The Utrecht University Excellence Scholarship (UES) represents a prestigious and rigorously selective initiative aimed at exceptionally talented international students hailing from regions outside the European Economic Area (EEA). These regions encompass the EU member countries, along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. The primary objective of the UES program is to provide outstanding students with the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree at Utrecht University, a distinguished institution renowned for academic excellence.
The financial resources underpinning these scholarships are derived from the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship Fund, which has been established by Utrecht University itself. Additionally, the scholarships benefit from contributions generously provided by Utrecht University alumni, reflecting the institution’s commitment to nurturing global talent and fostering international academic collaborations.
Utrecht University’s research contributions are a significant part of its legacy. The institution is home to numerous research centers and institutes that cover a broad spectrum of academic fields. These centers drive innovation, tackle global challenges, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge. Importantly, the university encourages active student involvement in research projects, allowing them to gain valuable experience and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries.
As a global institution, Utrecht University prides itself on its international environment. It attracts students and scholars from all corners of the world, creating a diverse and inclusive community. This global perspective enriches the academic experience, fostering cross-cultural interactions and collaboration. Additionally, the university has established partnerships and collaborations with educational institutions worldwide, further expanding its reach and impact.
Benefits
The Utrecht Excellence scholarship can be awarded as:
- The tuition fee, or
- The tuition fee plus the income required for a period of one year linked to a residence permit for study as determined by the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service).
Requirements For The Utrecht University Excellence Scholarship
To be eligible for a Utrecht Excellence Scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must belong to the top 10% of your graduating class.
- You must not hold an EU/EEA passport and 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 2023. 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
Eligible candidates will be selected for a scholarship based on the following criteria:
- Academic quality and promise in the proposed field of study, as evidenced by your master’s application.
- Academic excellence, as evidenced by proof of belonging to the top 10% of your graduating class (class ranking certificate, GPA with grade distribution summary, statement/reference letter signed and stamped by your university).
- The quality and relevance of your 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).
Method of Application
- After submitting 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 2022. 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.
- Prospective students who wish to be considered for the scholarship must apply before February 1st 23:59 CET. The application portal will close at this time. Selection will only start after the deadline. We aim to publish the results by mid-April.
Application Deadline: February 1, 2024.
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