The Radboud Scholarship 2027/28 is a competitive Master’s scholarship for talented students from outside the European Union and European Economic Area who want to study at Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands.
For the 2027/28 academic year, Radboud University plans to offer a maximum of 22 scholarships. Selected students will pay a reduced tuition fee of approximately €2,771 instead of around €19,000, depending on the Master’s programme. The scholarship also covers visa, residence permit, health insurance and liability insurance costs.
However, there is one important point to understand before applying:
The Radboud Scholarship is not fully funded.
It does not provide a monthly living stipend or cover normal living expenses in the Netherlands. Applicants should therefore make sure they can finance accommodation, food and other personal expenses even if they win the scholarship.
Students comparing other opportunities in the country can also browse Scholarships in the Netherlands on Scholarships Central or explore the wider Master’s Scholarships database.
Radboud Scholarship 2027/28 Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Radboud Scholarship Programme |
| University | Radboud University |
| Country | Netherlands |
| City | Nijmegen |
| Study level | Master’s |
| Intake | September 2027 |
| Funding type | Partially funded |
| Scholarships available | Maximum 22 |
| Reduced tuition fee | Approximately €2,771 |
| Normal non-EEA tuition | Around €19,000 depending on programme |
| Monthly stipend | Not provided |
| Visa costs | Covered |
| Residence permit | Covered |
| Health insurance | Covered |
| Liability insurance | Covered |
| Eligible nationalities | Non-EU/non-EEA |
| Pakistani students | Eligible |
| Application system | OSIRIS |
| Scholarship deadline | January 31, 2027 at 23:59 CET |
| Complete-file deadline | February 14, 2027 at 23:59 CET |
| Results | Before mid-April 2027 |
| Study begins | September 1, 2027 |
The official 2027/28 information is available on the Radboud Scholarship Programme page.
What Is the Radboud Scholarship Programme?
The Radboud Scholarship Programme is a merit-based scholarship designed for highly motivated international students with strong academic records.
It is intended for students from outside the EU/EEA who have been admitted to eligible English-taught Master’s programmes at Radboud University.
The scholarship mainly works by reducing the very high institutional tuition fee normally charged to international students.
For 2027/28, Radboud currently states that a scholarship recipient will pay approximately €2,771 in tuition instead of around €19,000, although the university notes that the €2,771 amount is still subject to confirmation.
That can represent a tuition saving of more than €16,000 for some programmes.
The exact saving depends on the tuition fee of your chosen Master’s programme.
Is the Radboud Scholarship Fully Funded?
No.
The Radboud Scholarship 2027 is a partially funded scholarship.
Radboud University clearly states that the scholarship does not cover the general costs of living and studying in the Netherlands.
The scholarship currently provides:
- a major reduction in tuition fees to approximately €2,771;
- visa costs;
- residence permit costs;
- Aon student health insurance; and
- liability insurance.
Accommodation, food, transport, flights and general personal living expenses remain the student’s responsibility.
Students who specifically require a scholarship covering tuition and living expenses should also compare opportunities in the Fully Funded Scholarships section of Scholarships Central.
For scholarships similar to Radboud that reduce study costs without covering everything, browse Partially Funded Scholarships.
Radboud Scholarship 2027 Financial Benefits
The main financial advantage is the significant reduction in tuition fees.
Radboud gives the following example for 2027/28:
Scholarship tuition fee: approximately €2,771
Typical institutional tuition fee without the scholarship: approximately €19,000
The normal institutional rate varies between programmes, so students should check the actual tuition page for their selected Master’s degree rather than assuming that every programme costs exactly €19,000.
The scholarship additionally covers immigration-related expenses and insurance required during the student’s stay in the Netherlands.
Important Note About the €2,771 Figure
The university currently labels the €2,771 scholarship tuition amount as “amount to be confirmed.”
Applicants should therefore treat €2,771 as Radboud’s current 2027/28 figure rather than a permanently fixed amount.
Always check the official scholarship page again before accepting an offer or making a financial plan.
How Many Radboud Scholarships Are Available?
Radboud University has announced a maximum of 22 scholarships for 2027/28.
They are distributed between faculties as follows:
| Faculty | Scholarships |
|---|---|
| Faculty of Arts | 2 |
| Faculty of Law | 2 |
| Nijmegen School of Management | 5 |
| Faculty of Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies | 1 |
| Faculty of Science | 5 |
| Faculty of Social Sciences | 7 |
| Total | 22 |
This is important because some older websites still mention 19 or 26 scholarships. The current official Radboud page lists 22 for the 2027/28 academic year.
