Radboud University Scholarship

Radboud University Scholarship Program for Pakistani Students

For Pakistani students aiming to pursue a Master's degree in the Netherlands, the Radboud University Scholarship Programme (RSP) is a premier and highly competitive funding opportunity. This popular scholarship program significantly reduces the financial burden of studying abroad by covering a substantial portion of tuition fees and living costs. Securing this award means joining a vibrant international community at a top-ranked Dutch university renowned for its research excellence and high-quality teaching.

The application process is integrated with your admission to an eligible English-taught Master's program, making it crucial to start preparations early. Understanding the specific eligibility criteria, the selection timeline, and the required documentation is key to submitting a strong application that stands out to the selection committee.

For the 2025 intake, Pakistani applicants should note that Radboud University has further streamlined its digital application portal. It is now more critical than ever to demonstrate not only academic merit but also clear leadership potential and a commitment to contributing to your field and community upon return.

Comprehensive Eligibility Criteria for Pakistani Applicants

To qualify for the Radboud University scholarship program, Pakistani students must meet a strict set of requirements. Applicants must hold a non-EU/EEA passport and have not previously studied in the Netherlands. Crucially, you must have been fully admitted to a full-time English-taught Master’s program at Radboud University commencing in the upcoming academic year.

Academic excellence is paramount; you must be in the top 10-15% of your graduating class or hold a CGPA equivalent to a Dutch 8.0 out of 10. Furthermore, you must fulfill all general requirements for obtaining a Dutch student visa (MVV), including the financial proof for the remaining tuition and living costs not covered by the scholarship. Proficiency in English, typically proven by IELTS or TOEFL scores, is mandatory as per your chosen program's standards.

Strategic Application Process and Key Deadlines

The application for this popular scholarship program is not separate; it is a step within your Master’s program application via the university's Osiris Application system. You must select the option indicating you wish to apply for a Radboud Scholarship when submitting your course application. The deadline is exceptionally early, typically on or before February 1st, 2025, for programs starting in September.

Required documents include your academic transcripts, a compelling motivation letter specifically tailored for the scholarship, two academic reference letters, and your curriculum vitae. Your motivation letter should powerfully articulate your academic goals, future career impact, and how you will contribute to Radboud’s diverse campus. Late or incomplete applications are not considered, so meticulous preparation months in advance is non-negotiable for success.

Scholarship Benefits and Post-Award Requirements

The Radboud Scholarship provides a transformative financial package for Pakistani students. It reduces your tuition fee to the statutory rate (approximately €2,530 for 2025-2026), covering the difference from the higher institutional fee. Additionally, it provides a substantial allowance for living expenses, visa costs, health insurance, and residence permit fees.

It is vital to understand that the scholarship is awarded for the entire duration of your Master’s program (one or two years) contingent upon maintaining satisfactory academic progress. Recipients are often invited to participate in the Radboud Welcome Program and become ambassadors, contributing to the university's international student community. This prestigious award is more than just funding; it is an entry into a network of high-achieving global scholars.

Radboud University, located in Nijmegen, Netherlands, is one of Europe’s leading research universities, known for its academic excellence, innovative research, and multicultural campus. For outstanding and highly motivated international students, including those from Pakistan, the Radboud Scholarship Programme (RSP) provides a golden opportunity to pursue a world-class Master's degree in an English-taught program. This scholarship is designed to attract talented students who wish to study in a stimulating international academic environment.

What is the Radboud Scholarship Programme?

The Radboud Scholarship Programme (RSP) is a prestigious and highly competitive scholarship initiative aimed at attracting exceptional non-EEA students to Radboud University. It is specifically intended for students who wish to enroll in one of the university’s English-taught Master’s degrees. While it is not a fully-funded scholarship that covers all living costs, it provides substantial financial support, drastically reducing tuition fees and covering essential expenses like visa, residence permit, and insurance costs.

This scholarship also seeks to foster a diverse, intellectually challenging academic community, giving students the opportunity to study alongside motivated peers from all over the world.

Eligible Master’s Programs at Radboud University

The Radboud Scholarship is available for a wide range of English-taught Master’s programs across different faculties. Some of the commonly eligible programs include:

Faculty of Arts

• Historical, Literary, and Cultural Studies
• Linguistics and Communication Sciences
• Arts and Culture

Faculty of Law

• International and European Law

Faculty of Medical Sciences

• Biomedical Sciences
• Molecular Mechanisms of Disease

Faculty of Philosophy, Theology & Religious Studies

• Philosophy
• Theology
• Religious Studies

Faculty of Science

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Computing Science
• Mathematics
• Medical Biology
• Molecular Life Sciences
• Physics & Astronomy

Faculty of Social Sciences

• Artificial Intelligence
• Behavioral Science
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Social and Cultural Science
• Anthropology and Development Studies
• Economics
• Environmental and Society Studies
• Human Geography
• Political Science
• Psychology

