Utrecht University Bright Minds Fellowships

Utrecht University and the Utrecht University Fund launched the Bright Minds Fellowships to attract and retain students from a broad range of backgrounds, and to encourage and support global excellence and diversity among the Utrecht University student population.

The fellowship is available to EU/EEA students (including Dutch students) who apply for a master’s programme at Utrecht University and are starting their master’s programme at Utrecht University, pursuing their first master’s degree, and have shown academic achievement in previous studies. Applicants are also expected to bring an element of diversity to the Utrecht University community.

Bright Minds Fellowships applications are reviewed by the Bright Minds selection committee. The committee considers academic achievement based on grades and (if available) GRE or GMAT scores, personal background (including educational experience, socio-economic background, cultural heritage, race, and ethnicity), and interpersonal skills demonstrated through extracurricular activities, community service, and work experience.

• Must hold an EU/EEA passport (including Dutch).
• Must have applied for a master’s programme at Utrecht University (only Utrecht University students are eligible for a Bright Minds Fellowship).
• Must be working towards their first master’s degree.
• Must have shown academic achievement in previous studies.
• Must bring an element of diversity to the Utrecht University community.
• Must be starting the master’s programme at Utrecht University (starting date described as 1 September 2026).

• Scholarship amount: €5,000 or €10,000.

1. Complete the online Bright Minds Fellowship application form.
2. After submitting an application for a master’s programme, proceed to Osiris Online Application.
3. Log in using your OSIRIS username and password.
4. Click “New application”, answer the Bright Mind Fellowship questions, and upload the requested document(s).
5. Submit your application.
6. Selection starts only after the deadline; Utrecht University aims to publish results by mid-April.