Radboud Scholarship 2026/2027: Eligibility, Benefits, Requirements and How to Apply

What Is the Radboud Scholarship?

The Radboud Scholarship Programme is a competitive funding scheme offered by Radboud University in the Netherlands. It is intended for academically outstanding international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who want to study an eligible English-taught master’s programme. The scholarship reduces tuition fees and provides support for certain immigration and insurance expenses. It does not cover all the costs of studying and living abroad.

For the 2027/2028 academic session, the university states that a maximum of 22 scholarships will be available across participating faculties. The programme is selective, so applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, relevant motivation and strong references.

Many students use the search term Radbound scholarship, but the university’s official name for the programme is Radboud Scholarship Programme. Use the correct name when searching for application information and preparing your documents.

Radboud Scholarship 2027/2028: Key Facts

The table below summarises the main information prospective applicants should understand before starting their applications.

These details are based on Radboud University’s published information for 2027/2028. Applicants should confirm the applicable tuition amount and all conditions before submitting an application.

Benefits of the Radboud Scholarship

Understanding the benefits of the Radboud Scholarship is important because students need to plan for expenses that the award does not cover.

1. Reduced tuition fees

The scholarship significantly reduces the tuition fees payable by successful recipients. For 2027/2028, the university gives an indicative fee of €2,771 instead of a non-EEA tuition fee that could be €19,000, depending on the programme. The final amount should be confirmed with the university.

This reduction can make a master’s degree more financially accessible to eligible Nigerian students who would otherwise need to pay the full international tuition fee.

2. Visa and residence permit costs

The programme covers the stated costs associated with obtaining a visa and residence permit for studying in the Netherlands. This support can reduce some of the administrative expenses involved in relocating from Nigeria to Europe. Applicants should still follow the university’s immigration instructions and confirm which expenses are included.

3. Health and liability insurance

The scholarship also covers health insurance and liability insurance through the university’s specified insurance arrangement, Aon Student Insurance, subject to the programme’s conditions.

4. Opportunity to study at a Dutch university

Successful applicants can pursue an eligible English-taught master’s programme in an international academic environment. Depending on their course, they may gain research experience, develop professional skills and interact with students and academics from different backgrounds.

5. Possibility of combining funding

The university states that the Radboud Scholarship can be combined with the NL Scholarship. Eligible applicants can therefore be considered for both schemes, although receiving one or both awards is not guaranteed.

Important expenses the scholarship does not cover

The scholarship is not a fully funded award. The university explicitly states that living and studying costs are not covered.

You should therefore prepare a realistic budget for:

• Accommodation and rent.

• Food and personal expenses.

• Local transportation.

• Books, stationery and other learning materials.

• Flights from Nigeria to the Netherlands.

• Any additional costs that are not expressly included in the award.

Do not assume that the scholarship will pay your entire cost of studying abroad.

How to Apply for the Radboud Scholarship 2027/2028

The application process involves applying for admission to an eligible master’s programme and indicating that you wish to be considered for the scholarship. Follow the university’s official instructions carefully.

Step 1: Choose an eligible master’s programme

Visit the official Radboud University website and review the scholarship conditions.

Next, explore the available English-taught master’s programmes. Choose a course that matches your previous degree, academic interests and future career plans.

Do not select a programme simply because its title sounds attractive. Review the curriculum, entry requirements, duration, tuition fees and any additional admission conditions.

Step 2: Review the admission requirements

Read the official admission page for your chosen course. Confirm that your bachelor’s degree, academic results and English language proficiency satisfy the programme’s requirements.

Some master’s programmes may have additional requirements. You should resolve any uncertainty before beginning the application.

Step 3: Prepare your documents

Gather your academic transcripts, degree certificate or evidence of expected graduation, CV, motivation letter, reference letters and English language documents as applicable.

Check that your name, dates, qualification details and other information are consistent across your documents. Use clear, legible files in the formats accepted by the application system.

