The Eric Bleumink Fellowship 2027 is a fully funded scholarship offered by the University of Groningen in the Netherlands for talented international students who want to study a master’s degree.
This article explains the benefits, eligibility criteria, required documents, and a clear step-by-step process to help you understand how to apply in simple English.
About the Eric Bleumink Fellowship
The Eric Bleumink Fellowship is a scholarship program funded by the University of Groningen to support excellent students from developing or low-income countries.
It covers one-year or two-year master’s programs at the university and focuses on students who have strong academic records but cannot afford to study abroad.
Host University and Study Level
- Host university: University of Groningen, Netherlands.
- Study level: Master’s degree (1–2 years, depending on the program).
- Study fields: Various master’s programs offered by the University of Groningen.
Key Scholarship Details
- Scholarship type: Fully funded fellowship.
- Eligible applicants: International students from (mainly) developing or low-income countries.
- Application basis: Academic excellence, financial need, and admission to a master’s program.
- Deadline to complete master’s admission: 1 December 2026 for 2027 intake (for reference, deadlines in earlier years were 1 December)
What Does the Fellowship Cover?
The Eric Bleumink Fellowship is designed to remove the main financial barriers for international students so they can focus on their studies.
- Full tuition fees for the selected master’s program.
- International travel costs to and from the Netherlands.
- Living expenses during the study period (such as accommodation and daily costs).
- Costs of academic books and study materials.
- Health insurance or health-related coverage during the program.
Duration of the Scholarship
The fellowship normally covers the full official length of the master’s program, which is usually one or two years, depending on the course.
Support continues only if the student maintains good academic progress and follows university rules.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Eric Bleumink Fellowship 2027, you must first meet all requirements of the chosen master’s program and also satisfy scholarship-specific conditions.
Basic Eligibility
- You must receive provisional or unconditional admission to a master’s program at the University of Groningen before February of the intake year.
- Your completed master’s application must normally reach the university before 1 December of the previous year (for 2027 intake: 1 December 2026).
Academic and Personal Requirements
- Excellent academic record during bachelor or previous studies (high grades and strong performance).
- Strong motivation to study and clear potential to contribute to your home country after graduation.
- Good letters of recommendation that confirm your academic strength and character.
- Good English language skills, proven by tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent, as required by the program.
- Good health, often supported by a medical or health certificate if requested.
Financial Need Requirements
- You must show that you cannot finance your studies on your own or through other scholarships.
- You should not already have another full scholarship covering the same costs.
Required Documents
The exact documents may differ by program, but most applicants will need similar types of documents for admission and scholarship consideration.
- Completed online application for your chosen master’s program
- Official academic transcripts and degree certificates from previous studies
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé with academic and professional details
- Motivation or personal statement explaining why you want to study at Groningen and your future goals
- Two letters of recommendation from lecturers, professors, or employers
- Valid passport or national ID (for verification and visa purposes)
- English language test results (such as IELTS or TOEFL) if required by your program
- Proof of financial need or a statement describing your financial situation, if requested
- Medical or health certificate if required.
Important: You Cannot Apply Directly for the Fellowship
One special feature of the Eric Bleumink Fellowship is that students cannot submit a separate scholarship application.
Instead, the University of Groningen selects and nominates suitable candidates from those who have already been admitted (provisionally or unconditionally) to a master’s program.
How the Selection Process Works
The selection process is mainly handled by the University of Groningen Admission Office and the faculties.
- The Admission Office and faculty boards review master’s applications that arrived before 1 December.
- They identify top applicants from eligible countries with strong academic results and clear financial need.
- These applicants are nominated for the Eric Bleumink Fellowship.
- A selection committee reviews nominations and decides who will receive the fellowship.
- Selected students are contacted with official scholarship offers and instructions.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply
Even though you cannot apply directly for the scholarship, you can follow a clear process to increase your chances of being nominated.
Step 1: Research Master’s Programs
- Visit the University of Groningen website and explore master’s programs that match your academic background and interests.
- Check entry requirements, language requirements, and program duration for each course.
Step 2: Check Eligibility and Deadlines
- Confirm that your country and profile fit the fellowship focus (students from developing or low-income backgrounds with financial need).