Who Can Apply for the Radboud Scholarship 2027?
The scholarship is intended for non-EU/non-EEA students who would normally pay Radboud’s higher institutional tuition fee.
The official eligibility conditions are summarized below.
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Must hold a non-EU/non-EEA passport |
| Tuition status | Must not qualify for the lower EU/EEA tuition rate |
| Bachelor’s degree | Must be obtained or expected outside the Netherlands |
| Previous Dutch degree | Generally not allowed |
| Previous education in Netherlands | Generally not allowed |
| Exchange study in Netherlands | Allowed if part of a Bachelor’s completed abroad |
| Degree level | Master’s |
| Language | Must meet chosen Master’s English requirement |
| Admission | Must be fully admitted to an eligible programme |
| Intake | September 1, 2027 |
| Study mode | Full-time |
| Visa | Must be able to meet Dutch immigration requirements |
Radboud specifically requires applicants to have obtained, or expect to obtain, their Bachelor’s degree outside the Netherlands. Applicants generally must not already hold a Dutch degree or have previously studied in the Netherlands, although an exchange period forming part of a Bachelor’s degree completed abroad is allowed.
Can Pakistani Students Apply for the Radboud Scholarship?
Yes.
Pakistani students are eligible to apply for the Radboud Scholarship 2027/28.
Pakistan is outside the EU/EEA, so Pakistani applicants can meet the nationality requirement provided they satisfy the other academic, admission, language and immigration conditions.
However, Pakistani applicants should pay particular attention to the proof-of-funds requirement discussed later in this guide because the Radboud Scholarship does not provide living expenses.
Which Master’s Programmes Are Eligible?
The Radboud Scholarship can be used for eligible English-taught Master’s programmes at Radboud University.
There are two major exclusions:
| Programme type | Eligible? |
|---|---|
| Regular English-taught Radboud Master’s | Yes |
| Erasmus Mundus Master’s | No |
| Joint-degree Master’s | No |
Radboud explicitly excludes Erasmus Mundus Master’s programmes and joint-degree Master’s programmes from the scholarship.
If you are interested in Erasmus funding instead, see the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2027/28 guide on Scholarships Central.
Radboud Scholarship 2027 Deadline
There are actually two important deadlines, not just one.
January 31, 2027 — Application Submission Deadline
Your scholarship application must be submitted through the OSIRIS Application system by January 31, 2027 at 23:59 CET.
February 14, 2027 — Complete Application Deadline
After submission, Radboud Student Admissions checks your file.
Your application may be returned to you if you need to pay the application fee, replace an unreadable document, correct information or upload missing documents.
Your final application must be fully complete by February 14, 2027 at 23:59 CET.
Incomplete applications after this deadline will not be considered for the scholarship.
This distinction is important.
Do not wait until January 31 to begin the process. Submitting early gives you more time to correct anything Radboud identifies during the application check.
Radboud Scholarship 2027 Timeline
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Master’s applications | 2027/28 application cycle |
| Scholarship application deadline | January 31, 2027 – 23:59 CET |
| Application must be complete | February 14, 2027 – 23:59 CET |
| English proof recommended by | February 14, 2027 |
| Scholarship result | Before mid-April 2027 |
| Master’s begins | September 1, 2027 |
Radboud notes that the result date before mid-April is subject to change.
How to Apply for the Radboud Scholarship 2027
You do not need to find a completely separate external scholarship portal.
The scholarship application is connected to your Master’s admission application.
Step 1: Choose an Eligible Master’s Programme
Start by finding an English-taught Master’s programme at Radboud University that matches your academic background.
Check the programme’s academic requirements carefully. Admission requirements differ between departments.
Step 2: Prepare Your Master’s Application
International applicants normally apply through Radboud’s online admission procedure.
The standard application can require academic records, degree information, proof of English proficiency and an overview of your education and experience. Programme-specific requirements may also apply.
Step 3: Select the Radboud Scholarship in OSIRIS
During your Master’s admission application in OSIRIS, indicate that you want to apply for the Radboud Scholarship Programme.
Step 4: Upload the Scholarship Documents
Radboud requires three additional documents for scholarship consideration:
two reference letters and one curriculum vitae (CV).
