Luxembourg is a centre of international law and finance and an elite destination for master’s and PhD students. The 2026-2027 academic year funding trends are centred on high-achieving international students, especially in the areas of research and specialised legal studies.
1. The International Grant Guillaume Dupaix
This is the University of Luxembourg’s most prestigious “Excellence” scholarship, offered in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- The Award: €10,000 per annum (€5,763 per semester) towards living costs and accommodation.
- • Length: Up to 2 years (normal length of a Master’s degree)
- Target: Excellent international students (EU and non-EU) applying for a master’s programme.
- • Where we are now: The key deadline for the 2026 cohort was March 24, 2026. However, if you’re planning for the 2027 cycle, applications usually open in January.
- Special Tracks: There is a certain quota for students from selected regions like the Western Balkans, Ibero-America, Thailand, Vietnam, and Ukraine.
2. Scholarships of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs (MFEA)
The Luxembourg government wants to finance certain programmes that promote international cooperation and legal excellence.
- Master European Legal Studies (EIPA)
- The Award: Full scholarship for the 2026-2028 cycle.
- Source: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine, and Moldova.
- • Focus: For students and professionals who want to specialise in the legal structures of the EU.
- Financial aid (CEDIES)
- International students who have lived or worked in Luxembourg for a certain period of time may be eligible for state-backed grants and loans, but the scheme is primarily for residents and children of frontier workers.
3. PhD Research & Exchange Grants
Luxembourg is a global research hub, particularly in cybersecurity, finance and biomedicine.
- PhD positions: University of Luxembourg:
- The Setup: Unlike most PhD candidates elsewhere, most PhD candidates at Uni.lu are employed. You receive a competitive salary (often starting at €3,000+ per month) while you are doing your doctorate.
- Research Exchange Grants: The MFEA also offers research exchange grants (1 month) for PhD students from partner universities in Canada, China and the USA.
- ERCIM Alain Bensoussan Fellowship:
- The Award: Fellowships for researchers to conduct research at the University of Luxembourg or at other European research institutes.
- Requirement: PhD from anywhere in the world (or soon to be) open to all nationalities
4. Awards other than the Foundation
- Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarships:
- The Award: This foundation, based in Germany, supports Master’s and PhD students across Europe who share their social and political aims.
- 2027 Intake Deadline: 1 October 2026 (for grants starting April 2027)
- Benefits: €1,350 per month for PhD students and €850 for Master’s students.
2026 Luxembourg Scholarships: How to Get One
- Excellence is non-negotiable. The minimum requirement for the Guillaume Dupaix is generally a 3.8+ GPA or equivalent. You must be invited to apply by your master’s programme director after review of your initial admission file.
- Book your accommodation early. Luxembourg has one of the tightest housing markets in Europe. Scholarships which offer guaranteed university accommodation (like the Dupaix) are worth their weight in gold.
- The “Motivation” Letter: Juries in Luxembourg want to see “European engagement”. Explain how your studies in Luxembourg (the seat of the European Court of Justice) will help you to contribute to international cooperation or the digital economy.
- Language Portfolio: The majority of master’s degrees are in English, but the University of Luxembourg is multilingual. Mention any proficiency in French or German as a big tie-breaker.
Conclusion: A European strategic leap
Luxembourg offers a unique ‘boutique’ university experience with a direct link to the European institutions and the global banking sector.
Quick Checklist 2026:
- PhD Seekers: Check the Uni.lu job portal on a daily basis, as jobs are posted all year round.
- MFEA Legal Scholars: Western Balkans and Ukraine, check the EIPA portal for 2026-2028 enrolment.
- 2027 Master’s Planning: Did you miss the March 2026 Dupaix deadline? Start your portfolio now for the January 2027 opening.