Step 4: Apply through OSIRIS

Submit your master’s application through Radboud University’s OSIRIS Application system.

During the application process, indicate that you wish to apply for the Radboud Scholarship Programme. The university will request the additional scholarship documents, including your CV and two reference letters. If you have already uploaded these documents for your master’s application, the university permits you to upload them again for the scholarship application.

Step 5: Submit the initial application before the deadline

For the 2027/2028 intake, the university lists 31 January 2027 at 23:59 Central European Time (CET) as the deadline for submitting the application in OSIRIS.

Submitting an application by this date does not necessarily mean that the process is complete. The university will check the application and may return it for payment of the handling fee or correction of missing, incorrect or illegible documents.

Step 6: Complete and resubmit your application

Respond promptly if the university asks you to correct your application or supply missing information.

The final application completion deadline is 14 February 2027 at 23:59 CET. Incomplete applications will not be considered for scholarship selection. The university also recommends submitting proof of English proficiency before this deadline.

Step 7: Wait for the selection decision

After submitting your complete application, monitor your email and application account for official communications.

Radboud University states that applicants will be informed about the final scholarship decision before mid-April 2027, with the date subject to change.

Remember that admission to a master’s programme and selection for a scholarship are separate decisions. Receiving an admission offer does not automatically mean that you have won a scholarship.

Radboud Scholarship Application Timeline

The following table summarises the key dates for prospective applicants targeting the 2027/2028 academic year.

Applicants should not wait until the final week to contact referees, arrange English language tests or prepare their academic records.

How Are Scholarship Applicants Selected?

The scholarship selection process is competitive. The university considers academic excellence, ambition and the quality of references. Individual faculties may also apply additional criteria, and some programmes may conduct interviews.

Academic excellence

Your previous academic performance is an important consideration. The selection committee may examine your grades, test scores, publications and the relevance of your previous degree to the master’s programme.

The university also states that the ranking of the institution where you obtained your previous degree may be considered.

Ambition and motivation

The committee assesses the quality and relevance of your motivation letter and looks at evidence of your promise based on previous achievements, performance and experience in the relevant field.

Internships, volunteering, research activities and extracurricular involvement can help demonstrate your interests and commitment when they are relevant to your proposed course of study.

Reference letters

Your referees should be able to discuss your academic strengths and potential. Specific examples of your work, research skills, intellectual curiosity and ability to complete demanding academic tasks can make a reference more informative.

Faculty-level assessment

Applications are considered individually by the selection committee of the relevant faculty. Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection because the number of available awards is limited.

Practical Tips for Nigerian Applicants

Students applying from Nigeria should prepare carefully for both the academic application and the financial requirements of studying abroad.

Start preparing early

Begin researching eligible programmes several months before the deadline. This gives you time to request transcripts, contact referees, prepare a strong CV and complete any required English language test.

Make your motivation letter specific

Avoid using a generic letter that could be sent to any university. Discuss your intended programme, the knowledge you hope to gain and the academic or professional goals that motivate your application.

Choose suitable referees

Select referees who know your academic work well. A detailed recommendation from someone who has supervised your project or taught you in a relevant subject can provide useful evidence of your preparation.

Check every application document

Use a checklist to confirm that all required files have been uploaded correctly. Check the spelling of your name, the legibility of scanned documents and whether the application system has accepted each required item.

Plan your finances realistically

Because the scholarship does not cover living expenses, calculate how you will fund accommodation, food, transportation and other personal costs. Also confirm the university’s current guidance concerning any proof of funds required for immigration.

Use official sources

Be careful with websites or social media posts that promise guaranteed selection, claim that the scholarship pays every expense or request unusual payments in exchange for an award. Verify all application instructions and fees through the university’s official website.

For students researching the Radbound scholarship, the official university page should remain the primary source for eligibility, funding details, deadlines and application instructions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying

Applicants can reduce avoidable problems by paying attention to the following issues:

• Assuming the scholarship is fully funded: It reduces tuition fees and covers specified visa and insurance expenses, but it does not cover living costs.