If you already uploaded these documents for your Master’s admission application, Radboud allows you to upload the same documents again for the scholarship application.
Step 5: Submit by January 31
Submit the OSIRIS application no later than:
January 31, 2027 at 23:59 CET.
Step 6: Complete Any Corrections by February 14
Student Admissions reviews the application after submission.
If anything is missing, incorrect or unreadable, correct it quickly.
The application must be fully complete by:
February 14, 2027 at 23:59 CET.
Step 7: Wait for the Scholarship Decision
Scholarship selection is separate from Master’s admission.
Receiving an admission offer does not mean that you have received the Radboud Scholarship.
Successful and unsuccessful scholarship applicants are expected to receive their final scholarship decision before approximately mid-April 2027.
Documents Required
Requirements can vary depending on the Master’s programme, but international applicants commonly need academic and identification documents for admission.
For the scholarship specifically, Radboud asks applicants to provide:
| Scholarship document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| CV | Required |
| Reference letter 1 | Required |
| Reference letter 2 | Required |
| Academic references preferred | Yes |
| Separate scholarship portal | No |
| Scholarship motivation letter | Master’s motivation is considered in selection |
Radboud prefers two academic references, although applicants should follow the university’s current reference guidelines.
Your Master’s programme may request additional documents beyond these scholarship requirements.
Is There a €100 Application Fee?
Yes, for most applicants with international previous education.
Radboud University currently charges a €100 non-refundable application fee to Bachelor’s and Master’s applicants whose previous education was completed outside the Netherlands.
The fee is normally paid once per academic year, even if you submit applications for multiple programmes during that year.
This is a university application fee, not a separate Radboud Scholarship fee.
The scholarship itself does not have an additional standalone application charge.
You can review the current rules on the official Radboud application-fee page.
Radboud Scholarship IELTS Requirement
There is no single IELTS score specifically created for the Radboud Scholarship.
Instead, applicants must meet the English-language requirement of their selected Master’s programme.
For many regular Master’s programmes, one common Radboud requirement is:
| Test | Example requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall |
| IELTS Writing | At least 6.5 |
| Other IELTS sections | At least 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | Commonly 90 overall with required subscores |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | Accepted |
| Cambridge C2 Proficiency | Accepted |
| PTE Academic | Accepted |
| LanguageCert Academic | Accepted |
Some programmes have a higher requirement, such as IELTS 7.0 with all subscores at least 6.5.
Therefore, always check the English requirement for your specific Master’s programme.
Online English Tests
Radboud currently states that it does not accept IELTS Academic Online, TOEFL Home Edition, PTE Academic Online or LanguageCert Online for the relevant Master’s admissions framework.
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted.
Can I Apply Before Taking IELTS?
In some cases, yes.
Radboud states that applicants may submit their Master’s application without an English-language certificate.
If English proof is required and you receive conditional admission, the certificate can become one of the conditions you must satisfy before enrolment.
For Radboud Scholarship applicants, however, the university specifically recommends submitting proof of English proficiency by the February 14, 2027 complete-application deadline.
It is therefore better to arrange your English test early rather than relying on a late result.
Is an English Medium-of-Instruction Letter Enough?
Do not automatically assume so.
Whether previous education exempts you from an English-language test depends on Radboud’s official language rules and the Master’s programme’s admissions assessment.
A Bachelor’s degree being taught in English does not automatically guarantee an exemption for every nationality.
Applicants should therefore check their programme’s English requirements rather than relying only on a Medium of Instruction letter.
For the most current test scores and accepted certificates, use Radboud’s official Master’s English-language requirements page.
Is There a Minimum GPA for the Radboud Scholarship?
Radboud University does not publish one universal minimum GPA such as 3.5/4.0 for the scholarship.
Instead, it describes the scholarship as highly selective and evaluates academic excellence using several indicators.
Academic performance can include grades, test scores and publications. The selection committee can also consider how closely the applicant’s previous degree matches the proposed Master’s and the standing of the university where that previous degree was obtained.
This means there is no reliable single GPA that guarantees selection.
A student can meet the admission requirements for a Master’s programme and still not be selected for the scholarship.
Radboud Scholarship Selection Criteria
Radboud currently organizes its main selection criteria into three broad areas.
Academic Excellence
The committee considers the strength of your academic results, which can include grades, relevant test results and publications.
It also considers the relevance of your previous degree to the Master’s programme and the ranking or academic standing of your previous university.
