Huygens Scholarship Programme
The Huygens Scholarship Programme closed for new applications on 1 January 2012.
Launched in 2006, the Huygens Scholarship Programme was aimed at the inbound and outbound mobility and development of talented students, with the ultimate aim of strengthening the Netherland's knowledge-based economy as well as serving as a promotional tool for Dutch higher education. The programme had two key components: Huygens Dutch Talent (Huygens NL) for excellent Dutch students wanting to continue their studies abroad, and Huygens Internationaal Talent (Huygens INT) for excellent international students seeking to continue their studies in the Netherlands.
The Huygens Scholarship Programme closed for new applications on 1 January 2012. If you have questions on the decision to close the programme, please contact the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW).
Statistics
Huygens INT: A total of 8,566 applications were submitted by international students, and 1,500 were successful in obtaining a scholarship. More than 45% of scholarships were awarded to applicants from Europe, while more than 30% were awarded to applicants from Asia. Most applications were made in respect of studies at research universities and master's degree programmes, although the proportion of applications received for higher professional education did increase over time. The average scholarship awarded to a Huygens INT scholar was €29,000.
Huygens NL: Students from the Netherlands submitted a total of 1,738 applications for a scholarship, and 549 of these were successful. Scholarship applications were received for both bachelor's degree and master's degree studies, albeit in unequal measure: only 10% for bachelor's degree studies and 90% for master's degree studies. The average scholarship awarded to a Huygens NL student was €26,000.
HUTAC
Established in 2009, the Huygens Talent Circle (HUTAC) is a platform for the group of talented students brought together by the Huygens Scholarship Programme. Its 411 members together form a unique and professional alumni network (see www.hutac.com).
Report on the scholarships awarded in 2011
Nuffic has issued a report on the last round of scholarships awarded under the Huygens Scholarship Programme (available only in Dutch).