiver; Finland Scholarship includes 5,000 € relocation grant (first year).
  • Deadline window: January.
  • Link + CTA: https://www.aalto.fi/en/education/scholarships-and-tuition-fees — Check Eligibility

Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarships – Italy

KU Leuven (Science@Leuven) – Belgium

  • What it is: Scholarships for excellent international students in science and engineering programs. Coverage/availability vary by faculty.
  • Coverage: Partial funding.
  • Deadline window: Typically February.
  • Link + CTA: Search “KU Leuven Science@Leuven Scholarship” on the official KU Leuven site — Check Eligibility

EIT InnoEnergy Master’s School (EU partnership)

  • What it is: Themed master’s in sustainable energy, energy storage, smart grids, and energy engineering with mobility between partner universities.
  • Coverage: Scholarships/tuition reductions; some programs offer stipends.
  • Deadline window: Multiple rounds from fall to spring.
  • Link + CTA: https://www.innoenergy.com/masters-school/scholarships/ — See Deadline

Quick comparison: engineering scholarship highlights

ScholarshipLevelCoverageTypical Deadline WindowLink
Erasmus Mundus Joint MastersMScFully funded (tuition, stipend, travel)Oct–JanErasmus Mundus Catalogue — Apply Now
DAAD (Germany)MSc/PhDStipend, travel, insurance (+tuition if applicable)Aug–OctDAAD — Check Eligibility
Chevening (UK)MSc (1-year)Full tuition + stipend + travelAug–NovChevening — See Deadline
Eiffel (France)MSc/PhDStipend + travel + insurance; tuition waived by hostOct–Jan (via uni)Campus France — Apply via University
Swiss Gov ExcellencePhD/PostdocStipend + insuranceSept–NovSERI — Check Eligibility
MSCA Doctoral NetworksPhDSalary + mobility allowanceRollingMSCA — Find Positions
Gates CambridgeMSc/PhDFull costDec–JanGates Cambridge — Apply Now
Clarendon (Oxford)MSc/DPhilFull tuition + stipendDec–JanClarendon — Check Deadline
Rhodes (Oxford)MSc/DPhilFull fundingJun–Aug (by country)Rhodes — Eligibility
British Council Women in STEMMScTuition + stipend + travelFeb–AprBC — Check Eligibility
ETH ESOPMScTuition + stipendNov–DecETH — Apply Now
TU Delft Van EffenMScTuition + living supportBy Dec 1TU Delft — Apply Now
KTH/Chalmers/LundMScTuition waivers (partial/full)Jan–FebUniversity links — See Deadline
UTwente ScholarshipMSc€3–22k/yearFeb & MayUTS — See Deadline
Aalto/Finland ScholarshipMScTuition waiver + grantJanAalto — Check Eligibility
Politecnico di MilanoMScTuition waiver + stipend (some tiers)Sept–MarPolimi — Apply Now
EIT InnoEnergyMScTuition reduction + possible stipendFall–SpringEIT — See Deadline

Tip: If you’re targeting fully funded engineering scholarships in Europe for Middle Eastern students, prioritize Erasmus Mundus, DAAD, Chevening, Eiffel, MSCA, Gates Cambridge, Clarendon, and Rhodes.

Eligibility criteria for engineering scholarships in Europe

While each program differs, most engineering scholarships for Middle East students in Europe assess the following:

Academic requirements

  • Strong bachelor’s degree (usually a first-class/upper second; GPA ≥ 3.0/4.0 often competitive)
  • Relevant major (e.g., mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical, computer, materials, energy)
  • Quantitative coursework and lab/research exposure help

Language proficiency

  • English-taught programs: IELTS (often 6.5–7.0 overall), TOEFL iBT (90–100+), or Duolingo (varies)
  • Some universities accept proof of English-medium instruction (MOI) if you studied in English—check program policy
  • France/Germany: English tracks exist; for French- or German-taught tracks, show language certificates (DELF/DALF, TestDaF/DSH)

