Utrecht Excellence Scholarships for International Students 2025
Do you have the ambition to study at a world-renowned university while receiving significant financial support? The Utrecht Excellence Scholarships program could be your key to accessing a high-quality education in the Netherlands.
The Utrecht Excellence Scholarships program aims to attract particularly outstanding students to the university’s international undergraduate programs. These scholarships are intended for students who demonstrate not only exceptional academic performance but also high potential in their field of study. The scholarships cover programs in the fields of Economics, Global Sustainability Sciences, Liberal Arts and Sciences at the Utrecht University College, as well as the interdisciplinary Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) program. The deadline to submit your application is February 1st, 2025.
SCHOLARSHIP VALUE AND DURATION
The value of the Utrecht Excellence Scholarships depends on the selected undergraduate program and typically ranges between €5,000 and €17,000 per year. This amount can be used to cover tuition fees or living expenses. The scholarship is renewable for the second and third years of study, provided the student meets the academic criteria.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP
To be eligible for the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship, the candidate must meet several specific criteria. First, the candidate must be from a country outside the EU/EEA and must not be eligible for financial aid under the Dutch system of grants and student loans. Additionally, the candidate must hold a high school diploma obtained outside the Netherlands and have been accepted into one of the eligible undergraduate programs at Utrecht University. Finally, the candidate must fulfill the requirements for obtaining a visa for the Netherlands.
Failure to meet any of these criteria will result in automatic ineligibility for the scholarship.
REQUIREMENTS TO MAINTAIN THE SCHOLARSHIP
Recipients of this scholarship in the Netherlands must maintain a satisfactory level of academic performance to continue receiving the scholarship in subsequent years. Utrecht University regularly reviews the academic results of scholarship holders to ensure they meet the required progress criteria. If these criteria are not met, the scholarship may not be renewed.
Application Procedure
Applying for the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship is closely linked to enrolling in the desired undergraduate program. Once you have submitted your application to one of the eligible programs before the deadline, you can apply for the scholarship through the same application platform, provided you are not an EU/EEA national.
To enroll in an undergraduate program at Utrecht University, start by creating an account on Studielink, where you will need to provide your personal information. Next, select the desired undergraduate program and submit your application by answering the institution-specific questions. Once your application is submitted, you will receive instructions to finalize the application via OSIRIS or, for selective programs, according to the specific guidelines of the chosen program.
Eligible Study Programs
The Utrecht Excellence Scholarships are specifically reserved for a limited number of international undergraduate programs offered by Utrecht University. The eligible programs include:
- Bachelor’s in Economics and Business Economics (two scholarships)
- Bachelor’s in Global Sustainability Sciences (one scholarship)
- Interdisciplinary program in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) (one scholarship)
- Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Sciences (five scholarships)
Each program has specific criteria that candidates should carefully review before submitting their application.
Additional Financial Resources
Although the Utrecht Excellence Scholarships provide significant financial support, they do not always cover the total tuition and living expenses. Students are therefore encouraged to explore additional funding sources to complete their budget.
Key Deadlines
For students interested in a Bachelor’s program in Economics and Business Economics or Global Sustainability Sciences, the application deadline is February 1st, 2025, at 11:59 PM CET. For other programs, such as Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) and Liberal Arts and Sciences at University College Utrecht, deadlines and specific procedures vary, and it is advisable to consult the respective websites for precise information.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
What are the chances of receiving a Utrecht Excellence Scholarship?
The chances of receiving a Utrecht Excellence Scholarship are relatively low due to the highly selective nature of the program. Only students who demonstrate outstanding academic excellence and strong potential in their field of study are considered.
Do the scholarships cover all tuition and living expenses?
No, the scholarships do not always cover all expenses. Students may need to seek additional funding sources to cover their total financial needs.
What happens if I do not meet the annual academic criteria?
If you fail to meet the academic requirements, the university reserves the right not to renew the scholarship for subsequent years.
Can I apply for the scholarship if I start my studies in February?
No, only applications from students starting their programs in September 2025 are considered for the Utrecht Excellence Scholarships.
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