Wageningen University & Research is one of the well-known universities in the Netherlands. It attracts students from many countries and is especially known for agriculture, food, environmental science, climate, biotechnology, health and sustainability.

Wageningen University offers several scholarship opportunities for international Master’s students.

For the 2027–28 academic year, the main opportunities include the WUR Excellence Programme, Africa Scholarship Programme, Anne van den Ban Fund and NL Scholarship.

The funding is different for each scholarship. Some scholarships cover tuition fees only, while others can cover tuition, living expenses, travel, visa costs and health insurance.

Most of the main WUR scholarships are invitation-based. This means students normally apply for an eligible Master’s programme first. Wageningen University then checks which applicants meet the scholarship requirements.

🎓 Study Level: Master’s
🇳🇱 Country: Netherlands
🏛️ University: Wageningen University & Research
🌍 International Students: Yes
💰 Funding: Full funding, tuition fee waiver and partial grants
📅 Important Deadline: Before 1 December 2026 for major WUR scholarships
📖 IELTS: Usually required unless the applicant qualifies for an exemption

Students can also browse more international scholarships on ScholarInt.

Wageningen University Scholarships – Quick Summary

What Are Wageningen University Scholarships?

Wageningen University scholarships are financial awards for students who want to study a Master’s degree at Wageningen University & Research.

The scholarships are mainly aimed at talented international students.

Not every scholarship provides the same amount of financial support.

Some scholarships only remove the tuition fee.

Others provide much wider support, including:

• Tuition fees
• Monthly living allowance
• Travel costs
• Visa costs
• Health insurance

This is important because a Wageningen University scholarship is not always fully funded.

Students should always check the exact scholarship before making financial plans.

WUR Excellence Programme 2027

The WUR Excellence Programme is one of the main scholarships offered to high-achieving international Master’s students.

The scholarship is available to students from selected countries who want to start an eligible on-campus MSc programme in September 2027.

Applicants must not hold EU or EFTA nationality.

What Does the Excellence Programme Cover?

The scholarship provides:

100% Tuition Fee Waiver for 24 Months

This covers the tuition fee for the normal two-year Master’s programme.

However, the Excellence Programme does not cover all study and living expenses.

Students still need to pay for costs such as:

• Living expenses
• Health insurance
• Liability insurance
• Residence permit
• Other personal costs

Based on the current WUR fee structure, students receiving the Excellence Scholarship may still receive a first-year invoice of approximately €16,500 for these remaining expenses.

For this reason, the Excellence Programme should be described as a full tuition scholarship, not a fully funded scholarship.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants generally need to:

• Hold nationality from an eligible country
• Not hold EU or EFTA nationality
• Apply for an eligible on-campus MSc programme
• Start the programme in September 2027
• Receive unconditional admission
• Have a GPA of at least 80%
• Have a First Class Honours Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Complete the Bachelor’s degree before 1 December 2026
• Meet the English-language requirement before 1 December 2026
• Submit a complete MSc application before 1 December 2026

Eligible countries currently include:

• Argentina
• Australia
• Brazil
• Canada
• Chile
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Cuba
• Ecuador
• Guatemala
• Japan
• Malaysia
• Mexico
• New Zealand
• Peru
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Thailand
• Turkey
• United Kingdom
• United States of America

Meeting the eligibility rules does not guarantee a scholarship.

The programme is competitive.

Applicants selected for the final stage are expected to be contacted around March or April 2027.

Scholarship offers are currently scheduled for 7 April 2027.

Africa Scholarship Programme 2027

The Africa Scholarship Programme, also known as ASP, is designed for talented and motivated students from African countries.

The programme gives selected students the chance to complete a Master’s degree at Wageningen University.

It also aims to support knowledge and capacity building in Africa.

What Does the Africa Scholarship Programme Cover?

The scholarship includes:

• Tuition fees for 24 months
• Living allowance for 24 months
• Travel to the Netherlands
• Return travel after the programme
• Visa costs
• Health insurance

This is a much broader funding package than the Excellence Programme.

Because the scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, travel and other major study costs, it can be considered a fully funded scholarship.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants generally need to:

• Be a citizen of an African country
• Apply for an eligible WUR MSc programme
• Submit the complete application before 1 December 2026
• Receive unconditional admission
• Have a First Class Honours degree
• Have a Bachelor’s GPA of at least 80%
• Meet WUR’s English-language requirements
• Complete the Bachelor’s degree before 1 December 2026

Preference may be given to applicants who have not already completed a Master’s degree.

