Introduction
For many students across Africa and Asia who dream of studying technology, innovation, and engineering abroad, the Netherlands is a top destination. Among Dutch universities, University of Twente (UT) stands out for combining social sciences and engineering, hands-on learning, and strong research.
Every year UT offers University of Twente Scholarships (UTS) to exceptional non-EU/EEA students enrolled in its Master’s programmes. These scholarships are partially or fully funded and aim to support students with living costs, tuition, or other expense relief. While a full “no IELTS for all” guarantee is rare, UT does provide English exemption (waiver) in certain cases for applicants meeting specific criteria.
This post will walk you through:
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What the UTS scholarships typically cover
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What the “no IELTS waiver” option is and when it applies
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A comparison of features (what you hope vs reality)
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Step-by-step application guide
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Insights, tips, examples
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Sample statement of purpose outline
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Common mistakes & FAQs
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Closing thoughts & call to action
Let’s dive in.
What the University of Twente Scholarships Offer
The UTS Programme & Funding Range
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UT offers scholarships for Master’s (MSc) programmes through its University of Twente Scholarship (UTS) system.
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In recent cycles, roughly 50 scholarships are available for non-EU/EEA applicants in the academic year.
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The scholarship amounts range between €3,000 and €22,000 per year, depending on the programme, academic excellence, and need.
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For two-year Master’s programmes, a renewal of the same amount for the second year is possible if conditions are met.
However, note: UTS is often not fully covering all costs. Many times the scholarship is designed to supplement, not replace all expenses. For example, one source cautions that recipients will decide how to allocate the funds (tuition vs living) themselves.
English Language / IELTS Waiver Policy
One of the most attractive features you asked about is “no IELTS for some applicants”. At UT:
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The university has an English exemption / waiver policy. Some applicants may be exempted from submitting an English test certificate if they meet specific criteria (for example, prior education in English).
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However, by default, UT requires proof of English proficiency. For Master’s admission, they accept IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge C1/C2, PTE, etc.
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When the waiver applies, your application is evaluated, but note that UT states “every case is assessed individually” and there’s no guarantee of exemption.
So, yes — for some applicants, IELTS or TOEFL may not be strictly required, but you must confirm you meet the exemption criteria applicable to your case.
Other Scholarship Options: Kipaji, Department / Faculty Scholarships
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The Kipaji Scholarship is a supplementary fund for those who already receive a UTS scholarship. It is intended for talented students from low-income or developing countries (DAC list).
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Kipaji funds do not cover tuition but provide additional living cost compensation up to €12,000.
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Departmental or faculty-level scholarships may also exist, especially in technical or research groups, but these are more variable and often smaller in scale. UT’s scholarship finder shows various scholarship possibilities beyond UTS.
What the Scholarships Don’t Typically Cover
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Full coverage of all living costs (some scholarship amounts may fall short)
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All external costs (e.g., travel from home country, visa fees, books, supplies)
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Guarantee of full tuition waiver in some cases — the scholarship may focus more on compensation than covering full fees
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For existing UT students or graduates, eligibility is often restricted: you should not have graduated from a UT program before to be eligible.
Comparison: Ideal Scholarship vs Real UTS Scholarship
Here’s a side-by-side depiction of your ideal scenario vs what current UTS scholarships realistically offer:
| Feature | Ideal Expectation | Existing UTS / UT Policies | What You Should Confirm for 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full tuition + fees | ✔ Yes, fully free | Scholarship supports compensation; sometimes to cover tuition but not guaranteed in all cases. | Check whether your chosen programme’s tuition is waived or needs to be paid |
| Living allowance | ✔ Full coverage | Scholarship amounts (€3,000–€22,000) can cover some living costs, but may not fully cover high costs in Netherlands. | Estimate living cost in Enschede (housing, food, transport) and compare to your scholarship sum |
| Duration / renewal | ✔ Full programme duration | Renewal allowed for second year in many cases, but must meet performance criteria. | Confirm renewal terms in the call (GPA requirement, credits) |
| No IELTS requirement | ✔ Waived for many | English exemption exists case-by-case, but default is requirement of IELTS/TOEFL. | Check if your prior English education qualifies you for exemption |
| Number of scholarships | Many | Approximately 50 scholarships are commonly available. | Check if number increases or stays ~50 |
| Eligible fields | Technology & Innovation, Engineering, Computer Science, etc. | UTS allows technical, innovation, applied science, social science programmes. | Verify that your intended master’s field is included in the 2026 scholarship list |
| Application process | Unified & seamless | You apply for the master’s programme first, then apply for UTS once admission is obtained. | Confirm deadlines, two rounds process, and requirement of conditional admission before scholarship application |
This table should help temper expectations and guide your preparation.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for UTS 2026 (Beginner Friendly)
Here’s a practical roadmap for first-time applicants:
Step 1: Choose your Master’s programme & check eligibility
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Browse the UT website for Master’s programmes (Engineering, CS, ICT, Innovation, etc.).
