The Eric Bleumink Fellowship 2027 is a highly competitive fully funded Master’s scholarship for international students who want to study at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands.
Unlike most scholarships, however, there is an important detail applicants need to understand from the beginning:
You cannot apply directly for the Eric Bleumink Fellowship.
Instead, you first apply for an eligible Master’s programme at the University of Groningen. The University’s Admission Office and faculty admission boards then identify outstanding applicants for nomination. Groningen advises candidates who want to be considered to complete their Master’s application before December 1, 2026. University of Groningen
Applications for University of Groningen programmes starting in the 2027–2028 academic year opened on October 1, 2026, so prospective applicants can now begin the admission process. University of Groningen
Students comparing opportunities in the country can also browse Scholarships in the Netherlands on Scholarships Central or explore other fully funded scholarships.
Eric Bleumink Fellowship 2027 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Eric Bleumink Fellowship / EBF Talent Grant |
| University | University of Groningen |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Study level | Master’s |
| Degrees | MSc, MA, LL.M. and other eligible Master’s programmes |
| Intake | September 2027 |
| Duration | 1 or 2 years |
| Funding | Fully funded |
| Tuition fees | Covered |
| Monthly living allowance | €1,250 |
| Settling allowance | €275 |
| Books/study materials | €310 per year |
| International airfare | Covered |
| Health insurance | Covered |
| Direct scholarship application | No |
| Important application date | Complete Master’s application before December 1, 2026 |
| Number of awards | 4 under the current EBF regulations |
| Pakistan eligible | Yes |
| Result for nominees | Before March 1 |
Under the current EBF rules, hundreds of candidates are considered each year while only four scholarships are awarded, making this one of the most selective Master’s funding opportunities at Groningen. University of Groningen
What Is the Eric Bleumink Fellowship?
The Eric Bleumink Fellowship was established to help talented students from eligible developing countries pursue Master’s study at the University of Groningen.
The programme is intended not only to support individual students but also to strengthen academic capacity in their home countries after their studies. University of Groningen
The fellowship is available for eligible one-year and two-year Master’s programmes starting in September. It covers tuition fees as well as major living and study expenses. University of Groningen
If you are searching more broadly for graduate funding, you can also browse Master’s scholarships on Scholarships Central.
Eric Bleumink Fellowship 2027 Benefits
The Eric Bleumink Fellowship is commonly described as fully funded, and the current regulations provide a detailed breakdown of what that means.
Full Tuition Fees
The fellowship pays the tuition fees for the recipient’s University of Groningen Master’s programme. University of Groningen
€1,250 Monthly Living Allowance
Recipients currently receive a €1,250 monthly allowance for food and accommodation. University of Groningen
For a student receiving the allowance for 12 months, that is equivalent to approximately €15,000 in living support over a full year.
That does not mean the scholarship is worth only €15,000. Tuition, travel, insurance and other benefits are funded separately.
€275 Settling Allowance
Scholars receive a one-time €275 allowance to help with extra expenses when arriving in the Netherlands. University of Groningen
€310 Study Allowance
The current fellowship rules provide €310 per year toward books and other study materials. University of Groningen
International Airfare
Travel to and from the Netherlands is included.
The current rules provide economy-class airfare between Amsterdam and the airport nearest the scholar’s residence, together with airport taxes and travel insurance. Excess baggage is not covered. University of Groningen
Travel Between Amsterdam and Groningen
The fellowship also covers second-class train travel between Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and Groningen. University of Groningen
Health Insurance
The fellowship pays the insurance premium for the scholar during the covered study period. University of Groningen
The University’s main scholarship page summarizes the award as covering tuition, international travel, subsistence, books and health insurance. University of Groningen
Does the Eric Bleumink Fellowship Provide Free Accommodation?
Not exactly.
The Eric Bleumink Fellowship provides €1,250 per month for food and accommodation, but it does not promise a separate free university room.
The University’s Mobility and Scholarship Desk can provide information about housing and may make certain advance payments, but the fellowship rules state that such advances must later be reimbursed. University of Groningen
So applicants should understand the distinction:
Accommodation is financially supported through the monthly allowance, rather than provided as a separate free housing benefit.
