Scholarships and Financial Aid for Higher Education: An Overview
Studying in Luxembourg or abroad is an achievable goal, provided you plan ahead for the costs. Whether you’re a newcomer or have been living here for several years, understanding the financial aid available to students in Luxembourg is essential to ensuring your child’s academic success.
Between the cost of living in Luxembourg, tuition fees, and international travel, the financial challenges can seem significant. However, Luxembourg offers a structured support system available to residents, including foreign nationals.
Financial Aid for Higher Education: What You Need to Know
- Luxembourg offers a financial aid system combining scholarships and low-interest loans
- Financial aid is available to residents and cross-border workers under certain conditions
- The majority of Luxembourg students study abroad.
Student aid in Luxembourg: a rapidly expanding system
Luxembourg has gradually increased its financial support for students. Between 2017 and 2021, the number of grants awarded rose from 26,100 to over 30,800, an increase of approximately 18%.
This trend reflects a clear commitment: to facilitate access to higher education, both in Luxembourg and abroad, while limiting student debt.
| In thousands of euros | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total amount of scholarships awarded | 28,390 | 29,499 | 30,308 | 33,589 | 33,725 |
| Amount of scholarships declined | 3,542 | 3,543 | 3,632 | 3,321 | 4,284 |
Key trend: Luxembourg is increasingly favoring non-repayable grants over loans to reduce the financial burden on families.
Studying abroad from Luxembourg: popular destinations
Luxembourg stands out for its high level of international student mobility. The majority of students choose to study abroad while still receiving national financial aid.
Top destinations for students residing in Luxembourg
The most popular countries remain:
- France
- Belgium
- Germany
- Netherlands
- Austria
The Netherlands has seen the sharpest increase (+81% over 5 years), followed by Spain (+68%) and Canada (+40%).
Conversely, the United Kingdom has attracted fewer students since Brexit, largely due to rising tuition fees.
Most Attractive Student Cities
Certain cities are particularly popular among Luxembourgish students:
- Paris
- Liège
- Nancy
- Vienna
- Innsbruck
These destinations offer a balance between academic quality, geographical accessibility, and cost of living.
Studying in Luxembourg: an increasingly attractive option
At the same time, Luxembourg is expanding its local offerings, particularly through the University of Luxembourg.
Today:
- More than 6,500 students are enrolled there
- A high proportion of international students
- Multilingual and internationally recognized programs
The goal is clear: to offer a credible alternative to studying abroad, while maintaining an international outlook.
Requirements for obtaining a scholarship in Luxembourg
Financial aid is available under certain conditions:
- Be a resident or work in Luxembourg (including cross-border workers under certain conditions)
- Be enrolled in a recognized higher education program
- Meet academic and administrative criteria
Despite an accessible system, some applications are denied each year. In 2021, approximately 1 in 9 applications was rejected.
Tip: Thoroughly preparing your application significantly increases your chances of success.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting an incomplete application or missing the deadline
- Misunderstanding the eligibility criteria
- Failing to account for the total cost of studies (housing, transportation, insurance)
- Relying solely on a single source of funding
Practical tips for financing your education
- Plan your overall budget starting in high school
- Compare costs across countries and cities
- Explore additional financial aid (private scholarships, EU grants)
- Check official updates regularly
FAQ: Financing Your Education in Luxembourg
Who is eligible for financial aid in Luxembourg?
Resident students, including children of expatriates, provided they meet the residency and academic requirements.
Can you study abroad with a Luxembourg scholarship?
Yes, the majority of scholarship recipients continue their studies outside of Luxembourg.
Do grants have to be repaid?
Scholarships are non-repayable. Any loans are repayable, but under favorable terms.
How much is the financial aid?
The amount varies depending on the student’s circumstances (income, location of studies, status), but can cover a significant portion of the costs.
Conclusion: A system that benefits students and expat families
Luxembourg offers a particularly favorable environment for financing higher education, whether locally or internationally.
For expat families as well as long-term residents, this is a concrete way to secure their children’s academic future.
To learn more and plan your project: