The University of Twente Scholarship 2027 offers academically outstanding international students the opportunity to receive between €3,000 and €22,000 towards the cost of pursuing a master’s degree in the Netherlands. Applications are open for eligible students planning to begin their studies in September 2027, with the scholarship deadline set for 1 April 2027 at 16:00 Central European Time (CET).
Studying in the Netherlands can be expensive, particularly for students from outside the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA), who generally pay higher tuition fees. The University of Twente Scholarship (UTS) is intended to reduce some of this financial burden while attracting high-achieving students to the university.
However, prospective applicants should understand an important distinction before applying: the University of Twente Scholarship is not a fully funded scholarship. The university provides a financial award that students may use towards study-related expenses, but it does not automatically pay tuition fees, accommodation or other costs on their behalf.
This guide explains the scholarship’s financial benefits, eligibility requirements, available master’s programmes, application procedure, selection considerations and important deadlines. It also examines the additional Kipaji Scholarship and what applicants should consider when preparing a competitive application.
University of Twente Scholarship 2027: Overview
| Scholarship detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship name | University of Twente Scholarship (UTS) |
| Host institution | University of Twente |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Study level | Master’s degree (MSc) |
| Eligible applicants | Outstanding non-EU/EEA students |
| Scholarship amount | €3,000–€22,000 |
| Initial funding duration | One academic year |
| Second-year funding | Possible for eligible two-year programmes, subject to academic progress |
| Application opening date | 15 October 2026 |
| Scholarship deadline | 1 April 2027, 16:00 CET |
| Expected results | First week of May 2027 |
| Academic intake | September 2027 |
| Funding type | Partial scholarship |
| Application process | Separate from admission to the master’s programme |
About the University of Twente
The University of Twente is a public research university located in Enschede, in the eastern Netherlands. It is particularly recognised for its interdisciplinary approach to education, combining technology, engineering, science, business and social sciences.
Its academic programmes encourage students to connect theoretical knowledge with practical challenges. Areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, sustainable energy, biomedical engineering and business innovation illustrate the university’s emphasis on applying research to real-world problems.
The university’s campus environment also provides opportunities for students to participate in research projects, entrepreneurial initiatives and collaborative learning activities.
For international students considering graduate education in Europe, the University of Twente offers English-taught master’s programmes across technical and non-technical disciplines. The scholarship makes some of these programmes more financially accessible to outstanding applicants from outside the EU/EEA.
University of Twente Scholarship 2027 Benefits
The University of Twente Scholarship provides financial support ranging from €3,000 to €22,000 for one year.
The amount awarded varies, and applicants should not assume that every successful candidate will receive the maximum €22,000.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
| Benefit | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Financial award | €3,000–€22,000 for the first year |
| Tuition expenses | Scholarship funds may be used towards tuition, but fees are not automatically waived. |
| Living expenses | Students may allocate scholarship funds towards study-related living costs |
| Accommodation | No separately guaranteed accommodation allowance |
| Travel expenses | No separately guaranteed international travel allowance |
| Health insurance | No separately guaranteed insurance benefit under the basic UTS award |
| Second-year funding | Possible for qualifying two-year programmes if renewal conditions are met |
The scholarship is provided as compensation for study-related costs. Recipients decide how to allocate the money according to their circumstances.
For example, a student awarded €10,000 might decide to use a substantial portion towards tuition fees while reserving the remainder for accommodation and other expenses. Another recipient may have separate tuition support and therefore use more of the award towards living costs.
In either case, the university does not automatically settle these expenses on the student’s behalf.
Is the University of Twente Scholarship Fully Funded?
No. The University of Twente explicitly describes UTS as a partial scholarship.
This matters because a student may receive an award and still face a considerable funding gap.
Consider the following illustrative situation:
| Estimated expense | Illustrative amount |
|---|---|
| Annual tuition fees | €18,000 |
| Annual living expenses | €12,000 |
| Total annual budget | €30,000 |
| UTS scholarship awarded | €15,000 |
| Remaining amount to finance | €15,000 |
These figures are illustrative rather than the university’s official fee quotation. Actual tuition and living costs depend on the master’s programme and the student’s circumstances.
