Are you an international student looking to study in the Netherlands? The Wageningen University & Research offers a range of Master’s scholarships for 2026, designed to attract top global talent into its world-class academic environment.
These scholarships include the Excellence Programme, Africa Scholarship Programme (ASP), Anne van den Ban Fund (ABF), and the popular NL Scholarship, offering funding opportunities ranging from full tuition coverage to €15,000 grants.
If you’re planning to start your MSc in September 2026, this guide covers everything you need to know — including eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
Scholarships Summary Table
| Scholarship | Funding | Deadline | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excellence Programme | Full tuition (24 months) | Feb 1, 2026 | High-achieving non-EEA students |
| Africa Scholarship Programme (ASP) | Fully funded | Varies | African students |
| Anne van den Ban Fund (ABF) | Partial/Full support | Varies | Students from developing countries |
| NL Scholarship | €5,000 – €15,000 | May 1, 2026 | Selected non-EEA countries |
About Wageningen University Scholarships
The scholarships at Wageningen University are designed specifically for:
- Prospective international MSc students
- Students applying for the September 2026 intake
Important:
- These scholarships are not available for currently enrolled students
- Most scholarships are invitation-based, meaning you must first apply for admission
Wageningen University Master’s Scholarships 2026
1. Excellence Programme (Fully Funded Tuition)
The Excellence Programme is one of the most prestigious scholarships offered by Wageningen University.
What It Covers
- Full tuition fee waiver for 2 years (24 months)
Who Can Apply
- International students outside the European Economic Area (EEA)
- Students with unconditional admission to an MSc programme
- Applicants with a GPA of 80% or higher
- Equivalent of a First Class Bachelor’s degree
Key Deadline
- MSc Application Deadline: February 1, 2026
Selection Process
- Eligible students are automatically considered
- Shortlisted candidates are notified on April 1, 2026
- Final results released on May 7, 2026
If you do not receive an email by April 1, you are no longer considered.
2. Africa Scholarship Programme (ASP)
The Africa Scholarship Programme (ASP) targets talented students from Africa who want to study at Wageningen University.
Funding
- Typically fully funded, covering:
- Tuition
- Travel
- Living expenses
Eligibility
- Must be a citizen of an African country
- Must gain admission into an MSc programme
This is one of the best opportunities for Nigerian students.
3. Anne van den Ban Fund (ABF)
The Anne van den Ban Fund (ABF) supports students from developing countries who lack financial resources.
Funding
- Partial or full support depending on financial need
Eligibility
- Students from developing countries
- Must demonstrate financial need
Often combined with other funding sources.
4. NL Scholarship (Deadline: May 1, 2026)
The NL Scholarship is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science in partnership with Dutch universities.
Scholarship Benefits
- €5,000 (standard award)
- €10,000 (double award)
- €15,000 (triple award in some cases)
Important:
- Paid in the first year only
- Not deducted from tuition fees
- Does not cover full study costs
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, you must:
- Have a GPA of 80% or higher
- Be from an eligible non-EEA country, such as:
- Nigeria (not listed, but African applicants should verify eligibility per intake)
- India, Brazil, USA, UK, South Africa, etc.
- Have (un)conditional admission to an MSc programme
- I have not studied in the Netherlands before
- Not hold dual EU/EEA nationality
NL Scholarship Deadline
- Application Deadline: May 1, 2026
Application Process (NL Scholarship)
Get Admission Apply for an MSc programme at Wageningen University
Step 2: Receive Invitation: Eligible students are invited automatically from February 1, 2026
Step 3: Submit Application: Complete your scholarship application before May 1, 2026
Important Notes
- Only 8 scholarships are available
- Highly competitive selection process
- Data may be shared with organizations like Nuffic for administration
How to Apply for Wageningen MSc Scholarships
Follow these steps:
- Choose an MSc programme
- Apply before February 1, 2026
- Receive admission (conditional/unconditional)
- Wait for scholarship invitation (if applicable)
- Apply before scholarship deadlines
Apply here:
🔗 https://www.wur.nl/en/education-programmes/master.htm
For more details about the scholarship, visit here: https://www.wur.nl/en/education/master/study-expenses-masters/scholarships
FAQs
1. Can I apply for these scholarships without applying for admission first?
No. You must first apply and gain admission into an MSc programme before being considered for any scholarship.
Most scholarships are invitation-based, so without admission, you won’t be eligible.
2. Is the NL Scholarship fully funded?
No, the NL Scholarship is not fully funded.
It provides:
- €5,000 to €15,000 (one-time payment)
But does NOT cover:
- Full tuition
- Living expenses
- Visa or insurance
You must have additional funding sources.
3. Which scholarship is best for Nigerian students?
The best options are:
- Africa Scholarship Programme (ASP)
- Anne van den Ban Fund (ABF)
4. What GPA do I need to qualify?
You need at least:
- 80% GPA or equivalent
- First Class or strong Second Class Upper degree
Higher GPA increases your chances significantly.
5. How competitive are Wageningen scholarships?
They are highly competitive, especially:
- Excellence Programme
- NL Scholarship
To stand out:
- Have strong academic results
- Write a compelling motivation letter
- Apply early
6. When will I know if I am selected?
- Excellence Programme:
- Shortlist → April 1, 2026
- Final result → May 7, 2026
- NL Scholarship:
- Results announced after May deadline
7. Can I apply for multiple scholarships at Wageningen?
Yes, you can be considered for multiple scholarships, but:
- Final selection depends on eligibility
- You may only receive one main award
8. Do I need IELTS to apply?
Yes, in most cases you will need proof of English proficiency such as:
- IELTS
- TOEFL
Check your specific MSc programme requirements.
9. Can I work while studying?
Yes, international students in the Netherlands can work part-time, but:
- There are hour restrictions
- You may need a work permit
CHECK THESE OUT:
Top 14 Scholarships with April Deadlines 2026 (Apply Before It’s Too Late)
Goldsmiths University International Response Scholarship 2026 in the United Kingdom
Top 10 UK Scholarships for International Students 2026/2027
International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship 2026 in China