University of Twente Scholarship (UTS) 2026
- Omran Aburayya
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
If you are an international student from a non‑EU/EEA country seeking strong financial support for your Master’s degree, the University of Twente Scholarship (UTS) 2026 is now open for applications. This scholarship offers talented applicants an opportunity to study at one of the Netherlands’ most innovative universities, with funding designed to assist with costs while you pursue your graduate education. Here's everything you need to know.
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Location: Enschede, The Netherlands
Host Institution: University of Twente (UT) — a research‑intensive Dutch university known for engineering, technology, design and interdisciplinary programmes.
Study Level: Master’s programmes (MSc) starting in September 2026.
Target Group: Excellent students from non‑EU/EEA countries applying to a qualifying Master’s programme at UT.
Fields of Study: Wide range of Master’s programmes at UT, including engineering, science, business, management, social sciences and technology (see full list on UT site).
Value & Coverage: Scholarship amounts range from €3,000 to €22,000 for one year. For two‑year programmes: a second‑year award equal to the first year may be possible provided requirements are met.
Duration: Typically one year; for two‑year Master’s programmes an extension into the second year may apply.
Application Deadline:
Round 1: Closes 1 February 2026 (CET) for programmes starting September 2026.
Round 2: Closes 1 May 2026 (CET) for the same intake.
📚 Scholarship Overview
The University of Twente Scholarship (UTS) is designed to reward strong academic performers from outside the EU/EEA and assist them with study‑related costs while they complete a Master’s programme at UT. You must first apply for admission to a qualifying Master’s programme; once you receive the conditional or full admission and a student number, you may then apply for the UTS.
🤔 Further Details
Applicants must secure admission to a Master’s programme at UT for the September 2026 intake.
After admission and obtaining a student number, the scholarship application is submitted through UT’s scholarship portal.
The award is intended as a compensation for study‑related costs (it does not automatically mean tuition is waived).
For two‑year Master’s programmes, continuation into the second year is conditional on meeting academic progress criteria: e.g., average grade of 7/10 at end of third quartile of year one and at least 50% ECTS credits completed.
Recipients may also qualify for additional scholarships such as the “Kipaji Scholarship” in conjunction with UTS, for selected programmes beginning September 2026.
💲 Benefits
Flexible financial support: Students receive a grant of €3,000 to €22,000 for one year to use toward fees, living expenses, research materials or related costs.
Recognition of excellence: The scholarship is targeted at the top 5‑10% of students in their prior degree (non‑EU/EEA) and hence adds prestige to your application.
Extended support for two‑year programmes: For eligible candidates in two‑year Master’s programmes, there is potential for a second‑year award, which helps with long‑term study planning.
Access to an innovative research‑driven university: The University of Twente is known for its entrepreneurial spirit, technological focus and international student community, providing strong support for global students.
Opportunity to join honours programmes: UTS recipients may also access UT’s special “Honours” tracks such as Research Honours, Design Honours or Change Leaders, enhancing their academic profile.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the UTS 2026 you must meet the following key requirements:
Be a national of a non‑EU/EEA country.
Apply to a qualifying Master’s programme at UT (starting September 2026) and receive conditional or full admission (with student number).
Meet the English language requirements: typically IELTS Academic 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in Speaking) or TOEFL iBT 90 (minimum 20 in speaking) or equivalent.
Demonstrate academic excellence: typically you are among the best 5–10% of your graduation class.
Not already have a previous graduate degree at UT; you cannot be a current or former UT student in the undergraduate programme.
Be able to obtain any required entry visa for the Netherlands (if applicable).
Ensure you can finance the remaining costs beyond the scholarship, as UTS is not a full scholarship covering all costs.
📝 Application Procedure
Apply for a Master’s programme at the University of Twente for September 2026. Ensure your programme is eligible for UTS (most are, except for some excluded programmes such as those at the ITC faculty/Geo‑Information Science & Earth Observation).
Once you receive admission (conditional or full) and your UT student number, proceed to apply for the UTS scholarship via the UT scholarship portal.
Submit scholarship application by the relevant deadline: Round 1 closes 1 February 2026; Round 2 closes 1 May 2026. Apply only once; if you apply in Round 1 and are rejected you cannot apply in Round 2.
Wait for notification of award (results typically take up to 8 weeks after submission).
If awarded and enrolled, ensure you meet any continuance conditions (especially if your programme is two years).
🗂️ Documents Required
While the full list may vary, typical requirements include:
Admission confirmation letter (or conditional offer) from University of Twente
UT student number
Proof of nationality and residence (non‑EU/EEA)
Academic transcripts and degree certificate showing you are among the top of your class
English language test results (IELTS/TOEFL) or equivalent
Curriculum vitae (CV) and motivational letter indicating your interest and excellence
Proof of ability to meet remaining costs beyond the scholarship (since it is partial)
Visa or proof of eligibility for entry to the Netherlands if required
👌🏻 Tips for Applicants
Confirm you are applying to a qualifying Master’s programme at UT and that it starts in September 2026 — other intake months may not be eligible.
Highlight in your motivational letter how you belong to the top 5‑10% of your class and how you meet the criteria of academic excellence.
Ensure your English language test is complete and meets the specified minimums early — institutional deadlines may require time for processing.
Plan your financial situation: since UTS is partial, you must show how you will cover remaining costs (tuition, living, visa, insurance) beyond the scholarship amount.
If enrolling in a two‑year Master’s programme, check the additional criteria for the second‑year scholarship (e.g., grade 7/10, 50% ECTS by third quartile) and plan for it.
Submit your scholarship application promptly — for Round 1 the deadline of 1 February 2026 is strict. Avoid delays.
Research and highlight any additional opportunities such as the Kipaji Scholarship which may be available to UTS recipients starting in September 2026.
Write a solid motivational letter and ensure your CV reflects leadership, innovation, academic achievements and suitability for UT’s research‑driven environment.
Verify that you meet all conditions (eligibility, nationality, non‑EU/EEA, not current UT student, eligible programmes) — failing to meet one may exclude you.
Keep track of your student number and portal access after admission, as you’ll need it for the scholarship application form.
✨ This scholarship offers a valuable opportunity to study at a high‑quality Dutch university while receiving meaningful financial support and being part of an international, innovative community.
