Comprehensive guide to University of Twente Scholarship 2026 for non-EU students. €3,000-€22,000 funding for masters. Includes Kipaji info. Deadline: May 1, 2026.
- Scholarship Quick Facts
- What is the University of Twente Scholarship?
- Who Can Apply? Eligibility Requirements
- Essential Requirements (Must Meet ALL)
- Programs NOT Eligible for UTS
- What Programs ARE Eligible?
- Scholarship Benefits: What You’ll Receive
- Financial Award
- Additional Honors Program Access
- Bonus: Kipaji Scholarship (For DAC Country Students)
- How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
- Stage 1: Apply for Master’s Program Admission (Do This FIRST!)
- Stage 2: Apply for UTS Scholarship
- Pro Tips to Win This Scholarship
- 1. Be Genuinely Top Tier Academically
- 2. Apply in Round 1
- 3. Craft a Compelling Motivation Letter
- 4. For DAC Country Students: Don’t Forget Kipaji!
- 5. Show Financial Need (But Also Financial Planning)
- 6. Highlight Unique Perspectives or Experiences
- 7. Get Strong Recommendations
- 8. Proofread Everything
- Important Dates and Deadlines Timeline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Similar Scholarships You Should Consider
- Final Thoughts: Is This Scholarship Right for You?
- Take Action Today: Your Application Checklist
- Resources and Official Links
Imagine studying at one of Europe’s most innovative technical universities, surrounded by cutting-edge research facilities, brilliant minds from around the world, and a campus that feels like a small city of innovation. Now imagine doing all this with up to €22,000 in scholarship funding to help make it possible.
The University of Twente Scholarship (UTS) opens this door for exceptional international students like you. Located in Enschede, Netherlands, the University of Twente (UT) isn’t just another European university—it’s where entrepreneurial thinking meets technical excellence, where 40% of students are international, and where innovation is literally built into the campus culture.
If you’re a high-achieving student from outside the EU/EEA dreaming of pursuing a master’s degree in fields like data science, robotics, artificial intelligence, sustainable energy, business administration, or any of UT’s specialized programs, this scholarship could transform that dream into reality.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the UTS 2026—from eligibility requirements to application strategies, including insider tips on the additional Kipaji Scholarship for students from developing countries. Let’s unlock your path to the Netherlands!
Scholarship Quick Facts
| Scholarship Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | University of Twente Scholarship (UTS) 2026 |
| Offered By | University of Twente, Netherlands |
| Award Amount | €3,000 – €22,000 per year |
| Number of Awards | Approximately 50 scholarships annually |
| Application Deadline Round 1 | February 1, 2026 (4:00 PM CET) |
| Application Deadline Round 2 | May 1, 2026 (4:00 PM CET) |
| Eligibility | Non-EU/EEA students with exceptional academic records |
| Study Level | Master’s (MSc) programs |
| Fields of Study | Technology, Engineering, Business, Social Sciences (most UT programs) |
| Study Location | Enschede, Netherlands |
| Program Start | September 2026 |
| Renewable | Yes (for 2-year programs, if performance criteria met) |
| Additional Opportunity | Kipaji Scholarship (up to €12,000 extra for DAC country students) |
| Application Difficulty | Highly Competitive (top 5-10% of class required) |
What is the University of Twente Scholarship?
The University of Twente Scholarship is a merit-based financial award designed to attract the world’s brightest minds to UT’s innovative master’s programs. Unlike many European scholarships that only cover tuition, the UTS gives you flexibility—it’s a lump sum payment ranging from €3,000 to €22,000 that you can allocate toward tuition fees, living expenses, study materials, or any study-related costs you deem necessary.
What Makes UT Special?
Founded in 1961, the University of Twente has built a reputation as one of Europe’s leading technical universities. But what truly sets it apart is its entrepreneurial spirit:
The UTS Philosophy:
The scholarship reflects UT’s commitment to academic excellence and diversity. By offering financial support to outstanding non-EU/EEA students, UT ensures that talent—not finances—determines who gets to study here. Recipients also gain access to exclusive honors programs in Research, Design, or Change Leadership, adding another layer of distinction to your master’s degree.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Requirements
The UTS has clear eligibility criteria. Before investing time in your application, make sure you check all these boxes:
Essential Requirements (Must Meet ALL)
1. Admission to a Master’s Program
2. Academic Excellence
3. Nationality & Residency
4. English Language Proficiency You must meet these minimum scores:
Note: If you completed your bachelor’s degree in an English-speaking country or at an English-taught program, you may be exempt from language tests.
