Eric Bleumink Scholarship 2027 is a fully funded Master’s opportunity in the Netherlands. Check eligibility, benefits, deadline, IELTS rules and nomination process.
What if you could study for a Master’s degree in the Netherlands with your tuition, international travel, living costs, books and health insurance covered? The Eric Bleumink Scholarship is one of the University of Groningen’s most competitive funding opportunities for talented international students, but there is an important detail many applicants miss: you do not submit a separate scholarship application. Instead, the University of Groningen identifies eligible Master’s applicants and nominates suitable candidates. That makes your Master’s admission application the critical first step.
For the 2027 intake, applicants who want to be considered should complete their relevant Master’s application before 1 December 2026. The University states that only candidates who receive a provisional or unconditional Master’s admission offer before February can be considered for the Scholarship, while nominated candidates are informed before 1 February.
Eric Bleumink Scholarship 2027 Overview
The Eric Bleumink Scholarship is a highly competitive scholarship funded through the Eric Bleumink Fund and administered by the University of Groningen. It supports promising students from eligible countries who want to undertake a Master’s programme at the university.
The Scholarship is intended for students with excellent academic records and strong potential who have no other means of financing the proposed study. It covers major study-related expenses, including tuition, international travel, subsistence, books and health insurance. Unlike scholarships where applicants compete by submitting a separate funding form, the Eric Bleumink Scholarship uses an institutional nomination system. The University of Groningen’s Admissions Office, together with faculty Admission Boards, selects suitable candidates from eligible Master’s applicants.
Eric Bleumink Scholarship 2027 Program Details
- Host Organization: University of Groningen
- Study Destination: Groningen, Netherlands
- Funded By: Eric Bleumink Fund / University of Groningen
- Application portal Link: University of Groningen Master’s application route
- Degree Level: Master’s
- Scholarship Type: Fully funded Scholarship
- Number of Scholarships: Limited; the university does not publish a fixed annual number on the current Scholarship page
- Maximum Funding: No single total maximum is published on the current Scholarship overview; the Scholarship covers tuition, international travel, subsistence, books and health insurance
- Study Level: MSc, MA and LL.M. programmes
- Duration: 1 or 2 years, depending on the Master’s programme
- Application Deadline: Master’s application should be completed before 1 December for Scholarship consideration
- Nomination Notification: Eligible nominees are informed before 1 February
- Program Start: September only
Official Application Link
- Eric Bleumink Scholarship – University of Groningen
- How to Apply for an Eric Bleumink Scholarship
- University of Groningen Master’s Degree Programmes
- Eric Bleumink Scholarship Rules and Regulations
The University of Groningen explicitly states that the Scholarship is awarded for one- or two-year Master’s programmes beginning in September.
Eligibility Criteria for Eric Bleumink Scholarship 2027
The Scholarship has strict eligibility requirements. Meeting the basic conditions does not guarantee nomination because the competition is substantial and only a limited number of Scholarship are awarded.
Applicants should:
- Have provisional or unconditional admission to an eligible University of Groningen Master’s programme before February.
- Complete the relevant Master’s application before 1 December to allow sufficient processing time.
- Have excellent academic performance.
- Have excellent undergraduate or Bachelor’s grades.
- Ideally provide strong academic recommendations confirming academic excellence.
- Demonstrate excellent English-language proficiency according to the requirements of the selected Master’s programme.
- Be available for the entire duration of the Master’s programme.
- Be able to participate fully in the programme.
- Be in good health so that health insurance can be arranged in the Netherlands.
- Hold the nationality of an eligible country.
- Have no other means of financing the proposed study.
These criteria come directly from the University of Groningen’s current Scholarship requirements.
Eligible Study Fields and Master’s Programs for Eric Bleumink Scholarship
The Eric Bleumink Scholarship is listed for all Master’s programmes, meaning applicants are not restricted to one academic discipline. However, the selected Master’s programme must meet the university’s admission requirements and be eligible for Scholarship consideration.
