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| Netherlands — University of Twente Scholarships 2026 |
Why University of Twente?
Located in the eastern Netherlands, the University of Twente (UT) is known for blending technical, social, and humanistic sciences, plus its strong focus on innovation, research, and entrepreneurship. For many students from outside the EU/EFTA, obtaining financial support is often a key step in realizing their study abroad dream. UT offers several scholarship schemes especially for excellent international students entering its Master’s programmes.
Here’s what you need to know for 2026.
Main Scholarship Options at UT for 2026
Below are the main scholarship opportunities you should consider if you aim to study a Master’s at UT in the academic year beginning September 2026.
| Scholarship | Who it’s for | What it offers | Key Requirements / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Twente Scholarship (UTS) | Excellent non‑EU/EER students admitted to a qualifying Master’s programme starting September 2026. | ~ € 3,000 to € 22,000 for one year. If the programme is two‑year, there is potential for continuation into 2nd year under certain conditions. | Must be among top 5‑10 % of your class. Have a (provisional) admission first. Also English‐language proof (IELTS / TOEFL) etc. Not for EU/EER, not for UT‐already undergraduate/graduate students. Application deadlines: 1 February 2026 (round 1) & 1 May 2026 (round 2). |
| NL Scholarship (formerly “Holland Scholarship”) | Non‑EU/EEA students starting a Master’s at UT in 2026. | A one‑off grant of € 5,000 for the first year. |
Similar eligibility to UTS: excellent academic record (≈ top 5‑10 %), (provisional) admission, English language proof, non‑EU/EEA. Not available if you already studied a full degree in the Netherlands or hold a degree from a Dutch institution. Same deadlines: rounds ending 1 February and 1 May 2026. |
| ITC Excellence Scholarship Programme | Students applying to certain two‑year programmes within ITC (Geo‑information Science & Earth Observation, Spatial Engineering) from eligible countries. | Partial scholarship; funds are substantial but you must cover “own contribution” (tuition, living, insurance, etc.). | Academic excellence required (among top performing students). Some deadlines may be already past for earlier years; check the UT/ITC site for updates for 2026. Applicants must have acceptance first. |
Application Timeline for 2026
To make sure your application stands a strong chance:
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Round 1: Apply between 15 October 2025 and 1 February 2026.
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Round 2: Apply between 1 February 2026 and 1 May 2026.
(These correspond to the two rounds for most UT/UTS and NL Scholarship funding. ) -
Before applying, you need to have applied (and preferably be provisionally accepted) to the Master’s programme. UT requires this before scholarship applications will be considered.
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Also note: some scholarships require you to maintain certain academic performance if your programme is two years; e.g. you may have to pass 50 % of European Credits and have a certain grade by a checkpoint (third quartile of year 1) for continuation.
Eligibility & What Makes a Strong Candidate
To maximize your chances:
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Academic excellence: Top marks in your previous degree. Being in the top 5‑10% of your class helps.
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Good English proficiency: Typically IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent), sometimes with required sub‑scores.
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Admission status: You must have (provisionally or fully) been admitted to a qualifying Master’s programme.
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Non‑EU/EEA status: Many of these scholarships are only for students from outside the EU / EEA.
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Other documentation: Transcripts, recommendation letters, proof of ranking (if available), statement of purpose/motivation, sometimes evidence of financing for the parts not covered by scholarship.
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Visa / residence permit eligibility should be considered early; some scholarships require you to meet conditions for obtaining entry visa in NL.
What the Scholarship Does / Doesn’t Cover
It’s important to know what you’re getting and what else you’ll need to budget for.
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The scholarships often do not cover tuition fees; they are more about helping with living costs, study‑related costs, etc. E.g. UTS is compensation for study‑related costs.
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For two‑year programmes, continuation of support depends on performance.
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You’ll still need to cover any “own contribution” (tuition + living + insurance etc.) that the scholarship does not cover. The amount you’ll need for living depends on where you live, lifestyle, etc. Netherlands can be moderately expensive (housing, transport, etc.).
Tips for a Winning Application
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Start early: gather transcripts, recommendation letters, proof of ranking, English test scores well in advance.
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Make sure your application for admission to your Master’s programme is solid—scholarship committees often see this as a reflection of seriousness and capability.
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Explain your motivation well: why this study, why UT, what you will do with the scholarship, how you plan to use it.
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Highlight any relevant experience (research, projects, internships) especially if they match what UT emphasises (innovation, interdisciplinarity, societal impact).
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Maintain or improve academic performance, especially during the first year if the scholarship has performance conditions for the second year.
Challenges & Considerations
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Competition is stiff. Only a small number of scholarships are awarded—only the top portion of applicants will succeed.
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The total cost of living + tuition may still be high; scholarship may cover part, not all. Be sure you have backup funding or savings.
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Visa/residency permit processes take time. Proof of funding is often required for visa applications—delays in scholarship decisions can affect this. Planning ahead is crucial.
Bottom Line
If you are a high‑achieving student from outside the EU/EEA aiming for a Master’s at University of Twente, the UTS and NL Scholarship are among the most attractive routes in 2026. They offer meaningful support, but not full coverage. The key is to apply early, ensure strong academic credentials, fulfill all requirements, and be realistic about what costs you’ll still have to bear.
If you want, I can prepare a checklist tailored with deadlines & documents for someone from your country, to make sure you don’t miss anything. Do you want that?
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