The Eric Bleumink Fellowship (also known as the Eric Bleumink Scholarship) is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity offered by the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. It supports talented students from developing countries to pursue a Master’s degree, fostering academic excellence and international cooperation.
This scholarship honours former University President Eric Bleumink and targets students from the world’s least developed and low-income countries. The University of Groningen, founded in 1614, ranks among the top 100 universities globally and offers a wide range of Master’s programmes.
Key Benefits
The fellowship provides comprehensive coverage for the entire duration of your Master’s programme:
- Full tuition fees
- International travel costs
- Subsistence (living expenses)
- Books and study materials
- Health insurance
The grant applies to 1-year or 2-year Master’s programmes (MSc, MA, or LL.M.), starting in September only.
Note: Only a limited number of scholarships are awarded each year due to high demand.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered, you must meet all the following requirements:
- Hold nationality from one of the eligible countries listed in Appendix 1 (primarily least developed countries and select low-income/lower-middle-income countries). The full list includes: Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Tanzania, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Yemen, Timor-Leste, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Zambia, Bolivia, Cape Verde, Congo, Ghana, Honduras, India, Korea (Dem. Rep.), Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Morocco, Nigeria, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Algeria, Cameroon, Congo (Dem. Rep.), Egypt, Iran, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kenya, Micronesia, Nicaragua, Niger, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tajikistan, Tokelau, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
- Have received a provisional or unconditional admission offer for a Master’s programme at the University of Groningen before February (for the September start).
- Demonstrate excellent academic performance during your bachelor’s/undergraduate studies, preferably supported by letters of recommendation.
- Meet the English language proficiency requirements of your chosen programme.
- Be available for the full duration of the programme and participate entirely.
- Be in good health to allow health insurance arrangements in the Netherlands.
- Have no other means of financing the studies.
Important Note on Application
You cannot apply directly for the Eric Bleumink Fellowship. The University of Groningen’s Admission Office, in consultation with faculty Admission Boards, nominates suitable candidates from those who apply for Master’s programmes. If nominated, you will be informed before 1 February.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Be Considered
- Research and select a Master’s programme — Explore all available Master’s programmes at the University of Groningen via their official website.
- Apply for admission to your chosen Master’s programme as early as possible. Submit a complete application before 1 December (e.g., 1 December 2026 for programmes starting in September 2027) to allow sufficient processing time by the Admission Office.
- Ensure you receive a provisional or unconditional admission offer before February — Only then can you be considered for nomination.
- The university handles nomination — No separate scholarship application is needed. Nominated candidates are selected based on academic excellence, financial need, and eligibility criteria.
- If nominated, you will be contacted directly by the university.