If you have been searching for the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship, you need to know something before you spend time on an application: Utrecht University has stopped offering it. The university’s own scholarship page says that, due to significant budget cuts, the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship (UES) is no longer offered for programmes starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, and that no new UES applications will be accepted. People who already received the award keep it.
Our recent post described the 2024 scholarship as “fully funded” and gave a deadline that no longer exists. And too many other websites repeated the same outdated information, so a lot of applicants waste hours on a scholarship they can no longer receive. This updated guide explains what happened, what Utrecht University offers non-EU/EEA master’s students now, and exactly how to apply for the main alternative, the NL Scholarship.
Disclaimer: This website is not run by Utrecht University or the Dutch government. Make sure you verify through the university’s official scholarship pages before you apply, because amounts, rules and deadlines can change.
Quick Summary
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship still available? | No. It is not offered for programmes starting in 2026-2027 or later, and no new applications are accepted. |
| What replaced it for non-EU/EEA master’s students? | The NL Scholarship is the main scholarship that Utrecht University lists for this group. |
| How much is the NL Scholarship? | €5,000, €10,000 or €15,000, paid in the first year of study |
| Is it fully funded? | No. It covers only part of your costs, and you must show how you will pay the rest. |
| Deadline | 1 February at 23:59 CET. For a September 2027 start, this means 1 February 2027. Confirm on the official page. |
| Results | The university aims to publish results by mid-April |
What the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship Was
The Utrecht Excellence Scholarship was a highly selective programme for talented international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA), which means students who were not citizens of EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway. It supported master’s study at Utrecht University, and recipients received a partial or full tuition reduction depending on the award.
It was not a general “full ride” for everyone, and it did not cover all costs. Earlier versions of this article called it fully funded and gave a long, generic description of the university. In reality it was a merit-based award with a small number of recipients each year. The old eligibility rules, such as being in the top 10 percent of your graduating class, applied to that scheme and no longer matter for new applicants.
You can read the university’s own notice on the Utrecht Excellence Scholarships page.
What Utrecht University Offers Now
The university’s master’s scholarships and grants section currently lists several routes. Which ones you can use depends mostly on your nationality.
| Scholarship or fund | Who it is for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NL Scholarship | International students from outside the EEA, for master’s programmes | €5,000, €10,000 or €15,000 in year one. Details below. |
| Bright Minds Fellowships | EU/EEA students, including Dutch students | About 10 awards of €5,000 or €10,000. Not available to non-EEA applicants. |
| Utrecht Sylff Scholarships | See the university page | Check eligibility and deadlines on the official page. |
| Law, Economics and Governance International Talent Scholarship | Students in specific programmes | Check the official page for eligibility. |
| Martijn Zwart Fund, SPANN Fund and CLIP Scholarships | Specific groups or programmes | Check the university page for eligibility and application details. |
Since the page lists several funds with different conditions, check each one carefully. This guide focuses on the NL Scholarship because it is open to the widest group of non-EEA master’s applicants.
NL Scholarship: Key Facts
According to Utrecht University, the NL Scholarship is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science together with Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. It is meant for international students from outside the EEA who want to study for a master’s degree in the Netherlands.
- Amounts: €5,000, €10,000 or €15,000
- When you receive it: In the first year of your studies, even if your programme lasts two years
- Which programmes: International master’s programmes that participate in the scheme. Not all programmes do. Check the “Tuition fees and financial support” section of the programme page to see whether the NL Scholarship is listed.
- Deadline: 1 February at 23:59 CET, when the application portal closes
- Selection: Starts only after the deadline, with results aimed for mid-April
Note that the university’s NL Scholarship page was last updated before the 2027 intake began, and it still refers to a start date of 1 September 2026. The structure of the scholarship has been stable, and other sources report a deadline of 1 February 2027 for the next intake, but you should confirm the exact start date and deadline on the official page before you apply: NL Scholarship at Utrecht University.
NL Scholarship Eligibility
To be eligible, you must meet all of the following conditions:
- You do not hold an EU/EEA passport, and you are not eligible for support under the Dutch study grant and loan system.
- You are not eligible for the statutory tuition fee (the lower fee that applies to some students). In practice this means you pay the higher institutional or non-EU fee.
- You have never been enrolled at an educational institution in the Netherlands. A short exchange programme does not count against you.
- You have applied for an international master’s programme at Utrecht University that starts in the relevant September intake, and that programme takes part in the scholarship.
Nigerian, Ghanaian, Kenyan and other African students meet the nationality requirement, because they do not hold EU/EEA passports. Meeting the criteria does not guarantee a scholarship, since selection is competitive.
How Applicants Are Selected
The university says it assesses applications based on three things:
- Academic background as shown in your master’s application, such as your degree, grades and relevant achievements
- Motivation, meaning how well you explain why studying in the Netherlands and at Utrecht University matters for your future goals
- Your financial plan, which must show that you can cover the remaining costs for the full length of the programme
The financial plan is a big difference from the old UES. The scholarship is partial, so the university wants evidence that you can afford the rest, and the plan must be realistic and well documented.
How to Apply Step by Step
- Make sure you select a participating programme. Search the Utrecht University master’s programme pages and look for the NL Scholarship under “Tuition fees and financial support.”
- Make sure you also submit your master’s application first. You can only apply for the NL Scholarship after applying to the programme.
- Try log in to your OSIRIS Online Application account.
- And try Find “NL Scholarship” on your dashboard.