Even an award of €22,000 does not necessarily cover every expense.
Applicants should therefore calculate the full cost of their intended programme, including tuition, housing, food, insurance, residence procedures and other essential expenses.
The university advises applicants not to rely on UTS unless they can realistically finance the remaining costs.
Students looking for another partially funded opportunity in the Netherlands can explore the Radboud Scholarship 2027. Unlike UTS, which provides a fixed financial award, the Radboud Scholarship primarily reduces tuition fees for selected international master’s students.
Can Students Receive the Scholarship for Two Years?
Yes. Students admitted to eligible two-year master’s programmes may receive additional funding for their second year.
The second-year award can equal the amount received during the first year, but renewal is conditional rather than automatic.
Academic Requirements for Second-Year Renewal
To remain eligible for the second-year award, recipients must achieve both of the following by the end of the third quartile of their first academic year:
- An average grade of at least 7 out of 10.
- At least 50% of the applicable European Credits (ECTS).
Students who fail to meet these requirements risk losing their second-year scholarship.
How Much Could a Two-Year Recipient Receive?
| First-year award | Possible second-year award | Potential total |
|---|---|---|
| €3,000 | €3,000 | €6,000 |
| €8,000 | €8,000 | €16,000 |
| €15,000 | €15,000 | €30,000 |
| €22,000 | €22,000 | €44,000 |
The second-year amounts are conditional examples, not guaranteed awards.
For applicants choosing between one-year and two-year programmes, the possibility of renewal is an important financial consideration. It should nevertheless be treated as potential support rather than money already secured.
Eligible Master’s Programmes at the University of Twente
The University of Twente Scholarship is available for a range of qualifying master’s programmes beginning in September 2027.
The university lists opportunities in engineering, natural sciences, technology, business, social sciences and related interdisciplinary fields.
Master’s Programmes Listed Under UTS
| Field | Master’s programmes |
|---|---|
| Mathematics and physical sciences | Applied Mathematics; Applied Physics; Nanotechnology |
| Computing and digital technology | Computer Science; Business Information Technology; Embedded Systems; Interaction Technology |
| Engineering | Biomedical Engineering; Chemical Science & Engineering; Civil Engineering & Management; Electrical Engineering; Mechanical Engineering |
| Management and business | Business Administration; Industrial Engineering & Management; Construction Management & Engineering |
| Energy and environment | Environmental & Energy Management; Sustainable Energy Technology |
| Design and advanced technology | Industrial Design Engineering; Robotics |
| Social sciences and governance | Communication Science; European Studies; Psychology; Public Administration |
| Education and healthcare | Educational Science & Technology; Health Sciences |
| Interdisciplinary studies | Humanitarian Engineering; Philosophy of Science, Technology & Society |
Applicants should verify that their specific programme is eligible for UTS before submitting a scholarship application.
Choosing a Programme That Matches Your Background
Selecting a master’s programme should involve more than identifying an attractive course title.
For example, a graduate in computer science may be interested in computer science, business information technology or interaction technology. However, these programmes may have different prerequisites in mathematics, programming, research methods and related subjects.
Similarly, an economics or business graduate considering Business Administration or Industrial Engineering & Management should examine the programme’s academic requirements before applying.
A scholarship application cannot compensate for a fundamental mismatch between a candidate’s academic background and the entry requirements of the intended degree.
The strongest starting point is therefore to identify a programme for which your previous studies provide a convincing academic foundation.
University of Twente Scholarship 2027 Eligibility Requirements
The University of Twente Scholarship is highly competitive and intended for excellent students from non-EU/EEA countries.
Applicants must satisfy the scholarship’s requirements in addition to the admission requirements of their chosen master’s programme.
1. Nationality Requirements
Applicants must come from outside the European Union and European Economic Area.
The university’s eligible-country list includes countries across Africa, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East and other regions.
Examples include Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Indonesia, Brazil and many others.
Being from an eligible country does not automatically establish eligibility, however. Applicants must also satisfy the university’s admission, academic, English-language and funding-status requirements.
2. Academic Excellence
UTS is intended for students who belong to approximately the top 5–10% of their graduating class at their home university.
This is a demanding standard.
