Radboud Scholarship Programme

Overview

The Radboud Scholarship Programme is a partial tuition award run by Radboud University in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, for international students who are about to start an English-taught master's. It does one main thing very well: it cuts the tuition you pay from roughly EUR 18,000 down to EUR 2,694 for the year, which is the same statutory rate that EU students pay. On top of that, it covers the practical costs of moving to the Netherlands, such as your visa, residence permit, and health and liability insurance.

The scholarship is aimed at talented non-EU/EEA students who have built their academic record outside the Netherlands and want to study at a research university with a strong international reputation. Radboud sets aside a fixed number of awards each year and splits them across faculties, so you are competing within your own subject area rather than against the whole university. For 2026/2027, the programme funds a maximum of 33 students.

It is worth being clear about what this is and isn't. It is a generous reduction in fees plus help with the bureaucratic costs of arriving. It is not a full ride, so you still need to fund your own living and study costs in Nijmegen. If you can cover day-to-day expenses but the foreign tuition fee is the barrier, this scholarship is built for you.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

You need full admission to an eligible English-taught Radboud master's programme that starts in September. The university looks at your grades and the standing of your previous institution, so a strong academic record matters. Erasmus Mundus and joint-degree programmes are not covered.

Nationality Requirements

You must hold a non-EU/non-EEA passport. Your bachelor's degree has to have been earned outside the Netherlands, and you cannot have completed prior education in the Netherlands.

Language Requirements

You have to meet the English language proficiency requirements of your chosen master's programme. The exact test and score depend on the programme, so check the admission page for your specific course.

Age & Other Requirements

You must be admitted to the programme by 1 September 2026, be able to obtain a Netherlands entry visa, and enrol as a full-time student.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Tuition reduced to EUR 2,694 for the year, instead of the full non-EU rate of around EUR 18,000
• Visa application costs
• Residence permit costs
• Health insurance (through Aon Student Insurance)
• Liability insurance

Living costs, accommodation, travel, and study materials are not covered, so plan to fund those yourself.

How to Apply

1. Choose your master's: Pick an eligible English-taught Radboud master's that starts in September and check that it is not an Erasmus Mundus or joint degree.
2. Apply for admission: Submit your application for the programme through OSIRIS, the university's admissions system, well before the scholarship deadline.
3. Indicate scholarship interest: In OSIRIS, mark that you want to be considered for the Radboud Scholarship Programme.
4. Upload your documents: Add your two reference letters and your CV to the application.
5. Complete everything on time: Submit by 31 January 2026 and make sure your full application is complete by 14 February 2026.
6. Wait for the decision: Faculties may interview shortlisted candidates, and decisions are sent before mid-April 2026.

Required Documents

• Two reference letters, preferably academic
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Your master's admission documents (transcripts, degree certificate, and proof of English proficiency are part of the admission application)
• A valid passport showing non-EU/EEA nationality

Key Dates & Deadlines

The programme runs on an annual cycle, so if you miss this round, the same dates roughly repeat the following year. Always confirm against the official page before you apply.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Apply for admission early so your file is complete with time to spare before the scholarship deadline.
• Ask referees who know your academic work to write specific, detailed letters rather than generic ones.
• Make your motivation and any work experience clear, since selection committees weigh ambition alongside grades.
• Double-check that your programme is eligible and is not a joint or Erasmus Mundus degree.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Leaving the scholarship box unticked in OSIRIS, which means you are never considered.
• Submitting reference letters from people who can only speak about you in general terms.
• Assuming the award covers living costs and arriving without a budget for rent and daily expenses.
• Missing the 14 February completion deadline because an admission document was still outstanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline for the Radboud Scholarship Programme?

For the 2026/2027 intake, you must submit your application by 31 January 2026, and your application has to be complete by 14 February 2026.

How much is the Radboud Scholarship Programme worth?

It reduces your tuition to EUR 2,694 for the year, compared with the regular non-EU fee of about EUR 18,000, and also covers your visa, residence permit, and health and liability insurance.

Is the Radboud Scholarship Programme fully funded?

No. It is a partial scholarship. It greatly reduces tuition and covers some arrival costs, but it does not cover your living or study expenses.

Who is eligible for the Radboud Scholarship Programme?

Non-EU/EEA students who earned their bachelor's outside the Netherlands, have no prior Dutch education, and are fully admitted to an eligible English-taught Radboud master's starting in September.

How many Radboud scholarships are available?

For 2026/2027, a maximum of 33 awards are split across faculties: Arts (4), Law (4), Management (6), Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies (3), Science (8), and Social Sciences (8).

Does the Radboud Scholarship Programme cover living costs?

No. Living and study costs are your responsibility. The scholarship focuses on tuition, visa, residence permit, and insurance.

What documents do I need for the Radboud Scholarship Programme?

Two reference letters (preferably academic) and a CV, submitted through OSIRIS along with the documents required for your master's admission.

Can I apply for the Radboud Scholarship Programme if I have an Erasmus Mundus place?

No. Erasmus Mundus and joint-degree programmes are excluded.

How are Radboud scholarship winners selected?

Committees assess academic excellence, ambition shown in your motivation and work experience, and the quality of your reference letters. Some faculties also interview candidates.

When will I hear the result of the Radboud Scholarship Programme?

Decisions are communicated before mid-April 2026 for the September 2026 start.