The glass-walled European Parliament Paul Henri-Spaak building facade in Brussels.

Netherlands Open for September 2026 entry — applications typically close 1 December 2025 (early deadline)

University of Groningen Eric Bleumink Scholarship

The Eric Bleumink Scholarship is the University of Groningen's flagship full scholarship for outstanding Master's students from developing countries — and Sri Lanka qualifies as an eligible country. It covers full tuition plus international travel, books, and living costs for the full duration of a two-year (or one-year) Master's, making it one of the most genuinely complete funding packages on this list. The University of Groningen is a top-100 global research university in the northern Netherlands, strong across the sciences, economics, law, and the humanities, with many fully English-taught Master's. Selection is highly competitive — only a small number of awards are made each year across the whole university — so it suits Sri Lankan first-class graduates with an exceptional record. The Dutch post-study 'orientation year' visa adds strong graduate-career value.

University of Groningen

University-funded

emoji_events Award Overview

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Value

Full Tuition + Travel + Living

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Duration

Full Master's (1-2 years)

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Awards

Very Few per Year

fact_check Eligibility Criteria

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Apply to a Groningen Master's

You must apply to an eligible English-taught Master's at the University of Groningen for September 2026 entry. Sri Lankan applicants need a first-class or equivalent outstanding undergraduate record — this is a top-tier, highly competitive award.

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From an Eligible Developing Country

The scholarship targets talented students from developing countries, and Sri Lanka is on the eligible list. The award is designed to enable students who could not otherwise afford a Dutch Master's, so financial need is part of the assessment alongside academic excellence.

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Exceptional Academic Record

Because only a handful of awards are made university-wide, you need a genuinely outstanding record — top grades, relevant experience, and strong references. Published research or a thesis distinction strengthens your case considerably.

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English Proficiency

Programmes are taught in English; you'll typically need IELTS 6.5+ (some 7.0). Sri Lankan applicants with an English-medium undergraduate degree usually qualify via MOI waiver where Groningen accepts it.

account_tree Application Process

Apply to the Master's by the early deadline

Submit your Groningen Master's application well before the December scholarship deadline, with transcripts (certified translation), degree certificate, motivation letter, references, CV, and proof of English.

Submit the Eric Bleumink application

Complete the separate scholarship application, including the financial-need and motivation sections, by the 1 December deadline. Late or incomplete applications are not considered.

University selection

A central university committee assesses academic excellence and need, shortlists, and selects the awardees. Outcomes are usually communicated in spring.

Acceptance and Dutch visa

Awardees receive a full-funding letter. Accept, enrol, and apply for the Dutch student residence permit (MVV) with Groningen as sponsor. Funds are disbursed across the programme.

Why University of Groningen?

The University of Groningen is a top-100 global research university (founded 1614) with a vibrant student city in the northern Netherlands and a broad catalogue of English-taught Master's. With a full Eric Bleumink package plus the Dutch orientation-year visa, it offers an exceptional Sri Lankan first-class graduate a fully funded route into European research and graduate employment.