Hanze Scholarship

Overview

The Hanze Scholarship is an award from Hanze University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands for international master's students from outside the European Economic Area. It is worth EUR 10,000 per academic year, paid in monthly installments of EUR 1,000, and it is meant as a contribution toward your living costs while you study in the Netherlands. It does not reduce your tuition fee, so it works as a top-up to help you cover rent, food, and daily expenses rather than as a tuition discount.

Hanze is a large university of applied sciences with campuses in Groningen, and the scholarship is offered across a defined set of master's programmes spanning creative, technical, and business fields. That range is one of its strengths: whether you are heading into Fine Art and Design, Music, Data Science, Renewable Energy, Engineering, Communication, or Business, there is likely an eligible programme. The award is aimed squarely at non-EEA students, who generally face higher tuition and living costs when studying in the Netherlands.

To be considered, you first have to be admitted to an eligible Hanze master's programme. Only then can you apply for the scholarship, and the application window is short, running from 1 March to 30 April in the 2026 cycle. Because the funding is monthly and tied to active enrollment, you are expected to study full time and take part in your classes and projects.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality Requirements

You must hold a non-EEA nationality. Students from within the European Economic Area are not eligible for this particular award.

Academic Requirements

You need to be admitted to an eligible full-time Hanze master's programme, with the 2026 cycle tied to programmes starting in September 2026. Admission comes first; the scholarship application follows.

Programme Requirements

Your programme must be one of the eligible master's options. These include Fine Art and Design specializations (such as iRAP, MADtech, MAPs, and Painting), Master of Music tracks (Classical, New Audiences, and New York Jazz), Data Science for Life Sciences, Renewable Energy programmes, Smart Systems Engineering, International Communication, International Business and Management, and the interdisciplinary professional Business Studies route.

Enrollment Requirements

You must enroll full time and take an active part in classes and projects, since payment is monthly and tied to ongoing study.

What the Scholarship Covers

• EUR 10,000 per academic year toward your living costs
• Paid in monthly installments of EUR 1,000
• A possible second-year continuation if you earn 30 ECTS and your programme approves it

Keep in mind that the scholarship is a contribution toward the cost of living in the Netherlands and cannot be used to reduce your tuition fee. You will still need to plan for tuition separately.

How to Apply

1. Apply for admission: Submit your application to an eligible Hanze master's programme and work toward an offer.
2. Get admitted: Secure your place in the programme, since scholarship consideration depends on admission.
3. Receive the invitation: After admission, your admissions officer sends you an invitation with a link to the scholarship application form.
4. Complete the application: Fill in the scholarship form within the application window of 1 March to 30 April.
5. Submit on time: Make sure your application is in before the window closes, as late submissions fall outside the cycle.
6. Await results: Selection results for the 2026 cycle were due by 10 June 2026.

Required Documents

• Proof of admission to an eligible Hanze master's programme
• A valid passport showing your non-EEA nationality
• The completed scholarship application form sent by your admissions officer
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates from your prior study
• A motivation statement, where requested, explaining your fit and need
• Any supporting documents specified in the scholarship invitation

Key Dates & Deadlines

You must be admitted before you apply, so start your programme application early enough to have an offer in hand when the scholarship window opens in March.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Apply for admission well ahead of March so you are ready when the scholarship window opens
• Confirm that your chosen programme is on the eligible list before counting on the award
• Respond promptly when your admissions officer sends the scholarship form link
• Make a clear case for how the living-cost support helps you study full time
• Plan your tuition funding separately, since this award does not cover it

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming the scholarship reduces tuition; it is for living costs only
• Applying for the scholarship before securing admission
• Missing the short 1 March to 30 April window
• Overlooking the full-time enrollment and active participation expectation

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the Hanze Scholarship worth?

It is worth EUR 10,000 per academic year, paid in monthly installments of EUR 1,000 toward your living costs.

Does the Hanze Scholarship cover tuition fees?

No. It is a contribution toward the cost of living in the Netherlands and cannot be used to reduce your tuition fee.

Who is eligible for the Hanze Scholarship?

Non-EEA nationals who are admitted to an eligible Hanze University master's programme and enroll full time.

What is the deadline for the Hanze Scholarship?

The 2026 application window runs from 1 March to 30 April, with selection results due by 10 June 2026.

Is the Hanze Scholarship fully funded?

No. It provides a fixed living-cost contribution of EUR 10,000 per year and does not cover tuition, so you should budget for tuition separately.

How do I apply for the Hanze Scholarship?

First get admitted to an eligible programme, then complete the scholarship form your admissions officer sends you within the application window.

Which programmes are eligible for the Hanze Scholarship?

Eligible programmes span Fine Art and Design, Music, Data Science for Life Sciences, Renewable Energy, Smart Systems Engineering, International Communication, and Business programmes, among others.

Can EEA students apply for the Hanze Scholarship?

No. This award is specifically for students with a non-EEA nationality.

Can I renew the Hanze Scholarship for a second year?

A second-year continuation is possible if you earn 30 ECTS and your programme approves it.

Do I need to be admitted before applying for the Hanze Scholarship?

Yes. You must first be admitted to an eligible Hanze master's programme before you can apply for the scholarship.