Options for studying postgraduate courses for free with your European passport

Access to the high quality of European academic offerings is undoubtedly a major motivation for seeking residency and citizenship options on the continent. The standard in this area is that higher education is free and public, especially in countries like Germany, where quality education is considered a guarantee that its workforce has the necessary tools to thrive in a highly industrialized, knowledge-based economy.

We will review some alternatives where, in addition, the student is offered remuneration for dedicating 100 percent to their academic work.

Germany: As a general rule, German public universities do not charge tuition fees for postgraduate programs, except for a minimal semester administrative fee. The only German state that charges university tuition is Baden-Württemberg, and this applies to students from outside the EU. However, this does not apply to doctoral programs.

Programs like the one Collaborative Research Centers They offer outstanding doctoral students a 4-year contract, with a salary equivalent to that of a public employee (between 65% and 100% of a full-time position). 

There is also the program Erasmus +This program allows you to apply for full funding for 12 months for each academic stage, including Master's and Doctoral degrees. It is available to residents of all 27 European Union (EU) member states. Students are also exempt from paying tuition fees, if applicable. 

Another option is scholarships from Heinrich Böll FoundationThese programs require applicants to share the foundation's values, such as ecology and sustainability, democracy and human rights, self-determination, and justice. European postgraduate students receive a monthly stipend of €1350, along with a research allowance of €100. For Master's students, the program lasts for the standard study period, with the possibility of extension. For PhD students, the program lasts up to two years, with two possible one-semester extensions.

DenmarkIn this country there is a state scholarship system called Statens Uddannelsesstøtte (SU), which is also available to people from other EU and EEA countries. The amounts provided vary, but generally cover the student's expenses for up to 6 years. 

Here there is also access to the Erasmus program, for up to 12 months, and for certain master's programs, which are taught jointly between a Danish institution and one from another European country, there is Erasmus Mundus.

For those coming from other Nordic or Baltic countries, there is a cooperation program Nordplus.

In Denmark, PhD students typically receive a salary and do not pay tuition fees. Admission requires a master's degree or equivalent internationally recognized qualification, as well as proof of English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS). The standard duration is three years. Industrial PhDs, which are collaborations between a university and a company, are also available.

If the postgraduate program you'd like to pursue doesn't offer a stipend or salary to cover personal expenses, there's a wide variety of alternatives. scholarships y available financial aid What is recommended to review for studying in Europe?

How can I get a European passport?

There are several ways to do this, and they differ from country to country. For example, in Portugal you can obtain citizenship.  if you are the grandchild of Portuguese peopleTo do this, you must prove your relationship with your grandparents and also a connection to Portuguese culture, which is generally demonstrated by having knowledge of the local language (fluency is not necessary). 

Another option would be to create a company in Portugal, through the so-called “entrepreneur visaIt has simpler processes and requirements compared to other options, and there is no minimum investment. The amount only needs to be reasonable for the type of business you want to run. 

There is also the option of Golden VisaIn the case of Portugal, this requires an investment of €500.000 or a contribution of €200.000 to artistic and cultural projects. It allows you to obtain a passport in just 5 years.

Spain also has a Golden Visa program, which can be accessed through a property investment starting at €500.000 (an amount that may change in the coming years). It's worth noting that citizens of former Spanish colonies, such as Chile, can obtain Spanish nationality after only two years of residency in the country.

One option you should start moving towards very soon is the so-called grandchildren law, which grants Spanish nationality to children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Spaniards who were born outside of Spain. 

Whichever path you choose, at AIM Global we are experts in global mobility and can advise you to help you succeed in your plans. Schedule a meeting right now. with our team.