Eric Bleumink Fellowship 2027 Eligibility
To be considered, candidates should meet the University’s EBF criteria.
According to the University of Groningen, applicants should:
- receive provisional or unconditional admission to an eligible Master’s programme before February;
- have excellent academic performance;
- have excellent grades during their Bachelor’s studies;
- meet the English-language requirements of their chosen Master’s programme;
- be available for the full duration of the programme;
- be in sufficiently good health for Dutch health-insurance arrangements;
- hold nationality from one of the eligible countries; and
- have no other means of financing the proposed study. University of Groningen
Excellent academic performance should preferably also be supported by recommendation letters. University of Groningen
Is There a Minimum GPA for Eric Bleumink Fellowship?
The University does not publish one universal Eric Bleumink Fellowship GPA cutoff such as 3.5/4.0.
Instead, the official criteria repeatedly refer to:
excellent academic performance and excellent Bachelor’s grades. University of Groningen
Applicants should therefore avoid assuming that meeting an unofficial GPA number found on another scholarship website guarantees eligibility.
Your academic record will be assessed in the context of your programme, educational background and overall Master’s application.
Eric Bleumink Fellowship Eligible Countries
The fellowship is not open to every nationality.
Applicants must hold nationality from a country included on the University of Groningen’s official eligible-country list. University of Groningen
The current list includes countries such as:
Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, India, Iran, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Micronesia, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Rwanda, Samoa, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tokelau, Tunisia, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia and Zimbabwe. University of Groningen
Because the official list can be updated, applicants should confirm their nationality directly on the University of Groningen Eric Bleumink Fellowship page before applying.
Can Pakistani Students Apply for Eric Bleumink Fellowship?
Yes.
Pakistan is included on the University of Groningen’s current eligible-country list, so Pakistani students can be considered for the Eric Bleumink Fellowship. University of Groningen
However, nationality alone is not enough. Pakistani applicants still need an outstanding academic profile, admission to an eligible Master’s programme, appropriate English-language proficiency and must meet the other fellowship criteria.
Eric Bleumink Fellowship 2027 Deadline
This is where applicants should be especially careful.
There is no separate Eric Bleumink Fellowship application deadline, because you cannot directly submit an EBF scholarship application.
Instead, the University states that candidates need a provisional or unconditional Master’s admission offer before February. To give the Admissions Office enough time to process the Master’s application and consider the applicant for nomination, the Master’s application should be completed before December 1. University of Groningen
For the 2027 intake, that means:
Recommended EBF consideration date: complete your University of Groningen Master’s application before December 1, 2026.
Do not confuse this with the ordinary admission deadline for your Master’s programme. Some programmes may remain open later, but applying later can leave insufficient time for EBF nomination.
Eric Bleumink Fellowship 2027 Timeline
The current official nomination rules provide a clear timeline.
| Stage | Expected timing for 2027 cycle |
|---|---|
| University of Groningen applications open | October 1, 2026 |
| Complete Master’s application for EBF consideration | Before December 1, 2026 |
| Admissions Office selects nominees | First week of January 2027 |
| Nominees asked for EBF motivation letter | January 2027 |
| Motivation letter deadline | Within one week of request |
| Nomination files sent to EBF committee | Before February 1, 2027 |
| If not contacted by nomination stage | By February 1 |
| Final EBF selection decision | Before March 1, 2027 |
| Master’s programme begins | September 2027 |
The dates after nomination come from the fellowship’s current official rules. University of Groningen
How to Apply for Eric Bleumink Fellowship 2027
The application process is different from a normal scholarship.
Step 1: Find an Eligible Master’s Programme
Start by selecting a University of Groningen Master’s programme that fits your academic background.
The fellowship supports eligible Master’s programmes lasting one or two years and beginning in September. University of Groningen
You can explore the University of Groningen Master’s programmes before beginning the admission process.
Step 2: Check Programme-Specific Admission Requirements
Admission requirements differ by programme.