- Note the important deadline: complete your master’s application before 1 December 2026 for 2027 intake (following the pattern of earlier deadlines).
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
- Collect academic transcripts and degree certificates and ensure they are translated if needed. [web:4]
- Write a clear motivation letter explaining your goals, why you chose the program, and how you will use this education in your home country.
- Ask your referees early for recommendation letters so they have enough time to prepare strong letters.
- Register and take an English test (IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted test) if required, and keep your results ready.
Step 4: Apply for the Master’s Program
- Apply online through the official university application portals, such as the Dutch system Studielink and the university’s online application environment, if required.
- Upload all requested documents and pay any application fees if applicable.
- Submit your application well before the 1 December deadline to avoid technical or last-minute issues.
Step 5: Wait for Admission Decision
- If your application is strong, you may receive a provisional or unconditional admission offer for the master’s program.
- Only students with such offers before February can be considered for the fellowship.
Step 6: University Nomination (Internal Process)
- Once admitted, the Admission Office and faculty boards review candidates for the Eric Bleumink Fellowship.
- You do not need to send a separate scholarship application; selection is based on your admission file.
Step 7: Receive Scholarship Result
- If you are selected, the university will contact you directly with your scholarship offer and further instructions.
- If selected, you will then follow steps for visa, housing, and enrollment as instructed by the university.
Benefits of the Eric Bleumink Fellowship
This fellowship offers both financial support and academic opportunities that can change your future.
Financial Benefits
- No need to pay tuition fees for your master’s program.
- Travel costs to and from the Netherlands are covered.
- Living allowance helps you pay for accommodation, food, and daily needs.
- Coverage of books and study materials reduces academic expenses.
- Health coverage provides security while living abroad.
Academic and Career Benefits
- Study at a highly ranked, research-focused European university.
- Gain access to modern facilities, expert professors, and international research networks.
- Develop skills and knowledge that can help you contribute to development in your home country.
- Build an international professional network with classmates, alumni, and staff.
Personal and Cultural Benefits
- Experience life in the Netherlands, a country known for safety, diversity, and quality of life.
- Improve your English and intercultural communication skills by studying with students from many countries.
- Develop independence, confidence, and leadership skills while living abroad.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
Because the fellowship is highly competitive, you should do your best to present a strong application.
- Maintain high grades and clearly highlight academic achievements in your CV and motivation letter.
- Write a focused motivation letter that connects your past studies, the Groningen master’s program, and your long-term goals.
- Choose recommenders who know you well and can give detailed, positive comments about your academic ability and character.
- Submit your master’s application early so that the university has enough time to review your file.
Important Deadlines
Deadlines for the Eric Bleumink Fellowship follow the schedule of previous years, where master’s applications must be submitted by 1 December of the year before the intake.
- Suggested last date to complete master’s application for 2027 intake: 1 December 2026 (following earlier patterns).
- Admission and scholarship consideration period: before February 2027.
Who Should Apply?
This fellowship is ideal for motivated students from developing or low-income backgrounds who have excellent academic performance and a clear vision for using their education to positively impact their home country.
If you are serious about your studies but cannot finance a master’s abroad, the Eric Bleumink Fellowship 2027 can be a strong opportunity to achieve your goals.
Ready to Study in the Netherlands with a Fully Funded Fellowship?
The Eric Bleumink Fellowship at the University of Groningen covers tuition fees, international travel, subsistence, books, and health insurance for 1–2 year master’s programmes starting in September.
Who Can Be Selected?
- Applicants with (provisional) admission to a master’s programme before February.
- Excellent academic record and strong English language skills.
- Students who cannot finance their studies by other means.
Important Dates
- Complete master’s application before 1 December.
- Only applicants with admission before February can be nominated.
You cannot apply directly for the Eric Bleumink Fellowship. The Admissions Office and Faculty Admission Boards at the University of Groningen automatically nominate suitable candidates based on their master’s application.
Visit Official Eric Bleumink Fellowship Page
Click the button above to review the latest official information, eligible master’s programmes, and application requirements on the University of Groningen website.
