Statistics show that the largest percentage of international students in higher education, in the EU and its member states, belongs to Luxembourg (49%). Though, the cost of living in the country is quite high. Many higher education institutions help the most gifted students and provide them with a Luxembourg scholarship during their studies.
How to study in Luxembourg and why?
Students from all over the world come to Luxembourg to get higher education. But what makes Luxembourg so promising and attractive? Here are the main reasons for the country's popularity among foreign students.
So, it is not strange that Luxembourg is an absolute leader and has the biggest share of international or foreign students among OECD and partner countries. The proportion of international students enrolled in tertiary education reached 49% and in doctoral programs — 91% in 2021.
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In 2022, 633 people arrived in the country for study purposes. There is a consistent growth trend over the past decade.
Of course, if you compare this number with other EU countries such as Germany or France, Luxembourg will not be in the top. But you need to take into account the small size of the country itself and the number of universities. There are not many of them in the Grand Duchy, but the quality of education in the country is at a high level. The University of Luxembourg, Lunex University, and Luxembourg School of Business are considered to be the best universities for international students.
Notable universities in the country
There are many institutions to choose from to study. We will give an example of the State University of Luxembourg and a popular option for a private establishment, covering many professions, educational specialisations and degrees. You can consult our other articles on education in the Blog section.
Technical universities too
In addition, the country has several very strong technical universities, whose graduates are in demand on the market and never have difficulties finding jobs. But be careful, scholarships are not offered everywhere!
Best scholarships for foreign students in Luxembourg
Luxembourg is ready to offer several types of scholarships and grants for international students in various fields of education. Such scholarships are mainly provided to those who have shown excellent results at previous studies and can provide documents to prove this. Some programs cover only living costs, other scholarships also include tuition fees.
Every international scholarship program determine its own eligibility criteria, but the general requirements are:
- excellent academic performance,
- academic achievements or participation in scientific projects,
- students who do not receive public financial assistance from the government.
At some universities, the requirements may be expanded, for example, the student must be a citizen of African, Asian or Latin American countries or specialize in a certain field of study.
University of Luxembourg scholarships in 2024
Whether it's in conjunction with other universities or on its own, the country's state university provides support for its students. There are several scholarships available.
How to get the scholarship from Uni.lu?
- To qualify for the University of Luxembourg scholarship, you must first apply for the Master's program.
- The Program Director will evaluate your Master’s application. If it meets criteria of excellence, you will be invited to apply for a scholarship.
- To apply for scholarship, you will need to:
- fill out a special online form,
- attach a personal statement outlining your reasons for applying and describing your strengths,
- attach two academic letters of recommendation.
Guillaume Dupaix International Master's Scholarship
The Guillaume Dupaix International Master's Scholarship is aimed to support high-achieving international students who want to enroll in a Master's program at the Luxembourg University. The scholarship amount is 10,000 euros per year, the maximum duration of payments is 2 years.
Every year, 30 students receive a university of Luxembourg masters scholarship, 10 people in each department. Part of the scholarship is spent on the student’s accommodation, and part is paid personally at the beginning of each semester up to 650 euros per month. Tuition fees are not included in the scholarship.
Do not lose it
The scholarship may be revoked if the student commits academic violations, declines in academic performance, or refuses to complete the master's program.
Eligibility criteria:
- applicants from EU and non-EU countries;
- excellent academic performance during undergraduate studies;
- full-time students;
- non-beneficiaries of financial assistance from the government.
The selection criterion will be the quality of academic performance, the strengths of the applicant and the originality of the personal statement. All applicants of University of Luxembourg scholarship for non-European students will receive a final response.
Student Hardship Fund
The University of Luxembourg is ready to provide assistance to those undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students who are experiencing financial difficulties that could affect their studies. This assistance does not constitute a full Luxembourg scholarship or grant and cannot be used as a primary source of income.
To receive assistance, a student must
- be enrolled in a bachelor's or master's degree program,
- be registered in the third semester of study program or above,
- do not receive other financial support, need immediate assistance due to unexpected financial problems.
Take it back to the start
If a student begins their studies with insufficient funds to cover their living expenses, assistance will not be provided.
EBU Scholarship Impact program at the European Business Institute of Luxembourg
The EBU Scholarship Impact Programme is open to students who are nationals of the countries on the attached list. They may be present in their home country or be refugees in another country and be able to prove their status. Students from countries not on the list will be considered if they can demonstrate achievement and determination in the face of challenge or great adversity.
The Impact Programme has an online e-learning format with live webinars and travel to the campus organized on campus weeks. Its aim is to provide access to higher education in countries where the offer is limited due to different reasons.
EBU provides a list of courses or programs available for each set deadline. If your application meets all the requirements, you can be nominated by the EBU for a scholarship. The scholarships are given to highly motivated international students.
