Utrecht University - SPANN Fund

SPANN Fund

You get a one-off payment of up to 5,000 EUR to help cover your tuition fees and the high cost of renting a room in Utrecht. It is a single payment, not a monthly grant. The fund comes from the Department of Dutch Literature and Culture at Utrecht University, which uses it to attract international students to its two-year research Master's in Dutch literature and culture (Nederlandse literatuur en cultuur). Each round shares out a fixed pot of 5,000 EUR. If more students apply than the budget allows, the money is split, so the amount you get depends on how many people apply and how much they request.

Who can apply

• Programme: You are admitted to the research Master's Nederlandse literatuur en cultuur at Utrecht University. You must be accepted by the programme's admission committee before you apply for the fund.
• Nationality: Students from inside and outside the EU can apply. The one exception: Dutch and Belgian nationals cannot.
• Language: The Master's is taught in Dutch, so you must be able to study in Dutch.
• What the money is for: You use it for tuition fees and living costs, especially housing in Utrecht.

How to apply

Once the admission committee has accepted you onto the Master's, email a motivation letter of at most one A4 page to the SPANN treasurer. Add a short budget stating which costs you want the money to cover. Send it as soon as you can after your admission and no later than 1 July. You hear the decision by 15 July.

How realistic are your chances?

This fund is aimed at a small group: you must already be admitted to one specific Dutch-taught research Master's and not hold Dutch or Belgian nationality. If you clearly fit those conditions and apply early with a clear budget, your prospects are good. The catch is the fixed 5,000 EUR pot, which is shared among applicants. In a busy year you may receive less than the 5,000 EUR maximum rather than nothing.