A historic Amsterdam canal lined with brick houses, bridges, and parked bicycles.

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

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.

Utrecht University

University-funded

emoji_events Award Overview

savings

Value

Tuition (+ Living for top awards)

school

Duration

Bachelor's or Master's

groups

Awards

Small Number per Year

fact_check Eligibility Criteria

school

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.

workspace_premium

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.

public

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.

translate

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.