International Institute of Social Studies - ISS Scholarship Fund for Excellent Students

What you get

You will receive a discount of 40% off your tuition fee for the Master’s programme in ‘Development Studies’ at the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) in The Hague. The info box states this as approximately 5,400 EUR. This is a partial scholarship: It reduces the cost of the one-year Master’s programme, but does not cover living costs or health insurance. The ISS is a graduate school of Erasmus University Rotterdam. It maintains this fund for high-achieving students who are unable to afford the full fees themselves.

Who can apply

• Admission: You have already received a certificate of enrolment for the Master’s programme in ‘Development Studies’ at the ISS.
• Prior degree: You hold a degree in social sciences with good grades (upper second class or first class) or have recently obtained a first degree in social sciences with a first-class honours result.
• Motivation: You can provide sound reasons for wishing to study at the ISS. Relevant professional experience is an advantage, but not essential.
• Financial need: You are unable to cover the fee yourself and can explain how the discount will enable you to take part in this study.
• Nationality: Open to students of all nationalities, including Dutch and other EU/EEA students.
• Level: This applies exclusively to the Master’s programme. PhD students at the ISS are not eligible to apply.

How to apply

Please send your application by email to the ISS Admissions Office, enclosing a one-page personal statement and proof of your financial means, including bank statements. Decisions on admission to the degree programme, which begins in September, are made monthly between January and July. The final application deadline is 15 June. Please apply as early as possible, as funds are limited and funding will cease once the budget has been exhausted.

How realistic are your chances?

The scholarship is for a specific Master’s programme at a specific university and requires both very good grades and demonstrable financial need, meaning that the pool of eligible applicants is small. If you already have your letter of offer, meet the academic requirements and can demonstrate your financial need, your chances are good. As places depend on the remaining budget and are allocated on a month-by-month basis, applying early is crucial.