Potential study areas include:
- Agricultural and environmental sciences
- Artificial intelligence
- Biology and biomedical sciences
- Business and economics
- Chemistry
- Computing science
- Data science and related technology fields
- Engineering
- Energy and environmental sciences
- International business
- Law and LL.M. programmes
- Mathematics
- Medical and pharmaceutical sciences
- Nanoscience
- Natural sciences
- Physics
- Public policy and social sciences
- Psychology and behavioural sciences
- Sustainability
- Theology and religious studies
- Other eligible University of Groningen Master’s programmes
The exact programme list, admission requirements and deadlines can differ by faculty and degree. Applicants should therefore use the University of Groningen’s official Master’s catalogue before selecting a programme.
Eligible Countries for Eric Bleumink Scholarship 2027
Nationality is a major eligibility condition. The University of Groningen currently lists the following countries of origin for the Scholarship:
- 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, Democratic People’s Republic
- Kyrgyzstan
- Mongolia
- Morocco
- Nigeria
- Vietnam
- Uzbekistan
- Ukraine
- Algeria
- Cameroon
- Congo, Democratic Republic
- 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
The University of Groningen’s official Scholarship page is the authoritative source for the eligible-country list.
Application Requirements for Eric Bleumink Scholarship 2027
The most important requirement is understanding that there is no separate active Scholarship application.
Applicants must first apply for an eligible Master’s programme at the University of Groningen. The university then considers eligible applicants for nomination.
Your Master’s application should therefore contain:
- A suitable academic background for the selected Master’s programme.
- Strong academic transcripts.
- Proof of English-language proficiency when required.
- A convincing academic profile.
- Required programme-specific motivation materials.
- Required references or recommendation letters, where applicable.
- All documents requested by the selected Master’s programme.
- A complete application submitted before the programme’s relevant deadline.
- Evidence satisfying the university’s admission requirements.
The University of Groningen states that its Admissions Office and faculty Admission Boards make the nominations based on the student’s Master’s application and the Eric Bleumink nomination criteria.
Required Documents for Eric Bleumink Scholarship Applicants
- Bachelor’s degree certificate or equivalent qualification
- Academic transcripts
- English-language proficiency certificate, if required
- Curriculum vitae, if required by the selected programme
- Motivation letter or statement of purpose, where required
- Recommendation letters, where required
- Programme-specific supporting documents
- Passport or identity document, where requested
- Other documents listed by the selected Master’s programme
The exact document list depends on the Master’s programme. Applicants should not assume that every University of Groningen programme uses identical admission documents.
Language Requirements for Eric Bleumink Scholarship
English proficiency is part of the Scholarship eligibility criteria because candidates must meet the language requirements of their chosen Master’s programme. The University of Groningen accepts several forms of English-language evidence, including IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English, LanguageCert Academic and Pearson PTE Academic, although exact scores depend on the programme.
IELTS Requirements for Eric Bleumink Scholarship
There is no single IELTS score for the entire Eric Bleumink Scholarship. The required score is determined by the selected Master’s programme.
For example, University of Groningen programmes in the Faculty of Science and Engineering generally list IELTS Academic 6.5 with 6.5 in each component, while some programmes and faculties require higher scores. Law programmes can require IELTS Academic 7.0 with specified component minimums.
Applicants should therefore check the exact English-language requirement of their chosen programme instead of relying on a generic “IELTS 6.5” claim. The university also states that IELTS Online and IELTS One Skill Retake certificates are not accepted for its Master’s language requirements.
Can You Apply for the Eric Bleumink Scholarship Without IELTS?
Possibly, but not because the Scholarship itself waives IELTS.
Some applicants can qualify for an English-language exemption under University of Groningen rules. For example, specific exemptions can apply to students who are native English speakers and completed qualifying education in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand or Australia. Other exemptions can apply depending on the previous degree and programme.
Students from countries such as Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria or other eligible countries should not automatically assume that an English-medium degree will remove the language-test requirement. The university states that simply having English as the medium of previous education does not necessarily qualify for an exemption. Scholarships advertised as “without IELTS” should therefore be treated carefully: scholarship eligibility and university admission requirements are separate issues.
Is a Supervisor Required for Eric Bleumink Scholarship?
No, the Eric Bleumink Scholarship does not state a universal requirement to secure a supervisor before applying. The Scholarship is based primarily on admission to a University of Groningen Master’s programme and subsequent institutional nomination.
For a taught Master’s degree, you normally focus on meeting the programme’s admission requirements rather than contacting potential supervisors. Research-oriented Master’s programmes may have different expectations, so applicants should follow the requirements of their chosen programme.