Ambition
Radboud evaluates the quality and relevance of your Master’s motivation letter.
Evidence of future potential can include academic achievements, professional experience, relevant work, internships, volunteering and other extracurricular or life experiences.
References
The quality of your two recommendation letters is also considered.
Radboud states that two academic references are preferred.
Individual faculties can apply additional criteria, and some programmes may also conduct interviews.
How Competitive Is the Radboud Scholarship?
The scholarship is highly competitive.
Only 22 awards are available across six faculties for 2027/28, and Radboud describes the programme itself as “very selective.”
The university does not currently publish enough matching application and award data to calculate a reliable overall scholarship acceptance rate.
For that reason, be cautious with websites claiming that the Radboud Scholarship has a specific percentage acceptance rate unless they provide official data for the same year.
A better way to assess your chances is to look at the actual selection criteria: academic performance, programme fit, previous institution, motivation, achievements and reference quality.
Does Admission Guarantee the Scholarship?
No.
This is one of the most important points to understand.
Master’s admission and scholarship selection are two separate processes.
You may receive an offer of admission from Radboud University but still be unsuccessful in the scholarship competition.
Applicants should therefore make a financial plan that does not assume the scholarship will automatically follow admission.
Can the Radboud Scholarship Be Combined With the NL Scholarship?
Yes.
Radboud University explicitly states that the Radboud Scholarship can be combined with the NL Scholarship.
For 2027/28, Radboud’s NL Scholarship provides €5,000 for one year to selected eligible students. It is also a partial scholarship and does not independently cover full living and study expenses.
This combination can be particularly useful because the Radboud Scholarship itself does not provide a living stipend.
Read the NL Scholarship guide on Scholarships Central for more information about this Netherlands-wide funding programme.
How Much Money Do I Still Need if I Win the Radboud Scholarship?
This is important.
Even after winning the Radboud Scholarship, you still need money for normal living expenses.
For immigration purposes, Radboud’s current financial-means information lists €13,800 for 12 months as the required living-expense amount for Master’s students.
That amount is subject to change because Dutch immigration authorities update financial requirements.
The €13,800 is separate from tuition.
In simple terms, winning the Radboud Scholarship dramatically reduces tuition and covers certain visa and insurance expenses, but it does not remove the need to finance your accommodation, food and day-to-day life.
Important Rule for Pakistani Applicants: Proof of Funds
There is an additional point applicants from Pakistan should know.
Radboud University states that students from Bangladesh, Cameroon, China, Nepal, Nigeria and Pakistan must transfer their tuition fee and living expenses to Radboud University when they do not have a grant, or when their grant does not cover the total required living-expense amount.
Because the Radboud Scholarship itself does not cover living expenses, this rule can still matter even if you win the scholarship.
The university currently lists the required 12-month Master’s living amount as €13,800, subject to change.
Do You Lose the €13,800?
No.
When living expenses are transferred to Radboud for the visa process, the university states that the money is refunded in full after arrival once the academic year has started. Students are asked to open a Dutch bank account so the refund can be processed.
So this is financial proof rather than an additional €13,800 university charge.
Still, you need access to the required funds in advance.
Does the Scholarship Cover Accommodation?
No.
The scholarship does not provide free university accommodation or a housing allowance.
Students must finance accommodation themselves from their own resources.
This is one reason applicants should calculate the total cost of study rather than looking only at the reduced tuition fee.
Does the Scholarship Cover Airfare?
No international flight benefit is listed under the standard Radboud Scholarship Programme.
Applicants should therefore plan to pay their own travel costs unless they receive another compatible source of funding.
What Happens With a Two-Year Master’s?
The scholarship can apply to the nominal duration of an eligible Master’s programme, but second-year support is conditional.
If you receive the Radboud Scholarship for a two-year Master’s programme, you will only qualify for the scholarship again in the second year if you have passed all courses from your first year.
This means renewal should not be treated as automatic.
Strong academic progress is essential.
Radboud Scholarship vs Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship
Applicants interested in the Netherlands should understand that these two scholarships provide very different levels of financial support.
| Feature | Radboud Scholarship | Maastricht NL-High Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Reduced to approx. €2,771 | Full tuition waiver |
| Living allowance | No | Yes |
| Visa costs | Covered | Covered |
| Insurance | Covered | Covered |
| Funding type | Partial | Full/full-cost scholarship |
| Institution | Radboud University | Maastricht University |
| Main target | Non-EU/EEA Master’s students | High-achieving non-EU/EEA Master’s students |
Applicants who cannot self-finance living costs may find Maastricht’s funding structure more suitable.
