The Utrecht Excellence Scholarship (UES) is a highly selective programme for talented international students who wish to study for Undergraduate And master’s degree at Utrecht University.
This scholarship program lets very talented people from all over the world study certain subjects at Utrecht University.
SCHOLARSHIP AT A GLANCE:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Utrecht Excellence Scholarship (UES) |
| Eligible Programs | Undergraduate and Master’s degree in selected subjects |
| Eligible Subjects | Arts and Culture, Biomedical Science, Criminology, History, History of Art and Film, Linguistics, Mathematics, Media, Music, Philosophy, Psychology, Social Science, Sociology |
| Eligibility Criteria | Top 10% of graduating class, non-EU/EEA passport, completed secondary school and/or bachelor’s degree outside Netherlands |
| Funding | Utrecht Excellence Scholarship Fund and Utrecht University alumni contributions |
| Award | Tuition fee or tuition fee plus living expenses |
| Duration | 1-2 years (renewable for second year of 2-year master’s programs) |
| Required Documents | Official Transcripts, CV, Motivation Letter, Statement Declaring Purpose |
| Selection Criteria | Academic quality, academic excellence, motivation letter quality, application quality |
| Application Process | Submit application for UES-eligible master’s program, then apply for UES through OSIRIS Online Application account |
| Deadline | Not specified (check Utrecht University website for updates) |
Fact About The Utrecht University
- Ancient Roots: Utrecht University (UU) was founded in 1636, making it one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands and among the top 100 oldest universities globally.
- Nobel Legacy: UU has produced 12 Nobel Prize winners, including the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize winner, Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which was founded by UU’s own Professor Jozef van der Valk.
- Global Rankings: Utrecht University consistently ranks among the top 1% of universities worldwide, currently placing 51st in the QS World University Rankings 2024.
- Diverse Community: With over 30,000 students from 120 countries, UU boasts an incredibly diverse student body, making it an ideal hub for cultural exchange.
- Cutting-Edge Research: Utrecht University is renowned for groundbreaking research, including pioneering work on quantum computing, cancer treatment, and sustainability solutions.
- Historic Architecture: The university’s stunning buildings, including the Dom Tower and Academiegebouw, date back to the 14th century and are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: UU’s unique “Focus Areas” initiative brings together experts from diverse fields to tackle global challenges, fostering innovative solutions.
- Strong Industry Ties: Utrecht University collaborates with top multinational companies like Google, Microsoft, and Philips, providing students with valuable networking opportunities.
- Sustainability Leader: UU aims to be carbon neutral by 2030 and has implemented numerous green initiatives, earning it a spot in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings’ top 10.
- Inspiring Alumni: Notable UU alumni include the first female Prime Minister of the Netherlands, D66 leader Sigrid Kaag, and influential thinkers like human rights activist and philosopher, Cornelis Verhoeven.
Details For 2025 Utrecht Excellence Scholarships For International Students
The funds for the scholarships come from the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship Fund, established by Utrecht University, and contributions from Utrecht University alumni.
Eligible Courses For 2025 Utrecht Excellence Scholarships For International Students
Applicants interested in the given areas should submit their applications:
- Arts and Culture
- Biomedical Science
- Criminology
- History
- History of Art and Film
- Linguistics
- Mathematics
- Media
- Music
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Social Science
- Sociology
Requirements For 2025 Utrecht Excellence Scholarships For International Students
To be considered for the 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 programs participate. Please check Master’s program > Tuition fees and financial support to see if the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship is mentioned as a scholarship opportunity.
Duration and Reward For 2025 Utrecht Excellence Scholarships For International Students
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 Naturalization Service).
- The scholarship can be renewed for the second year of two-year master’s programmes.
Required Documents For 2025 Utrecht Excellence Scholarships For International Students
To apply, candidates must be ready to submit the following documents;
- Official Transcripts.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Motivation Letter.
- Statement Declaring Purpose.
Selection criteria For 2025 Utrecht Excellence Scholarships For International Students
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).
How To Apply For 2025 Utrecht Excellence Scholarships For International Students
After submitting an application (or applications) for a UES eligible master’s program before the stated deadline, non-EU/EEA students will have the opportunity to submit an application for one Utrecht Excellence Scholarship. 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 program 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.