Your Complete Guide to Law Scholarships in Europe

Are you thinking about studying law in Europe but concerned about the costs? You’re in the right place. Europe offers a rich legal history and world-class universities, making it a top destination for aspiring lawyers. This guide provides key details on the best law scholarships available and explains why the continent is such a magnet for legal minds.

Why Europe is a Premier Destination for Law Students

Before diving into scholarships, it’s worth understanding what makes studying law in Europe so appealing. The continent’s unique blend of historical tradition and modern innovation creates an unparalleled educational environment that continues to attract students from all over the globe.

One of Europe’s biggest draws is its legal diversity. You can immerse yourself in the two major legal systems that shape the world:

  • Civil Law: Originating from Roman law, this system is the foundation for the legal frameworks in most of continental Europe, including powerhouses like Germany and France. Studying here provides a deep understanding of codified laws and systematic legal reasoning.
  • Common Law: Primarily found in the UK and Ireland, this system is based on judicial precedent. It offers a different approach to legal problem-solving and is highly influential in global commerce and international relations.

Exposure to both systems gives students a comprehensive legal perspective that is highly valued by international law firms, corporations, and organizations.

World-Renowned Universities and Specializations

European universities consistently rank among the best in the world for legal studies. Institutions like Leiden University in the Netherlands, Sciences Po in France, and the University of Oxford in the UK have centuries of academic excellence behind them. Beyond general law degrees, Europe is the best place to specialize in high-demand fields such as:

  • European Union Law
  • International Human Rights Law
  • International Arbitration
  • Maritime Law
  • Competition Law

Studying these subjects in the very region where they are most relevant provides access to leading experts and invaluable networking opportunities.

Europe is home to many of the world’s most important legal bodies. Studying here means you could be just a train ride away from:

  • The International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands.
  • The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France.
  • The Court of Justice of the European Union in Luxembourg.
  • Countless international organizations and NGOs in Geneva, Brussels, and Vienna.

This proximity offers unique chances for internships, guest lectures, and career opportunities that are simply not available elsewhere.

Key Law Scholarships for International Students in Europe

Financing your studies is a critical step. Fortunately, many prestigious scholarships are available to help you achieve your goal. These are often categorized by the funding source: universities, governments, or other organizations.

University-Specific Scholarships

Many top law schools offer their own scholarships to attract the best talent. These are often merit-based and can cover a significant portion of tuition fees.

  • Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS), Netherlands: Leiden Law School is one of the best in Europe, particularly for public international law and European law. The LExS program is for outstanding non-EU/EEA students pursuing a Master’s degree (LL.M.). It can be awarded as a €10,000 tuition fee reduction, a €15,000 reduction, or a full tuition fee waiver.

  • Sciences Po Emile Boutmy Scholarship, France: Named after the founder of Sciences Po, this scholarship is awarded to top international students from outside the European Union. It is granted based on academic merit and the applicant’s profile in relation to the program. The award can range from a few thousand euros to covering the full tuition for the duration of the degree.

  • Lund University Global Scholarship, Sweden: This is a selective, merit-based scholarship that recognizes top academic students from outside the EU/EEA. The Faculty of Law at Lund is highly respected. The scholarships may cover 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% of the tuition fees. You apply for this scholarship after you have applied for the program itself.

  • University of Bologna Study Grants for International Students, Italy: As one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Bologna offers grants to deserving international students. These grants, called Unibo Action 1 & 2, provide a full tuition fee waiver and an annual allowance of €11,000.

Government-Funded Scholarships

National governments across Europe offer generous scholarships to promote their education systems and foster international relations.

  • DAAD Scholarships, Germany: The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a wide range of scholarships for international students. For law students, the “Master’s Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance (PPGG)” is particularly relevant. It covers tuition, travel, and living expenses for students pursuing master’s degrees in relevant fields at select German universities.

  • Chevening Scholarships, United Kingdom: Although the UK is no longer in the EU, it remains a top European destination for legal studies. The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government’s global scholarship program, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. It offers full financial support for a one-year master’s degree at any UK university, making it one of the most prestigious and competitive awards available.

  • Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme, France: This program from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs helps French higher education institutions attract top foreign students for master’s and PhD programs. While it doesn’t cover tuition fees (which are often low at public universities), it provides a generous monthly allowance of over €1,000 to help with living costs.

  • Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, Switzerland: These scholarships are aimed at young researchers from abroad who have completed a master’s degree or PhD. For law students interested in postgraduate research or a PhD, this is an excellent opportunity to study in a country known for its neutrality and role in international arbitration.

EU-Funded Programs

  • Erasmus+ Master’s Degree Loans: While not a traditional scholarship, the Erasmus+ program offers loans with favorable payback terms to support students from certain countries pursuing a master’s degree in a different Erasmus+ Program Country. This can be a viable option to cover tuition and living expenses for your LL.M. studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a full scholarship to study law in Europe? Yes, it is possible, but it is highly competitive. Full scholarships like Chevening or some university-specific awards (like certain tiers of the LExS) cover all tuition and often provide a stipend for living costs. You will need an exceptional academic record, a compelling personal statement, and strong recommendation letters.

Do I need to speak the local language to get a law scholarship? Not always. Many top European universities offer LL.M. programs taught entirely in English, especially in fields like international and European law. For these programs, you will need to prove your English proficiency through tests like the TOEFL or IELTS. However, for undergraduate law degrees (LL.B.), instruction is almost always in the local language.

Are these scholarships for both undergraduate (LLB) and postgraduate (LLM) studies? Most of the prominent international scholarships, like Chevening and DAAD master’s programs, are specifically for postgraduate studies (LL.M. or PhD). University-specific scholarships may be available for both levels, but there are generally more funding opportunities for master’s programs than for bachelor’s degrees.