Nijmegen School of Management

• Business Administration
• Information Sciences
• Spatial Planning

Benefits of the Radboud Scholarship for International Students

The Radboud Scholarship offers several financial and practical benefits for Pakistani students aiming to pursue a Master’s degree in the Netherlands:

• Tuition Fee Reduction: Scholarship recipients pay the significantly reduced tuition fees, comparable to those for EEA students. For instance, in the academic year 2025/2026, grant holders may pay around €2,530 instead of the regular €17,000.
• Visa Costs Coverage: The scholarship fully covers the visa application costs required to study in the Netherlands.
• Residence Permit Costs Coverage: Expenses for obtaining a residence permit are included in the scholarship package.
• Health and Liability Insurance: Recipients benefit from comprehensive health and liability insurance coverage provided by Aon Student Insurance for the duration of their studies.

Note: The Radboud Scholarship does not cover daily living costs such as housing, meals, and personal expenses. Students are expected to have sufficient funds to meet these costs. However, you can combine the RSP with the NL Scholarship, which offers an additional €5,000 to help cover living expenses.

Eligibility Criteria for Radboud University Scholarship

Pakistani students must meet the following requirements to qualify for the Radboud Scholarship:

• Non-EEA Citizenship: Applicants must hold a valid non-EU/non-EEA passport, including Pakistani nationals.
• Academic Excellence: Candidates should have excellent academic records in their previous degree (Bachelor’s) with high grades, strong test results, and any publications. The ranking of your previous university may also be considered.
• Bachelor’s Degree Outside the Netherlands: Applicants must have completed (or be about to complete) their Bachelor’s degree outside the Netherlands. Previous education in the Netherlands is generally not allowed, except for exchange programs tied to a foreign degree.
• Admission to a Master’s Program: Applicants must have full admission to a Radboud University English-taught Master’s program beginning on September 1 of the respective academic year.
• English Language Proficiency: Proof of English language proficiency is required. Typically, this includes IELTS (7.0 overall) or TOEFL iBT (100 online). Some programs may have specific requirements.
• Visa Compliance: Applicants must meet all the requirements for obtaining a student visa in the Netherlands.
• Full-time Enrollment: Only full-time students enrolled in the relevant Master’s program are eligible.
• Strong Motivation and Ambition: Your motivation letter should highlight your passion for the chosen field, previous academic and professional achievements, and relevant extracurricular or work experience.
• Reference Letters: Two high-quality reference letters are required, ideally from academic supervisors or professors familiar with your capabilities.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for Radboud Scholarship

Applying for the Radboud Scholarship is integrated into the Master’s program application process via the OSIRIS system. There’s no separate application form for the scholarship. Here’s how to apply:

• Select Your Master’s Program: Choose an English-taught Master’s program you wish to enroll in.
• Apply in OSIRIS: Begin your Master’s program application in the OSIRIS system.
• Indicate Scholarship Interest: Check the box for the Radboud Scholarship during the application.
• Prepare and Upload Required Documents:
  • Two academic reference letters
  • A detailed CV
  • Motivation letter addressing both program and scholarship
  • HEC-verified academic transcripts and degree certificate
  • Proof of English proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL)
  • Valid Pakistani passport
• Track Deadlines:
  • Main application deadline: usually January 31 for programs starting in September
  • Final submission deadline (including fee payment and corrections): typically February 14
  • Scholarship decisions are made separately and communicated around mid-April

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Radboud Scholarship

1. Is the Radboud Scholarship fully funded?

No, the Radboud Scholarship is partial. It significantly reduces tuition fees and covers essential costs like visa, residence permit, health, and liability insurance, but does not cover living expenses.

2. Can I apply if I studied in the Netherlands before?

Generally, no. You must have your Bachelor’s degree from outside the Netherlands. Exchange programs are allowed if part of your foreign Bachelor’s degree.

3. What are the English language requirements?

Most programs require IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL iBT 100, but requirements may vary by program.

4. Do I need HEC verification for my documents?

Yes, all academic transcripts and degree certificates must be verified by HEC Pakistan.

5. Is the application fee refundable?

The handling fee may be refunded in certain cases, such as being awarded the Radboud Encouragement Scholarship. For regular RSP, confirm the refund policy with the admissions office.

6. Can I work while on a Radboud Scholarship in the Netherlands?

Non-EU/EEA students can work up to 10 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during summer months (June to August), with a valid work permit.

7. What if I get accepted but not awarded the scholarship?

Admission and scholarship selection are separate. You can still enroll in the Master’s program by paying full tuition, or explore other scholarships like the NL Scholarship.

8. Where is the official application portal?

The official application portal is the OSIRIS system on Radboud University’s website under the Master’s program section.

Why Choose Radboud University Scholarship?

The Radboud Scholarship Programme not only reduces financial burdens but also allows Pakistani students to gain world-class education in a multicultural environment, access renowned research facilities, and develop a network of global professionals. It is a career-transforming opportunity that supports both academic and personal growth.