A good strategy is to:
- Identify whether your programme is taught, research-oriented or professionally focused.
- Check whether faculty contact is specifically requested.
- Contact a potential supervisor only when the programme recommends or requires it.
- Avoid sending generic mass emails to professors.
When will I know whether I have been nominated?
The University of Groningen states that nominated candidates will be informed before 1 February. If the university does not contact you by that point, it states that you were unfortunately not selected as an EBF nominee.
Benefits of Eric Bleumink Scholarship 2027
The Eric Bleumink Scholarship is considered a fully funded opportunity because its published benefits cover several major costs associated with completing the Master’s degree.
Financial Benefits of Eric Bleumink Scholarship
The University of Groningen states that the Scholarship covers:
- Full tuition fee for the Master’s programme.
- International travel expenses.
- Subsistence costs.
- Books.
- Health insurance.
The published Scholarship rules provide more specific financial figures, including a €1,250 monthly living allowance, a €275 settling allowance, and a €310 annual study allowance for books and study materials. The rules also provide for travel between Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Groningen by second-class train.
The €1,250 monthly allowance is intended for food and accommodation. Because housing and living expenses can change, students should still prepare a realistic Groningen budget rather than treating the stipend as unlimited disposable income.
Do I need a supervisor before applying?
Not as a universal Scholarship requirement. The EBF selection is based on the Master’s application and university nomination process. If your selected programme has a specific supervisor or research requirement, follow that programme’s instructions.
Additional Benefits of Eric Bleumink Scholarship
- Health insurance coverage under the Scholarship arrangements.
- International travel support.
- Settling support after arrival.
- Funding for books and study materials.
- Opportunity to study at the University of Groningen.
- International academic exposure.
- Access to a European higher-education environment.
- Potential professional and academic networking.
- Opportunity to build international experience in the Netherlands.
- Financial support throughout the eligible Master’s period.
The published rules indicate that the Scholarship insurance covers specified medical treatment, personal accidents, emergency flight-home arrangements and private-person legal liability, subject to the policy terms.
Program Duration, Timeline & Selection Process for Eric Bleumink Scholarship
The Scholarship supports Master’s programmes lasting one or two years, with the Scholarship beginning in September. The selection timeline is different from a conventional scholarship because there is no separate Scholarship application.
Step-by-Step Application Process for Eric Bleumink Scholarship 2027
- Explore the University of Groningen Master’s programmes.
- Select a programme that matches your academic background and career objectives.
- Read the programme-specific admission requirements carefully.
- Check the programme’s English-language requirements.
- Prepare transcripts, degree documents and other required materials.
- Prepare a strong motivation statement if the programme requires one.
- Arrange recommendation letters early where applicable.
- Submit the Master’s application through the University’s application procedure.
- Complete the application before 1 December 2026 if you want to allow sufficient time for Eric Bleumink Scholarship consideration.
- Obtain provisional or unconditional admission before February.
- The Admissions Office and faculty Admission Boards identify suitable Scholarship candidates.
- If nominated, you should be informed before 1 February.
- If you are not contacted by the nomination date, the University states that you were not selected for the EBF nomination.
- Prepare for your September start if selected and admitted.
The University specifically advises applicants to complete their Master’s application before 1 December because the Admissions Office needs sufficient time to process applications before the Scholarship consideration period.
Eric Bleumink Scholarship Deadline & Important Dates for 2027
The deadline structure is one of the most important aspects of this scholarship.
For students targeting the 2027 September intake:
- 1 December 2026: Recommended/latest application completion date for Master’s admission to allow Scholarship consideration.
- Before February 2027: Applicant must have received provisional or unconditional admission to be considered.
- Before 1 February 2027: Nominated EBF candidates are expected to be informed.
- September 2027: Scholarship-supported Master’s programme begins.
The key point is that 1 December 2026 is not a separate scholarship application deadline. It is the date by which the relevant Master’s application should be completed so the university has enough time to assess the applicant for nomination. Do not wait until December 1 if your selected Master’s programme has an earlier application deadline. Programme-specific deadlines can be earlier, particularly for non-EU/EEA students or programmes with additional selection procedures.
Will the Eric Bleumink Scholarship arrange my Dutch student visa?
