Our alumni-powered scholarship fund has allowed nearly 50 talented students to join the College of Europe since 2016. Their stories are all inspiring, and we think they are worth sharing!
We hope we can count on your support to make sure the College of Europe is made accessible to all talented future European changemakers!
My name is Gonxhe Gashi and I am a student in the Law department. Being awarded the half scholarship from the Coudenhove-Kalergi promotion is something I am beyond grateful for. As a Kosovo national, my funding options were not very wide. This scholarship is what made it possible for me to take this important step. I am happy to be able to teach my peers about where I am from and show them why it is important for me to be here. This scholarship has made a big impact in my life and I truly hope that one day I’ll be able to do the same thing for a student who aspires to attend the College just like I did.”
I was truly honoured to be accepted into the LL.M. in European Legal Studies for the 2025/2026 promotion, although I was close to turning it down when every source of financial support seemed out of reach. Everything changed when I learned I had been awarded a Ramon Llull Fund scholarship. It allowed me to experience what makes the College unique: the Esprit du Collège, which you only understand once you live it. From receiving the scholarship to the graduation ceremony - through parties and countless activities - the best way to thank the Ramon Llull Promotion is to make the most of everything the College offers.
Receiving support from the Aristide Briand promotion eased my mental burden and let me focus on studies. The scholarship also allowed personal connections with alumni, whose experiences inspired me and fostered a sense of community with meaningful history. I also believe that this kind of support contributes to increasing diversity within the College and in EU institutions, as representation matters, even if I am not “representing” anything or anyone in a formal sense. These diverse paths make the experience richer and added new perspectives to our academic and social environment.”.
My name is Isabel González-Ripa and I am a student in the POL department. Being here at the College is an experience for which I am immensely grateful and I am truly enjoying every intense moment to the fullest. From the classes that allow me to deepen my interests, to the friendships I’ve made with students from all around the world, and the unforgettable moments at bar&co. This is a unique program that is shaping me in the best possible way to become an excellent professional, with the necessary technical knowledge and essential values. I truly hope that other students can benefit from the same opportunity and receive an education at such an exceptional institution.
I have a purely legal background, but I always knew that I wanted to think outside the box; I was looking for a perspective beyond the classic legal career path in my home country. Without the support of this scholarship, I would never have dared to take this crucial step. It has allowed me to break out of my purely national way of thinking and gain a more international, comprehensive view. I really appreciate the bilingual environment and the “esprit de collège”. I wouldn't want to miss a single second of my experiences here so far and would apply again in a heartbeat.
In 2021-2022 I had the opportunity to be part of the Vogel Polsky Promotion at the College of Europe, enrolled in the LLM in European Legal Studies. This would never have been possible without the Altiero Spinelli Alumni Scholarship that I received from Miss. Annick Mottet. When I arrived at the College of Europe, the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs did not have a scholarship for me and I was not convinced to accept it, even though it was an honour. The fees were very high. My parents told me that they would have helped me with a loan, but I did not want to put them under pressure.
At the beginning of June, I was offered the Altiero Spinelli Alumni Scholarship, which covered half of the tuition fees at the College. This was the boost I needed to start one of the most important experiences of my professional and personal life. The College of Europe was unique. I am sure I will never have anything like it in terms of the learning process of EU law, the number of stimulating international young people and the student activities outside the classroom.
I had the chance to meet new friends while building a solid knowledge of EU law and enriching my path towards an academic career. After College, I was accepted into the GEM Diamond PhD Programme, a Marie Sklowodska Curie Action Fellowship, and enrolled at ULB Bruxelles, FGV Direito Rio and Luiss Rome, where I researched EU-Mercosur cooperation in criminal matters and its impact on the rule of law. I am sure that the College experience played a role in this admission and I am grateful to the Alumni Scholarship for giving me this opportunity.