Check:
- required Bachelor’s background;
- prerequisite subjects;
- English-language requirement;
- academic documents;
- motivation or statement requirements;
- references;
- CV requirements; and
- programme-specific deadlines.
This matters because the EBF does not replace normal University admission requirements.
Step 3: Apply to the University of Groningen
Applicants with a non-Dutch qualification generally apply through Studielink and then complete the University’s application requirements through its Progress Portal. University of Groningen
Applications for the 2027–28 academic year became available from October 1, 2026. University of Groningen
Step 4: Complete the Application Before December 1
If you want EBF consideration, do not wait for your programme’s ordinary final admission deadline.
The University specifically advises applicants to complete their Master’s application before December 1 so admission can be processed before EBF nominations take place. University of Groningen
Step 5: Wait for University Nomination
There is no separate scholarship form to submit at this stage.
The Admission Office, together with faculty admission boards, decides which Master’s applicants should be nominated. University of Groningen
Step 6: Submit an EBF Motivation Letter if Nominated
Applicants selected for nomination are contacted by the University.
The current rules state that nominated candidates are then asked to submit an EBF motivation letter within one week. University of Groningen
This is an important detail: you do not need to find and submit an EBF motivation letter independently before you have been nominated.
Step 7: Wait for the Final Decision
The EBF selection committee reviews the nominated candidates.
Under the current rules, nominees are informed of the final result before March 1. University of Groningen
Documents Required
There is no universal standalone EBF application package at the initial stage.
Your first task is to complete the documents required for your University of Groningen Master’s application.
For applicants with a non-Dutch qualification, the University lists standard documents such as proof of the qualification or expected graduation, academic records and other required admission evidence. Documents need to meet the University’s language and format requirements. University of Groningen
Depending on your Master’s programme, additional documents may include:
- CV or résumé;
- motivation letter;
- recommendation letters;
- programme-specific checklist;
- course descriptions;
- writing samples; or
- other faculty-specific evidence.
Requirements differ between programmes, so applicants should not rely on one generic scholarship checklist.
Use the official Groningen Master’s application documents page to confirm what your application requires.
IELTS and English-Language Requirements
There is no single Eric Bleumink Fellowship IELTS score.
Instead, candidates must satisfy the English-language admission requirement of their chosen Master’s programme. University of Groningen
For 2027/28 applications, the University of Groningen uses different English proficiency levels depending on the faculty and programme. Most regular Master’s programmes use its Level 2 requirement, while some selective or Research Master’s programmes use a higher level. University of Groningen
Accepted English-language tests can include:
- IELTS Academic;
- TOEFL iBT;
- Cambridge C1 Advanced;
- Cambridge C2 Proficiency;
- Pearson PTE Academic; and
- LanguageCert Academic. University of Groningen
Some applicants may qualify for an exemption depending on their previous education. University of Groningen
Therefore, avoid websites claiming:
“IELTS 6.5 is compulsory for every Eric Bleumink applicant.”
The correct score and accepted evidence depend on your actual Master’s programme.
Check the official University of Groningen 2027/28 English requirements.
How Are Eric Bleumink Fellows Selected?
Academic excellence is important, but it is not the only consideration.
The current regulations state that selection can also consider how the candidate’s education could strengthen academic capacity in their home country, the potential for longer-term institutional links, disciplinary and regional diversity, gender balance and the applicant’s motivation. University of Groningen
This means a strong candidate should not treat the fellowship simply as a GPA competition.
Your application should make clear:
- why your chosen Master’s programme fits your academic development;
- what you hope to gain from Groningen;
- how the education could create useful impact after graduation; and
- why the fellowship is necessary for you to pursue the programme.
How Competitive Is the Eric Bleumink Fellowship?
Extremely competitive.
The current official EBF regulations state that the fellowship receives hundreds of applications each year but only four scholarships are awarded. University of Groningen
It would be misleading to turn that statement into an exact acceptance rate because the University does not publish a precise annual applicant total on the current page.
The practical takeaway is simple: meeting the minimum requirements is not enough. Candidates should aim to submit an exceptionally strong Master’s admission application.