• Missing the final completion deadline: Submitting an application before the initial deadline is not enough if required corrections or documents remain outstanding.

• Ignoring programme-specific requirements: Each master’s programme may have its own academic prerequisites and English language requirements.

• Using weak or generic references: Choose referees who can provide meaningful evidence of your abilities.

• Submitting an unclear motivation letter: Explain your academic interests and goals with relevant examples.

• Relying on unofficial information: Always verify dates, tuition amounts and eligibility conditions on the university website.

• Assuming admission guarantees funding: Admission to a master’s programme and scholarship selection are separate processes.

These precautions are relevant to anyone preparing an application, whether they are applying directly from Nigeria or from another eligible country.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Radboud Scholarship

1. Is the Radbound scholarship open to Nigerian students?

Yes. Nigerian citizens may apply if they meet the non-EU/EEA nationality requirements, academic admission conditions, English language requirements and other eligibility criteria. Applicants must also secure full admission to an eligible master’s programme.

2. Is the Radboud Scholarship fully funded?

No. It is a partial scholarship. It reduces tuition fees to the applicable amount and covers specified visa, residence permit and insurance costs. Living expenses and other uncovered costs remain the student’s responsibility.

3. What is the application deadline for 2027/2028?

The initial application must be submitted through OSIRIS by 31 January 2027 at 23:59 CET. The application must then be complete by 14 February 2027 at 23:59 CET.

4. Can I apply before graduating from my bachelor’s programme?

Potentially, yes, if you will obtain the required bachelor’s degree and satisfy the university’s admission conditions. Check the requirements for your chosen master’s programme and the documentation accepted for applicants who are still completing their degrees.

5. Do I need IELTS to apply?

You must satisfy the English language requirements of your chosen programme. Whether IELTS is required, or whether another test or exemption is accepted, depends on the university’s applicable rules and your circumstances. Check the official admission page before booking a test.

6. How many scholarships are available?

For 2027/2028, Radboud University lists a maximum of 22 scholarships distributed across six participating faculties. The actual selection depends on the university’s assessment and the applicable programme conditions.

7. Can I apply for more than one master’s programme?

The correct approach depends on the university’s current application rules and the admission requirements of the programmes concerned. Review the relevant programme pages and the OSIRIS instructions before submitting multiple applications.

8. Does admission to Radboud University guarantee a scholarship?

No. Admission and scholarship selection are separate processes. A student can be admitted to a master’s programme without receiving a scholarship.

9. Does the scholarship cover accommodation and food?

No. Accommodation, food and general living expenses are not covered by the Radboud Scholarship. Applicants must prepare a separate financial plan for these costs.

10. Can I combine the Radboud Scholarship with another scholarship?

The university specifically states that the Radboud Scholarship can be combined with the NL Scholarship. Applicants should check the eligibility rules of both schemes and confirm any additional funding conditions.

11. When will successful applicants receive a decision?

The university states that applicants should receive the final scholarship decision before mid-April 2027 for the 2027/2028 intake, although the date is subject to change. Monitor your email and application account for updates.

12. Where can I find the official application portal?

Start from the official Radboud Scholarship Programme webpage. Follow the university’s instructions to select an eligible master’s programme and apply through OSIRIS.

13. Is there a separate scholarship application form?

The scholarship application is linked to your master’s admission application in OSIRIS. You must indicate that you wish to apply for the scholarship and provide the requested additional documents. Follow the current instructions on the official university website.

14. Can students from any undergraduate discipline apply?

Applicants from different academic backgrounds may be eligible, provided they meet the requirements of an eligible master’s programme. The relationship between your previous degree and the selected programme is one of the factors considered during scholarship selection.

15. What should I do if I cannot afford the remaining expenses?

Prepare a realistic budget before accepting an offer. Investigate other legitimate funding sources, personal savings or support that you can confirm in advance. Do not rely on an assumption that the scholarship will cover costs excluded from its stated benefits.