Eric Bleumink Scholarship 2027 in Netherlands (Fully Funded)
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The Eric Bleumink Scholarship 2027 is a fully funded master’s grant offered by the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. It supports talented students from developing countries with full tuition, travel costs, a living allowance, books, and health insurance for one- or two-year master’s programs starting in September 2027.
INTRODUCTION
Dreaming of studying in the Netherlands without worrying about money? The Eric Bleumink Scholarship 2027 could be your answer.
This fully funded scholarship is offered by the University of Groningen (UG), one of Europe’s oldest and most respected research universities, founded in 1614. It’s designed for talented, motivated students from developing countries who want to pursue a master’s degree but don’t have the financial means to do it on their own.
Unlike most scholarships, you don’t fill out a separate scholarship application form. Instead, the university’s Admission Office reviews master’s applicants and nominates the strongest candidates for this grant. That makes getting your master’s application in early — and making it as strong as possible — the real key to winning this award.
The scholarship covers tuition fees, international travel, a monthly living allowance, books, and health insurance for the full length of your program. It’s open to citizens of a long list of eligible countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.
If you’re an ambitious student who wants a top-quality European education without the financial burden, this guide walks you through everything you need to know — eligibility, benefits, required documents, deadlines, and insider tips to boost your chances.
Eric Bleumink Scholarship
QUICK OVERVIEW TABLE
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Eric Bleumink Fellowship (Fund) |
| Host Country | Netherlands |
| Host University | University of Groningen (UG) |
| Degree Level | Master’s (MSc / MA / LL.M.) |
| Funded By | Eric Bleumink Fund, University of Groningen |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
| Coverage | Tuition, international travel, living allowance, books, health insurance |
| Eligible Countries | Selected developing countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East & Latin America |
| Application Deadline | 1 December 2026 (master’s program application) |
| Study Mode | Full-time, on campus |
| Duration | 1 or 2 years |
| IELTS Required | Yes, per your chosen program’s requirements |
| Application Fee | No separate scholarship fee (program admission fees may apply) |
ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP
The Eric Bleumink Fund was set up to support talented students and young researchers from developing countries who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford a master’s degree in the Netherlands. It’s named after Eric Bleumink, a former University of Groningen staff member, and is funded through university resources and alumni donations.
The fund’s mission goes beyond just paying tuition. It aims to help capable individuals grow into skilled professionals who can return home and contribute to their country’s development — in fields ranging from public health and law to sustainable development, energy, and the social sciences.
Every year, hundreds of students apply for admission hoping to be nominated for this grant, but only a limited number of scholarships are awarded. That makes it genuinely competitive — the university looks for applicants with outstanding academic records, strong recommendation letters, and a clear sense of purpose.
Since the scholarship is awarded through nomination rather than direct application, your master’s program application essentially doubles as your scholarship application. This is different from most funded scholarships, so it’s important to understand the process before you begin.
Eric Bleumink Scholarship
SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS
The Eric Bleumink Scholarship is genuinely fully funded. Here’s what it covers:
✔ Tuition Fees — Full coverage of your master’s program tuition for the entire duration of your studies.
✔ International Travel — Costs of your flight to and from the Netherlands.
✔ Living/Subsistence Allowance — A monthly stipend to cover accommodation, food, and daily expenses.
✔ Health Insurance — Coverage for the mandatory Dutch health insurance required of international students.
✔ Books and Study Materials — A budget to buy the textbooks and materials your program requires.
The scholarship does not typically include extras like a laptop allowance, conference funding, or family allowance, so international students should plan their personal budget with that in mind.
Eric Bleumink Scholarship
AVAILABLE PROGRAMS
The Eric Bleumink Fellowship applies to all master’s programs taught at the University of Groningen, including but not limited to:
- Public Health and Medical Sciences
- Law (LL.M. programs)
- International Relations and Humanitarian Assistance
- Economics and Business
- Sustainable Development and Energy
- Digitization and Artificial Intelligence
- Social Sciences and Behavioural Studies
- Arts, Journalism, and Language Studies
- Spatial Sciences and Environmental Studies
You can browse the university’s full list of master’s programs on the official UG website and pick the one that fits your academic background and career goals before applying. (Eric Bleumink Scholarship)
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To be considered for the Eric Bleumink Scholarship 2027, you should:
- Hold citizenship of one of the eligible developing countries (see list below)
- Receive a provisional or unconditional offer of admission to a UG master’s program before February 2027
- Have an excellent academic record from your bachelor’s degree
- Be able to support your application with strong letters of recommendation
- Meet the English language requirements of your chosen program (usually IELTS, TOEFL, or an equivalent test)
- Be available and able to participate in the entire program, start to finish
- Be in good health, since Dutch health insurance needs to be arranged for you
- Show that you don’t already have sufficient funding from another source to cover your studies
Eligible Countries include: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, India, Iran, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Micronesia, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Rwanda, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tokelau, Tunisia, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Yemen, and Zambia.