5. Visa Compliance
6. Financial Awareness
Programs NOT Eligible for UTS
Important exclusions:
What Programs ARE Eligible?
The good news: almost all UT master’s programs qualify! Here are the main fields:
Engineering & Technology:
Computer Science & ICT:
Science:
Social Sciences & Management:
Health & Medicine:
Check the full list: Visit www.utwente.nl/en/education/master/programmes/
Scholarship Benefits: What You’ll Receive
Understanding exactly what the UTS offers helps you plan your finances realistically:
Financial Award
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Amount | €3,000 – €22,000 for one academic year |
| Number of Awards | Approximately 50 scholarships annually |
| Payment Structure | Lump sum paid directly to you (not the university) |
| How to Use | Your choice—tuition, rent, books, living costs, etc. |
| For 2-Year Programs | Can be renewed for year 2 if you meet performance criteria |
Renewal Criteria for Year 2: To receive the same scholarship amount in your second year, you must achieve by the end of the third quartile (Q3) of year 1:
Additional Honors Program Access
UTS recipients get exclusive opportunities to join one of three prestigious honors programs:
1. Research Honours
2. Design Honours
3. Change Leaders
These programs add significant value to your master’s degree and enhance your resume with specialized skills.
Bonus: Kipaji Scholarship (For DAC Country Students)
If you’re from a Least Developed Country or Other Low-Income Country on the OECD-DAC list, you may qualify for an additional €12,000 through the Kipaji Scholarship. This can effectively turn a partial UTS into a near-full scholarship!
Eligible DAC Countries Include (not exhaustive):
Africa: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Yemen, Zambia, and more
Kipaji Requirements:
The Real Value: Combining UTS (up to €22,000) + Kipaji (up to €12,000) = up to €34,000 annually—this could cover nearly all costs for many students!
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
The UTS application is a two-stage process. Getting this right requires careful planning and attention to detail.
Stage 1: Apply for Master’s Program Admission (Do This FIRST!)
You cannot apply for the scholarship without first being admitted to a UT master’s program.
Step 1: Research Programs
Step 2: Create Your UT Account
Step 3: Complete Program Application
Step 4: Receive Admission Decision
Pro Tip: Apply for program admission by December 2025 to ensure you receive your decision and student number in time for the February 1 Round 1 scholarship deadline.
Stage 2: Apply for UTS Scholarship
Only after receiving admission and your student number can you apply for the scholarship.
Application Windows:
Round 1:
Round 2:
IMPORTANT: If you apply in Round 1 and are rejected, you cannot reapply in Round 2. You only get one shot per academic year.
Step 5: Access UTS Application Portal
Step 6: Complete Scholarship Application Form
The application typically includes:
Personal Information:
Academic Background:
Motivation Statement (CRITICAL): This is where you make your case. Address:
Financial Information:
Step 7: Submit Application
Step 8: Wait for Results
Pro Tips to Win This Scholarship
Having reviewed countless scholarship applications, here’s what makes UTS winners stand out:
1. Be Genuinely Top Tier Academically
The “top 5-10%” requirement is serious. Don’t apply if you’re borderline. Selection committees can verify your claims and want candidates who’ve consistently excelled. If you have:
…then you’re competitive. Be honest with yourself.
2. Apply in Round 1
Most scholarships are awarded in Round 1 when the full budget is available. Round 2 often has fewer spots. Plus, applying early shows organization and commitment.
3. Craft a Compelling Motivation Letter
Your motivation letter should tell a story:
Avoid generic statements like “UT is a great university.” Be specific about WHY UT and WHY this program.
4. For DAC Country Students: Don’t Forget Kipaji!
If you’re from an eligible DAC country, absolutely mention Kipaji interest in your UTS motivation letter. Include a paragraph explaining:
This demonstrates you’re thinking beyond personal gain to national development.
5. Show Financial Need (But Also Financial Planning)
While UTS is merit-based, showing you’ve thoughtfully calculated costs and have a realistic plan for covering any gap strengthens your application. Don’t just say “I can’t afford UT”—show you’ve researched costs and have strategies (part-time work, family support, loans, etc.).
6. Highlight Unique Perspectives or Experiences
UT values diversity. If you have:
…share these! They make you memorable.
7. Get Strong Recommendations
If your program requires recommendation letters, choose professors who:
Brief them on the UTS criteria so they emphasize your academic excellence.
8. Proofread Everything
Grammatical errors or typos suggest carelessness. Have someone else review your application before submitting.