A candidate with strong grades, consistent academic performance and evidence of academic distinction may be competitive, but the university does not guarantee a scholarship solely because a student has achieved a particular GPA.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate academic excellence through their official records and other relevant evidence.
Where a university uses a different grading scale, applicants should avoid making unsupported conversions. Official transcripts, grading explanations and institutional ranking evidence are more useful than an arbitrary conversion to the Dutch grading system.
3. Admission to an Eligible Master’s Programme
Applicants must first obtain full or provisional admission to a qualifying master’s programme at the University of Twente.
This requirement is central to the application process.
The university treats admission and scholarship selection as separate procedures. Being academically admitted does not mean that scholarship funding has been awarded.
Likewise, an applicant cannot secure UTS simply by completing the scholarship form without the required admission status.
4. University Student Number
Applicants must have a University of Twente student number.
This is obtained through the university’s admission process and is required for the scholarship application.
5. English-Language Proficiency
Applicants must satisfy the university’s English-language requirements.
For UTS, the university specifies the following general test standards:
| English test | Published UTS requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Overall 6.5 |
| IELTS speaking | At least 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 90 |
| TOEFL speaking | At least 20 |
Applicants must also satisfy any additional English-language requirements attached to their chosen master’s programme.
Because English-testing providers and scoring systems may change, applicants should check the university’s current test guidance before booking an examination or submitting results.
6. Dutch Visa Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the requirements for obtaining a Dutch entry visa or residence permission where applicable.
Scholarship eligibility does not replace immigration requirements.
Successful applicants may still need to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover expenses not met by their scholarship.
7. No Eligibility for a Dutch Study Loan
Candidates must not be eligible for a Dutch study loan under the relevant rules.
8. Previous Study at the University of Twente
Applicants must not have previously graduated from an undergraduate or graduate programme at the University of Twente.
The scholarship is also unavailable to current University of Twente students.
Who Is Not Eligible for the University of Twente Scholarship?
Certain categories of students are expressly excluded.
| Applicant category | UTS eligibility |
|---|---|
| Non-EU/EEA applicant meeting all requirements | Potentially eligible |
| Dutch national | Not eligible |
| EU/EEA student | Not eligible |
| Current University of Twente student | Not eligible |
| Previous UT undergraduate or graduate | Not eligible |
| Applicant to an ITC Faculty master’s programme | Not eligible |
| Pre-master’s student | Not eligible |
| Student paying statutory tuition fees | Not eligible |
| Applicant without qualifying master’s admission | Not eligible |
Important Exception for Non-EU/EEA Residents
Nationality is not the only factor affecting eligibility.
A non-EU/EEA student with a Dutch residence permit that entitles them to pay the statutory tuition fee is not eligible for UTS.
If a recipient becomes eligible for statutory tuition fees during their studies, they must inform the university’s scholarship coordinator. The university states that the UTS award will then be cancelled.
Students already living in the Netherlands should therefore examine their tuition-fee status carefully rather than assuming that non-EU nationality automatically qualifies them.
Additional Funding: The Kipaji Scholarship
The University of Twente identifies the Kipaji Scholarship as a possible additional funding opportunity for eligible UTS recipients entering in September 2027.
The Kipaji Scholarship has separate eligibility requirements and should not be confused with the standard University of Twente Scholarship.
How UTS and Kipaji Are Connected
Students must apply for UTS to be considered for the Kipaji Scholarship.
Applicants who believe they meet the additional Kipaji requirements are advised to indicate their interest in the motivation provided with their scholarship application.
Receiving UTS does not automatically guarantee Kipaji funding.
Applicants should consult the university’s published Kipaji conditions to determine whether they qualify.
Documents to Prepare for the UTS Application
The university requires applicants to complete its scholarship application after obtaining the necessary admission status.
The exact information and supporting materials requested may depend on the application form and the applicant’s circumstances.