If your country isn’t listed, you unfortunately won’t be eligible for this particular scholarship, but you may still qualify for other Dutch or European funding options. (Eric Bleumink Scholarship)
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
While the exact list varies slightly by program, you’ll generally need:
- Valid passport
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Bachelor’s degree diploma (or proof of expected graduation)
- CV/Resume
- Letters of recommendation (usually 2)
- Motivation letter or Statement of Purpose
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
- Passport-sized photo
- Any program-specific documents (portfolio, writing sample, research proposal, etc.)
Double-check the exact requirements on your chosen program’s admission page, since faculties at UG can ask for slightly different supporting documents.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Since you can’t apply for the Eric Bleumink Scholarship directly, here’s how the process actually works:
Step 1: Choose your master’s program. Browse the University of Groningen’s full list of master’s programs and pick one that matches your background and goals.
Step 2: Apply for admission early. Submit your master’s program application well before 1 December 2026. This gives the Admission Office enough time to process it before the scholarship nomination cutoff.
Step 3: Submit all required documents. Upload your transcripts, CV, recommendation letters, motivation letter, and English test scores through the university’s application portal (Studielink and the UG application system).
Step 4: Wait for your admission decision. The Admission Office and your faculty’s Admission Board will review your application and decide on admission.
Step 5: Get nominated. If you receive a provisional or unconditional admission offer before February 2027 and meet the scholarship criteria, the Admission Office may nominate you for the Eric Bleumink Fellowship automatically — you don’t submit a separate scholarship form.
Step 6: Await the scholarship outcome. If nominated and selected, you’ll be notified directly by the university about your scholarship award.
IMPORTANT DATES
| Milestone | Approximate Date |
|---|---|
| Master’s Applications Open | Around October 2026 |
| Master’s Application Deadline | 1 December 2026 |
| Admission Decisions & Scholarship Nominations | By February 2027 |
| Scholarship Results | February–March 2027 |
| Visa Process | March–August 2027 |
| Program Starts | September 2027 |
Always confirm exact dates on the official UG page, since specific programs may set earlier internal deadlines.
IMPORTANT LINKS
- Official Eric Bleumink Fellowship page: rug.nl/education/scholarships/eric-bleumink-fellowship
- University of Groningen master’s programs: rug.nl/masters/alphabetical
- Studielink application portal: studielink.nl
- UG Admission FAQs: rug.nl/education/faq
SELECTION PROCESS
- Initial screening — The Admission Office reviews all master’s applications received before the deadline.
- Eligibility check — Applicants are checked against nationality and academic requirements for the scholarship.
- Faculty evaluation — Each faculty’s Admission Board evaluates the academic strength of the application.
- Nomination — Strong candidates who meet all Eric Bleumink criteria are nominated.
- Final selection — A limited number of nominees are awarded the scholarship based on overall competitiveness.
- Notification — Selected students are informed directly by the university.
HOW TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES
- Apply for your master’s program as early as possible — don’t wait until the deadline
- Aim for an unconditional admission offer, not just a provisional one
- Write a compelling, specific motivation letter that connects your goals to your chosen program
- Get strong, detailed recommendation letters from professors who know your work well
- Highlight leadership roles, volunteer work, or research experience in your CV
- Score as high as possible on your English proficiency test
- Keep your bachelor’s grades as strong as possible before you apply
- Clearly show that you lack other means of funding your studies
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
- Submitting your master’s application close to or after 1 December
- Uploading incomplete or low-quality scanned documents
- Writing a generic motivation letter that isn’t tailored to your program
- Missing the English proficiency requirement for your specific program
- Forgetting to check your passport’s expiry date
- Assuming you need to fill out a separate scholarship application (you don’t)
- Not researching your chosen faculty’s specific document requirements
LIVING IN THE NETHERLANDS
Groningen is a lively, student-friendly city in the northern Netherlands, home to a huge student population that keeps the city young and affordable by Dutch standards.
