Greece and Cyprus are two sunny Mediterranean countries known for ancient history, vibrant culture, and growing international education. You can now study in either of them completely free. A fully funded scholarship in Greece or Cyprus gives you everything: free student visa support, free return flight tickets, free accommodation or university housing, full tuition fees, and a monthly living allowance. You need zero personal funds.
This guide covers everything you need – the benefits, the top scholarships in both countries, who can apply, the application process, a useful comparison table, and more. Read it carefully and pick your dream destination.
What Does a Fully Funded Scholarship in Greece or Cyprus Include?
A real, fully funded scholarship in these Mediterranean countries is an all‑in‑one package. It removes every financial worry. Here is what you receive completely free:
- Free Visa Fee – A travel or establishment grant that fully pays your student visa or residence permit application fee.
- Free Return Flight Tickets – Economy airfare from your home country to Greece or Cyprus and back after your course.
- Free Accommodation or Hotel – A monthly rental allowance that covers a university dormitory room, a shared apartment, or a temporary free hotel/guesthouse on arrival.
- Free Tuition Fees – 100% of your course fees waived for the whole degree programme.
- Free Health Insurance – Full medical, accident, and sometimes liability insurance arranged and paid by the scholarship.
- Monthly Living Stipend – A tax‑free cash allowance (usually between €450 and €800 per month in Greece, and €500–€800 in Cyprus) for food, transport, and personal needs.
- Books and Supplies Grant – Extra money for study materials, laptop, and research expenses.
Everything from your departure to your graduation is financed. You just study and enjoy the Mediterranean life.
Benefits Breakdown – What Is Completely Free?
This table shows the exact benefits you can expect.
| Benefit | What You Get for Free in Greece & Cyprus |
|---|---|
| Free Visa | A grant that covers the full student visa or residence permit fee. |
| Free Flight Ticket | Return economy tickets from your home country to the university city. |
| Free Accommodation | Monthly rent allowance or free university dormitory; sometimes a free hotel for the first week. |
| Free Tuition | All tuition fees for the entire bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programme. |
| Free Health Insurance | Full medical coverage, often with accident and liability insurance included. |
| Monthly Living Stipend | Cash payment of €450–€800 to cover all daily expenses. |
| Books and Study Materials | Yearly grant for textbooks, laptop, and academic resources. |
With this package, you can live comfortably and study in either Greece or Cyprus without any financial stress.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Greece with Free Visa, Flight, and Housing
These are the most well‑known Greek scholarships that truly cover everything for international students.
1. Greek State Scholarships (IKY) for International Students
- Funded by the Greek government through the State Scholarships Foundation.
- Full tuition fee coverage for a master’s or PhD programme at a Greek public university.
- Monthly stipend of €500–€600 that covers accommodation, food, and local transport.
- A travel and establishment grant that pays for your visa fee and a return flight ticket.
- Free health insurance for the full study period.
- Open to students from selected countries; check the annual call.
2. Onassis Foundation Foreigners’ Fellowships Programme
- Prestigious scholarship for students coming to Greece for postgraduate studies or research.
- Full tuition fees and a generous monthly allowance (approx. €800–€1,000 per month).
- International travel grant covering visa costs and return air tickets.
- Free accommodation support: the monthly stipend comfortably pays for a private apartment or university housing.
- Strong emphasis on academic excellence and research potential.
3. Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) International Scholarship
- For high‑achieving international master’s and PhD students.
- 100% tuition fee waiver for the entire programme.
- Monthly living stipend of €550 plus a housing supplement that covers dormitory rent.
- Visa and travel allowance that covers the flight ticket and residence permit.
- Free Greek language courses and cultural immersion activities.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Cyprus with Free Visa, Flight, and Housing
Cyprus also offers excellent scholarship programmes that deliver a complete free package.
1. Cyprus State Scholarships for International Students
- Awarded by the Cyprus government through the Ministry of Education.
- Full tuition fee coverage for bachelor’s or master’s degrees at public universities.
- Monthly living allowance of €600–€750 that covers accommodation and all daily needs.
- Travel grant that covers the visa fee and a return flight ticket to Cyprus.
- Free medical care through the general health system.
- Open to students from specific countries and programmes.
2. University of Cyprus International Excellence Scholarship
- For outstanding international master’s and PhD candidates.
- Full tuition fee waiver and a monthly stipend of €650–€800.
- A relocation grant that pays for the visa application and the first flight ticket.
- Free university dormitory room for the first year, or a rental allowance if the dorm is full.
- Conference and research travel support included.
3. Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Full Graduate Scholarship
- For master’s and PhD students at EMU in Famagusta.
- 100% tuition fee scholarship and a monthly living allowance of €500–€600.
- A travel and visa support grant that covers the one‑way flight ticket and residence permit fee.
- Guaranteed low‑cost university housing, which the stipend fully covers.
- Opportunity to work as a teaching or research assistant for extra experience.
These scholarships in Greece and Cyprus make the promise of free study, free flight, and free stay a reality.
Who Can Apply? – General Eligibility
Although specific criteria differ, most scholarships in Greece and Cyprus require:
- A strong academic record (minimum 70–75% or B grade).
- English language proficiency: IELTS 6.0–6.5, TOEFL iBT 80–90, or equivalent.
- A well‑written motivation letter or personal statement.
- Two to three recommendation letters from teachers or employers.
