Wageningen University & Research (WUR) is offering several scholarship opportunities for talented international students seeking to pursue a master’s degree in the Netherlands for the 2027–2028 academic year. The scholarships include the Africa Scholarship Programme, Excellence Programme, Anne van den Ban Fund and NL Scholarship.
These opportunities provide financial support to outstanding students from different countries, including African applicants. Depending on the scholarship, funding may cover tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses, international travel, visa costs and health insurance. Most of the university’s major scholarship opportunities are awarded through an invitation-based selection process.
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Scholarship Overview
The Wageningen University Master’s Scholarships are designed to attract academically talented international students to one of the leading universities in the Netherlands.
For the 2027–2028 academic year, prospective students can explore four main funding opportunities:
- Africa Scholarship Programme (ASP)
- Wageningen University Excellence Programme
- Anne van den Ban Fund (ABF)
- NL Scholarship
The scholarships support eligible students enrolling in selected master’s degree programmes at Wageningen University & Research.
Location: Wageningen, Netherlands
University: Wageningen University & Research
Study level: Master’s degree (MSc)
Academic year: 2027–2028
Study commencement: September 2027 for the main university scholarship programmes.
The scholarships are intended for prospective students who have not yet enrolled at Wageningen University.
1. Africa Scholarship Programme (ASP)
The Africa Scholarship Programme provides talented African students with an opportunity to pursue postgraduate education in the Netherlands.
The programme aims to strengthen academic capacity in Africa by supporting outstanding students who can use their education and professional knowledge to contribute to development across the continent.
Selected students receive comprehensive financial support, including:
- Full tuition fee coverage for 24 months.
- Living allowance throughout the two-year programme.
- International travel to and from the Netherlands.
- Visa application costs.
- Health insurance expenses.
Applicants must be African citizens and demonstrate excellent academic performance.
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2. Wageningen University Excellence Programme
The Excellence Programme targets outstanding international students from selected countries who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements.
Successful candidates receive a tuition fee waiver covering the full 24-month master’s programme.
Applicants must have a GPA of at least 80% or an equivalent First Class Honours bachelor’s degree.
The programme is available to eligible international students from selected countries outside the EU and EFTA.
3. Anne van den Ban Fund (ABF)
The Anne van den Ban Fund supports promising students from developing countries who wish to pursue master’s studies at Wageningen University.
The scholarship provides financial assistance covering:
- Tuition fees for 24 months.
- Living allowance throughout the programme.
- Return international travel.
- Visa expenses.
- Health insurance.
Eligible countries include Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Tanzania and several other developing countries.
The scholarship is awarded through an invitation-based selection process. Applicants cannot submit a separate direct application to the fund.
4. NL Scholarship
The NL Scholarship is another funding opportunity available to international students from selected countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA).
Wageningen University offers eight scholarships for eligible master’s students.
Successful applicants receive financial support of €5,000, with the selection committee potentially awarding up to three scholarships to one student, resulting in a maximum total award of €15,000.
This is a partial scholarship, not a fully funded award. Students must independently meet the university’s remaining financial requirements.
Qualifications and Eligibility Requirements
Although requirements differ between scholarship programmes, applicants should generally meet the following conditions:
- Hold a recognised bachelor’s degree relevant to their intended master’s programme.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance.
- Meet Wageningen University’s master’s admission requirements.
- Satisfy the nationality requirements of the selected scholarship.
- Meet the university’s English language proficiency requirements.
- Obtain conditional or unconditional admission where applicable.
For the Africa Scholarship Programme, applicants must be citizens of an African country and have a GPA of at least 80% or an equivalent First Class Honours bachelor’s degree.
Preference is given to applicants who have not previously obtained a master’s degree.
Applicants should prepare their academic transcripts, bachelor’s degree certificate, English language test results and other required supporting documents.
How to Apply for Wageningen University Scholarships
Interested candidates must first apply for admission to an eligible master’s programme at Wageningen University & Research.
The main application steps are:
- Visit the official Wageningen University website.
- Explore the available master’s degree programmes.
- Select a suitable programme and review its admission requirements.
- Prepare the required academic and supporting documents.
- Submit a complete master’s application through the university’s application system.
- Meet the scholarship-specific eligibility and application deadlines.
The Africa Scholarship Programme, Excellence Programme and Anne van den Ban Fund use invitation-based selection procedures. Submitting a master’s application does not guarantee a scholarship invitation or award.
Eligible candidates will be contacted by the university if selected for further consideration.
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Application Deadline
1 December 2026 is the deadline for submitting a complete master’s application to be considered for the Africa Scholarship Programme, Excellence Programme and Anne van den Ban Fund for September 2027 entry.
For the NL Scholarship, eligible candidates can receive invitations from February 2027, with scholarship applications closing on 1 May 2027.
Early applications are strongly recommended, particularly because applicants must satisfy English language requirements and submit all supporting documents before the relevant deadlines.
Official Application Links
For complete scholarship information and application instructions, visit the official Wageningen University websites:
- Master’s Scholarships: https://www.wur.nl/en/education/master/study-expenses-masters/scholarships
- Master’s Programme Application: https://www.wur.nl/en/education/master/application-admission-masters/apply-masters-programme
- Anne van den Ban Fund: https://www.wur.nl/en/about-wur/university-fund/information-applicants/applications-anne-van-den-ban-fund
Related Scholarship Opportunities
International students can also explore other scholarship opportunities in the Netherlands through the Study in NL website and the Scholarship Portal.
Final Thoughts
The Wageningen University Master’s Scholarships 2027–2028 provide valuable opportunities for international students, particularly talented African graduates seeking advanced education in agriculture, environmental sciences, food systems and sustainable development.
Students from Zimbabwe and other eligible African countries should pay particular attention to the Africa Scholarship Programme and Anne van den Ban Fund. Preparing a strong academic application and meeting the 1 December 2026 deadline will be essential for prospective September 2027 students.
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