Prospective students should prepare the following materials for the wider admission and scholarship process.
| Document or information | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Valid passport or identity document | Establishes identity and nationality |
| Academic transcripts | Documents previous academic performance |
| Bachelor’s degree certificate or accepted completion evidence | Supports master’s admission |
| English-language test results or accepted exemption evidence | Demonstrates language eligibility |
| Master’s admission letter | Confirms qualifying admission status |
| University of Twente student number | Required for scholarship application |
| Motivation information | Explains academic interests and scholarship suitability |
| Academic ranking or distinction evidence, where available | Helps substantiate exceptional academic performance |
| Other programme-specific documents | May be required for admission to the chosen MSc |
Important: This is a preparation checklist, not a claim that every listed item must be uploaded separately to the UTS scholarship form. Applicants should follow the exact instructions displayed in the university’s admission and scholarship portals.
How to Apply for the University of Twente Scholarship 2027
The application process involves two distinct stages: securing admission to an eligible master’s programme and applying separately for the scholarship.
Step 1: Identify an Eligible Master’s Programme
Begin by reviewing the University of Twente’s available master’s programmes.
Consider the course structure, entry requirements, language requirements, tuition fees and suitability for your academic and professional goals.
Do not select a programme solely because it appears on the scholarship eligibility list.
Step 2: Check the Programme’s Admission Requirements
Review the academic qualifications required for your chosen programme.
Some degrees may expect particular undergraduate subjects, mathematical preparation, laboratory experience or technical competencies.
International applicants should also review any country-specific diploma requirements.
Step 3: Prepare Your Admission Documents
Collect your transcripts, qualification certificates, identity documents, English-language evidence and other materials required by the programme.
Where documents need official translations or additional verification, allow enough time to complete those steps.
Step 4: Submit Your Master’s Application
Apply through the university’s official admission procedure.
The university may take up to eight weeks to communicate an admission decision after a completed application.
This means waiting until March 2027 to begin the admission process could be risky, even though the scholarship deadline is in April.
Step 5: Obtain Conditional or Full Admission
Wait for the university to assess your academic application.
You must have the required admission status before submitting the UTS application.
Step 6: Obtain Your Student Number
Make sure you have your University of Twente student number and the relevant admission information.
These details connect your scholarship application with your academic admission record.
Step 7: Complete the Separate UTS Application
Access the official UTS scholarship application and provide the required information.
Follow the instructions carefully, particularly when explaining your academic achievements and motivation.
Step 8: Indicate Kipaji Interest Where Relevant
If you meet the additional conditions for the Kipaji Scholarship, indicate your interest in the application motivation as advised by the university.
Do not assume that an ordinary UTS application automatically demonstrates eligibility for every additional funding opportunity.
Step 9: Submit Before the Deadline
The UTS application closes on 1 April 2027 at 16:00 CET.
Applicants should aim to submit well before the final day to avoid problems involving incomplete information, technical difficulties or unexpected admission delays.
Step 10: Await the Scholarship Decision
The university expects to announce scholarship results during the first week of May 2027.
Successful applicants should review their award conditions, assess the remaining costs and complete the necessary enrolment and immigration procedures.
How Competitive Is the University of Twente Scholarship?
UTS is a merit-based scholarship aimed at students with exceptional academic records.
The university’s reference to the top 5–10% of a graduating class illustrates the level of academic achievement expected.
However, strong grades are not the only information that can help an application communicate a candidate’s potential.
An applicant’s academic fit, motivation and future goals can help explain why they are pursuing their chosen master’s programme.
Demonstrate Academic Excellence With Evidence
Applicants should identify the strongest verifiable achievements in their academic background.
These might include graduating with distinction, ranking highly in a class, receiving academic awards or completing an especially demanding research project.
A statement such as “I am a hardworking and passionate student” communicates less than a specific, verifiable example of academic performance.
Connect Your Previous Studies to the Master’s Programme
A convincing application should show why the selected master’s programme is an appropriate continuation of the applicant’s education.
For example, an electrical engineering graduate interested in Embedded Systems could explain how previous coursework or projects developed an interest in integrated hardware and software systems.
An applicant to Sustainable Energy Technology might discuss relevant technical training or research interests connected to energy efficiency, renewable technologies or the energy transition.
The connection should be genuine and supported by the applicant’s background.
Explain Your Future Direction
Applicants should be able to explain what they intend to do with the knowledge gained through the master’s programme.
Career goals are stronger when they are reasonably specific.