- A clear study plan or research proposal (for master’s and PhD applicants).
- Some programmes value volunteer work, leadership, or community involvement.
There is usually no strict age limit. Many scholarships welcome families and may offer extra support for dependants.
How to Apply – Step‑by‑Step Process
Follow these steps to secure your fully funded scholarship in Greece or Cyprus.
Step 1: Choose Your Country, University, and Scholarship
Decide whether you prefer Greece or Cyprus, then find a suitable programme and scholarship. Check the official websites of the universities, IKY (Greece), or the Cyprus Ministry of Education.
Step 2: Prepare All Documents
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- English language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.).
- A motivation letter explaining why you deserve this completely free opportunity.
- Updated CV.
- Two or three strong reference letters.
- Research proposal (for PhD).
- A valid passport copy.
Step 3: Submit Your Online Application
Complete the application form before the deadline. Upload all scanned documents in the required formats. Some scholarships require a separate university admission application, so complete both.
Step 4: Attend an Interview (If Invited)
Shortlisted candidates may be asked for an online or in‑person interview. Be prepared to talk about your goals and how the free visa, flight, and accommodation will support your education.
Step 5: Receive Your Award Letter
Successful applicants receive an official scholarship letter detailing the tuition waiver, monthly stipend, travel grant, visa support, and accommodation details.
Step 6: Apply for the Student Visa
Use the award letter to apply for a student visa (Schengen for Greece; national visa for Cyprus). The scholarship travel grant covers the visa fee entirely.
Quick Comparison Table – Greece vs Cyprus Scholarships
| Scholarship | Free Visa | Free Flight Ticket | Free Accommodation | Monthly Stipend | Full Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IKY (Greece) | Travel grant | Return flight | Stipend covers rent | €500–€600 | 100% |
| Onassis Foundation | Yes | Return airfare | Monthly allowance covers housing | €800–€1,000 | 100% |
| AUTH International | Visa allowance | Yes | Housing supplement + dorm | €550 | 100% |
| Cyprus State Scholarships | Travel grant | Return ticket | Stipend covers accommodation | €600–€750 | 100% |
| University of Cyprus Excellence | Relocation grant | First flight ticket | Free dorm or rental allowance | €650–€800 | 100% |
| EMU Full Graduate | Visa support | One‑way flight | University housing guaranteed | €500–€600 | 100% |
Use this table to compare the free benefits you get in each country.
Documents Checklist for Your Application
- [ ] Valid passport
- [ ] Academic transcripts and certificates
- [ ] English language proficiency certificate
- [ ] Motivation letter or personal statement
- [ ] Up‑to‑date CV
- [ ] Two or three reference letters
- [ ] Research proposal (for research programmes)
- [ ] Passport‑size photos
- [ ] Completed application form (online and printed if required)
Having all these documents ready makes your application fast and complete.
Practical Tips to Win a Fully Funded Scholarship in Greece or Cyprus
- Start early – begin your research 12 months before the semester starts.
- Write a genuine motivation letter – clearly explain how the free visa, flight, and accommodation will open doors for your future.
- Show your connection to the country – mention why Greece or Cyprus is the perfect fit for your field of study.
- Choose strong referees who can write about your specific achievements, not just generic praise.
- Apply to multiple scholarships in both Greece and Cyprus to maximise your chances.
- Contact the international office of the university with any questions; they are usually very responsive.
- Double‑check all documents before submission – incomplete applications are often rejected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do these scholarships really cover the visa and flight ticket?
Yes. Fully funded programmes like IKY, Onassis, and Cyprus State Scholarships include a travel grant that covers both the visa fee and a return flight ticket. You don’t pay anything.
Q2: Will I get free accommodation?
Yes. The monthly living stipend is designed to cover rent and food. Many universities also offer low‑cost or free dormitories, and some scholarships provide a housing supplement or a temporary hotel on arrival.
Q3: Can I bring my spouse or children?
Many scholarships do not prohibit dependants, and the monthly stipend can sometimes support a family. However, you must check each scholarship’s family policy and visa rules.
Q4: Do I need to speak Greek or Turkish?
No. Most international programmes are taught in English. However, learning some local language is encouraged, and free language classes are often provided by the university.
Q5: Where can I find official information?
For Greece, visit the State Scholarships Foundation (IKY) website and the official pages of Greek universities. For Cyprus, check the Cyprus Ministry of Education and the respective university international offices.
Start Your Mediterranean Study Adventure Completely Free
A scholarship that offers you a free visa, free flight ticket, free accommodation, and full tuition in Greece or Cyprus is a real, life‑changing opportunity. Both countries offer warm weather, safe cities, rich history, and a growing international student community. The only thing you need is a well‑prepared application and the determination to meet the deadlines.
Pick one or two scholarships from the lists above, gather your documents, write a strong motivation letter, and apply. Your Mediterranean education journey can begin – fully funded and completely free.
🔽 DISCLAIMER
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only. Scholarship benefits, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines are subject to change. We do not guarantee that any applicant will receive a free visa, free flight ticket, free accommodation, or any funding. Always verify the latest information on the official website of the scholarship provider. The content shared here is based on publicly available sources and does not constitute immigration, legal, or financial advice.
Share this guide with every student who dreams of studying in Greece or Cyprus for free. One click can open the door to a bright Mediterranean future!