Study in Europe — Funding Guide

Scholarships for Studying Media in Europe: A Practical Guide for International Students

Dreaming of studying media, digital storytelling or international communication in Europe? Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to the most relevant scholarship routes, application tips, and resources to help creative, globally minded students (ages 17–21) find funding and take the next step.

Why scholarships matter for media students

Studying media in Europe opens doors to international media hubs, creative internships, and cross-border collaborations. Scholarships reduce financial barriers and let you focus on projects, labs, and building a portfolio that stands out across borders.

Key funding types include institutional scholarships (from universities), national or regional scholarships (government-funded), and European programmes that support exchanges and mobility.

Top funding routes to search first

Scholarship search checklist — what to look for

  1. Level & eligibility: Confirm the scholarship is open to undergraduate applicants if you’re applying for a bachelor’s degree; many high-profile scholarships focus on masters. (Tip: filter portal results by “Bachelor”.)
  2. Coverage: Does it cover tuition, living costs, travel, or only a stipend? Full funding is rare — a combination of partial awards often makes study affordable.
  3. Nationality rules: Some scholarships prioritise students from specific countries or regions — check the fine print early.
  4. Application timing: Deadlines vary widely. Start searches at least 9–12 months before your intended intake to meet scholarship and visa timelines.
  5. Required documents: Common requirements: motivation letter, portfolio (for media students), references, transcript translations, and proof of English proficiency.

Examples of scholarship sources (where to start)

Below are practical places to begin your scholarship search:

How to craft an application that stands out (media-specific tips)

Media scholarships reward creativity and evidence of hands-on potential. Use your application to show both creative skill and international perspective:

Action plan: 6 steps to apply for scholarships

  1. Map deadlines: Create a spreadsheet of scholarships, eligibility, deadlines and required documents.
  2. Prepare core documents: CV, transcripts, portfolio links, motivation letter template and referee contacts.
  3. Tailor each application: Adapt your motivation letter and portfolio to reflect the scholarship’s goals.
  4. Meet language & legal requirements: Check English language requirements and prepare certified translations if needed.
  5. Submit early: Aim to send applications at least one week before the deadline.
  6. Follow up: Keep copies of submissions and confirm receipt when possible.

Realistic expectations & alternatives

Be realistic: some of the most generous programmes focus on masters or specific nationalities. If a full scholarship isn’t available, combine partial funding (tuition waivers + mobility grants), work-study options, student jobs, or crowdfunding for creative projects.

Use scholarship portals as a discovery tool, but always verify eligibility and deadlines on the official provider page.

Quick list: scholarships and resources to check now

Want tailored help? Next steps

If you’d like, our international admissions team can help you map scholarships that specifically match your background and nationality. We also run portfolio workshops for prospective media students to help strengthen applications.

Get personal scholarship guidance & apply now

FAQ

Can I get Erasmus+ funding as a bachelor’s student?
Yes — Erasmus+ supports student mobility and exchanges for undergraduate students in participating programmes; benefits include fee exemptions and mobility grants. Check your home institution's international office for application steps. citeturn0search2
Are scholarships available specifically for media or journalism?
Yes — there are targeted scholarships and grants from journalism foundations, broadcast societies and university departments; availability varies by country and year. Search field-specific lists and professional bodies. citeturn0search11turn0news48
How early should I apply?
Start your scholarship search 9–12 months before enrolment to allow time for portfolio preparation, translations, and visa paperwork.