Read the full Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship 2027/28 guide to compare the programmes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Radboud Scholarship 2027 fully funded?
No. It is a partial scholarship. It reduces tuition to approximately €2,771 and covers visa, residence permit, health insurance and liability insurance, but living costs are not covered.
What is the Radboud Scholarship 2027 deadline?
You must submit your OSIRIS application by January 31, 2027 at 23:59 CET. Your application must then be completely corrected and finalized by February 14, 2027 at 23:59 CET.
How many Radboud Scholarships are available in 2027?
Radboud University currently lists a maximum of 22 scholarships for 2027/28.
Can Pakistani students apply?
Yes. Pakistani applicants can apply because the programme is open to eligible non-EU/non-EEA students.
How much tuition will I pay if selected?
Radboud currently indicates approximately €2,771 for 2027/28, although the amount is still marked as subject to confirmation. Without the scholarship, tuition can be around €19,000 depending on the programme.
Does Radboud Scholarship provide a monthly stipend?
No. The scholarship does not provide a monthly living allowance.
Does it cover accommodation?
No. Students need to finance accommodation and other living expenses themselves.
Is IELTS required?
You must meet your Master’s programme’s English-language requirement, but IELTS is not necessarily the only accepted test. Radboud also accepts approved alternatives such as TOEFL, Cambridge English, PTE Academic and LanguageCert depending on programme rules.
What IELTS score is required?
Many Master’s programmes use an IELTS Academic requirement of 6.5 overall, with 6.5 in writing and at least 6.0 in other components. Some programmes require IELTS 7.0 or other higher scores, so applicants must check their individual Master’s programme.
Can I apply without IELTS first?
Radboud can allow applicants to submit an admission application before providing the final language certificate. However, scholarship candidates are recommended to provide proof of English by the February 14, 2027 completion deadline.
Is there a minimum GPA?
Radboud does not publish one universal numerical GPA cutoff for this scholarship. Selection is based on academic excellence, programme relevance, previous university, motivation, achievements and references.
Do I need recommendation letters?
Yes. Scholarship applicants must submit two reference letters, and Radboud says two academic references are preferred.
Do I need a CV?
Yes. A CV is one of the three additional scholarship documents requested in OSIRIS.
Does receiving admission mean I will receive the scholarship?
No. Admission and scholarship selection are separate processes.
When will Radboud Scholarship 2027 results be announced?
Radboud currently expects applicants to receive the final scholarship decision before mid-April 2027, although the date may change.
Can I combine Radboud Scholarship with another scholarship?
Radboud explicitly allows the Radboud Scholarship to be combined with its NL Scholarship, subject to the applicable conditions.
How much proof of funds is required?
Radboud currently lists €13,800 for 12 months of living expenses for Master’s students who need a Dutch residence permit. The amount is subject to change.
If I am Pakistani and win Radboud Scholarship, do I still need proof of funds?
Potentially yes. Radboud specifically states that Pakistani students must transfer the required tuition and living funds to the university when they have no grant or when their grant does not cover the full living-expense requirement. Since the standard Radboud Scholarship does not cover living costs, applicants should prepare for this requirement.
Final Advice
The Radboud Scholarship 2027/28 is a strong opportunity for international students who can finance their own living expenses but need substantial help with the high tuition fees charged to non-EU/EEA students.
Its biggest benefit is the tuition reduction: selected students are expected to pay approximately €2,771 instead of around €19,000, while visa, residence permit and insurance costs are also covered.
However, applicants should not mistake it for a fully funded scholarship. There is no monthly stipend, free accommodation or standard airfare benefit.
For students from countries such as Pakistan, the financial-planning issue is particularly important because Radboud’s current immigration procedure can require the living-expense amount to be transferred to the university in advance when the student’s scholarship does not cover living costs.
If you plan to apply, focus on four things: submit well before January 31, 2027, make sure the application is completely finalized before February 14, choose strong academic referees, and make your Master’s motivation letter clearly demonstrate academic fit, ambition and relevant achievements.
Before submitting anything, verify the latest information through the official Radboud Scholarship Programme page.
You can also compare this opportunity with the NL Scholarship, the Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship 2027/28, and other Netherlands scholarships for international students on Scholarships Central.