The Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarship is a fully funded flagship award offered by Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Netherlands. Funded through the legacy of alumnus Justus van Effen, this prestigious award supports outstanding international postgraduates admitted into two-year Master of Science (MSc) programs. Designed to empower exceptional technical minds to address global technological and societal challenges, the scholarship covers full university tuition fees alongside a living allowance throughout the two-year study period.
📊 Scholarship / Opportunity Overview
| Category | Details |
| Scholarship Name | Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarship |
| Institution | Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) |
| Country | The Netherlands |
| Study Level | Master of Science (MSc) |
| Programs Offered | All regular 2-year full-time TU Delft MSc programs (Excludes Joint Education Degrees) |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded (Full Tuition Coverage + Allowance for Living Expenses) |
| Eligible Applicants | International Students (EU/EEA and Non-EU/EEA) |
| Duration | 2 Years (24 Months) |
| Application Deadline | December 1, 2026 (23:59 CET) |
| Application Mode | Online via the TU Delft MSc Online Application Portal |
📌 About the Scholarship / Opportunity
Financed by the Foundation Justus & Louise van Effen, the scholarship aims to attract top-tier global talent to study at one of Europe’s premier engineering and technology institutions. Awardees join an elite community of scholars working on innovative engineering, digital infrastructure, energy transition, and design projects across TU Delft’s academic faculties.
💰 What Does It Cover?
The scholarship package provides complete financial support over the 2-year program:
- 🎓 Full Tuition Fees: Covers 100% of the tuition fee for the MSc program (statutory or institutional rate based on nationality).
- 💶 Living Expenses Contribution: A generous monthly stipend toward housing, food, and daily living costs in Delft.
- 🤝 Scholarship Community Access: Participation in tailored workshops, networking events, and membership in the Justus & Louise van Effen scholar community.
🎓 What Programmes / Courses Does It Support?
The scholarship supports all full-time, 2-year regular Master of Science programs offered across TU Delft faculties, including:
- Aerospace Engineering & Systems
- Applied Sciences, Physics, & Chemical Engineering
- Architecture, Urbanism, & the Built Environment
- Civil Engineering & Geosciences
- Computer Science, Data Science, & Software Technology
- Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, & Cyber Security
- Mechanical, Maritime, & Materials Engineering
- Technology, Policy, & Management
(Note: International Joint Education Programs are strictly excluded).
👤 Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is open to high-achieving international students entering a new MSc program:
- Graduates holding a high-caliber Bachelor’s degree from an internationally recognized university outside the Netherlands.
- Candidates demonstrating academic excellence and top class ranking.
- Applicants who submit a complete MSc admission and scholarship file simultaneously before the deadline.
🇳🇬 Can Nigerians Apply?
Yes, Nigerian citizens holding a relevant Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with outstanding academic standing (typically a First Class or strong Upper Second Class Honours) are fully eligible to apply.
🌍 Eligible Countries
International students from all countries worldwide (both EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA) can apply.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for scholarship evaluation, candidates must satisfy the following criteria:
- Academic Record: A cumulative GPA of at least 80% (or equivalent top 10% class standing) in a relevant Bachelor’s program.
- New Incoming Student: Must be a new applicant receiving conditional or full admission to a regular 2-year MSc program starting in September.
- Degree Background: Must hold a Bachelor’s degree awarded by an international university outside the Netherlands (current TU Delft Bachelor’s graduates and Dutch degree holders are ineligible).
- English Proficiency: Non-EU/EFTA applicants must provide valid English language test results (IELTS/TOEFL) meeting TU Delft criteria at the time of application.
📅 Important Application Information
- Application Period: Currently Open
- Application Deadline: December 1, 2026 (23:59 CET)
- Scholarship Selection Window: December 2026 – March 2027
- Results Announcement: End of March 2027 (Notified via email)
- Program Commencement: September 2027
📝 How to Apply
Step 1: Select an Eligible MSc Program
Choose a 2-year regular MSc program at TU Delft that matches your undergraduate academic background.
Step 2: Start the TU Delft Online MSc Application
Create an account on the TU Delft Studielink portal and complete the university’s standard MSc application form.
Step 3: Complete the Scholarship Application Form
Download and complete the official Justus & Louise van Effen Scholarship Application Form.
Step 4: Upload Required References & Language Tests
Upload two academic reference letters and your official English language proficiency scores directly into the portal.
Step 5: Submit Everything Together Before December 1
Ensure every required scholarship document is attached to your main MSc submission. No additional files can be uploaded after submission.
🔗 Official Application Link
🔗 Official Website: TU Delft Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarships📅 Application Deadline: December 1, 2026 (23:59 CET)
Disclaimer: Requirements, eligibility criteria, and deadlines are subject to university updates. Always verify details on the official TU Delft website prior to applying.
📄 Documents to Prepare
- Official Bachelor’s Degree Certificate and Academic Transcripts
- Duly completed Justus & Louise van Effen Scholarship Application Form
- Two Academic Reference Letters (uploaded as one PDF or submitted via referee portal invitations)
- Valid English Proficiency Test Certificate (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Personal Statement / Motivation Letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Copy of Passport Bio-Page
⭐ Why Apply for This Opportunity?
- 100% Fully Funded Education: Pursue a master’s degree without tuition or living expense concerns.
- World-Ranked Engineering Institution: TU Delft consistently ranks among the top global universities for engineering and technological research.
- Post-Graduation Career Opportunities: The Netherlands offers an “Orientation Year” (Zoekjaar) visa allowing graduates to work in Europe after completing their degree.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit my English test scores after the December 1 deadline?
No. Non-EU/EFTA applicants must include their valid English language test certificate with their application before or on December 1.
Is there a separate portal for the scholarship?
No. The scholarship application form and supporting documents must be uploaded directly alongside your regular TU Delft MSc university application.
Can current TU Delft students apply for this award?
No. The scholarship is strictly reserved for new, incoming international students who completed their Bachelor’s degrees outside the Netherlands.
💡 Important Tips for Applicants
- Complete your IELTS or TOEFL exam early to ensure final test certificates are ready to upload before the December 1 deadline.
- Contact your academic referees well in advance so they upload their letters before your final portal submission.
- Clearly detail your motivation, academic achievements, and potential societal impact inside the scholarship essay form.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Attempting to upload missing scholarship documents after the main MSc application has been submitted (the portal locks completely after submission).
- Applying to an International Joint Degree Program, which renders you ineligible for this scholarship.
- Missing the December 1 cutoff date (no extensions are granted).
🎯 Final Thoughts
The Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarship is one of Europe’s premier awards for engineers, scientists, and researchers. Interested candidates should prepare their transcripts, reference letters, and language test results early to complete submission well ahead of the December 1 deadline.