Eric Bleumink Fund Scholarship 2024/2025

The Eric Bleumink Fund Scholarship, offered by the University of Groningen, provides exceptional students from developing countries with the financial support necessary to pursue advanced academic studies in the Netherlands. This prestigious scholarship, aimed at fostering academic excellence and global cooperation, supports master’s degree students across diverse disciplines, enabling them to gain high-quality education at one of Europe’s top-ranked universities. With comprehensive funding and rigorous selection criteria, the Eric Bleumink Fund represents a transformative opportunity for students who wish to excel academically and make a meaningful impact in their home countries.

Overview of the Scholarship

The Eric Bleumink Fund Scholarship is specifically designed for students from lower-income and developing nations who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, strong motivation, and a commitment to positively impacting their home countries. By offering financial support for tuition, travel, subsistence, health insurance, and study materials, the scholarship eliminates economic barriers that may hinder highly qualified students from pursuing advanced education abroad. Administered by the University of Groningen, the fund supports one- or two-year master’s degree programs across all academic disciplines offered by the university, fostering inclusivity and interdisciplinary growth.

Eligibility Criteria

Prospective candidates for the Eric Bleumink Fund Scholarship must meet stringent eligibility criteria to ensure that only the most dedicated and academically accomplished students are selected. The following criteria are essential for scholarship consideration:

• Admission to a Master’s Program: Candidates must first secure provisional or unconditional admission to a master’s program at the University of Groningen by early February. Only those with confirmed admission will be considered for the scholarship.
• Academic Excellence: Applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic performance in their undergraduate studies. This achievement is typically evidenced by superior grades and academic records, often corroborated by letters of recommendation from academic referees.
• English Language Proficiency: Since the University of Groningen conducts its programs in English, applicants must meet the English language proficiency requirements for their chosen master’s program. Proficiency scores such as IELTS or TOEFL are generally required.
• Commitment to Full Program Duration: Candidates must be available for the entire duration of the master’s program, whether one or two years. This requirement underscores the need for dedicated participation in the academic journey without interruptions.
• Health Requirement: Candidates must be in good health, ensuring that they can fully participate in the program and meet health insurance requirements during their stay.
• Nationality Requirement: Applicants must hold nationality from one of the countries listed in Appendix 1 of the scholarship announcement. The program primarily targets students from countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe.
• Lack of Alternative Funding: Applicants should not have access to any other financial means or scholarships to cover the costs of their studies. This scholarship aims to support students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to pursue advanced education due to financial constraints.

By meeting these criteria, students demonstrate that they are prepared for the rigorous academic environment at the University of Groningen and are committed to maximizing the benefits of this opportunity.

Covered Costs and Duration of the Scholarship

The Eric Bleumink Fund Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support to successful applicants, covering several critical aspects of their education and living expenses:

• Tuition Fees: The scholarship fully covers the tuition fees for one- or two-year master’s programs.
• International Travel: Recipients receive financial support for travel between their home country and the Netherlands.
• Subsistence Costs: A living stipend is provided to assist with daily living expenses, ensuring students can focus on their studies without financial stress.
• Books and Study Materials: Funding for essential academic materials, including textbooks and research resources, is included.
• Health Insurance: The scholarship also includes health insurance coverage, allowing students to meet health requirements for the duration of their studies in the Netherlands.

Program Scope and Eligible Courses

The Eric Bleumink Fund Scholarship is open to all English-taught master’s programs offered at the University of Groningen, covering a broad spectrum of academic fields. This inclusivity allows students to pursue degrees in disciplines such as law, engineering, social sciences, natural sciences, humanities, and business, among others. The scholarship does not, however, support joint-degree or Erasmus Mundus programs, as these have separate funding provisions.

