The Utrecht Excellence Scholarship (UES) is a prestigious, fully-funded program sponsored by Utrecht University, one of the most esteemed institutions in the Netherlands. This highly selective scholarship is specifically designed for talented international students from outside the European Union Economic Area (EU/EEA) who wish to pursue a master’s degree at Utrecht University.
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Established in 1636, Utrecht University has a long-standing reputation as a top research institution. As one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands, it currently boasts an enrollment of nearly 40,000 students. The UES offers generous financial support to qualified candidates who are eager to undertake graduate-level studies and make significant contributions to their fields.
Eligibility Criteria for Utrecht Excellence Scholarship 2025
To be eligible for the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Top Academic Performance:
Applicants must be in the top 10% of their graduating class. This requirement demonstrates the university’s focus on admitting only the most academically talented students.
Non-EU/EEA Nationality:
Candidates must not hold an EU/EEA passport and should not be eligible for financial support through the Dutch study grant and loan system.
Educational Background:
Applicants must have completed their secondary education and/or a bachelor’s degree from outside the Netherlands.
Master’s Program Application:
The scholarship is open to those who have applied for an international master’s program at Utrecht University, beginning on September 1, 2025.
Tuition Fees at Utrecht University
At Utrecht University, tuition fees for international students vary based on the program of study. The university has two main categories for tuition fees:
Institutional Tuition Fee: This applies to most international students who do not qualify for statutory tuition fees.
Statutory Tuition Fee: This generally applies to EU/EEA students but may also be available to non-EU/EEA students under specific conditions.
Estimated Tuition Fees for International Students:
Most international master’s programs have tuition fees ranging from €16,000 to €18,500 per year.
Some specialized master’s programs may charge up to €27,000 per year.
Statutory Fee Eligibility for Non-EU/EEA Students:
As a non-EU/EEA student, you may qualify for the lower statutory tuition fee if you:
Receive a UAF grant (for refugee students in the Netherlands), or
Meet the nationality criteria for a government study grant from DUO (Dutch governmental agency for student loans).
Eligible Courses for Utrecht Excellence Scholarship
The Utrecht Excellence Scholarship covers a wide array of master’s programs across various fields, including but not limited to:
Arts and Culture
Biomedical Science
Criminology
History
History of Art and Film
Linguistics
Mathematics
Media
Music
Philosophy
Psychology
Social Science
Sociology
Scholarship Benefits
Recipients of the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship enjoy several significant benefits designed to ease the financial burden of studying abroad:
Full Tuition Coverage:
The scholarship can cover the entire tuition fee for the duration of the program.
Living Expenses:
The scholarship may also include an income stipend that covers living expenses for one year, which is tied to the conditions set by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) for a student residence permit.
Renewable for Two-Year Programs:
For students enrolled in two-year master’s programs, the scholarship is renewable for the second year, provided the student maintains good academic standing.
Scholarship Fund:
The financial support is provided through the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship Fund, which is supported by Utrecht University and contributions from its alumni.
Additionally, the scholarship may offer support for undergraduate students, with grants ranging from €5,000 to €17,000 per year.
Application Procedure for Utrecht Excellence Scholarship 2025
The application process for the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship is straightforward and involves the following steps:
Apply for Admission to a Master’s Program:
Begin by applying for an eligible master’s program at Utrecht University. Admission to the program is a prerequisite for the scholarship application.
Submit a Scholarship Application:
After submitting an application for your chosen master’s program, non-EU/EEA students can apply for the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship starting from November 1, 2024.
Access Your OSIRIS Online Application:
Log into your OSIRIS Online Application account. Once you have submitted your program application, you will see the option to apply for the UES in your dashboard.
Complete the UES Application:
Click on “view/edit” for the UES application linked to your program of study. You will need to upload the following documents:
Proof of Academic Excellence: Submit evidence that you belong to the top 10% of your graduating class.
Personal Information and Answers to Questions: Provide responses to any additional questions required for the application.
Submit the Application:
Once all necessary materials are uploaded, finalize and submit your UES application.
Important Deadlines
Application Deadline: All applications for the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship must be submitted by February 1, 2025. Ensure you meet this deadline by completing both the master’s program and UES applications before this date.
The Utrecht Excellence Scholarship 2025 is an exceptional opportunity for international students who are academically gifted and wish to pursue a master’s degree at one of the top universities in the Netherlands. The scholarship provides full financial support, covering both tuition and living expenses, allowing scholars to focus on their academic and personal development.
If you are eager to advance your education in a world-class institution like Utrecht University and meet the eligibility criteria, don’t hesitate to apply. With the UES, you’ll gain more than just financial support—you’ll join a vibrant community of scholars who are poised to make a meaningful impact on the world.
