If you are an international student with outstanding academic results, the Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarships 2026-2027 at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Netherlands, represent one of the most prestigious and generous opportunities to pursue your Master’s degree in a world-class academic environment. This comprehensive, SEO-optimized blog post covers every aspect of this scholarship—from eligibility and benefits to application steps and insider tips.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information and Application Deadline
- University/Institution Details
- Available MSc Study Areas
- Scholarship Benefits
- Benefits Not Included
- Eligibility Criteria
- Required Documents
- Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Tips for a Successful Application
- Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (USD)
- Why Choose This Scholarship? (Top 5 Reasons)
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Basic Information about the Scholarships
Name: Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarships
Host Institution: Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Netherlands
Level: Master’s (MSc), 2 years
Study Intake: Fall 2026 (most programs)
Scholarship Deadline: December 1, 2025 (23:59 CET)
Application Method: Online, alongside TU Delft MSc application
This scholarship supports the brightest minds globally by covering both tuition and living costs for outstanding, motivated students to study at TU Delft—one of Europe’s top research universities.
University/Institution Details
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
- Founded: 1842
- Location: Delft, Netherlands
- Focus Areas: Engineering, technology, applied sciences, innovation
- Global Ranking: Regularly ranked among the top 20 for engineering & technology worldwide
- International Community: Students and staff from over 100 countries foster a diverse, interdisciplinary, and innovative atmosphere.
Study Areas (Available MSc Programs)
The scholarship is available for all regular (non-joint) 2-year MSc programs at TU Delft. Some popular fields include:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Architecture, Urbanism & Building Sciences
- Applied Mathematics
- Applied Physics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Design for Interaction
- Data Science & AI Technology
- Electrical Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Robotics
- Integrated Product Design
- Systems & Control
- Geomatics
- Materials Science
- Sustainable Energy Technology
For a full list of specific programs, visit TU Delft’s official Master’s program overview.
Scholarship Benefits
Generous financial support designed for top talent:
- Full Tuition Fee Waiver: For the entire duration (2 years) of the MSc program. The fee covered depends on your nationality (institutional or statutory rate).
- Contribution to Living Expenses:
- Non-EU/EFTA students: Approximately €30,000 per year
- EU/EFTA students: Approximately €11,500 per year
- Access to the Scholarship Club: Networking, workshops, seminars, and personal development events.
- Dedicated support: Guidance throughout studies
Benefits NOT Included
- Visa/residence permit costs (approximately €243)
- Travel/airfare to and from the Netherlands
- Some personal miscellaneous expenses (sports, leisure, etc.)
- Health insurance (approximately €80–120/month)
- Additional study material not covered by tuition fee
Eligibility Criteria for the Scholarship
- Excellent International Student:
- Not a Dutch citizen, with a Bachelor’s from a reputable university outside the Netherlands
- Academically outstanding: Typically, top 10% of your cohort OR GPA ≥ 80% of the highest possible
- (Conditional) Admission to a 2-year regular TU Delft MSc program
- Complete Application: Submission of both MSc and scholarship applications by the deadline
- English Proficiency: Sufficient proof (IELTS/TOEFL) if English is not your native language
- Scholarship is NOT available for joint-education MSc programs or Erasmus Mundus degrees.
Required Documents for the Application
- Completed Master’s application (online)
- Scholarship Application Form (specific to Justus & Louise van Effen)
- Two Letters of Reference (on official letterhead, signed, recent)
- Motivation Letter (1,000–1,500 words about your fit for the program, your goals, and why TU Delft)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificates
- English Proficiency Certificate (if applicable)
- Copy of Passport.
Note: All documents must be uploaded together with your MSc application before the deadline.
Scholarship Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps for a seamless application:
- Research MSc Programs: Identify your preferred TU Delft MSc and check specific entry requirements.
- Prepare Documents: Gather transcripts, diploma(s), English scores, CV, motivation letter, and reference letters.
- Complete Online MSc Application: Via TU Delft’s Osiaan application portal.
- Upload Scholarship Application Form & Required Documents: Ensure the scholarship application form and TWO reference letters are included.
- Submit All Before December 1, 2025: ONLY complete applications submitted before the deadline will be reviewed.
- Conditional Admission Check: Wait for conditional admission to your Master’s. All eligible candidates are automatically considered for the scholarship.
- Result Notification: Successful candidates are notified by TU Delft via email, typically by March-end 2026.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start Early: Collect documents and write your motivation letter several months ahead.
- Personalized Motivation Letter: Tailor your letter to highlight your academic achievements, research interests, and why TU Delft specifically aligns with your aspirations.
- Strong References: Obtain detailed, recent recommendation letters from professors or employers familiar with your work.
- Demonstrate Leadership & Extracurriculars: Showcase any additional activities, volunteer work, or leadership roles.
- Proofread and Review: Ensure your application is error-free and follows all instructions.
- Meet the Deadline: Late or incomplete submissions are not accepted.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (in USD)
Living in Delft as a student involves several regular costs. The average monthly cost for an international student is $820–1,260 USD per month, broken down as follows (converted from €780–1,200 at approximate 2025 rates):
| Item | Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $335–$880 |
| Food | $165–$220 |
| Public Transport | $39–$79 |
| Health Insurance | $88–$132 |
| Personal/Misc | $110–$220 |
| Total Estimate | $820–$1,260 |
Note: Some expenses, such as travel or extra-curriculars, may require extra budgeting.
Why Choose This Scholarship? (Top 5 Reasons)
- Full Financial Support: Covers tuition + generous living allowance for 2 years.
- World-Class University: TU Delft is globally recognized for excellence in science and engineering.
- Career & Networking Opportunities: Access to special events, mentorship, and a global alumni community through the Scholarship Club.
- Diverse, International Environment: Study alongside talented students and researchers from all over the world.
- Immediate Recognition: The scholarship is extremely competitive, enhancing your CV and career prospects, whether in academia or industry.
Bonus: Living in the Netherlands offers a high-quality, multicultural lifestyle and location at the heart of Europe.
FAQ: Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarships
Q: Is this scholarship available for all nationalities?
A: Yes, all non-Dutch international students may apply.
Q: Can I apply to joint or Erasmus Mundus MSc programs?
A: No, the scholarship is available only for “regular” (single diploma) 2-year MSc programs at TU Delft.
Q: Is a separate scholarship application required?
A: Yes, you must submit the scholarship application form and all supporting documents along with your MSc application.
Q: Are part-time MSc students eligible?
A: No, the scholarship is only for full-time Master’s programs.
Q: What is the success rate?
A: Extremely competitive—approximately two scholarships per faculty are awarded each year, so high academic achievement and a compelling application are essential.
Q: When will I know if I am selected?
A: Successful applicants are notified by the end of March 2026. Make sure your contact email is correct on your application.
Conclusion
The Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarships at TU Delft are a transformative opportunity for outstanding, ambitious international students seeking a fully funded MSc experience in the Netherlands.
Begin preparing your application early, pay meticulous attention to detail, and highlight your academic prowess, motivation, and leadership. Applying for and winning this scholarship could set you on the path to an inspiring international career.