Utrecht Excellence Scholarship: A Pathway to International Education in the Netherlands

Utrecht University, located in the heart of the Netherlands, is renowned for its high-quality academic programs, innovative research, and diverse student community. The Utrecht Excellence Scholarship is designed to attract talented students from outside the European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA) who wish to study at the university.

The scholarship is available for highly qualified students applying for a Master's program at Utrecht University in a range of fields, including science, social sciences, humanities, and law. The scholarship can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying abroad, making it an excellent opportunity for those seeking top-tier education without the worry of high tuition fees.

Scholarship Amount

The Utrecht Excellence Scholarship is awarded in the following forms:

• Tuition fee coverage, or

• Tuition fee plus a living allowance for one year, which is linked to the residence permit for study, as determined by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).

For two-year master's programs, the scholarship may be renewed for the second year.

Funding

The funds for the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship are provided by the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship Fund, which is supported by Utrecht University and contributions from its alumni.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Be among the top 10% of your graduating class.

• Hold a non-EU/EEA passport and not be eligible for financial support under the Dutch study grant and loan system.

• Have completed your secondary education and/or bachelor’s degree outside the Netherlands.

• Apply for an international master’s program starting on 1 September 2025. Note that not all programs are eligible, so applicants should check the Master’s program section for details on whether the scholarship is offered for their program.

Application Process

After applying for an eligible UES master’s program by the deadline, non-EU/EEA students can apply for the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship starting from 1 November 2024. The scholarship application will be available in your OSIRIS Online Application account dashboard. You will need to:

1. Click to view/edit the UES application linked to the program.

2. Upload proof of being in the top 10% of your class.

3. Complete the required questions and submit the application.

The application portal will be open for an extended period, and it is recommended to submit your application early. Submitting early allows time for document review, corrections, or additions if needed.

Note: If you apply between 27 January and 1 February, any incomplete or incorrect information cannot be corrected or supplemented. It is advised to submit your application as early as possible to ensure a smooth review process.

Selection Criteria

Eligible applicants will be selected based on the following criteria:

• Academic quality and potential in the chosen field of study, as demonstrated in the master's application.

• Academic excellence, proven by evidence of being in the top 10% of your graduating class, such as a class ranking certificate, GPA summary with grade distribution, or a reference letter signed and stamped by your university.

• Quality and relevance of the motivation letter, which should address academic content, intercultural communication skills, and personal motivation for pursuing the program.

• Completeness and quality of the master’s program application, including accuracy and consistency.

Deadline

To be considered for the scholarship, students must submit their application before 1 February 23:59 CET. The application portal will close at this time, and selection will begin only after the deadline. The scholarship results will be announced by mid-April.