Utrecht University Excellence Scholarship
The Utrecht Excellence Scholarship is the flagship merit award at Utrecht University — consistently the Netherlands' highest-ranked university and a global top-100 institution. It supports a small number of exceptional international Bachelor's and Master's students each year, covering tuition (and, for the strongest awards, a contribution toward living costs). Because it spans both undergraduate and postgraduate study, it's a useful target for Sri Lankan students at either level, though it is highly competitive: only top-of-cohort applicants succeed. Utrecht is strong across the life sciences, geosciences, economics, law, and the humanities, with a broad English-taught catalogue. The Netherlands' one-year post-study orientation visa adds strong graduate-career value. We help you judge realistically whether your profile is competitive before you invest in the application.
The round for September 2026 entry closed on 1 December 2025. The award runs on an annual cycle tied to admission, so expect a comparable deadline in early December for the following year. This is an early deadline that falls well before the intake. Confirm the current date with Utrecht University before planning around it.
Utrecht University
University-funded
emoji_events Award Overview
Value
Tuition (+ Living for top awards)
Duration
Bachelor's or Master's
Awards
Small Number per Year
info How this award actually works
Who awards it
Utrecht University — not Lanka Scholar. We are not the awarding body and cannot grant, reserve or guarantee this award.
How you are considered
Through your admission application. Awards like this are usually assessed automatically from the application you already submit — there is typically no separate scholarship form to fill in.
What it covers
Partial/Full Tuition (+ Living for top awards). This is a reduction in tuition, not a full ride. You still fund the remainder, plus living costs and the balance your visa requires you to show.
Where we come in
We make the admission application strong enough to be competitive — course choice, documents, references and deadlines. The funder makes the decision.
fact_check Eligibility Criteria
Apply to a Utrecht Bachelor's or Master's
You must apply to an eligible English-taught Bachelor's or Master's at Utrecht University for September 2026 entry. Bachelor applicants need outstanding secondary results; Master's applicants need a first-class or equivalent undergraduate record.
Top-of-Cohort Excellence
Only a small number of awards are made, so you must be genuinely top-tier — highest grades, strong references, and a compelling motivation. Realistically assess whether you're competitive before applying; we'll give you an honest read.
International (Non-EEA) Student
Open to talented non-EEA international students, including Sri Lankan citizens. EEA students have separate Dutch funding routes. There is no nationality restriction beyond fee-paying international status.
English Proficiency
Programmes are taught in English; you'll typically need IELTS 6.5+ (some 7.0). Sri Lankan applicants with an English-medium degree (or English-medium schooling for Bachelor's entry) usually qualify via MOI waiver where Utrecht accepts it.
account_tree Application Process
Apply to the programme by the early deadline
Submit your Utrecht Bachelor's or Master's application before the December scholarship deadline, with transcripts (certified translation), motivation letter, references, CV, and proof of English.
Submit the Excellence Scholarship application
Complete the separate scholarship application by 1 December, including the required motivation and supporting documents. Late applications are not considered.
Competitive selection
A university committee assesses academic excellence and selects a small number of awardees. Outcomes are typically released in spring.
Acceptance and Dutch visa
Awardees receive an award letter, accept, enrol, and apply for the Dutch student residence permit (MVV) with Utrecht as sponsor. Funds are disbursed across the programme.
Why Utrecht University?
Utrecht University is the Netherlands' top-ranked university and a global top-100 institution, founded in 1636, with strengths across the life sciences, geosciences, law, economics, and humanities. The Excellence Scholarship plus the Dutch orientation-year visa make it a high-value route for an exceptional Sri Lankan student at Bachelor's or Master's level.
#1
University in the Netherlands
Top 100
Global Ranking
1 yr
Post-Study Orientation Visa
Looking for a scholarship because of the cost?
Then start here instead. Scholarships are competitive, usually partial, and decided by someone else — they are the least reliable way to make studying abroad affordable. Your destination and course choice move the number far more, and both are entirely within your control.
Work out your real number
Tuition, living costs, visa funds and flights for your destination — so you know the gap you are actually trying to close.
Open the cost calculator arrow_forwardSort courses by lowest fee
The full catalogue, cheapest tuition first. Changing course or country saves far more than most awards are worth.
Browse lowest-fee courses arrow_forwardWhat NL actually costs
Tuition, living costs and the total first-year figure for NL, in LKR as well as local currency.
See the cost breakdown arrow_forwardCheck your proof of funds
Every student visa requires you to show funds. Find out what you need before you commit to an application.
Check the requirement arrow_forwardSimilar Scholarships
Other curated opportunities for Sri Lankan students.
Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas) Scholarship
Breda University of Applied Sciences
NL Scholarship at Fontys University of Applied Sciences
Fontys University of Applied Sciences
HAN NL Scholarship
HAN University of Applied Sciences