Selection Process

The Eric Bleumink Fund Scholarship selection process is highly competitive, as it aims to identify students with exceptional academic potential, leadership qualities, and the motivation to use their education for societal impact. The selection process involves several steps, including:

1. Nomination: Prospective students who have applied for and received provisional or unconditional admission to a master’s program at the University of Groningen are initially reviewed by the university’s Admission Office and respective faculty admissions committees. Suitable candidates are identified and nominated for the scholarship based on their academic records, recommendations, and adherence to eligibility criteria.
2. Evaluation of Academic Excellence and Potential: The scholarship committee evaluates nominees based on their academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and English proficiency scores. The committee also considers the relevance of the applicant’s previous academic and professional experiences to their chosen master’s program.
3. Final Selection: The final selection is carried out in consultation with the Mobility and Scholarship Desk and the respective faculty’s admissions committee, ensuring a fair and merit-based selection process. Successful candidates are those who exhibit both outstanding academic credentials and the potential to contribute to their field and home country upon completion of their studies.

Application Process and Timeline

The application process for the Eric Bleumink Fund Scholarship does not require a separate application. Instead, eligible candidates are automatically considered for nomination when they apply for admission to a master’s program at the University of Groningen. The timeline for the application process is as follows:

1. Master’s Program Application Deadline: Prospective candidates must complete and submit their application for a master’s program by December 1 of the preceding academic year. This deadline allows sufficient time for the Admission Office to process applications and issue admission decisions.
2. Admission Confirmation: Candidates should aim to receive provisional or unconditional admission to their chosen master’s program by early February. Admission confirmation is necessary for scholarship consideration.
3. Nomination and Notification: Suitable candidates will be nominated by the respective admissions committees, and selected nominees will be notified about their scholarship status before the beginning of the academic year. Given the competitive nature of the scholarship, candidates are encouraged to submit their applications well before the December 1 deadline.

Benefits of the Eric Bleumink Fund Scholarship

Winning the Eric Bleumink Fund Scholarship is a prestigious achievement that offers numerous benefits, both during the course of study and beyond:

• Financial Security: The scholarship covers tuition, travel, living expenses, and insurance, allowing students to focus solely on their academic pursuits.
• Academic and Professional Development: By studying in the Netherlands, recipients gain access to high-quality education, experienced faculty, and cutting-edge research facilities.
• Cultural Enrichment and Networking: The University of Groningen hosts a diverse community of international students, offering scholarship recipients opportunities to build global connections and engage in cross-cultural experiences.
• Career Advancement: Graduates from the University of Groningen are well-prepared for advanced roles in their chosen fields, as well as for potential doctoral studies or research positions.
• Community Impact: Scholarship recipients are encouraged to use their education to contribute to the development of their home countries, driving positive change and supporting local communities.

Additional Information and Contact Details

For more information about the Eric Bleumink Fund Scholarship, including application requirements, eligibility, and program details, candidates are advised to contact the Mobility and Scholarship Desk at the University of Groningen. This dedicated team can provide guidance on the admissions process, answer specific questions, and offer insights into what makes a successful application. Prospective applicants can visit the official scholarship website for the most up-to-date information on the program’s requirements and deadlines.For general inquiries, applicants may contact the University of Groningen at the following email: scholarships@rug.nl.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to submit a separate application for the Eric Bleumink Fund Scholarship?

No, a separate application is not required. Eligible candidates are automatically considered based on their master’s program application.

2. Can I apply for the scholarship if I have already studied in the Netherlands?

The scholarship is intended for students who have not previously pursued degrees or completed significant education in the Netherlands.

3. What is the deadline for the scholarship application?

Applications for the master’s program must be completed by December 1 to be considered for the scholarship.

4. How many scholarships are awarded each year?

The Eric Bleumink Fund has limited funding and can only award a limited number of scholarships annually. Selection is highly competitive.

The Eric Bleumink Fund Scholarship embodies the University of Groningen’s commitment to fostering global academic excellence and supporting promising students from developing countries. By providing financial support, mentorship, and a world-class educational environment, the scholarship empowers recipients to gain invaluable skills and knowledge, ultimately positioning them to drive positive change in their communities. For those who meet the eligibility requirements, this scholarship represents a life-changing opportunity to advance their education, broaden their perspectives, and make meaningful contributions on an international scale.

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