The scholarship is competitive.

Applicants who meet all conditions may be invited to the selection process.

The current scholarship offer date is 7 April 2027.

Anne van den Ban Fund 2027

The Anne van den Ban Fund helps talented students from developing countries study at Wageningen University.

The fund works closely with Wageningen University and is combined with the WU Fellowship Programme.

What Does the Anne van den Ban Fund Cover?

For the current 2027–28 scheme, the funding package includes:

• Tuition fees for 24 months
• Living allowance for 24 months
• Travel to and from the Netherlands
• Visa costs
• Health insurance

This makes the current funding package much broader than a simple tuition fee scholarship.

Who Can Be Considered?

The scholarship is intended for international students from developing countries who:

• Want to start an MSc programme in September 2027
• Have unconditional admission
• Submit a complete MSc application before 1 December 2026
• Meet the English-language requirement before the deadline
• Complete their Bachelor’s degree before the deadline

Can You Apply Directly?

No.

The Anne van den Ban Fund is invitation-based.

Students cannot submit a separate direct application for this scholarship.

The first step is to apply for an eligible Wageningen University Master’s programme.

The university and scholarship selection committee then assess suitable applicants.

Selected candidates are expected to receive results during May 2027.

NL Scholarship at Wageningen University

The NL Scholarship is another funding option for talented international students.

It is supported by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science together with Dutch higher education institutions.

For the current round, Wageningen University lists:

8 Scholarships

The scholarship can be used by selected students starting an eligible Master’s programme in September 2027 or February 2028.

How Much Is the NL Scholarship?

A student can receive:

• €5,000
• €10,000
• Or up to €15,000

The amount depends on the number of NL Scholarship awards given to the student.

Is the NL Scholarship Fully Funded?

No.

WUR clearly states that the NL Scholarship is not a full scholarship.

Students still need to meet the university’s normal financial requirements.

The award should therefore be treated as partial financial support.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants generally need to:

• Have a GPA of at least 80%
• Hold nationality from an eligible country
• Have conditional or unconditional admission to an eligible on-campus MSc programme
• Not have previously studied a degree programme in the Netherlands

Eligible nationalities currently include students from countries such as:

• Argentina
• Australia
• Brazil
• Canada
• Chile
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Cuba
• Ecuador
• Guatemala
• Honduras
• India
• Japan
• Malaysia
• Mexico
• New Zealand
• Peru
• Singapore
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Taiwan
• Thailand
• Turkey
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Vietnam

The scholarship is not available for online Master’s programmes or Double Degree programmes under the current rules.

Eligible students who receive admission are automatically invited to apply.

Invitations are expected to begin from 1 February 2027.

The application deadline is:

1 May 2027

What Subjects Can You Study at Wageningen University?

Wageningen University offers many Master’s programmes linked with major global challenges.

Study areas include:

• Agriculture
• Plant Sciences
• Animal Sciences
• Food Science
• Nutrition
• Biotechnology
• Biology
• Environmental Sciences
• Climate Studies
• Water Management
• Forest and Nature Conservation
• Biosystems Engineering
• Health
• Data Science
• Economics
• Policy
• Sustainability

Students interested in agriculture, plant biology and crop research may also want to read about the Western Sydney University PhD Scholarship in Plant Genomics and Mango Research on ScholarInt.

Students can also explore more international scholarship opportunities if they want to compare funding in other countries.

What Are the Benefits of Wageningen University Scholarships?

The benefits depend on the scholarship.

Tuition Fee Support

Some scholarships cover the full tuition fee.

For example, the Excellence Programme gives selected students a full tuition fee waiver for 24 months.

Living Support

Some scholarships provide money to help students pay for daily living expenses.

The Africa Scholarship Programme and Anne van den Ban Fund currently include a living allowance.

Travel Support

Some scholarships can pay for travel to and from the Netherlands.

This is currently included in the Africa Scholarship Programme and Anne van den Ban Fund.

Visa and Insurance Costs

Selected scholarships can also cover:

• Visa costs
• Health insurance

Study at an International University

Wageningen University attracts students from many countries.

This gives students the chance to study in an international academic environment.

Strong Research Environment

WUR has a strong research focus in areas such as:

• Food security
• Agriculture
• Climate change
• Sustainability
• Biodiversity
• Environmental protection
• Nutrition
• Biotechnology
• Water management

Eligibility Requirements

There is no single eligibility rule for every Wageningen University scholarship.

Each scholarship has its own requirements.

