🏳️🌈 Introduction
For LGBTQ+ students dreaming of studying abroad, Europe offers a unique combination of progressive societies, LGBTQ-friendly campuses, and scholarships tailored to support queer and trans scholars. In 2025, more institutions and foundations across Europe are stepping up to ensure equity, safety, and opportunity for LGBTQ+ students from around the world.
This guide outlines the best LGBTQ+ scholarships in Europe, inclusive universities, and safe study destinations where diversity is celebrated—not just tolerated.
🎓 Why Study in Europe as an LGBTQ+ Student?
🏳️⚧️ Progressive laws: Countries like the Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, and Spain have strong anti-discrimination protections.
🏫 Inclusive campuses: Many European universities have active LGBTQ+ student unions and gender-neutral facilities.
💰 LGBTQ-specific scholarships: Offered by both universities and NGOs.
🌍 Global networking: Study programs that empower LGBTQ+ students to become change-makers and leaders.
🌟 Top LGBTQ+ Scholarships in Europe (2025)
1. Point Foundation Europe Pilot (Expected Launch 2025)
(Pending launch in partnership with EU-based institutions)
🎯 For: LGBTQ+ students pursuing graduate degrees in social justice, public policy, health, or education
💰 Covers: Tuition, living allowance, mentoring
📍 Availability: UK, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden
📅 Expected Launch: Fall 2025
👉 Check updates at PointFoundation.org
2. Rainbow Scholarship – Fund for Education Abroad (FEA)
🎯 For: U.S. LGBTQ+ students studying in Europe
💰 Covers: $5,000–$10,000
📍 Applicable for study abroad programs in Europe
📅 Deadline: January 2025
✅ Partnered with diverse European universities including in Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands.
🔗 Rainbow Scholarship Info
3. Stonewall UK x University Scholarships
🎯 For: LGBTQ+ identifying students pursuing higher education in the UK
💰 Covers: Tuition discounts, support grants, mental health services
📍 Universities: University of Manchester, University of Edinburgh, Goldsmiths, among others
📅 Deadlines: Vary by institution
👉 Search each university’s financial aid portal or visit stonewall.org.uk
4. ILGA-Europe Community Support Fund
🎯 For: Activist students engaged in LGBTQ+ rights, policy, or advocacy
💰 Covers: Project grants and partial educational stipends
📍 Based in Belgium, but open to students across Europe
📅 Deadline: Annually, Spring and Autumn
👉 ILGA-Europe
5. Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (Inclusive Track)
🎯 For: Non-EU LGBTQ+ students
💰 Covers: Up to €25,000
📍 University of Amsterdam – known for queer-inclusive programs
📅 Deadline: January 2025
🔗 University of Amsterdam Scholarships
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ-Inclusive Universities in Europe (2025)
These institutions are not only safe but actively celebrate diversity and inclusion:
| University | Country | LGBTQ+ Support |
|---|---|---|
| University of Amsterdam | Netherlands | Pride UvA, gender-neutral housing, inclusive faculty |
| University of Sussex | UK | LGBTQ+ student union, ally training for staff |
| Humboldt University Berlin | Germany | Active LGBTQ+ office, queer academic research |
| University of Helsinki | Finland | Gender equality policies, queer campus clubs |
| Sciences Po Paris | France | Diversity & Inclusion office, LGBTQ+ rights curriculum |
🧭 Safest and Most LGBTQ+ Friendly Countries in Europe to Study (2025)
Based on ILGA-Europe’s 2024 Rainbow Map and asylum policies:
| Country | LGBTQ+ Safety Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Malta | 🟢 Excellent | Top global LGBTQ+ legal protections |
| Portugal | 🟢 Excellent | Legal gender recognition without medical requirements |
| Netherlands | 🟢 Excellent | Early adopter of same-sex marriage; LGBTQ+ equality in education |
| Sweden | 🟢 Excellent | Comprehensive protections + open society |
| Spain | 🟢 Excellent | Gender-affirming care access + safe public spaces |
Countries to exercise caution in: Poland, Hungary, and parts of Romania or Bulgaria — though select universities may still offer safe, inclusive experiences.
💼 LGBTQ+ Graduate Fellowships & Research Funding
If you’re pursuing an academic or advocacy-focused career:
Open Society Foundations – Civil Society Scholar Awards
For LGBTQ+ and human rights-focused research in Europe
Covers tuition, fieldwork, and living expenses
Erasmus+ Inclusive Mobility
Offers extra funding for students with special needs or from marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ students
🔗 Erasmus+ Inclusive Access
📝 Tips for LGBTQ+ Scholarship Applications
Highlight impact: Showcase how your identity and work intersect to drive social change.
Get strong references: Mentors from LGBTQ+ spaces or advocacy groups strengthen your application.
Be authentic: Scholarship providers value your voice and lived experience.
Use identity-based platforms: Look into LGBTQ+ student organizations for regional funding opportunities (e.g., TGEU, IGLYO).