- Cost of living: Generally lower than in Amsterdam or Rotterdam, making it a good option for budget-conscious students
- Accommodation: Student housing is in demand, so it’s smart to start searching as soon as you’re admitted
- Food: Supermarkets and local markets keep grocery costs manageable; student cafeterias are budget-friendly too
- Transport: The city is extremely bike-friendly, and most students get around on bicycles
- Part-time jobs: International students can typically work part-time alongside their studies, subject to visa conditions
- Weather: Mild summers and cold, often rainy winters, typical of northern Europe
- Healthcare: High-quality and covered by the mandatory health insurance included in your scholarship
- Safety: The Netherlands is considered one of the safer countries in Europe for international students
- Student life: Groningen has a strong international student community, with clubs, events, and societies to help you settle in
VISA INFORMATION
Most non-EU/EEA students will need a residence permit and, depending on nationality, an entry visa (MVV) to study in the Netherlands.
- The University of Groningen typically assists admitted international students with the visa/residence permit application process
- You’ll need proof of admission, financial means, and health insurance as part of your application
- Processing times vary, so it’s best to start as soon as you receive your admission and scholarship confirmation
- International students on a valid residence permit are generally allowed to work part-time under Dutch immigration rules
- Family/dependent visas may be possible depending on your personal circumstances and program length — check with the university’s international office
Always verify current visa requirements and fees through the official Dutch immigration service (IND) and the University of Groningen’s international student office, as rules can change.
WHY STUDY IN THE NETHERLANDS
- Home to several of the world’s top-ranked universities, including the University of Groningen
- Wide range of English-taught master’s programs
- Strong focus on research, innovation, and practical, career-relevant skills
- Central location in Europe, making travel to other countries easy
- Multicultural, English-friendly environment that’s welcoming to international students
- Strong graduate employability and international recognition of Dutch degrees
- Access to Europe’s job market and research networks after graduation
IMPORTANT FAQs
1. Is the Eric Bleumink Scholarship fully funded? Yes. It covers tuition, travel, a living allowance, books, and health insurance.
2. Who can apply for this scholarship? Citizens of eligible developing countries who have been admitted to a University of Groningen master’s program.
3. Can European students apply? No, this scholarship is reserved for students from specific developing countries, most of which are outside Europe.
4. Can African students apply? Yes, many African countries are on the eligible list, including Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Ethiopia.
5. Can Asian students apply? Yes, countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Vietnam are eligible.
6. Can Pakistani students apply? Yes, Pakistan is on the eligible countries list.
7. Can Indian students apply? Yes, India is included in the eligible countries.
8. Can American students apply? No, the United States is not on the eligible countries list.
9. Is IELTS mandatory? You need to meet the English requirement of your specific program, which is usually IELTS, TOEFL, or an equivalent.
10. Can I apply without IELTS? Only if your chosen program accepts an alternative English proficiency proof, such as a prior English-medium degree.
11. Is there an application fee for the scholarship? There’s no separate scholarship fee, though your master’s program application may involve standard admission costs.
12. Can married students apply? Yes, marital status doesn’t affect eligibility.
13. Can I bring my family? This depends on visa rules and program length; check with the university’s international office.
14. What GPA is required? There’s no fixed minimum, but the university looks for an excellent academic record.
15. Can I work while studying? International students can generally work part-time, subject to Dutch immigration rules.
16. How many students are selected each year? The number varies annually and depends on available funding, but it’s a limited, competitive pool.
17. Can I apply for multiple master’s programs? You can apply to more than one program, but you can only accept and enroll in one.
18. Is age a factor in selection? There’s no stated age limit, but you must meet the academic and eligibility requirements.
19. What happens after I’m selected? You’ll be notified by the university and guided through enrollment, visa, and arrival steps.
20. How competitive is this scholarship? Very competitive — hundreds of students apply each year for a limited number of grants.
21. Can I apply with a pending final-year degree? Yes, provisional admission is possible while you finish your bachelor’s degree, as long as you meet the deadline for proof of completion.
22. What expenses are not covered? Extras like a laptop allowance, conference travel, or family support are not part of the standard package.
23. Can I defer my scholarship to a later year? Deferrals are generally not guaranteed; you would need to check directly with the Admission Office.
24. Can I apply if I already hold another scholarship? No — one of the eligibility conditions is that you don’t have sufficient alternative funding.
25. How will I know if I’ve been nominated or selected? The university will contact you directly, typically alongside or shortly after your admission decision. (Eric Bleumink Scholarship)
FINAL SUMMARY
The Eric Bleumink Scholarship 2027 is one of the best fully funded opportunities for talented students from developing countries who want a master’s degree in the Netherlands. It covers tuition, travel, living costs, books, and health insurance at one of Europe’s top research universities.
Because you’re nominated through your master’s application rather than a separate scholarship form, the most important thing you can do is apply early and build the strongest possible application well before 1 December 2026.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, don’t wait — start your master’s application today and give yourself the best shot at this life-changing opportunity. (Eric Bleumink Scholarship)