Italy
FCOHistoric universities, English-taught programs and income-based regional scholarships.
Study & research in Europe
Dreaming of studying in Europe? Let's make it happen. I'll be with you.
I made the move from Karnataka, India to Italy on a fully funded PhD. Now I guide students like you to the right university, scholarships and research path, and I stay with you until you land in Europe.
Dr. Varun D NResearcher at FBK · Best PhD Award, UniTrento
✈ STUDENT BOARDING PASSNEXT INTAKE
INDKarnataka, India
EUREurope · Your campus
Passenger
You
Class
Master's · PhD
Fare
Scholarship
Mentor
Dr. Varun
Countries
6+
Visa
Type D
● BOARDING NOW@europe.scholar
Meet your mentor
Dr. Varun Donnakatte Neelalochana
Researcher, Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK) · PhD, University of Trento
Hi, I'm Varun. I came from a small town in Karnataka, India to Italy on a full PhD scholarship, and in 2026 the University of Trento gave me the Best PhD Award for my doctoral cycle. I've been through every step you're about to take: choosing a university, scholarship forms, the visa file, finding a room and the residence permit. Today I work as a researcher at Fondazione Bruno Kessler in Trento, one of Italy's leading research centres. I'd love to help you do it all with less stress and fewer mistakes.
I speak Kannada, Hindi and English, so you can ask your questions in the language you're comfortable with.
Award · 2026Best PhD Award
Miglior Dottore di Ricerca, University of Trento, doctorate in Civil, Environmental & Mechanical Engineering.
ScholarshipFully funded PhD
PON/NOP full scholarship under Italian Ministerial Decree 1061/2021.
ResearchGreen energy researcher
Membranes from recycled plastic bottles for fuel cells and electrolyzers. See my publications ↗
Current roleResearcher at FBK, Trento
1.5 years as a researcher at Fondazione Bruno Kessler, working in Italy's research world every day.
- 2019–21MSc ChemistryJSS Science & Technology University, Mysuru
- 2022Moved to ItalyFully funded PhD, University of Trento
- 2022–24Europe, studied up closeSummer school in Southampton (UK), talks in Greece and Dubai
- 2025PhD completedUniversity of Trento, cycle XXXVII
- 2025–nowResearcher at FBKFondazione Bruno Kessler, Trento
- 2026Best PhD AwardUniversity of Trento
Destinations
Where do you want to land?
Each country has its own deadlines, fees and scholarship rules. We compare them for your profile.
Germany
FRAMost public universities charge little or no tuition. Strong in engineering and research.
France
CDGTop business schools and grandes écoles, plus many English Master's programs.
Netherlands
AMSInteractive teaching, high English level and a big international community.
Ireland
DUBEnglish-speaking, with a strong tech industry and post-study stay options.
Spain
MADAffordable living and growing English-taught programs in business and tourism.
Scholarships
Study in Europe without the big bill
These are the main funding routes I help students apply for. Amounts and rules change every year, so we always check the official call together. Last checked: October 2026.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
Study in 2 or more European countries in one Master's. The scholarship covers tuition, travel and a monthly living allowance of around €1,400.
Official site ↗DSU Regional Scholarship
Offered by Italian regions. Depending on family income it can give a yearly cash grant, a tuition waiver, free meals and sometimes housing.
Study in Italy ↗Invest Your Talent in Italy
Italian government scholarship for Master's programs in engineering, economics, management and more, with an internship in an Italian company.
Study in Italy ↗DAAD Scholarships
Germany's main scholarship body. Monthly stipend for Master's programs, especially development-related courses. Many public universities also have very low fees.
DAAD database ↗Eiffel Excellence
French government scholarship for top Master's and PhD students, with a monthly allowance and extra benefits. Your university applies for you.
Campus France ↗Holland & Government of Ireland
The Holland Scholarship gives a grant in your first year. Ireland's scheme offers a stipend plus a tuition waiver for one year.
Holland ↗Funded Italian PhD positions
Most Italian PhD seats come with a scholarship (borsa di studio) of about €16,000+ per year before tax, plus extra money for research abroad. Calls usually open in spring and summer.
Universitaly ↗Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks
EU-funded PhD jobs with a real employment contract, salary, mobility allowance and training across countries. You must not have lived in the host country for long before applying.
EURAXESS jobs ↗PhD as a paid job
In Germany and the Netherlands many PhDs are paid university positions. You apply to an open vacancy like a job, with your CV and research proposal.
AcademicTransfer ↗DAAD Research Grants
Funding for a full doctorate or a research stay in Germany, with a monthly stipend and insurance.
DAAD database ↗Eiffel PhD (co-supervision)
Funding for doctoral students doing part of their PhD in France under joint supervision.
Campus France ↗Write to professors early
Many funded PhD seats are filled by students who contacted the professor before the call. I'll help you write that first email and your research proposal.
