By: Hammad Ishaq | AI/ML Engineer
Last verified on: November 03, 2025
Overview
The Eric Bleumink Fellowship (also called the Eric Bleumink Fund) was established by the University of Groningen (RUG) in 2000, in honour of Prof. Eric Bleumink, former President of RUG.
The aim is to support academically strong students from low-income and least-developed countries to pursue a Master’s programme (MSc/MA/LL.M) at the University of Groningen, and to thereby contribute to the academic capacity of their home countries.
The fellowship is administered by the University’s Alumni & Scholarships Office (Mobility & Scholarship Desk) in consultation with faculties.
Benefits / Funding
According to the official rules and regulations:
The grant covers: full tuition fees for the Master’s programme at the University of Groningen.
Travel costs (economy class) from the home country to the Netherlands and return.
A living allowance of €1,250 per month for food and accommodation.
A settling allowance of €275 upon arrival.
A study allowance of €310 per year for books and study materials.
Health insurance covering medical treatment, personal accidents, legal liability, and extra flight in emergencies.
The duration is the full period of the Master’s programme starting in September; eligible programmes are 1- or 2-year taught Master’s programmes.
Note: Some “fully funded” summarised versions of the scholarship state that living costs, books and insurance are covered. These align with official rules, although the monthly allowance is specified in the PDF only.
Note: The interview general pages do not list the exact allowance numbers; those are found in the rules-&-regulations PDF.
Eligibility
Eligible candidates must satisfy all of the following (according to official rules):
Have provisional or unconditional admission to one of the University of Groningen’s Master’s programmes before February of the intake year.
Apply for the Master’s programme before 1 December of the previous year (to allow processing).
The candidate must hold the nationality of a country listed in Appendix 1 of the rules; this list corresponds to the OECD-DAC list of ODA recipients (least-developed and low-income countries).
Have excellent academic performance at undergraduate (Bachelor) level.
Demonstrate excellent English language proficiency in accordance with the Master’s programme requirements.
Be available for the whole period of the programme (i.e., start in September and continue through to completion).
Be in good health so that Dutch health insurance can be arranged.
Have no other means of financing the study in question (i.e., financial need) per the rules.
Ineligible: Students from countries not listed in Appendix 1, or who have alternative full funding, or apply after the cut-offs, etc.
Field of study: All Master’s programmes at the University of Groningen are eligible.
Timeline & Deadlines
Based on official and supporting sources:
Master’s application deadline at University of Groningen: 1 December of the year before intake (for students submitting in time to be considered for EBF nomination).
Nomination: The University selects candidates and nominates them to the EBF board. Nominees are informed before 1 February.
Selection outcome: Candidates are notified by 1 March (per rules) of selection.
Intake/start date: The programme must start 1 September of the intake year.
For the “2026” intake (i.e., start in September 2026), the relevant application for the Master’s programme should be submitted by 1 Dec 2025; the EBF nomination process remains internal. Several third-party sites list 1 Dec 2025 as “deadline” for EBF.
Important: The EBF scholarship itself does not have an external application form—the student applies to the Master’s programme and is then nominated. (See next section.)
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Choose your Master’s programme at the University of Groningen and check intake September for the year (e.g., 2026).
Submit your Master’s application before 1 December via the University’s Master’s admission portal. Ensure you meet academic, English proficiency and visa/health insurance requirements.
Obtain a provisional or unconditional admission offer from the University of Groningen before February. Only applicants who meet this are eligible for EBF consideration.
The University’s Admission Office and respective Faculty Admission Board nominate eligible candidates for the EBF. You do not apply directly for EBF.
If nominated, you will receive a request to submit additional documentation (motivation letter, etc) to the EBF committee; this occurs soon after nomination.
The selection committee evaluates nominated candidates and decides. Successful fellows receive an offer letter for the fellowship in due course (before March).
Accept the fellowship, register with the University, arrange visa/residence permit, health insurance, arrival, etc. (The Mobility & Scholarship Desk guides this).
Required Documents Checklist
Since EBF is nominated by the University, the following documents are typically required (according to the rules PDF and official page):
Master’s application (University of Groningen): transcripts, degree certificate, CV, motivation letter, proof of English proficiency, etc.
Admission offer (provisional or unconditional) by February.
Motivation letter specifically for EBF (if nominated).
