het Cultuurfonds science scholarship (Wetenschapsbeurs)

het Cultuurfonds science scholarship (Wetenschapsbeurs)

You receive up to 50% of your total budget, capped at 25,000 EUR, to study a master's degree or do PhD research abroad. The amount depends on your living costs and how long you stay. The grant covers rent, living costs, tuition fees and one return trip. The money comes from het Cultuurfonds (formerly the Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds), one of the largest private cultural foundations in the Netherlands. It does not cover study materials or research costs.

Who can apply

• Your level: You have (or will earn this academic year) a Dutch hbo-bachelor or wo-master degree. If you did a university (wo) programme, you can only apply for a second master's, not a first master's after a wo-bachelor.
• Field of study: Open to all disciplines, from applied maths and archaeology to international politics, history and medicine. MBA, MPA and similar programmes do not qualify.
• Where you go: You study or research abroad and live in that country. The programme must relate to your bachelor or master.
• Nationality or residence: You have Dutch nationality, or you have lived in the Netherlands for at least 5 years.
• First time: You have never received a Cultuurfonds scholarship before.
• Duration: Full-time study or research that runs at least one more academic year from July. For a research stay tied to a PhD at a Dutch institution, at least 3 consecutive months. Past stays are not funded.
• Grades: You have an average of 8 on the Dutch scale. If you fall just short, you can still apply if you show your talent through your motivation letter, CV and references.

How to apply

You apply through the Cultuurfonds online portal between 1 February and 1 April, with a final deadline of 1 April at 23:59. Only complete applications are assessed. Promising ones go to an advisory committee, and you hear the result by email in mid-June.

How realistic are your chances?

This award is open to all fields and to any student meeting the Dutch nationality or residence rule, so the pool is fairly broad. The amount awarded also depends on the available budget. Strong candidates stand out with an average near 8, a clear fit between the programme and their earlier studies, and convincing references. If you fit the conditions (second master's or PhD abroad, one full academic year, never funded before) and apply with a well-evidenced budget, your prospects are solid.