University of Twente Scholarships in Netherlands, 2026

The University of Twente (UT) in the Netherlands is one of Europe’s leading research universities, known for innovation, technology, and a strong international community. For the 2026–2027 academic year, UT is offering a range of scholarships designed primarily for international Master’s (MSc) students, especially those from non-EU/EEA countries, to help make postgraduate study in Holland more affordable and accessible.

These scholarships are not full funding for tuition and living expenses, but they offer significant financial support that can ease the cost of study and life in the Netherlands, a powerful boost for students aiming to enhance their expertise and careers.

About the University of Twente

The University of Twente, located in Enschede, is one of the Netherlands’ most innovative research universities. Established in 1961, UT is widely known for its strong links between technology, science, and society. It consistently ranks among the top universities worldwide for engineering, computer science, data science, and social sciences with a technical focus.

UT is also internationally oriented, offering a wide range of English-taught Master’s programmes that attract students from over 100 countries. Its unique “High-Tech, Human Touch” philosophy combines cutting-edge research with real-world problem-solving, making graduates highly employable in global industries.

To ensure that financial barriers do not prevent talented students from accessing these opportunities, the University of Twente provides merit-based scholarships for outstanding international applicants.

Main Scholarship Opportunities at UT in 2026

University of Twente Scholarship (UTS)

The University of Twente Scholarship (UTS) is the main institutional scholarship offered by UT for excellent non-EU/EEA international students enrolling in a Master’s degree (MSc) for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Scholarship value:

  • €3,000 – €22,000 annually to help cover study-related costs (not tuition fees).
  • If you’re enrolled in a two-year Master’s programme, the scholarship can be renewed for the second year provided you meet specific academic performance requirements.

Academic Renewal Criteria (2-Year Programmes)

To continue receiving UTS funding in your second year, you must meet both conditions by the end of year one:

  • Achieve an average grade of 7.0 out of 10;
  • Pass at least 50% of your ECTS credits.

If you meet these requirements, you may receive the same award amount in year two.

Who Qualifies for UTS?

To be eligible for the University of Twente Scholarship, you must meet all of the following:

  • Non-EU/EEA nationality: EU/EEA students and those paying Dutch statutory tuition are not eligible.
  • Admission to a qualifying UT Master’s programme starting in September 2026.
  • Valid UT student number (received after admission).
  • Top academic performance, typically among the top 5–10% of your graduating class or equivalent.
  • English proficiency, typically IELTS 6.5 overall or TOEFL iBT 90, with an additional requirement on sub-scores.
  • Visa eligibility for study in the Netherlands (if applicable).
  • Not eligible for a Dutch study loan.
  • Not currently or previously enrolled in a UT bachelor or Master’s degree programme.

UTS is not available for pre-Master’s programmes or programmes at the Faculty of Geo-Information Science & Earth Observation (ITC).

How to Apply for UTS

  • Apply for a Master’s programme at the University of Twente.
  • Once you receive a conditional or unconditional offer, obtain your student number.
  • Use your student number to apply for the University of Twente Scholarship.
  • Complete and submit the scholarship application — usually with supporting documents such as transcripts, English test results, and a motivation letter explaining why you deserve the award.

Tip: Start your degree application early so you can get your student number in time to submit your scholarship application.

Application Deadlines

UT offers two scholarship rounds for UTS in 2026:

Round 1:

  • Opens: 15 October 2025 (09:00 CET)
  • Closes: 1 February 2026 (16:00 CET)

Round 2:

  • Opens: 1 February 2026 (16:00 CET)
  • Closes: 1 May 2026 (16:00 CET)

Note: If you apply in Round 1 and are not successful, you cannot re-apply for the same programme in Round 2.

2. NL Scholarship

In addition to UTS, you may consider the NL Scholarship, a one-time grant for outstanding non-EU/EEA students applying for a Master’s programme in the Netherlands.

Scholarship Value

  • A lump sum of €5,000 awarded once in the first year of study.
  • This grant is meant to help cover study-related and living costs and is paid directly to you.

Eligibility for NL Scholarship

To qualify, you must meet all of the following:

  • Be a non-EU/EEA student admitted to a UT Master’s programme starting in September 2026.
  • Have not previously completed a full degree in the Netherlands.
  • Be among the highest performing students, typically top 5–10% academically.
  • Meet English language requirements similar to those for UTS.
  • Be eligible for a Dutch entry visa (if needed).

How to Apply for UTS

  • Apply for a Master’s programme at the University of Twente.
  • Once you receive a conditional or unconditional offer, obtain your student number.
  • Use your student number to apply for the NL Scholarship.
  • Complete and submit the scholarship application — usually with supporting documents such as transcripts, English test results, and a motivation letter explaining why you deserve the award.

NL Scholarship Deadlines

There are also two rounds for the NL Scholarship:

Round 1:

  • Opens: 15 October 2025
  • Closes: 1 February 2026

Round 2:

  • Opens: 1 February 2026
  • Closes: 1 May 2026

Results are typically announced a few weeks after each deadline.

Additional Opportunities — Kipaji Scholarship

The Kipaji Scholarship is an additional award for UTS recipients who demonstrate exceptional potential and commitment. If eligible, students may receive extra funding on top of the base UTS award.

Note: Interest in the Kipaji Scholarship should be expressed in your UTS motivation letter.

Maximizing Your Chances

Here are practical tips to improve your application success:

  • Strengthen Your Motivation Letter: Whether you’re applying for UTS or the NL Scholarship, a well-crafted motivation letter is crucial. Explain your academic goals, career plans, and reasons for choosing UT, and how the scholarship will help you succeed.
  • Showcase Your Academic Excellence: Scholarships are merit-based. Highlight your top grades, awards, research experience, or related achievements.
  • Follow English Proficiency Requirements: Make sure your IELTS/TOEFL scores meet or exceed the thresholds to avoid delays in both admission and scholarship review.
  • Apply Early and Complete All Steps: Get your offer letter and student number early and submit your scholarship application well before the deadline to avoid technical or documentation issues.

Why Study at the University of Twente?

The University of Twente offers:

  • A strong research-intensive environment
  • International student community
  • Interdisciplinary Master’s programmes
  • Opportunities for hands-on projects, innovation challenges, internships, and honours tracks
  • Being located in Enschede, Netherlands, UT provides a vibrant, multicultural European experience that’s ideal for young professionals and future researchers.

Conclusion

The University of Twente Scholarships for 2026 offer meaningful financial support for highly capable international Master’s students (especially non-EU/EEA applicants) who want to advance their education and careers in one of Europe’s most innovative academic environments. While not fully funded, the University of Twente Scholarship (UTS) and NL Scholarship together can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying abroad and open doors to further opportunities, including the Kipaji Scholarship.

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