Letters of recommendation (2 or more) confirming excellent academic performance.
Proof of nationality from eligible country (Appendix 1 list).
Proof of inability to finance the study (financial need).
Health certificate (showing good health to obtain insurance and resident permit).
Possibly additional university admission paperwork (visa/residence permit, housing, etc).
Note: The exact “application form” for EBF is internal; nominated candidates will be informed by the University.
Selection Criteria & What Reviewers Look For
Based on the rules and regulations document:
Contribution to strengthening the scientific capacity in the applicant’s home country. (E.g., what the candidate intends to do after returning).
Long-term links between the candidate’s home university/institution and the University of Groningen (preferred).
Gender balance, discipline balance (various faculties) and regional variety across continents.
Academic excellence: grades, transcripts, recommendations.
Motivation and clarity about other funding sources (i.e., candidate must reveal if other scholarship has been applied for) as part of transparency.
Financial need (i.e., candidate has no other means of financing the study) is a factor.
Important: The selection is internal (University nominates) and only a few (approx 4) scholarships may be awarded each year.
Practical Tips to Strengthen Your Application
Apply early: Complete your Master’s application well before 1 Dec and aim to obtain the admission offer before February; delays may exclude you from EBF nomination.
Exhibit strong academic record: High GPA, honours, awards; showing consistent excellence helps.
Highlight relevance to your home country: In your motivation letter for the Master’s programme (and potential EBF nomination) describe how your studies will benefit your home country’s academic or professional community.
Demonstrate leadership or potential impact: Past activities, volunteer work, research, internships that show you are more than just a strong academic performer.
Secure strong recommendation letters: Choose referees who can speak to your academic excellence and your ability to contribute in the future.
Clarify financial need: Provide a short explanation of why you require financing and why you cannot cover costs on your own.
Research the University of Groningen and your chosen Master’s programme: Be ready to articulate why this university and this programme align with your goals.
Ensure eligibility for country list: Check the Appendix 1 list (least-developed countries) to verify your country is listed.
Prepare early for visa/residence, housing and arrival logistics: While not part of the selection, being ready shows professionalism and readiness which may reflect well if shortlisted.
Keep track of the nomination process: After applying for the Master’s, monitor emails from the University’s Admissions and Mobility & Scholarship Desk about possible nomination.
Official Links & Apply Now
Official RUG page: “Eric Bleumink Fellowship” (University of Groningen) – https://www.rug.nl/education/scholarships/eric-bleumink-fellowship?lang=en
Applying for a grant (RUG) – https://www.rug.nl/alumni/support-research-and-education/scholarships-and-awards/eric-bleumink-fund/applying-for-a-grant?lang=en
Rules & Regulations PDF – https://www.rug.nl/alumni/support-research-and-education/scholarships-and-awards/eric-bleumink-fund/files/eric-bleumink-fellowship-rules-and-regulations.pdf
University of Groningen Master’s admission portal: Use RUG’s official Master’s application page (via https://www.rug.nl/education/application/application-guide-international-master – please visit for current link)
Call-to-Action: Visit the official fellowship page and apply for your Master’s programme at the University of Groningen so you become eligible for nomination. You can access the page here: Apply Now – Eric Bleumink Fellowship (https://www.rug.nl/education/scholarships/eric-bleumink-fellowship?lang=en)
FAQ
Q1: Can I apply directly for the EBF scholarship?
A1: No. You must apply for a Master’s programme at the University of Groningen and then the University will nominate eligible candidates to the EBF committee.
Q2: Does the scholarship cover living costs for both 1- and 2-year programmes?
A2: Yes. According to the rules, the grant covers living allowance, travel, books, insurance and tuition for the full duration (1 or 2 years) of the Master’s programme.
Q3: Am I eligible if I already hold another scholarship?
A3: The rules state that you should have “no other means of financing the study in question”. Also, for selection, the committee considers whether you have applied for other funding.
Q4: Is my country eligible?
A4: Your country must appear in Appendix 1 of the rules (ODA list of least-developed and low-income countries). The PDF lists examples such as Pakistan, India, Nigeria, etc.
Q5: What start date must my Master’s programme have?
A5: It must start on 1 September of the intake year. Late starts may disqualify you.
Disclaimer: Please double-check all dates, amounts and eligibility criteria on the official University of Groningen page before you apply, as these may change.
