Eric Bleumink Fellowship

Overview

The Eric Bleumink Fellowship is a full grant offered by the University of Groningen Fund for talented students from developing countries who want to study for a master's at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. It is one of the more generous awards a Dutch university offers, because it covers the whole cost of studying and living abroad rather than just a slice of tuition. The fellowship is named after Eric Bleumink, a former president of the university's board, and reflects Groningen's long-standing commitment to international development.

What sets this fellowship apart is its nomination model. You cannot apply for it directly. Instead, you apply for admission to a Groningen master's, and the university's Admission Office, working with the faculty boards, identifies and nominates the strongest eligible candidates. That means your job is to get admitted early with an outstanding record, then let your file be put forward.

The grant is meant for excellent students who genuinely cannot finance their studies any other way. Demand is high and the number of fellowships is limited each year, so it is competitive. If you come from an eligible country, have strong grades and English, and have no other means of paying, this fellowship can fund your entire master's.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

You need excellent academic results, ideally backed up by letters of recommendation, and strong undergraduate grades. You must receive provisional or unconditional admission to a Groningen master's before February.

Nationality Requirements

You must be a national of one of the eligible developing or least-developed countries on the fellowship list, which spans many nations across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Check the official page for the current list, as it covers a wide range of countries.

Language Requirements

You need excellent English language proficiency that meets the requirements of your chosen master's programme.

Age & Other Requirements

You must commit to the full duration of the programme, be in good health to enrol in Dutch insurance, and lack other means of financing your studies. The master's must start in September.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Tuition fees
• International travel costs
• Subsistence and living costs
• Books
• Health insurance

The fellowship is designed to fund the full cost of a one- or two-year master's, so it is one of the few Dutch awards that removes both the tuition and the living-cost barrier.

How to Apply

1. Pick an eligible master's: Choose a University of Groningen master's programme that starts in September.
2. Apply for admission early: Submit your master's application before 1 December so your file can be reviewed in time.
3. Secure admission: Aim to receive provisional or unconditional admission before February, which is required to be considered.
4. Be nominated: There is no separate scholarship form. The Admission Office, together with faculty boards, nominates eligible candidates from the admitted pool.
5. Strengthen your file: Make sure your grades, recommendation letters, and English proof are strong, since these drive the nomination.

Required Documents

• Academic transcripts and degree documents
• Letters of recommendation confirming your academic excellence
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Passport showing eligible nationality
• A motivation letter and CV, as part of your master's application

Key Dates & Deadlines

The fellowship runs annually. Because nomination depends on an early admission, the 1 December application date is the deadline that really matters for your planning.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Apply for admission as early as possible so you have a decision before February.
• Submit strong recommendation letters that confirm your academic excellence, since these support the nomination.
• Make your financial need clear, because the fellowship is for students with no other means of funding.
• Confirm your country is on the eligible list before you invest time in the application.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Waiting for a separate scholarship form that does not exist, instead of focusing on early admission.
• Applying after 1 December, which leaves no time for nomination.
• Submitting a weak set of recommendation letters.
• Assuming the award is automatic; only a limited number of fellowships are granted each year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline for the Eric Bleumink Fellowship?

You should complete your master's application before 1 December and have provisional or unconditional admission before February to be considered.

Is the Eric Bleumink Fellowship fully funded?

Yes. It covers tuition, international travel, living costs, books, and health insurance for a one- or two-year master's.

How do I apply for the Eric Bleumink Fellowship?

You do not apply directly. You apply for admission to a Groningen master's, and the Admission Office nominates eligible candidates with strong records.

Who is eligible for the Eric Bleumink Fellowship?

Nationals of designated developing and least-developed countries with excellent academic results, strong English, no other means of financing, and admission to a Groningen master's.

Which countries are eligible for the Eric Bleumink Fellowship?

A wide list of developing and least-developed countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Check the official page for the current year's list before applying.

What documents do I need for the Eric Bleumink Fellowship?

Academic transcripts, recommendation letters, proof of English proficiency, your passport, and the motivation letter and CV you submit with your master's application.

Can I apply for the Eric Bleumink Fellowship directly?

No. The fellowship is nomination-only. Your route in is a strong, early admission to a Groningen master's.

Does the Eric Bleumink Fellowship cover travel costs?

Yes. It includes international travel costs alongside tuition, living costs, books, and insurance.

How competitive is the Eric Bleumink Fellowship?

Very. Many students apply each year and the university can grant only a limited number of fellowships.

When does the master's funded by the Eric Bleumink Fellowship start?

The fellowship supports programmes that begin in September.