Insider Secret: Selection committees appreciate students who demonstrate not just academic brilliance but also entrepreneurial thinking—this aligns with UT’s culture. If you can show innovative projects, creative problem-solving, or entrepreneurial ventures, you’ll resonate with UT’s values.
Important Dates and Deadlines Timeline
Mark your calendar and work backward from these dates:
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| October 15, 2025 | Round 1 UTS application opens (9:00 AM CET) |
| December 2025 | Ideal deadline for master’s program applications (to receive admission by Feb 1) |
| February 1, 2026 | Round 1 UTS application closes (4:00 PM CET) |
| February 1, 2026 | Round 2 UTS application opens (4:00 PM CET) |
| March – April 2026 | Round 1 UTS selection and notifications |
| May 1, 2026 | Round 2 UTS application closes (4:00 PM CET) |
| May – June 2026 | Round 2 UTS selection and notifications |
| June – August 2026 | Visa application and preparation for Netherlands |
| September 2026 | Academic year begins, scholarship disbursed |
Critical Planning Advice:
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I apply for UTS if I’m still completing my bachelor’s degree?
Yes! You can apply with a conditional admission offer based on expected graduation. However, you must provide final transcripts and degree certificates before enrollment in September 2026.
2. What’s a realistic scholarship amount I might receive?
Award amounts vary widely (€3,000-€22,000). Factors include: your academic excellence level, the competitiveness of your field, available budget, and number of applicants. Realistically, many recipients get €6,000-€15,000. The full €22,000 goes to exceptional candidates.
3. Can I combine UTS with other scholarships?
Generally yes, unless those scholarships have exclusivity clauses. The Kipaji Scholarship is specifically designed to supplement UTS. Always check terms of other scholarships and disclose any external funding in your application.
4. Do I need to pay back the scholarship?
No! The UTS is a grant, not a loan. It’s yours to keep as long as you remain enrolled and meet continuation requirements (for year 2).
5. What are my chances if I’m from a country with many applicants (like India, Nigeria, China)?
Competition is fierce from countries with large applicant pools, but UT values diversity. If you’re genuinely top-tier academically (top 5%, not top 10%), you’re still competitive. Focus on what makes YOU unique beyond nationality.
6. Can I work part-time while studying with UTS?
Yes, international students in the Netherlands can work up to 16 hours/week during the academic year and full-time during summer. This can help supplement the scholarship, but ensure it doesn’t affect your studies—you need strong grades to renew for year 2!
7. If I don’t get UTS, are there other funding options at UT?
Unfortunately, UT’s main funding option for non-EU students is the UTS and Kipaji. However, you can explore:
Similar Scholarships You Should Consider
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Apply to multiple opportunities:
1. Holland Scholarship
2. Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP)
3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
4. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
5. Scholarships at Other Dutch Tech Universities
Pro Tip: Start scholarship applications in September-October 2025 to have everything ready for winter/spring 2026 deadlines.
Final Thoughts: Is This Scholarship Right for You?
You should DEFINITELY apply if:
This might not be the best fit if:
My honest assessment: The University of Twente Scholarship is one of the best opportunities for high-achieving non-EU students wanting to study technology, engineering, or related fields in Europe. While it’s not a full scholarship for most recipients, the combination of quality education, entrepreneurial environment, reasonable living costs in Enschede (compared to Amsterdam or Rotterdam), and potential Kipaji top-up makes it financially viable for dedicated students.
UT’s graduation rates are high, and alumni outcomes are strong—this is an investment that pays dividends. The key is being realistic about your academic standing and financial planning.
Take Action Today: Your Application Checklist
Ready to chase your Netherlands dream? Here’s your immediate action plan:
This Week:
This Month (November 2025):
December 2025 – January 2026:
Late January 2026:
February – May 2026:
Resources and Official Links
Official UTS Information:
Contact UTS Team:
Cost Calculators:
Follow UT:
OECD-DAC Country List (for Kipaji):
Your future in the Netherlands awaits. The University of Twente offers more than education—it offers a transformational experience in one of Europe’s most entrepreneurial universities, surrounded by innovation, diversity, and opportunity.
The UTS and Kipaji scholarships are designed specifically to remove financial barriers for brilliant minds like yours. Every UT success story started with someone taking the first step: researching, applying, and believing in their potential.
Start your UT journey today. The deadline is May 1, 2026—but the best opportunities go to those who start early. 🎓🇳🇱
Last Updated: January 2026 | Application Deadline: Round 1: February 1, 2026 | Round 2: May 1, 2026