Work experience and leadership

  • Chevening, DAAD EPOS, and some industry-linked programs value 1–3 years of relevant experience
  • Demonstrated leadership (projects, startups, competitions, community initiatives) strengthens your case

Nationality/region considerations

  • Most programs listed are open to all non-EU/EEA nationalities, including GCC and Levant countries
  • Some scholarships have MENA-specific streams (e.g., British Council Women in STEM) or country-based quotas (Rhodes constituencies)
  • Always check whether your nationality is eligible in the current cycle

Documents checklist

  • Valid passport
  • Academic transcripts and degree certificates (with official translations if needed)
  • CV/resume (1–2 pages, impact-focused)
  • Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement (motivation + fit + future goals)
  • Two to three recommendation letters (academic/professional)
  • English test scores (IELTS/TOEFL) or MOI letter
  • Research proposal (PhD; sometimes for thesis-track master’s)
  • Portfolio/GitHub (for CS/EE/software/robotics—optional but valuable)
  • Published papers or conference abstracts (if any)

How to apply (and win): step-by-step for engineering students

Use this proven 12-month timeline for competitive engineering scholarships in Europe for Middle Eastern students.

10–12 months before intake (Sep–Nov)

  • Shortlist 6–10 programs (mix fully funded + tuition waivers)
  • Map prerequisites: GPA, language tests, specific courses (e.g., calculus, thermodynamics)
  • Register for IELTS/TOEFL and GRE (only if required)

8–9 months before (Nov–Dec)

  • Draft SoP tailored to each program:
    • Hook: the engineering problem you want to solve
    • Fit: courses, labs, supervisors, facilities, and how they align with your skills
    • Impact: how you’ll contribute locally (Gulf/Levant/North Africa) after graduation
  • Contact potential supervisors (for research master’s/PhD)

6–7 months before (Dec–Jan)

  • Request references early; support your referees with a bullet-point “brag sheet” of projects and outcomes
  • Gather documents and notarized translations

5–6 months before (Jan–Feb)

  • Submit applications for Erasmus Mundus, TU Delft, ETH/EPFL, KTH/Chalmers, Lund, Aalto, and many Dutch/Swedish/Finnish programs
  • Chevening closes by early November; if you missed it, note it for next cycle

3–4 months before (Mar–Apr)

  • Interviews: Prep on technical fundamentals and your project experience
  • Apply for university housing and early visa prep

2–3 months before (May–Jun)

  • Compare offers: funding details, cost of living, lab access, industrial partnerships
  • Accept the best package and begin visa and flight arrangements

Pro application tips:

  • Tailor every SoP. Mention specific labs, modules, and professors.
  • Quantify achievements: “Reduced energy consumption by 12% by optimizing PID control,” or “Ranked top 3/120 in senior design.”
  • Showcase projects and competitions (Shell Eco-marathon, IEEE, Formula Student, Hackathons).
  • Use a clean, ATS-friendly CV layout (one-page if <5 years experience).
  • Practice STAR stories for interviews (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

Deadlines: when to apply for engineering scholarships in Europe

Most deadlines for the following year’s intake happen between October and February. Here’s a general guide:

Scholarship/RegionTypical Application WindowNotes
Erasmus MundusOct–JanEach program sets its own deadline. Apply early.
DAAD (many tracks)Aug–OctEPOS and research grants vary by course/university.
CheveningAug–NovReferences and university offers may follow later.
Eiffel (via universities)Oct–JanYou apply to the university; they nominate you.
ETH ESOPNov–DecOne of the earliest competitive deadlines.
TU Delft Van EffenBy Dec 1Admission + scholarship by Dec 1 for many faculties.
KTH/Chalmers/LundJan–FebAfter applying via University Admissions Sweden.
Aalto/Finland ScholarshipJanSubmit scholarship form with application.
UTwente ScholarshipFeb/MayTwo rounds; earlier is better.
Gates CambridgeDec–JanVaries; check your course page.
Clarendon (Oxford)Dec–JanLinked to your departmental deadline.
RhodesJun–AugConstituency-specific.
Swiss Gov ExcellenceSept–NovBy country; requires supervisor acceptance.