A candidate interested in public administration, for instance, could explain an interest in evidence-based policy or public-sector innovation rather than relying on a vague ambition to become a global leader.
Address the Financial Reality
Applicants should also understand that receiving UTS may not eliminate the need for substantial personal or additional funding.
A realistic financial plan is important, particularly for students who will need to demonstrate sufficient resources for Dutch residence procedures.
Scholarship competitiveness and financial feasibility are two separate questions. A student can be academically excellent but still need additional funding to make enrolment possible.
Applicants who require more comprehensive financial support may also consider the Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship 2027. This highly competitive programme offers full tuition coverage and additional financial benefits to selected non-EU/EEA master’s students.
University of Twente Scholarship 2027: Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Scholarship applications open | 15 October 2026, 09:00 CET |
| UTS application deadline | 1 April 2027, 16:00 CET |
| Expected scholarship decisions | First week of May 2027 |
| Master’s programmes begin | September 2027 |
Note: Individual master’s programmes may have their own admission deadlines, which can be earlier than the UTS scholarship deadline. Applicants should follow the deadline for their chosen programme as well as the scholarship deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the University of Twente Scholarship 2027 open?
Yes. Applications opened on 15 October 2026 for eligible master’s programmes starting in September 2027.
What is the University of Twente Scholarship 2027 deadline?
The scholarship application deadline is 1 April 2027 at 16:00 CET.
How much does the University of Twente Scholarship provide?
The first-year award ranges from €3,000 to €22,000.
Is UTS a fully funded scholarship?
No. UTS provides partial financial support. Students remain responsible for any tuition, living or other costs not covered by their award.
Can African students apply?
Yes. Eligible non-EU/EEA applicants from African countries, including Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and many others, may apply if they meet all other requirements.
Can students from India, Pakistan or Bangladesh apply?
Yes. These countries appear on the university’s eligible-country list, subject to the remaining scholarship conditions.
Can I apply without admission to the University of Twente?
You must first obtain the required conditional or full admission to a qualifying master’s programme before applying for UTS.
Can I apply for UTS with a low GPA?
The scholarship is intended for students among the top 5–10% of their graduating class. Applicants with weaker academic records should recognise that this is a highly competitive merit award.
Is there a fixed GPA requirement?
The published UTS criteria emphasise exceptional academic standing rather than setting a single universal GPA cutoff for all international grading systems.
Does the scholarship cover tuition fees?
Recipients may use their award towards tuition, but the university does not automatically waive or pay tuition fees on their behalf.
Can I receive funding for the second year?
Potentially, yes. Students on eligible two-year programmes must satisfy the specified academic progress requirements for second-year renewal.
Can I apply for the Kipaji Scholarship as well?
Eligible UTS applicants may express interest in Kipaji funding, subject to its additional requirements.
Can current University of Twente students apply?
No. The UTS programme is unavailable to current UT students.
Can I use UTS for a pre-master’s programme?
No. Pre-master’s programmes are excluded.
Are master’s programmes at the ITC Faculty eligible?
No. The University of Twente specifically excludes master’s programmes offered by its Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC) from UTS.
When will successful applicants be notified?
The university expects results during the first week of May 2027.
Final Thoughts
The University of Twente Scholarship 2027 offers substantial financial assistance to outstanding international students pursuing eligible master’s degrees in the Netherlands.
Its maximum first-year award of €22,000 can significantly reduce the cost of graduate education, while the possibility of second-year renewal may provide further support for students enrolled in two-year programmes.
Nevertheless, the scholarship should be approached with a clear understanding of its limitations. It is not fully funded, selection is competitive, and applicants must obtain admission to an eligible master’s programme before applying for the award.
For students with strong academic records and a realistic plan to finance any remaining expenses, UTS is an opportunity worth considering.
The most important early step is to select an academically suitable master’s programme and submit the admission application in sufficient time to receive a decision before the scholarship deadline.
Official Links
- University of Twente Scholarship (UTS) — Official Information: https://www.utwente.nl/en/education/scholarship-finder/university-of-twente-scholarship/
- University of Twente Scholarship — Official Application: https://www.utwente.nl/en/education/scholarship-finder/application-forms/preapl-uts/