The Scholarship itself is not the visa. Visa and residence procedures are handled through the university’s international student process and Dutch immigration requirements. Non-EU/EEA students should ensure they meet admission, financial and immigration requirements after selection. The University of Groningen notes that language requirements can also affect when visa processing can begin.
Participating University
The Eric Bleumink Scholarship is hosted by one university:
- University of Groningen
The Scholarship is not a multi-university scholarship. Applicants apply to eligible Master’s programmes at the University of Groningen and may then be nominated by the university. The University of Groningen is a research university with Master’s programmes spanning areas such as science, engineering, economics, business, law, social sciences, health-related disciplines, humanities and other fields.
Can I work while receiving the Eric Bleumink Scholarship?
The scholarship does not itself grant employment permission. International students must comply with Dutch immigration and employment rules applicable to their residence status. Students should not treat the Scholarship award as a work permit.
Why Apply for the Eric Bleumink Scholarship?
- It provides substantial financial support for a Master’s degree in the Netherlands.
- Tuition fees are covered under the Scholarship.
- International travel is covered.
- Living/subsistence support is provided.
- Books and study materials receive financial support.
- Health insurance is included under the Scholarship arrangement.
- The programme can last one or two years.
- Applicants from a large list of eligible countries can be considered.
- Pakistan is included in the current eligible-country list.
- The scholarship is linked to academic excellence.
- Candidates can gain international academic exposure.
- The Scholarship can reduce the need for personal or family funding.
- The nomination process means you do not need to submit a separate scholarship application.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Eric Bleumink Scholarship
- Looking for a separate Eric Bleumink scholarship application form
- Applying for the Master’s programme after December 1 without checking whether Scholarship consideration remains possible.
- Assuming admission automatically means scholarship nomination.
- Treating the Scholarship as guaranteed funding.
- Choosing a Master’s programme without checking its specific entry requirements.
- Assuming IELTS is automatically waived because your previous education was taught in English.
- Using an IELTS Online certificate where the programme does not accept it.
- Ignoring programme-specific application deadlines.
- Submitting weak or generic motivation materials.
- Providing incomplete academic records.
- Waiting until the last minute to request recommendation letters.
- Assuming every Master’s programme has identical language requirements.
- Claiming that the Scholarship has a fixed annual number of awards when the university does not publish one.
- Assuming the €1,250 monthly allowance means every living expense is unlimited.
- Ignoring visa and residence requirements after receiving admission.
The University of Groningen states that hundreds of applications are received each year while only a few Eric Bleumink grants can be awarded, making academic strength and a carefully prepared Master’s application particularly important.
Eric Bleumink Scholarship Salary and Monthly Stipend
The Eric Bleumink Scholarship does not provide a salary because it is a scholarship rather than an employment contract.
However, the published Scholarship rules specify a €1,250 monthly living allowance for food and accommodation. They also specify a €275 settling allowance and a €310 annual study allowance for books and other study materials.
The Scholarship also covers tuition and specified insurance and travel costs, making its total financial value considerably higher than the monthly living allowance alone. Students should distinguish between the scholarship’s living allowance and an employee’s salary. The Scholarship is designed to finance study-related expenses rather than provide employment income.
Eric Bleumink Scholarship Acceptance Rate
The University of Groningen does not publish a fixed acceptance rate for the Eric Bleumink Scholarship. What the university does state is that it receives hundreds of applications each year and can award only a few Scholarships. This confirms that the programme is highly competitive.
Because no official percentage is provided, applicants should be cautious about websites claiming an exact acceptance rate such as 1%, 2% or 5%. The best way to improve your competitiveness is to combine excellent academic performance with a strong Master’s application, relevant academic preparation, persuasive recommendations and a clear academic motivation.
Apply Now to Secure Your Future in the Netherlands
The Eric Bleumink Scholarship offers an exceptional route to a fully supported Master’s education in the Netherlands, but success starts long before the scholarship nomination. For the 2027 intake, applicants should focus first on securing admission to a suitable University of Groningen Master’s programme and completing that application before 1 December 2026. A strong academic record, excellent undergraduate results, appropriate English proficiency, carefully prepared admission documents and a convincing academic profile can position an eligible applicant for consideration. Because the university receives hundreds of applications but can award only a few Scholarships, early preparation is essential. If you meet the nationality and academic requirements, explore the available Master’s programmes now, verify the programme-specific admission rules, prepare your documents and submit a complete application well before the deadline.
