University of Twente Scholarship (UTS) 2026 — Clean Guide for International Master’s Applicants
The University of Twente Scholarship (UTS) supports excellent international (non-EU/EEA) students who plan to start a Master’s programme at the University of Twente in September 2026. UTS provides a contribution toward study-related and living costs (it does not pay tuition). Award amounts range from €3,000 to €22,000 for one year.
Who the Scholarship Is For
- Non-EU/EEA nationals who have applied for and received (conditional or unconditional) admission to a qualifying UT Master’s programme starting September 2026.
- Applicants who hold a UT student number and who have not previously graduated from the University of Twente (UT) or currently study at UT.
- Students who are among the top of their class (UT expects UTS recipients to be in roughly the top 5–10% of their graduating cohort).
- Not available for EU/EEA students, pre-Master programmes, or Master’s programmes at the ITC (Faculty of Geo-Information Science & Earth Observation).
Scholarship Value & Structure
- Amount: €3,000–€22,000 for one year (student decides how to use the funds).
- Two-year programmes: An equal amount may be awarded for year two provided academic progress requirements are met (see below).
- Does not cover tuition: UTS is intended to compensate study-related costs and living expenses only.
Continuation Criteria for Two-Year Programmes
To receive UTS in the second year, students must meet these requirements by the end of the third quartile of year one:
- Obtain an average grade ≥ 7.0 (on the Dutch 10-point scale).
- Earn at least 50% of the required European Credits (ECs).
Kipaji Additional Scholarship
Candidates for UTS may also indicate interest in the Kipaji Scholarship, an additional fund aimed at students from low-income / least developed countries. Eligibility for Kipaji is conditional and requires separate criteria; interest should be noted in the UTS motivation statement.
Eligibility Checklist (Quick)
- Non-EU/EEA nationality
- Provisional or unconditional admission to a qualifying UT Master’s programme (September 2026 start)
- Valid UT student number
- Meet English language requirements (typically IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 90 with speaking subscores where required)
- Not eligible for Dutch statutory tuition fee or Dutch study loan
- Not a UT alumnus or current UT student
Important Deadlines (2026 Intake)
- Round 1: Application portal opens 15 October 2025 — closes 1 February 2026 (16:00 CET).
- Round 2: Application portal opens 1 February 2026 — closes 1 May 2026 (16:00 CET).
- Note: If your Round 1 application was rejected, Round 2 typically will not reconsider the same application.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Apply for a qualifying Master’s programme at the University of Twente and obtain a student number.
- When you have a student number, complete the separate UTS scholarship application through the UT scholarship portal before the round deadline.
- Upload required documents (transcripts, proof of admission, language certificates, a concise CV, and a motivation letter explaining academic merit and financial need).
- If interested in Kipaji, state this in your motivation and attach any requested country-specific documentation.
- Submit before the deadline; late or incomplete submissions will be rejected.
Selection Criteria
- Academic excellence (transcripts, class rank, grades).
- Admission to a qualifying Master’s programme at UT.
- English language proficiency.
- Motivation and alignment of study plans with academic achievements.
- For continuation into year two: satisfactory academic progress as described above.
What UTS Does Not Cover
- Tuition fees — you remain responsible for paying tuition.
- ITC (Geo-Information Science & Earth Observation) Master’s programmes and pre-Master programmes.
- Students who become eligible for the Dutch statutory tuition fee after award — the scholarship may be cancelled.
Estimated Living Costs (Practical Planning)
UT provides living-cost estimates; typical yearly budgets (excluding tuition) can include:
- Housing: €4,000–€8,000
- Food: €2,500–€3,500
- Transport (bike/public transport): €500–€1,000
- Insurance & visa: €300–€800
- Books & personal expenses: €1,000–€2,000
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Apply early for your Master’s programme so you have time to secure a student number and the scholarship application.
- Prepare a focused motivation letter: highlight academic achievements, class ranking or GPA, and explain how UTS will support your studies.
- Provide clear, translated transcripts and ensure referees can speak to your academic potential.
- If applying for Kipaji, clearly describe your background and how the additional award will impact your study plans and community.
- Double-check language score requirements and provide valid documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions (Short)
Can EU/EEA students apply?
No. UTS is targeted at non-EU/EEA international students. If your residency status changes such that you become eligible for the Dutch statutory fee, the scholarship will be cancelled.
Will UTS pay my tuition?
No. UTS is intended for study-related and living costs only; tuition must be paid separately.
What happens if I fail to meet year-one requirements for two-year programmes?
The scholarship may not be continued into year two if you do not meet the minimum grade and credit requirements.
How do I indicate interest in the Kipaji Scholarship?
Mention your interest in Kipaji in your UTS motivation letter and follow any additional instructions on the UT Kipaji information page.
Final Note
The UTS is a valuable award for highly competitive international applicants. It reduces the financial pressure of living and study costs in the Netherlands and can be combined with careful budgeting and additional funding where necessary. Make sure you meet the eligibility rules, apply by the relevant round deadline, and present a concise, evidence-based application focusing on academic excellence.
Official University of Twente UTS Page
Full details, programme lists, and the official application portal are on the University of Twente website: University of Twente Scholarship (UTS) — Official Page