Students may need to meet conditions related to:

• Nationality
• Academic results
• Bachelor’s degree
• Master’s programme
• GPA
• English-language ability
• Admission status
• Previous study history
• Scholarship-specific conditions

For the Excellence Programme and Africa Scholarship Programme, applicants currently need a GPA of at least 80% and a First Class Honours Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.

Scholarships are competitive.

Academic Requirements

Applicants must first meet the academic requirements of their chosen Wageningen University Master’s programme.

A relevant Bachelor’s degree is normally required.

The exact academic background depends on the programme.

For example, a student applying for a Master’s in Plant Sciences will normally need a different academic background from someone applying for Data Science, Nutrition or Environmental Sciences.

Students should check the admission page of their selected programme before applying.

IELTS Requirements

Wageningen University Master’s programmes are taught in English.

Most international students therefore need to show English-language proficiency unless they qualify for an exemption.

For many WUR Master’s programmes, the standard IELTS requirement is:

IELTS Academic 6.5 Overall

with at least:

6.0 in Speaking

WUR also accepts other recognised English-language tests under its current admission rules.

These can include:

• TOEFL
• Cambridge English
• PTE Academic
• LanguageCert

Some applicants can receive an English-language exemption based on their previous education and other conditions.

Students should always check the English requirement for their exact Master’s programme.

For the main WUR scholarships, students should make sure their required English test result is available before 1 December 2026.

📌 ScholarInt Advice: Do not wait until November to book an English test. Test dates and official results can take time, and a missing English result can make the Master’s application incomplete.

Documents Required

The exact documents depend on the Master’s programme.

Common documents may include:

• Bachelor’s degree certificate
• Academic transcripts
• Passport
• English-language test result
• Academic information
• CV, where required
• Programme-specific documents
• Certified translations where needed
• Other documents requested by Wageningen University

Students applying for the main invitation-based scholarships should make sure their Master’s application is complete before the scholarship consideration deadline.

For the 2027–28 main scholarship cycle, the important deadline is:

Before 1 December 2026

How to Apply for Wageningen University Scholarships

The application process depends on the scholarship.

For the main WUR scholarships, the process starts with a Master’s application.

Step 1: Choose Your Master’s Programme

First, choose an eligible MSc programme at Wageningen University.

Check:

• Academic requirements
• Relevant Bachelor’s background
• English-language requirements
• Programme duration
• Tuition fees
• Scholarship eligibility

Step 2: Check Scholarship Eligibility

Check which scholarship matches your situation.

Pay attention to:

• Nationality
• GPA
• Academic degree
• Admission requirements
• Study programme
• Scholarship deadline

Do not assume that eligibility for one WUR scholarship means you are eligible for all of them.

Step 3: Apply for the Master’s Programme

Start the application through the official Wageningen University admission process.

WUR uses Studielink as part of the application process.

Students then complete the university application and upload the required supporting documents.

Step 4: Complete Your Application Before the Scholarship Deadline

For the Excellence Programme, Africa Scholarship Programme and Anne van den Ban Fund, students who want scholarship consideration should submit a complete Master’s application:

Before 1 December 2026

This is earlier than the normal admission deadline for many international students.

Step 5: Wait for Scholarship Selection

The main WUR scholarships are invitation-based.

This means students do not normally submit a separate scholarship application at the beginning.

The WUR Scholarship Selection Committee reviews eligible applicants.

Step 6: Complete Any Final Scholarship Stage

Some shortlisted students may be contacted for the final selection stage.

Follow any instructions sent by Wageningen University.

Step 7: Accept the Scholarship

If selected, follow WUR’s instructions to accept the scholarship and complete the remaining enrolment requirements.

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Wageningen Scholarship

Wageningen scholarships are competitive.

A strong application can improve your chances.

Keep Your Academic Results Strong

Academic performance is very important.

For some major scholarships, applicants need a GPA of at least 80%.

Apply Early

Do not wait until the end of November.

Starting early gives you enough time to arrange:

• Academic transcripts
• Degree certificate
• IELTS or another English test
• Passport
• Other required documents

Choose the Right Master’s Programme

Your Bachelor’s background should fit the Master’s programme.

A clear academic match can make your application stronger.

Complete Your Bachelor’s Degree on Time

For the main 2027 WUR scholarship programmes, students must have completed their Bachelor’s degree before 1 December 2026.

Complete Your English Test Early

If you need IELTS, TOEFL or another test, take it early.

Your official test result must be available before the scholarship consideration deadline where required.

