Eric Bleumink Fellowship at University of Groningen 2026-2027: GRONINGEN, Netherlands The University of Groningen continues to offer one of the most generous programs for students from developing nations on the continent, despite the fact that many European universities are reducing their budgets for international scholarships and moving toward tuition models that generate revenue.
Currently in its 26th year, the Eric Bleumink Fellowship provides academically exceptional applicants from some of the world’s poorest countries with completely supported master’s degrees. The fellowship pays for books, health insurance, housing expenses, travel, and tuition. The master’s program application deadline for the 2026–2027 school year is December 1, 2026.
About the Fellowship:
The Eric Bleumink Fellowship is nomination-only, in contrast to many other scholarships. Students are not allowed to apply directly. Candidates who have already been granted provisional or unconditional admission to a master’s program are identified and nominated by the University of Groningen’s Admission Office in cooperation with academic boards. Because of this, it is essential to apply to master’s programs as soon as possible in order to have enough time for the nomination procedure, which ends in February 2027.
Origins of the Eric Bleumink Fund:
The fund was established on 23 May 2000, following Professor Eric Bleumink’s retirement as President of the University of Groningen’s Board. Bleumink, who also served as Rector Magnificus and Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, was a strong advocate of international academic cooperation. The fellowship honors his legacy, awarding over 70 scholarships since its inception.
Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen is one of the Netherlands’ oldest and most research-intensive institutions, consistently ranked among the world’s top 100 universities. It offers more than 120 English-taught master’s programmes across major disciplines. Alumni include the Netherlands’ first female university graduate and the first Dutch astronaut, Wubbo Ockels.
What the Fellowship Covers:
The Eric Bleumink Fellowship provides full financial support, including the following:
- Tuition for one- or two-year master’s programmes (MSc, MA, LL.M.)
- International travel to and from the Netherlands
- Monthly living allowance of €1,250
- Settling-in allowance of €275
- Books and academic materials
- Dutch health insurance
The fellowship does not cover dependents, and candidates holding another full scholarship are generally ineligible.
Benefits of Eric Bleumink Fellowship at University of Groningen:
- Fully Funded Tuition and Fees: Students from poor nations can pursue top-notch education without worrying about money thanks to the fellowship, which pays for all tuition for one- or two-year master’s programs.
- Comprehensive Living Allowance: Scholars get a monthly salary of about €1,250 in addition to a €275 settling-in allowance, which covers everyday expenditures, food, and decent housing for the duration of their studies.
- International Travel Support: Students can concentrate on their studies without worrying about expensive flights or visa-related travel fees thanks to the fellowship’s financing for travel to and from the Netherlands.
- Books and Academic Materials Covered: Recipients have access to the best learning resources for academic success because all necessary textbooks, research materials, and study tools are fully financed.
- Dutch Health Insurance Included: The university arranges and covers health insurance, giving students access to medical treatment and peace of mind throughout their stay.
- Exclusive Nomination-Based Selection: Each scholar receives individualized assistance, mentorship, and recognition at one of Europe’s top 100 research universities thanks to the fellowship’s nomination-only selection process, which guarantees a small, extremely selective cohort.
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Eligibility and Nomination:
Applicants must:
- Hold nationality from one of approximately 70 eligible developing countries (Appendix 1). Top-priority countries include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Nepal, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen.
- Demonstrate excellent undergraduate academic performance with strong recommendation letters
- Meet English language requirements (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
- Be available for the full duration of the programme and in good health
- Receive a provisional or unconditional admission offer before February 2027
After screening qualified candidates in January, the Admission Office sends names to the selection committee. There isn’t a separate application form; successful candidates are informed directly.
Apply: https://www.rug.nl/
Comparison to Other Scholarships:
- Holland Scholarship: €5,000 contribution only
- Orange Knowledge Programme: Largely discontinued
- Erasmus Mundus: Multi-university consortia with complex applications
The Eric Bleumink Fellowship stands out for its simplicity: one university, one admission, one nomination, and full funding. Internationally, it is comparable to Chevening (UK), DAAD EPOS (Germany), and Swedish Institute Scholarships, but on a smaller, highly selective scale.
Key Dates
- Master’s programme application deadline: 1 December 2026
- Nomination selection by university: February 2027
- Programme start: September 2027
One of Europe’s most valuable fully financed scholarships for students from developing nations is still the Eric Bleumink Fellowship. Applying early to a Groningen master’s program is a calculated move toward a fully funded, life-changing education for qualified applicants with excellent academic records.
How much living allowance does the fellowship provide?
Recipients receive a monthly living stipend of €1,250 plus a one-time €275 settling-in allowance. This ensures students can cover accommodation, food, and daily expenses comfortably throughout their master’s programme without worrying about financial barriers.
Does the fellowship cover tuition fees completely?
Yes, the Eric Bleumink Fellowship fully covers tuition fees for one- or two-year master’s programmes. This includes MSc, MA, or LL.M. degrees at the University of Groningen, enabling students to study without any financial burden.
Can applicants apply directly for the fellowship?
No, the fellowship is nomination-only. Candidates must first secure provisional or unconditional admission to a master’s programme at the University of Groningen. The university then identifies and nominates eligible students for the full scholarship.
