Application and selection procedures
20 Aug 2010
Please note that the information below is based on the current NFP application and selection procedures.
Obtaining academic admission to a master´s degree programme
Applicants first apply for admission directly to the Dutch institution that offers the master’s degree programme of their choice.
The Dutch institution assesses the application and decides whether or not to admit the applicant to the programme. Candidates will receive a letter from the institution informing them if they have been admitted. Nuffic has no part in the academic application process. Admission must be unconditional in terms of the candidate’s education and language proficiency. Admission may be granted conditionally, subject to the candidate finding suitable funding for the programme.
Candidates are strongly advised to apply as early as possible for admission to the Dutch institution to allow these institutions enough time to process all the applications for admission in time.
Academic application deadline
This indicates the latest date that the Dutch institution will accept applications from candidates who also wish to apply for an NFP fellowship.
The academic application deadlines for admission to master’s degree programmes vary per programme and can change throughout the year. For this reason, candidates are advised to contact the Dutch institution directly for up-to-date information. Occasionally, the Dutch institution’s deadline for applying for admission to a programme is later than the NFP deadline for fellowship applications. Nevertheless, to be eligible for an NFP fellowship, candidates need to be admitted to the master’s degree programme for which they would like an NFP fellowship. On the master’s degree programmes overview the academic application deadline is listed for each entry.
Applying for an NFP fellowship
After receiving their letter of admission, candidates can apply for an NFP fellowship by submitting a completed NFP master’s degree application form to the Netherlands embassy or consulate in their own country, accompanied by the necessary documentation. The application should be submitted well before the deadline for applications set by the embassy or consulate.
Download the master’s degree programme application form (118 kB)
The form can also be obtained from the Netherlands embassy or consulate. Some embassies require applications to be submitted in duplicate. In some countries applications have to be submitted to the embassies through local governmental organizations. Candidates are advised to check any local regulations with the Netherlands embassy in their country.
Candidates should not send their fellowship application forms directly to Nuffic or to the Dutch institution, but forward them to the Netherlands embassy or consulate in their own country.
Candidates can only apply for a fellowship for one master’s degree programme per fellowship application deadline. Being admitted to more than one programme with the same fellowship application deadline means that candidates will have to choose one programme before applying for a fellowship. If a candidate submits more than one application per fellowship deadline for a master’s degree programme in the same application deadline the last received application will be regarded as valid. Excess applications will be regarded as not received.
What does an NFP master’s degree programme fellowship application consist of?
A master's degree fellowship application consists of:
- a completed NFP master’s degree programme fellowship application form;
- an original letter from the host institution in the Netherlands stating that the candidate has been admitted to an eligible master’s degree programme;
- the official result of an English language test (TOEFL or IELTS) if the language of communication during the programme is English. This requirement does not apply to:
- candidates whose native language is English;
- candidates who have received their tertiary education in English;
- candidates who have previously successfully completed an English-taught course or programme at a Dutch educational institution, within the last two years. - a letter from the candidate’s employer endorsing the candidates study plans and guaranteeing that while the candidate is absent the salary will continue to be paid and his/her job will be held;
- a copy of a valid passport or other official identity document;
- certified copies of educational records (if requested by the embassy or consulate);
- one current photo (if requested by the embassy or consulate);
- a copy of the birth certificate (if requested by the embassy or consulate).
What happens after an application is submitted?
The embassy or consulate assesses each application against the eligibility criteria listed above and against the country specific criteria. The embassies and consulates then forward the fellowship applications that meet the criteria to Nuffic.
Selection procedure
First, Nuffic decides how many fellowships will be available for each programme. The allocation of fellowships to the various programmes is based on the number of eligible fellowship applications for each programme and on the available funding.
The Dutch institutions then select the candidates who will receive a fellowship. They will notifiy all candidates directly of their selection. After Nuffic’s approval, the Dutch institutions will apply for a grant.
Finally, Nuffic awards the grant covering the fellowship holders’ costs, including the tuition fees, to the Dutch institution. The Dutch institutions make the logistical arrangements and pay each fellowship holder a monthly allowance for the duration of the master’s degree programme. They also administer the fellowships and provide guidance to the fellowship holders.
