Introduction: Can You Study in Europe Without a Bank Statement?
One of the biggest hurdles for international students aiming to study in Europe is the requirement to prove financial means, often through bank statements. Many European countries require this proof to issue a student visa, ensuring you can cover tuition and living costs.
But what if you don’t have the traditional financial documentation or your bank balance isn’t sufficient? The good news: some scholarships waive the need for financial proof and can fully fund your education, living expenses, and even travel costs.
In this article, we explore top scholarships for 2025 that don’t require bank statements or financial proof, helping students from all backgrounds unlock European education without financial barriers.
Why Do Some European Countries Require Bank Statements?
Countries like Germany, France, and the UK usually require proof of funds because:
They want to ensure you can support yourself without working illegally.
They need to verify your ability to pay tuition and accommodation.
It’s a mandatory part of the student visa application.
However, scholarships that cover full costs often simplify or eliminate these requirements because the funding body guarantees financial support on your behalf.
Top Scholarships That Don’t Require Bank Statements for European Study (2025)
1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD)
Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend (~€1,000), travel allowance
Bank Statement Requirement: Generally waived for scholarship holders
Deadline: Varies by program (Dec 2024 – Mar 2025)
Why It Works:
Erasmus Mundus is funded by the European Union and provides comprehensive scholarships that cover living costs, so visa offices often waive the financial proof when students present their scholarship award letters.
2. DAAD Scholarships for International Students (Germany)
Coverage: Monthly stipend (~€934), health insurance, travel allowance
Bank Statement Requirement: Not usually required with scholarship confirmation
Deadline: October–December 2024
Why It Works:
The DAAD scholarship covers all essential expenses. Most German consulates accept the scholarship award letter as proof of funds, eliminating the need for a bank statement.
3. Swedish Institute Scholarships
Coverage: Tuition fees, living expenses, travel grants
Bank Statement Requirement: Waived for scholarship recipients
Deadline: January 2025
Why It Works:
The Swedish Institute supports full scholarships that cover living costs, so students don’t have to prove personal financial means for visa purposes.
4. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Coverage: Tuition, living allowance, flights, visa costs
Bank Statement Requirement: Not required if awarded
Deadline: November 2024
Why It Works:
Chevening’s full funding includes all necessary costs, and scholarship holders receive official letters recognized by UK visa authorities as sufficient proof of finances.
5. University-Specific Full Scholarships in Europe
Many universities offer full scholarships covering tuition and living costs and provide official financial guarantees, such as:
Sciences Po (France) Emile Boutmy Scholarship
University of Amsterdam Merit Scholarship
Leiden Excellence Scholarship (Netherlands)
Students with these scholarships typically do not need to submit bank statements for visa applications, as the scholarship confirmation serves that purpose.
How to Apply and Maximize Your Chances
Apply Early: Scholarship deadlines are often months before the academic year starts.
Prepare Strong Documentation: Academic records, motivation letters, references, and proof of language proficiency.
Highlight Financial Need: Some scholarships prioritize candidates who lack traditional financial backing.
Contact University International Offices: Confirm visa requirements for your country.
Use Official Scholarship Letters: For your visa application, the scholarship confirmation letter is your strongest proof of financial support.
Other Tips to Study in Europe Without Bank Statements
Consider Countries With Easier Visa Rules: Some European countries have less stringent financial proof requirements when you hold scholarships.
Use Blocked Accounts Alternatives: Some countries accept guarantees or scholarships in lieu of personal funds.