What Happens if I Am Not Nominated?
The University states that applicants selected for nomination are informed before February 1.
If you have not been contacted about an EBF nomination by February 1, the University says this means you were not selected as an EBF nominee. University of Groningen
There is therefore no need to send the University a separate EBF application or request nomination after that stage.
Can I Receive Another University of Groningen Scholarship at the Same Time?
The current EBF regulations state that another University of Groningen scholarship awarded simultaneously with the EBF Talent Grant is not allowed. University of Groningen
Applicants should disclose other funding applications when requested and carefully review the conditions if they receive more than one funding offer.
Other Netherlands Scholarships to Consider
Because only four Eric Bleumink awards are available under the current rules, applicants should build a broader funding strategy rather than depend on one scholarship.
One alternative is the Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship 2027/28, which offers full funding to selected non-EU/EEA Master’s students. Read the Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship guide
Another option is the NL Scholarship, formerly known as the Holland Scholarship. It is not fully funded, but eligible non-EEA students can receive a one-time contribution toward study costs at participating Dutch institutions. Read the NL Scholarship guide
Students willing to study across several European universities should also consider Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, where competitive EU scholarships can provide €1,400 per month plus participation-cost support. Explore Erasmus Mundus Scholarships 2027/28
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Eric Bleumink Fellowship 2027 fully funded?
Yes. The fellowship covers Master’s tuition fees and provides support for international travel, living costs, study materials and health insurance. The current rules include a €1,250 monthly living allowance, €275 settling allowance and €310 annual study allowance. University of Groningen
What is the Eric Bleumink Fellowship 2027 deadline?
There is no separate scholarship application deadline because direct EBF applications are not accepted. To allow enough time for scholarship consideration, the University advises applicants to complete their Master’s application before December 1, 2026. University of Groningen
Can I apply directly for the Eric Bleumink Fellowship?
No. The University explicitly states that candidates cannot directly apply. The Admission Office and faculty admission boards nominate suitable Master’s applicants. University of Groningen
How much is the Eric Bleumink monthly stipend?
Under the current fellowship rules, scholars receive €1,250 per month for food and accommodation. University of Groningen
How many Eric Bleumink Scholarships are available?
The current EBF regulations state that hundreds of applications are received annually and four scholarships are awarded. University of Groningen
Can Pakistani students apply?
Yes. Pakistan appears on the University’s current eligible-nationality list. University of Groningen
Is IELTS mandatory?
Not necessarily IELTS specifically. Applicants must satisfy the English-language requirement of their Master’s programme. Groningen accepts several approved English tests and provides exemptions in qualifying cases. University of Groningen
Does the fellowship cover accommodation?
The scholarship provides €1,250 per month for food and accommodation, but it does not separately promise free university housing. University of Groningen
Can Bachelor’s students apply?
No. The Eric Bleumink Fellowship is intended for eligible Master’s degree programmes at the University of Groningen. University of Groningen
Can PhD students apply?
This particular fellowship is for Master’s study, not a general PhD scholarship. Applicants seeking doctoral funding should look for separate PhD positions and scholarships.
When will Eric Bleumink Fellowship 2027 results be announced?
The current rules state that shortlisted nominees are informed of the final EBF selection outcome before March 1. University of Groningen
Final Advice
The Eric Bleumink Fellowship 2027 is an excellent opportunity for students who need comprehensive financial support for a Master’s degree at the University of Groningen, but it is also extremely selective.
The most important thing to understand is that there is no direct scholarship application.
Your route to the fellowship begins with a strong University of Groningen Master’s application. Because Groningen needs enough time to assess admission and select nominees, candidates hoping for EBF consideration should complete their application before December 1, 2026. University of Groningen
Before applying, check three things carefully: whether your nationality is eligible, whether your academic background meets the requirements of your chosen Master’s programme, and whether you can satisfy that programme’s English-language requirement.
Use the official Eric Bleumink Fellowship page and the official EBF application and nomination information as your final sources before submitting anything.
For alternatives, browse Netherlands scholarships, Master’s scholarships and fully funded scholarships for international students on Scholarships Central.