Utrecht University Fund - Utrechts Universiteitsfonds - Fondsen op Naam (Student Support)

What the Utrecht University Fund student support offers

You can apply for a grant to cover your living costs or other study expenses in Utrecht. You can also get help paying for a semester abroad or an internship abroad. The money comes from the Utrechts Universiteitsfonds (Utrecht University Fund), which sets aside around 80,000 EUR per year for student support. There is no single fixed amount. Each grant is paid out of one of the fund's Named Funds, and how much you get depends on which fund you apply to and its own rules. Named Funds are separate pots of money for specific groups. Examples include a First-Generation Fund for students who are the first in their family to study, a fund for female students in financial difficulty, and funds tied to subjects such as medicine or geochemistry.

Who can apply

• University: You are enrolled at Utrecht University (UU).
• Membership: You are a "Student Friend" of the Utrecht University Fund. This costs 10 EUR per year.
• Fund-specific rules: You meet the criteria of the Named Fund you apply to. Each fund targets a specific group, such as first-generation students, a certain field of study, or students in financial need. Pick the one that fits your situation.
• Field of study: Depends on the fund. Some are open to all subjects, others are limited to a field like medicine or geochemistry.
• Nationality: All nationalities can apply, as long as you study at UU.

How to apply

You apply through the fund's online portal. There are 8 application rounds a year, each open for a few weeks. Round 1, for example, runs from 12 January to 6 February 2026. Not every Named Fund takes part in every round, so check which funds are open before you submit. You may hand in only one application per round. You hear the result within about three weeks after the round closes.

How realistic are your chances?

Your prospects depend on which Named Fund you match. The tightly-targeted funds (a specific subject, group or background) have a small eligible pool. If you clearly fit one and can document your case, your chances are good. Broader living-cost grants draw more applicants against a limited yearly pot. Apply in an early round for the fund that fits you best, rather than the most general one.