Ask me how ↗Research mentoring
For future researchers too
As a researcher at FBK with a PhD from Trento, I also guide students and young researchers who want to publish and build a research career in Europe.
Research proposal
Pick a strong topic, structure your proposal and match it to the right professor and lab.
Article review & suggestions
I read your research article and give clear suggestions on structure, clarity, figures and how to answer reviewers.
Literature review & journal choice
How to search papers, organise references and choose the right journal for your work.
Research mentoring session
A 45-minute call about your research plan, PhD life in Europe, lab work or career next steps.
Ask for research helpFields: materials science, chemistry, electrochemistry, energy and related areas.
How it works
Five stops from home to campus
A clear plan with deadlines, so nothing is left to the last minute.
Intro call
Free 15 minutes to see if we're a good fit.
Profile check
Your marks, budget and goals turned into a country and university plan.
Apply
SOP, CV, documents and portals, checked and submitted.
Funding & visa
Scholarship forms, proof of funds and visa appointment prep.
Land
Housing, residence permit and your first weeks in Europe.
Student reviews
Worked with me? Share your experience
–
Working together
When you want me by your side
I share tips for free on Instagram and the first call is always free. If you'd like me to work closely on your applications with you, these small fees cover my time.
Free first call
Talk to me
Ask me anything about studying or researching in Europe. No pressure, no commitment.
Profile Check · ₹1,000 ₹500
Choose this
30-min call and a written plan: countries, universities, budget and timeline.
Economy class
Starter
₹1,000
Up to 2 universities
- Country & university shortlist
- 2 university applications
- SOP review (1 round)
- Document checklist & deadlines
Premium class
Pro
₹2,000
Up to 4 universities
- Everything in Starter
- 4 university applications
- SOP & CV review (2 rounds)
- Deadline tracking on WhatsApp
Business class
Pro Plus
₹3,000
Applications + funding + visa
- Everything in Pro
- Scholarship applications
- Visa document check
- Proof of funds guidance
First class
Complete
₹5,000
Everything, home to campus
- Everything in Pro Plus
- Up to 6 universities
- Visa interview practice
- Housing search help
- 1 month support after arrival
Honest advice first
If you can do something on your own, I'll tell you. You only need help where you really need it.
Flexible payment
On ₹2,000 and above you can pay in two parts: half to start, half after your first admission offer.
Can't afford it?
Write to me anyway. Money should never stop a good student from getting good guidance.
| Add-ons | What you get | Price |
|---|---|---|
| SOP review | Detailed feedback on one SOP | ₹300 |
| Visa mock interview | 30-min practice with feedback | ₹300 |
| Extra university | One more application in any package | ₹300 |
| Scholarship only | Find and file scholarships for 1 university | ₹700 |
FAQ
Common questions
Can I apply on my own?
Yes, and many students do. I'm happy to point you to the right resources for free. Guidance helps most when you're unsure where to start, or when one missed deadline or weak SOP could cost you a year.
Do you guarantee admission or a visa?
Nobody honestly can. Universities and embassies decide. I help make your applications as strong and complete as possible.
How do I pay?
By UPI, right after you register: Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm or any UPI app. You'll see the amount, my UPI ID and a QR code. After paying, enter the amount and your 12-digit UPI Ref No. on the page. You'll get one email confirming I've received your registration and payment, and I'll contact you as soon as I've verified it. Plans of ₹2,000 and above can be paid 50% now and 50% after your first admission offer. Not sure yet? Register for the free first call instead.
Do I need to know the local language?
No. Many Bachelor's and Master's programs are fully taught in English. Some local language helps with daily life and part-time jobs.
When should I start?
For a September intake, start 9 to 12 months before. Many applications and scholarship windows open between November and April.
Registration
Register with Europe Scholar
Fill in the form to register. You'll get a registration number right away, and one confirmation email once your registration is complete (for paid packages, after you've paid). I personally reply within 24 hours.
- Register here (and pay, for paid packages)
- We have a free first call
- You decide if you want more help
Instagram · @europe.scholar
Privacy note
Who: Europe Scholar is run by Varun Donnakatte Neelalochana, Trento, Italy. Contact: Instagram @europe.scholar, or reply to any email you get from me.
What I collect: what you type in the forms: name, email, WhatsApp number, study plans and messages. Reviews also include your rating, university and text.
Why: only to reply to you and help with your study plans (your consent, GDPR Art. 6(1)(a)). Reviews are shown on this site only after I check them. I never sell or share your details for marketing.
Where: stored in my private Google account (Google Sheets and Gmail). The site is hosted by Netlify.
How long: messages are deleted within 12 months of our last contact. Reviews stay until you ask me to remove them.
Your rights: you can ask to see, correct or delete your data, or withdraw consent at any time. You can also complain to the Italian data protection authority (Garante per la protezione dei dati personali).