Always “See Deadline” on official pages—dates can shift year to year.

What these scholarships usually cover (benefits)

  • Tuition: Full or partial waivers; some countries (Germany) have low/no tuition at public universities
  • Monthly stipend: Typically 800–1,600 EUR/GBP/CHF depending on country and program
  • Travel: Round-trip flights in many fully funded schemes
  • Insurance: Health insurance often included
  • Research/training: Conference grants, lab fees, mobility funding (MSCA/Erasmus)
  • Visa support: Letters and fee support in some programs
  • Housing: Limited subsidies or guaranteed accommodation (varies; EPFL offers room reservation)

Note: Stipends rarely cover dependents; check family allowance policies (MSCA sometimes supports family mobility).

Best countries for funded engineering degrees (with long-tail ideas)

Germany: DAAD and low tuition for Arab engineering students

  • Why: Strong engineering (automotive, mechanical, electrical, mechatronics), research institutes (Fraunhofer, Max Planck), many English-taught master’s.
  • Scholarships: DAAD, university-specific grants, Deutschlandstipendium (merit-based).
  • Long-tail keywords: master’s engineering scholarships in Germany for Middle Eastern students; DAAD engineering funding for Arab students.

France: Eiffel and top Grandes Écoles

  • Why: Aerospace, materials, civil, energy, and AI/robotics; English-taught programs expanding.
  • Scholarships: Eiffel, excellence awards via universities, CROUS housing support.
  • Long-tail: Eiffel engineering scholarships for MENA students; study engineering in France in English.

UK: Chevening, Rhodes, Gates, Clarendon

  • Why: High-impact research labs, industry co-ops, and 1-year master’s timeline.
  • Scholarships: Fully funded options (Chevening, Rhodes, Gates Cambridge, Clarendon), plus faculty awards.
  • Long-tail: PhD scholarships in the UK for Gulf engineers; fully funded master’s engineering scholarships in the UK for Middle Eastern students.

Netherlands: TU Delft, Twente, Eindhoven

  • Why: Design- and innovation-led engineering with strong industry ties.
  • Scholarships: TU Delft Van Effen, UTS, Holland/Netherlands Scholarship (via universities).
  • Long-tail: Netherlands engineering scholarships for Middle East students; TU Delft master’s funding for Arab students.

Sweden/Finland/Denmark: Innovation hubs

  • Why: Sustainable energy, telecom, AI, control systems; English-taught tracks and tuition waivers.
  • Scholarships: KTH/Chalmers/Lund/Aalto tuition waivers; Finland Scholarship; DTU scholarships (varied).
  • Long-tail: tuition-free or funded engineering master’s in Scandinavia for Middle Eastern students.

Switzerland: ETH/EPFL and federal excellence

  • Why: Global top-10 in engineering; cutting-edge labs and entrepreneurial ecosystems.
  • Scholarships: ETH ESOP, EPFL Excellence, Swiss Government Excellence, MSCA Doctoral Networks.
  • Long-tail: ETH EPFL engineering scholarships for Middle Eastern students.

How to maximize your chances: scholarship essays and interviews

  • Engineer your story: Tie your technical skills to a pressing problem (water scarcity, renewable integration, smart infrastructure, AI for manufacturing, green hydrogen).
  • Impact back home: Many panels value a plan to create impact in your country/region.
  • Be specific about fit: Name labs, modules, professors, and equipment you want to use, e.g., “TU Delft’s Wind Energy Institute” or “ETH’s Autonomous Systems Lab.”
  • Show evidence: Awards, GitHub repos, design portfolios, Kaggle rankings, patents, or published abstracts.
  • Interview prep:
    • Technical: Fundamentals (thermo, circuits, statics, control, data structures).
    • Behavioral: Leadership, teamwork, failure, ethics, cross-cultural collaboration.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Applying with a generic SoP to multiple programs
  • Missing early deadlines (e.g., Delft, ETH, Erasmus Mundus)
  • Underestimating English test timelines
  • Not quantifying impact in projects or internships
  • Ignoring visa lead-times (summer backlogs are real)
  • Weak references: Choose referees who know your work deeply

Sample “Apply Now” workflow for a strong application

  1. Shortlist 3 fully funded + 3 excellence awards.
  2. Check Eligibility on official pages and note minimum GPA/IELTS.
  3. See Deadline and set calendar reminders 30–60 days ahead.
  4. Draft application essays; get feedback from a mentor/alumni.
  5. Submit at least 7–10 days before the deadline to avoid portal rush.
  6. Prepare for interviews: review technical fundamentals and project stories.
  7. Compare offers and accept the best fit (funding + labs + career outcomes).

FAQs: Engineering scholarships for Middle East students in Europe

What are the best fully funded engineering scholarships in Europe for Middle Eastern students?

Top choices include Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EU), DAAD (Germany), Chevening (UK), Eiffel (France), Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (PhD), MSCA Doctoral Networks (PhD), Gates Cambridge, Clarendon, and Rhodes (Oxford). These programs cover tuition and provide stipends, with additional benefits like travel and insurance.

Do I need IELTS/TOEFL for these scholarships?

Most English-taught programs require IELTS (6.5–7.0) or TOEFL iBT (90–100+). Some universities accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter if your degree was taught in English, but scholarship bodies like Chevening typically need standardized tests. Always verify each program’s current policy.

Can I get a fully funded master’s in engineering in Germany without tuition?

Yes. Many German public universities charge no tuition for master’s/PhD; you pay semester fees only. DAAD scholarships can add a monthly stipend, travel, and insurance. Programs may still require proof of funds for a student visa, so plan your finances.

What GPA do I need to be competitive?

Strong applicants often have the equivalent of 3.2–3.8/4.0 or a first-class/upper second. However, research experience, published work, strong SoP, high test scores, and impactful projects can offset a slightly lower GPA. Focus on demonstrating engineering rigor and problem-solving impact.

Are there scholarships specifically for women in engineering from the Middle East?

Yes. The British Council Women in STEM (MENA) funds master’s in the UK for eligible countries and universities. Some institutions also offer women-in-engineering awards or fee reductions. Always search the scholarship pages of your target engineering department.

When should I start applying for the next academic year?

Start 10–12 months before your intended intake. Many major scholarships (Erasmus Mundus, TU Delft, ETH ESOP) close between October and January. Prepare tests, references, and essays early to meet the earliest deadline among your choices.

Can I work after graduation in Europe?

Often yes, depending on the country:

  • Germany: Up to 18-month job-seeking visa after graduation
  • Netherlands: Orientation year (zoekjaar) for job search
  • UK: Graduate Route (2 years; 3 years for PhD)
  • France: Temporary residence permit for job search/startup (varies)
    Always check the latest immigration rules on official government sites.

European universities offer outstanding engineering training—and there’s serious funding on the table. If you’ve been searching for engineering scholarships for Middle East students in Europe, you now have a roadmap: prioritize fully funded programs like Erasmus Mundus, DAAD, Chevening, Eiffel, and MSCA, and combine them with top university excellence awards (ETH, EPFL, TU Delft, KTH/Chalmers, Aalto, Polimi, UTwente).

Move from research to action:

  • Shortlist 6–8 scholarships today
  • Check Eligibility and See Deadline on official pages
  • Draft a sharp, impact-focused SoP and apply 1–2 weeks before the deadline

The sooner you start, the stronger your application—and the better your chances to study engineering in Europe with generous funding. Good luck!

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