University Of Twente Kipaji Masters Scholarships For Students From Developing Countries 2025-2026

The Kipaji Masters Scholarship is a prestigious financial aid program established to support exceptionally talented students from developing countries in pursuing a Master’s degree at the University of Twente (UT) in the Netherlands. The scholarship fund was initiated by a group of dedicated alumni and affiliates of the university and continues to receive strong support from UT’s faculty, staff, and alumni network. Through an annual fundraising campaign, the university community contributes to this scholarship, reinforcing UT’s commitment to capacity building and education empowerment in developing regions.

Vision and Purpose of the Kipaji Masters Scholarship

The Kipaji Masters Scholarship is rooted in the belief that education is a powerful tool for positive change. By supporting talented students from Least Developed Countries and Low-Income Countries, the scholarship seeks to:

1. Promote Knowledge Transfer:
   • Enable scholars to gain world-class education and technical skills that they can bring back to their home countries, thereby contributing to national development and social progress.
2. Support Sustainable Development:
   • Facilitate the education of students in fields that align with sustainable development goals, such as health technology, engineering, entrepreneurship, and environmental sciences.
3. Foster Entrepreneurship and Innovation:
   • Empower students to leverage their education for entrepreneurial ventures that address local challenges and drive economic growth in their home countries.
4. Encourage Global Academic Collaboration:
   • Strengthen the university’s international partnerships and promote cross-cultural understanding by integrating diverse perspectives into its academic and research environment.

University of Twente’s Distinction: A Hub of Innovation and Research

The University of Twente is widely recognized as a center of excellence in research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. With its unique blend of academic rigor and practical application, the university stands out for the following attributes:

1. Entrepreneurial Ecosystem:
   • UT has established a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem that actively promotes the creation of startups and spin-offs. This ecosystem provides aspiring entrepreneurs with access to incubators, mentorship, and industry collaborations, helping them transform innovative ideas into successful businesses.
2. Research Excellence:
   • The university is a leader in research across various disciplines, including robotics, nanotechnology, sustainable energy, health technology, and digital society. Its research institutes are dedicated to addressing global challenges, and UT’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge has earned it international acclaim.
3. Modern and Sustainable Campus:
   • The UT campus is designed to inspire collaboration and innovation. It features state-of-the-art facilities such as advanced research laboratories, sports complexes, modern libraries, and well-equipped student accommodations. Sustainability is a core principle in its design and operations, making it a model for eco-friendly campus environments.
4. Global Focus and International Collaboration:
   • With a diverse student body representing over 100 nationalities, the University of Twente fosters a truly international learning environment. The university’s partnerships with institutions and organizations around the world provide students with rich opportunities for exchange programs, joint research projects, and global networking.

Key Benefits of the Kipaji Masters Scholarship

The Kipaji Masters Scholarship offers a financial package designed to support scholars throughout their academic journey at UT. The benefits include:

1. Financial Support:
   • The scholarship provides up to €12,000 to help cover study-related costs during the two-year Master’s program.
2. Living and Accommodation Allowance:
   • Support for living expenses, including housing, food, and daily necessities, ensuring that students can focus fully on their studies.
3. Travel and Visa Costs:
   • Coverage for the cost of visa applications and travel to and from the Netherlands.
4. Insurance:
   • Health and liability insurance for the duration of the Master’s program.
5. Professional Development:
   • Opportunities to participate in workshops, seminars, and conferences in Europe, further enriching the academic and professional experience.

Eligibility Requirements for the Kipaji Masters Scholarship

To be considered for the Kipaji Masters Scholarship, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Nationality:
   • Must be a citizen of one of the DAC (Least Developed Countries & Other Low-Income Countries).
2. University of Twente Scholarship (UTS):
   • Candidates must already be a recipient of a University of Twente Scholarship (UTS). The Kipaji Scholarship is designed to complement the UTS, providing additional funding to ensure that students receive a full scholarship.
3. Pre-Master’s Program Academic Performance:
   • Applicants must have achieved excellent grades in their pre-master’s program at UT, with an average score of 8 out of 10 or higher.
4. Motivation for Study:
   • Applicants should submit a motivation letter explaining how they intend to use their Master’s studies to contribute to scientific advancement or entrepreneurial development in their home countries.
5. Conditional Admission:
   • Candidates must have applied for and received a conditional admission letter for a Master’s program at UT.
6. Exclusions:
   • The scholarship is not available to Dutch nationals, current UT students, EU/EEA students, or applicants for Master’s programs in the Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC).

Application Process for the Kipaji Masters Scholarship

To apply for the Kipaji Masters Scholarship, follow these steps:

1. Apply for a Master’s Program at UT:
   • Begin by applying for one of the eligible Master’s programs at the University of Twente. Applications for the Master’s program must be submitted before the specified deadline, and candidates must receive a (conditional) admission letter.
2. Apply for the University of Twente Scholarship (UTS):
   • After being conditionally admitted to a Master’s program, apply for the University of Twente Scholarship (UTS) through the UTS application system. Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for UTS.
3. Indicate Interest in the Kipaji Scholarship:
   • In your UTS application, indicate that you would like to be considered for the Kipaji Scholarship as well. Submit a motivation letter that highlights how the scholarship will help you contribute to the development of your home country.
4. Nomination by Faculty:
   • The faculty of your chosen Master’s program will review your application and may nominate you for the Kipaji Scholarship if you meet the criteria.
5. Submit Additional Documents:
   • Upon request, submit a detailed motivation letter outlining how your studies at the University of Twente will help enhance scientific research or entrepreneurship in your home country.

Important Dates and Deadlines

• Application Deadline for Master’s Program: May 1, 2025
• UTS and Kipaji Scholarship Application Deadline: May 1, 2025

Final Thoughts

The Kipaji Masters Scholarship at the University of Twente is a unique opportunity for talented students from developing countries to pursue advanced education in a highly innovative and entrepreneurial environment. By offering comprehensive support, the scholarship empowers students to achieve their academic goals and contribute significantly to the development of their home countries. This scholarship not only provides financial aid but also serves as a catalyst for transformational change, preparing the next generation of leaders and innovators.

For more information and to begin your application, visit the University of Twente Kipaji Scholarship Official Website.