Eligibility criteria:
- Students must be nationals of and currently stay in an African, Central or South American, Eastern European or Asian Country, or are refugees and can prove their status.
- Students must have access to the Internet.
- All students must be admitted to EBU.
- Students must commit to the strict academic standards the EBU sets.
How to get the scholarship?
- Select a currently offered course with a scholarship on the website,
- Prepare application form and supporting documents,
- Submit your application via EBU site, upload a valid identification document (e.g. ID or Passport) and all documents.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarship in Luxembourg
Universities in Luxembourg take an active part in the Erasmus+ program, under which students from non-EU countries can receive an Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarship.
To qualify for a scholarship, you must apply directly to the university that runs your chosen Master's programme. In most cases, applications are accepted between October and January for courses starting the following year. Detailed information, including the possibility of receiving a scholarship, can usually be found on the website of each Master's programme.
The scholarship is available to students from all over the world, the applicant must at least
- have a bachelor’s degree (first degree), or be in the last year of bachelor studies,
- graduate before the master’s program starts.
Scholarships are awarded to students with excellent academic records and other personal achievements, such as successful scientific work. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships cover the full cost of your studies, including visa and accommodation, and amount to 1400 euros per month. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships are awarded for the entire duration of the course.
Erasmus Mundus Master in Sport Management — GOALS at Lunex
LUNEX University together with 4 more European universities takes part in the international Master's program GOALS (Governance & Administration of Leisure and Sports International). This unique Master program is dedicated to grow future professionals within the fields of sport, management and active leisure. The program has two specializations: Sports Industry and Leisure, Sport and Events Management.
Keep in mind, that in case of fraud or false declarations, the scholarship holder will be obliged to return all funds received.
How to get this scholarship?
- Online application.
Fill in an online application form for the GOALS Master program and provide all required documents
- Interview of shortlisted candidates.
The 20 minutes interview is aimed to determine candidates’ motivation to study in the GOALS course
- Final selection.
After a complicated evaluation process 2 lists of students will be created. Applicants from the main list can be awarded an Erasmus Mundus scholarship. Applicants from the reserve list can also register as self-funded students
State financial aid for higher education (AideFi)
Luxembourg government via grant and loans system allows eligible students to get higher education courses regardless of their financial state. State financial aid for higher education (AideFi) can be obtained not only by Luxembourg residents, but also by foreign students.
You may receive AideFi for your studies if the program in which you will study is a higher education programme (1st cycle, 2nd cycle, research programme) and it awards a higher education diploma, qualification or degree.
Third-countries nationals must meet the following criteria:
- have resided in Luxembourg for at least 5 years (or have been granted long-term resident status prior to submitting the first application),
- have a Luxembourgish secondary school-leaving diploma or certificate, or equivalent.
For non-residents
Requirements are quite strict, as this is a governmental aid. Therefore, the student must has been studying in Luxembourg for a period of at least 5 years in a public or private educational institution or legally living in Luxembourg for at least 5 years at the time of the application.
The non-resident students must first have completed all necessary procedures in their country of residence in order to get financial support for their studies. The official response for the current academic year, whether positive or negative, must be attached to the AideFi application in Luxembourg. Without response, no AideFi can be granted.
The full list of requirements is published on the official website of the Government of Luxembourg.
AideFi applications must be submitted for each semester. The online procedure via MyGuichet.lu is now accessible to all. You can fill out a grant application on the MyGuichet.lu mobile application with smartphone, for example.
PhD scholarships in Luxembourg
Although there are many programmes to support masters and bachelors students in Luxembourg, there are also programmes to support researchers and those continuing their studies. This support is usually provided by the research centres and involves a close partnership with them.
One such institution is Luxembourg National Research Fund.
Luxembourg National Research Fund
AFR — Individual PhD Grants & Bilateral PhD & PD Grants
The AFR program offered by The Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR) provides funding for the training of doctoral candidates only. The grant is paid until the applicant has completed the Ph.D. degree, but for a maximum of 4 years.
The program holds only one competition per year. The application should be submitted jointly with the host institution. Application is submitted online.
Eligibility criteria for AFR PhD grant
- Luxembourg and international applicants are eligible to apply for the grants.
- Applicants must be fluent in English.
- Applicants must hold a university degree of a recognised higher education institution, allowing them to enter into doctoral training.
- Candidates from any nationality may apply for a doctoral position in an eligible Luxembourg host institution.
- Candidates will be required to spend >50% in Luxembourg under an employment contract with the host institution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a foreign student get a scholarship to study in one of Luxembourg universities?
What scholarships does the University of Luxembourg offer?
Who can receive the Guillaume Dupaix International Master’s Scholarship?
Source: lunex.lu, master-goals.eu, www.uni.lu, luxembourg.public.lu, stats.oecd.org, guichet.public.lu, erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu
We took photos from these sources: OECD.Stat, Unsplash