Are there scholarships available that can cover living expenses and tuition fees, and how competitive are they in Italy/Spain for a Master's?

Yes, there are scholarships in Europe that cover both tuition fees and living expenses for master's students, but they are highly competitive.

- Belgium: Master Mind Scholarship offers a grant of €10,020/year and reduced tuition. VUB Excellence Scholarship provides a full tuition waiver plus up to €10,000/year for living expenses.
- Italy: Italian Government Scholarship (MAECI) gives a €1,000/month grant (up to 9 months), health insurance, and possible tuition exemptions.
- Austria: ICP Connect Scholarship is fully funded, covering tuition, travel, insurance, and living costs.
- Spain: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees cover program fees, travel, and provide a living allowance.

Acceptance rates typically range from 5% to 20%, with Erasmus Mundus around 10 - 15%. Strong academics, language scores, and a compelling application are essential due to the high competition.

If you want to discuss your eligibility or need support with applications, connect with your LeapScholar counsellor.