In this post, we will explore the 2025 Utrecht Excellence Scholarships (UES), a prestigious fully funded opportunity for international students to study in the Netherlands. We’ll provide you with all the essential details, including eligibility criteria, scholarship benefits, and step-by-step guidance on how to apply for this scholarship at Utrecht University. If you’re aiming to study in Europe, particularly in the Netherlands, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Utrecht Excellence Scholarship Summary
| Host Country | Netherland |
| Study Abroad | Study in Europe |
| Scholarship Category | Undergraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships |
| Eligible Countries | All Countries |
| Reward | Full Scholarship | Living Stipends | (€17,000 per year) |
| IELTS Requirement | Yes |
| Application Deadline | February 1, 2025 |
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What is the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship (UES)?
The Utrecht Excellence Scholarship (UES) is a selective and competitive program designed to attract highly talented international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA). This scholarship provides financial aid for students who are looking to pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree at Utrecht University. It covers either tuition fees, or both tuition and living expenses, depending on the program and scholarship amount.
The Utrecht Excellence Scholarship Fund, established by Utrecht University and funded by contributions from its alumni, provides financial support to exceptional students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements.
What Does the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship Offer?
This scholarship provides:
- Tuition Fee Coverage: Full or partial tuition fees for the duration of the program.
- Living Expenses: A scholarship amount ranging from €5,000 to €17,000 per year, depending on the program, which can also cover living costs.
For Master’s students, the scholarship may be renewed for the second year of two-year programs, provided the student meets the academic performance requirements.
Who is Eligible for the 2025 Utrecht Excellence Scholarship?
To be eligible for the 2025 Utrecht Excellence Scholarship, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- You must be among the top 10% of your graduating class, as evidenced by a certificate or letter from your institution.
- You must hold a non-EU/EEA passport, meaning you are not a citizen of an EU country or countries like Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Norway.
- You should have completed your secondary education or Bachelor’s degree outside of the Netherlands.
- You must apply and be admitted to a UES-eligible Bachelor’s or Master’s program at Utrecht University for the 2025 academic year, starting in September.
- You must not be eligible for support under the Dutch study grant or loan system.
This scholarship is aimed at students who are pursuing an education outside of their home country and seeking a degree from a prestigious institution like Utrecht University.
What Programs are Eligible for the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship?
Applicants interested in the following academic areas are eligible to apply for the scholarship:
- Arts and Culture
- Biomedical Science
- Psychology
- Criminology
- History
- History of Art and Film
- Philosophy
- Mathematics
- Linguistics
- Social Science
- Sociology
- Media and Music Studies
Both undergraduate and postgraduate students in these fields may qualify for the scholarship, making it a diverse and appealing option for those seeking a variety of academic pursuits.
How to Apply for the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship in the Netherlands for International Students?
If you are an international student who meets the eligibility criteria, follow these steps to apply for the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship:
- Apply for Admission to Utrecht University: First, submit your application for a UES-eligible Bachelor’s or Master’s program at Utrecht University through the OSIRIS application system.
- Submit the UES Scholarship Application: Once you’ve applied for the program, log into your OSIRIS Online Application account. You’ll find the UES scholarship application in your dashboard. Follow the instructions to:
- Upload your proof of belonging to the top 10% of your class (such as a certificate or letter from your school).
- Submit a personal statement and other required documents, such as motivation letters.
- Answer the required questions and submit your application before the deadline.
- Meet the Application Deadline: Ensure that you complete the entire application process before February 1, 2025. Late applications will not be considered.
What Documents are Required for the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship?
When applying for the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship, you must submit the following documents:
- Official Transcripts: Academic records from your previous institutions.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed resume showcasing your academic and professional experiences.
- Motivation Letter: A letter explaining why you want to study at Utrecht University and how this scholarship will help you achieve your goals.
- Proof of Class Ranking: Documentation proving that you are in the top 10% of your class (such as a certificate from your institution or a GPA summary).
What Benefits Do Undergraduate and Master’s Students Receive?
Undergraduate Students:
- For Bachelor’s programs, selected students will receive a scholarship ranging from €5,000 to €17,000 per year for up to three years. This amount can either fully or partially cover tuition fees and living expenses.
Master’s Students:
- For Master’s programs, the scholarship covers either the full tuition fee or both the tuition fee and a living stipend for one year. If the Master’s program lasts for two years, the scholarship may be renewed for the second year, based on the student’s academic performance.
How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships in the Netherlands for International Students?
To ensure you have the best chance of being selected for the 2025 Utrecht Excellence Scholarship, follow these tips:
- Submit Complete Documentation: Ensure that all required documents, including transcripts and proof of class ranking, are submitted before the deadline.
- Demonstrate Academic Excellence: Highlight your academic achievements and ranking in your motivation letter and provide supporting evidence.
- Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to apply—starting early ensures that you meet all the requirements.
Important Dates for 2025 Utrecht Excellence Scholarships
- Application Deadline: February 1, 2025
- Scholarship Notification: Selected candidates will be notified by mid-April 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship (UES)? The Utrecht Excellence Scholarship is a fully funded program for outstanding international students wishing to pursue Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees at Utrecht University in the Netherlands.
- Who is eligible to apply for the UES? To be eligible, you must:
- Be in the top 10% of your graduating class.
- Hold a non-EU/EEA passport.
- Have completed your prior education outside the Netherlands.
- Apply for an eligible Bachelor’s or Master’s program at Utrecht University.
- What does the UES cover? The scholarship covers either full or partial tuition fees and may also provide financial support for living expenses, with awards ranging from €5,000 to €17,000 per year.
- How do I apply for the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship? You must first apply to an eligible Bachelor’s or Master’s program at Utrecht University. After that, submit the UES application via the OSIRIS system by the February 1, 2025 deadline.
- What is the deadline for the UES application? The application deadline for the 2025 Utrecht Excellence Scholarship is February 1, 2025.
- Can the scholarship be renewed for multi-year programs? Yes, the scholarship can be renewed for the second year of two-year Master’s programs, provided that academic progress is maintained.
- What documents are required for the application? Required documents include:
- Official Transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation Letter
- Proof of class ranking (top 10%)
- What academic programs are eligible for the UES? Eligible programs include areas such as Arts and Culture, Biomedical Science, History, Mathematics, Media and Music Studies, Psychology, Social Science, and more.
- How many scholarships are awarded annually? Approximately nine scholarships are awarded each year across various programs.
- When will I know if I have been selected? Results are typically announced by mid-April 2025 through the OSIRIS system.
- Can I apply for multiple Utrecht Excellence Scholarships? No, you can only apply for one UES per academic year, but you may apply for other scholarships if eligible.
- What if I don’t meet the eligibility criteria? If you don’t meet the requirements, you won’t be considered for the UES, but you can still explore other scholarships or funding opportunities.
Why Should You Study in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is renowned for its high-quality education system, multicultural environment, and emphasis on innovation. Utrecht University, one of the top universities in Europe, provides a world-class education in a range of fields. The Utrecht Excellence Scholarship offers international students a unique chance to experience this level of education without the burden of financial stress.
Studying in the Netherlands also provides you with the opportunity to live in one of Europe’s most vibrant and accessible countries, with its rich cultural heritage and strong ties to both academics and industry.
Application Deadline: February 1, 2025
Best of Luck!
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