The Utrecht Excellence Scholarships previously provided financial support to outstanding international students pursuing master’s degrees at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. However, the university has officially announced that the scholarship programme has been discontinued for new applicants due to significant budget cuts.
Although the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship is no longer accepting applications, international students planning to study at Utrecht University in 2027–2028 can explore other funding opportunities, including the NL Scholarship. This article explains the latest status of the discontinued programme, its previous benefits and available scholarship alternatives.
SUMMARY
- Scholarship Sponsor: Utrecht University
- Host Institution: Utrecht University, Netherlands
- Scholarship Type: Previously tuition-funded or tuition plus living support
- Scholarship Status: Discontinued for new applicants from 2026–2027
- Study Level: Master’s Degree
- Eligible Nationalities: Previously non-EU/EEA international students
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Utrecht Excellence Scholarship: Latest Programme Update
The Utrecht Excellence Scholarship (UES) was a highly competitive funding programme established to support academically outstanding international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA).
It enabled selected students to pursue eligible master’s degrees at Utrecht University, with funding awarded for the duration of their programmes.
However, Utrecht University has confirmed that the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship will no longer be offered to new students from the 2026–2027 academic year.
The university attributed the decision to significant budget reductions and confirmed that no new applications would be accepted.
Students who received the scholarship before its discontinuation will continue to receive their awards according to the original agreements.
Also Check: Netherlands Scholarships – Fully Funded Scholarships
Previous Eligibility Criteria
Before its discontinuation, the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship targeted international applicants who met the following requirements:
- Belonged to the top 10% of their graduating class.
- Did not hold an EU/EEA passport and were ineligible for the Dutch student grant and loan system.
- Had completed their secondary education or bachelor’s degree outside the Netherlands.
- Applied for an eligible international master’s programme beginning in September.
Applicants were assessed based on academic excellence, motivation and their suitability for the selected master’s programme.
These criteria describe the previous scholarship arrangements and do not represent an active application opportunity.
Previous Scholarship Benefits
The Utrecht Excellence Scholarship previously offered one of two funding arrangements:
- Full tuition fee coverage for an eligible master’s programme.
- Full tuition fee coverage plus an allowance towards the living expenses required for a Dutch student residence permit.
The scholarship was generally awarded for one academic year, with the possibility of renewal for the second year of eligible two-year master’s programmes.
Funding arrangements varied according to the award received.
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Alternative: Utrecht University NL Scholarship 2027–2028
International students seeking financial support for master’s studies at Utrecht University can consider the NL Scholarship 2027–2028.
The scholarship is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science in collaboration with participating Dutch higher education institutions.
It is designed for talented students from outside the European Economic Area who wish to pursue eligible master’s programmes in the Netherlands.
NL Scholarship Benefits
Utrecht University offers three scholarship amounts:
- €5,000
- €10,000
- €15,000
The scholarship is awarded towards the first year of study, including for students enrolled in two-year master’s programmes.
Important: The NL Scholarship is not a fully funded award. Recipients must demonstrate that they can cover their remaining tuition fees and living expenses.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Hold nationality outside the EU/EEA.
- Be ineligible for the Dutch student grant and loan system.
- Be ineligible for statutory tuition fees.
- Have never previously enrolled at a Dutch educational institution, except for qualifying exchange study.
- Apply for an eligible international master’s programme at Utrecht University starting on September 1, 2027.
Not all master’s programmes participate in the scholarship. Applicants should confirm eligibility on their chosen programme’s tuition fees and financial support page.
Application Procedures
How to Apply for the NL Scholarship: Eligible applicants interested in the 2027–2028 NL Scholarship should:
- Visit the Utrecht University NL Scholarship portal and confirm that their intended master’s programme participates.
- Submit an application for admission to an eligible master’s programme.
- Log in to the OSIRIS Online Application account and locate the NL Scholarship application on the dashboard.
- Select the scholarship application linked to the chosen programme, complete the required questions and submit it before the deadline.
The university encourages early applications to allow sufficient time for document checks and corrections.
Application Documents
Applicants should prepare the documents required for their master’s admission and scholarship application, including:
- Academic transcripts and relevant qualifications.
- A motivation statement explaining their academic interests and future goals.
- A Statement of Financial Resources demonstrating how they intend to cover remaining study and living costs.
- Any additional documents required by their chosen master’s programme.
Application Deadline
The Utrecht Excellence Scholarship is no longer accepting applications.
For the alternative NL Scholarship 2027–2028, the application deadline is:
February 1, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Central European Time (CET).
Utrecht University expects to announce scholarship results by mid-April 2027.