- Try Click “View/Edit” for the scholarship linked to your chosen programme.
- Make sure you complete the NL Scholarship form. Answer all required questions and upload the requested documents, including your Statement of Financial Resources.
- Submit before 1 February at 23:59 CET. The portal closes at that time.
The university advises applicants to submit early. If you submit between 27 January and 1 February, you cannot update or add anything, even if you made a mistake or left something out, so incomplete applications may be assessed as they are.
Preparing Your Financial Plan
You will need to complete the university’s Statement of Financial Resources. This form lets you show how you plan to pay for the whole programme, because the scholarship covers only part of the total cost. You may include savings, family support, loans, other scholarships or other funding.
To build a realistic plan:
- Check the current tuition fees for your programme and the full duration of the course.
- Estimate living costs, including housing, food, transport, insurance and study materials.
- List each funding source with an amount and proof, such as bank statements or sponsor letters.
- Be consistent. The figures in your form should match your supporting documents and the amounts needed for your visa.
- Do not exaggerate or invent funding. Inconsistent numbers weaken your application and can cause problems later.
Writing the Motivation
The university wants to understand why this particular study period matters for your goals. A strong motivation:
- Explains your academic or professional path and where you want it to go
- Names specific parts of the programme, such as courses, research groups or facilities, that fit your plans
- Shows how you will use your degree afterwards, whether in your home country or elsewhere
- Uses concrete examples such as projects, research or work experience
- Is concise, honest and written in your own words
Applying for Your Master’s Admission
Scholarship applications depend on admission, and you cannot receive the award unless you are admitted. Follow the university’s application procedure and check the following for your programme:
- Programme deadlines, which may differ from the scholarship deadline. If your programme deadline is later than the scholarship deadline, you still have to submit your programme application before the scholarship deadline to be considered.
- Required documents, such as transcripts, a CV, a motivation letter and references
- English language requirements and accepted tests
- Selective admission rules for competitive programmes
- Application fees, if they apply to you
Apply early, because extra time lets you fix missing documents.
Other Funding to Explore
Because the NL Scholarship is partial and competitive, apply for other funding as well:
- Other Utrecht funds. Check the Sylff, Law, Economics and Governance, Martijn Zwart, SPANN and CLIP pages for programme-specific awards.
- Country-specific scholarships. Look at awards from your own government, employers, foundations and international programmes such as Chevening, Commonwealth, DAAD and Erasmus Mundus. Eligibility depends on your country and the programme you choose.
- Other Dutch universities. Many Dutch universities offer similar scholarships, and each has its own rules.
- Other European study routes. If you are comparing destinations, read our guide to the Czech Government Scholarships for 2027/2028, which explains which countries are eligible.
- US options. If you are also thinking about the United States, see our guide to the Fulbright scholarship for international students.
Common Mistakes
- Relying on outdated articles. Many sites still advertise the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship for 2024 or 2025. Confirm every scholarship on the university’s own pages.
- Assuming it is fully funded. The NL Scholarship pays €5,000 to €15,000 in the first year only. You need to show how you will pay the rest.
- Choosing a non-participating programme. Not every master’s programme offers the scholarship.
- Applying at the last minute. Between 27 January and 1 February you cannot fix errors or add missing information.
- Weak financial plans. Vague numbers or missing proof reduce your chances.
- Generic motivation. Reviewers read many applications, so specifics matter.
- Paying agents. No agent can influence selection, and there is no fee for the scholarship application itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship still open?
No. Utrecht University says it is not offered for programmes starting in 2026-2027, and no new applications are accepted. Existing recipients keep their awards.
Why was it stopped?
The university says it was due to significant budget cuts.
What is the main scholarship for non-EU students at Utrecht now?
The NL Scholarship, with amounts of €5,000, €10,000 or €15,000 in the first year, is the main scholarship listed for international master’s students from outside the EEA.
Is the NL Scholarship fully funded?
No. It covers part of your costs only, and you must show a financial plan for the rest.
What is the NL Scholarship deadline?
The application portal closes on 1 February at 23:59 CET. The next deadline for a September 2027 start is reported as 1 February 2027. Confirm on the official page.
When are results announced?
The university aims to publish results by mid-April.
Can Nigerian students apply?
Yes, if they meet the criteria, including not holding an EU/EEA passport and applying for a participating international master’s programme.
Do I need to be in the top 10 percent of my class?
That was a requirement for the old Utrecht Excellence Scholarship. The NL Scholarship criteria do not list it, but your academic background is a selection factor.
Can I apply for the scholarship before applying for admission?
No. You must apply for the master’s programme first, then apply for the scholarship through your application account.
Does the scholarship cover two years?
No. The amount is paid in the first year, even if your programme lasts two years.
Is there an application fee for the scholarship?
The university lists no fee for the NL Scholarship itself. Programme application fees may apply to some applicants, so check the fees page.
Conclusion
The Utrecht Excellence Scholarship is no longer available for new applicants, so do not build your plans around it. If you are an international student from outside the EEA, the NL Scholarship is the main option to pursue at Utrecht University. It offers €5,000, €10,000 or €15,000 in the first year, requires a participating master’s programme, and closes on 1 February each year. It is partial funding, so prepare a realistic financial plan and look for other scholarships too.
Check the official Utrecht University pages for the latest details, apply early and avoid agents who promise guaranteed awards. If you have questions, leave a comment below, and share this guide with friends who are planning to study in the Netherlands.