Understand the Funding Package

A tuition waiver is not the same as a fully funded scholarship.

Always check:

• Tuition coverage
• Living allowance
• Travel costs
• Visa costs
• Insurance
• Other expenses

before making your financial plan.

Important Scholarship Deadlines

Wageningen University offers several scholarships, so there is not one deadline for every scholarship.

Here are the main current dates.

Before 1 December 2026

Complete MSc applications must be submitted before this date for consideration for:

• WUR Excellence Programme
• Africa Scholarship Programme
• Anne van den Ban Fund

7 April 2027

WUR currently plans to make scholarship offers for:

• Excellence Programme
• Africa Scholarship Programme

May 2027

Selected Anne van den Ban Fund candidates are expected to receive their scholarship results during May 2027.

1 May 2027

This is the application deadline for invited NL Scholarship candidates.

Because deadlines can change, students should always check the official Wageningen University scholarship page before applying.

Are Wageningen University Scholarships Fully Funded?

Some are, but not all.

This is an important point.

WUR Excellence Programme

The Excellence Programme provides a full tuition fee waiver for 24 months.

It does not automatically cover living costs, insurance and residence expenses.

Therefore, it is not fully funded.

Africa Scholarship Programme

The Africa Scholarship Programme currently covers:

• Tuition fees
• Living allowance
• Travel
• Visa costs
• Health insurance

This is a fully funded scholarship package for selected students.

Anne van den Ban Fund

The current WUR scholarship package includes:

• Tuition fees
• Living allowance
• Travel
• Visa costs
• Health insurance

This provides broad financial support for selected students.

NL Scholarship

The NL Scholarship provides between €5,000 and €15,000.

It is not fully funded.

Always check the exact scholarship package before describing an award as “fully funded.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Wageningen University offer scholarships for international students?

Yes. Wageningen University offers several scholarships for prospective international Master’s students.

These include the Excellence Programme, Africa Scholarship Programme, Anne van den Ban Fund and NL Scholarship.

Are Wageningen University scholarships fully funded?

Some are fully funded, while others are not.

The Africa Scholarship Programme provides a broad funding package including tuition, living allowance, travel, visa and health insurance.

The Excellence Programme mainly provides a full tuition fee waiver.

What is the Wageningen University scholarship deadline?

For the Excellence Programme, Africa Scholarship Programme and Anne van den Ban Fund, a complete MSc application must be submitted before 1 December 2026.

Can international students apply?

Yes.

The scholarships are designed for international students, but nationality requirements vary by scholarship.

Can I apply directly for the Excellence Programme?

The WUR Scholarship Selection Committee reviews eligible Master’s applicants.

Students must first submit a complete application for an eligible Master’s programme.

Can I apply directly for the Africa Scholarship Programme?

Eligible African students are considered through WUR’s scholarship selection process after applying for an eligible Master’s programme.

Can I apply directly for the Anne van den Ban Fund?

No.

The Anne van den Ban Fund is invitation-based and does not accept direct individual applications.

What GPA do I need?

The requirement depends on the scholarship.

For the Excellence Programme and Africa Scholarship Programme, WUR currently requires a GPA of at least 80% and a First Class Honours Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

Do I need IELTS?

Most international applicants need to meet WUR’s English-language requirements unless they qualify for an exemption.

For many Master’s programmes, the standard IELTS requirement is 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in Speaking.

Is the NL Scholarship fully funded?

No.

The NL Scholarship provides €5,000, €10,000 or up to €15,000, but it does not cover the full cost of studying at Wageningen University.

Final Thoughts

Wageningen University Scholarships give international students several ways to reduce the cost of studying a Master’s degree in the Netherlands.

The scholarships do not all provide the same benefits.

The WUR Excellence Programme covers tuition fees but leaves students responsible for living and other costs.

The Africa Scholarship Programme provides much wider support, including tuition, living expenses, travel, visa costs and health insurance.

The Anne van den Ban Fund also provides a strong funding package for selected students from developing countries.

The NL Scholarship provides a smaller grant of between €5,000 and €15,000 and should be considered partial funding.

Students interested in the main WUR scholarships should remember the most important date:

Before 1 December 2026

A complete Master’s application should be submitted before this date for consideration for the Excellence Programme, Africa Scholarship Programme and Anne van den Ban Fund.

Prepare your Bachelor’s documents and English-language test early.

Most importantly, always check the latest rules on the official Wageningen University website before applying because scholarship eligibility, funding and deadlines can change.

📌 Scholarship Summary