This scholarship in Netherlands is awarded for the duration of the degree programme, which is one or two years, depending on the course programme of study. The scholarship can only be renewed for the second year if the student shows satisfactory academic performance and progress towards the degree.
Host Institution(s): Utrecht University
Scholarship Worth: Tuition fees, 11,000 euro living expenses
Number of Awards: 20-25
Study level: Masters
Nationality: International Students
Utrecht Excellence Scholarships 2026 Eligibility Criteria
- You must belong to the top 10% of your graduating class.
- You must not hold an EU/EEA passport and must not be eligible for support under the Dutch study grant and loan system.
- You must have completed your secondary school and/or bachelor’s degree outside the Netherlands.
- You must have applied for an international master’s programme with a start date of 1 September 2026. Not all programmes participate. Please check Master’s programme > Tuition fees and financial support to see if the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship is mentioned as a scholarship opportunity.
Selection Criteria
- Academic excellence and promise in the proposed field of study;
- The academic quality and results of preceding qualifications, as evidenced by proof of belonging to the top 10% of the class, grades, test scores, a writing sample, and letters of recommendation.
- The quality and relevance of the motivation letter for the Master’s programme (academic content, intercultural and communication skills, personal motivation);
- The quality of the application for the Master’s programme itself (completeness, accuracy, consistency).
Application Procedures
How-to-Apply: Eligible applicants for the Utrecht Excellence Scholarships Programme are to submit an application (or applications) for a UES eligible Master’s programme, before the stated deadline. Non-EU/EEA students will have the opportunity to submit an application for one Utrecht Excellence Scholarship from 1 November 2026.
You will see the UES application(s) in your OSIRIS Online Application account dashboard. Click view/edit for the UES linked (related process) to the programme you wish to apply for, upload the requested proof of belonging to the top 10% of your class, answer the questions and submit the application.
Document Requirements:
- Proof of belonging to the top 10% of your graduating class which will be evidenced by an official document that proves that you are among the top 10% of your class. Such documents as a statement signed and stamped by your institution, a reference letter, a class ranking certificate, etc.
Application Deadline: 31 January 2026 (23:59 CET)
More Details at Official Webpage
FAQs
1. What is the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship 2026–2027?
The Utrecht University Excellence Scholarship (UES) is a highly competitive scholarship program offered to outstanding international students from outside the EU/EEA. It is designed for students who wish to pursue a Master’s degree at Utrecht University in the Netherlands.
The scholarship may cover:
Full tuition fees, or
Tuition fees plus the income required for a residence permit (as determined by Dutch immigration authorities).
2. Who is eligible to apply for the 2026–2027 Utrecht Excellence Scholarship?
To qualify for the 2026–2027 application cycle, applicants must:
Belong to the top 10% of their graduating class.
Hold a non-EU/EEA passport.
Have applied for an eligible Master’s programme at Utrecht University.
Not be eligible for Dutch student finance (studiefinanciering).
Meet all academic and English language requirements of the chosen program.
Each Master’s programme may have specific criteria, so applicants are advised to check their department’s requirements carefully.
3. How can I apply for the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship 2026–2027?
There is no separate scholarship application form. Once you apply for an eligible Master’s programme at Utrecht University, you can indicate your interest in the scholarship through the university’s online application portal.
Application steps typically include:
Apply for an eligible Master’s program before the deadline.
Upload required documents (academic transcripts, CV, motivation letter, proof of English proficiency).
Select the scholarship option during the Master’s application process.
Late or incomplete applications are usually not considered.
4. When is the application deadline for the 2026–2027 scholarship?
The deadline generally falls in early 2026 (usually January or February), depending on the Master’s programme.
Applicants are strongly advised to:
Apply well before the deadline.
Ensure all supporting documents are submitted on time.
Regularly check official updates on the Utrecht University website.