Bright Minds Fellowships

In 2017, Utrecht University and the Utrecht University Fund proudly announced a new scholarship programme: the Bright Minds Fellowships. This scholarship aims to attract and retain talented students from a broad range of backgrounds, as well as encourage and support global excellence and diversity among the UU student population.

    In brief

    Number of scholarships

    approximately 10

    Available to

    EU/EEA students (including Dutch students)

    Scholarship amount

    €5,000 or €10,000

    Made possible by

    Utrecht University alumni and the Utrecht University Fund

    Take a look at some of the students' testimonials

    Who is eligible?

    Students who hold an EU/EEA passport (including Dutch) who:

    • have applied for a master’s programme at Utrecht University (only UU students are eligible for a Bright Minds Fellowship).
    • will be starting their master’s programme at Utrecht University 1 September 2025.
    • will be working towards their first master’s degree.
    • have shown academic achievement in their previous studies.
    • bring an element of diversity to the UU community.

    How can I apply?

    The Bright Minds Fellowship application process opens on 1 November 2024. Complete the online application form before 1 February 23:59 CET. The application portal will close at this time.

    1. After submitting an application for a master’s programme, you can proceed to Osiris Online Application.
    2. Log in with your OSIRIS username and password.
    3. Click on the New application link, answer the Bright Mind Fellowship questions and upload the requested document(s).
    4. Submit your application.

    Selection will only start after the deadline. We aim to publish the results by mid-April. 

    Our application portal is open for an extended period, and we encourage you to submit your application early. By applying in advance, you allow enough time for your documents to be reviewed and, if necessary, to make corrections or add missing information. Please note: If you submit your application between 27 January and 1 February, any incomplete or incorrect information cannot be updated or supplemented. We recommend submitting as soon as possible to ensure a smooth review process.

    Selection criteria

    The applications will be reviewed by the Bright Minds selection committee. The committee will consider:

    • Academic achievement, as shown by grades and (if available) GRE or GMAT scores.
    • Personal background, as demonstrated by a variety of factors, including but not limited to educational experience, socio-economic background, cultural heritage, race and ethnicity.
    • Interpersonal skills, as demonstrated by extracurricular activities, community service and work experience.