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Confirm that the programme is eligible under UTS — check which master’s programmes are part of the scholarship scheme.
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Ensure you meet admission prerequisites (bachelor’s degree in relevant field, GPA, etc.).
Step 2: Prepare your academic documents & English proof
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Gather transcripts, degree certificate, course descriptions, perhaps a portfolio if relevant.
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If you don’t have an English test, check if you’re eligible for English exemption (i.e. did your prior degree use English). UT assesses exemptions on a case basis.
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If exemption is not granted, plan to take IELTS / TOEFL or accepted test (e.g. Cambridge or PTE) as required by UT.
Step 3: Apply for admission to UT Master’s programme
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Use UT’s application portal (Studielink / UT application)
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Submit your documents, programme choice, motivation letter, etc.
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You may receive conditional admission (pending scholarship application).
Step 4: After admission, apply for UTS scholarship
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Once you have a student number and (conditional) admission status, apply for the UTS scholarship using the scholarship application form.
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Provide all required supporting documents (transcripts, letters, proof of admission, motivation, etc.).
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Be aware of two rounds: Round 1 (opens ~October) to February; Round 2 (opens Feb to May) for next intake.
Step 5: Wait for evaluation & decision
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UT scholarship committee evaluates based on academic merit, eligibility, and available scholarship budget.
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You may be awarded full or partial scholarship.
Step 6: Accept, enroll, and begin your programme
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If granted, accept the scholarship and confirm enrollment.
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Arrange your visa (Netherlands student visa), accommodation, travel.
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Begin your master’s studies.
Step 7: Performance & renewal
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Maintain required academic standards (GPA, credits) so the scholarship can be renewed.
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Submit progress reports if required by UT.
This stepwise guide helps you map out what to do and when.
Key Insights, Tips & Examples
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Merit matters most: UTS is targeted at “excellent students,” often those in the top 5–10% of their class.
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Scholarship is supplemental: The amounts (€3,000–€22,000) are intended to help with tuition and living costs. They rarely cover every expense in full.
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Start early with English test: Even if you aim for exemption, some programs require proof by default. UT’s language requirement page outlines acceptable tests and conditions.
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Apply in Round 1 if possible: Scholarships often fill early; Round 1 (October–February) is more competitive.
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Combine scholarships: If you receive UTS, you may also be eligible for Kipaji funding (for additional support).
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Calculate living costs: Enschede is more affordable than Amsterdam, but you need to budget for housing, food, health insurance, and transport.
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Exemption decisions are case by case: Don’t assume your application will waive IELTS — prepare accordingly.
Statement of Purpose / Motivation Structure
Here’s a concise, strong structure that can guide your SOP:
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Introduction / Hook
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Personal anecdote or passion aligned with technology / innovation
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Why UT and why Netherlands
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Academic & professional background
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Relevant coursework, projects, internships, research
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Technical or innovation experience
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Why UT & how you fit
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Specific features at UT (research labs, supervisors, tech centers)
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How your project aligns with UT’s mission
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What you will do with scholarship
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Study or research plan
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How you’ll allocate the award (tuition, housing, living)
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Expected impact in your home country or region
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Language / exemption argument
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If you don’t have IELTS, argue your English medium education, prior certificates, or request waiver
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Show commitment to fulfilling any conditions
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Future contribution & return
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How you plan to give back (teaching, startups, regional development)
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Network, collaboration, innovation in your home region
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Conclusion
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Reaffirm passion, readiness, gratitude
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Tailor the narrative to emphasize both your technical innovation and your regional relevance.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | Impact | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Relying on “no IELTS” guarantee | Risk of rejection or conditional status | Always have a backup English test ready |
| Waiting till last minute | Documents, test scores, admission delay | Start 6–9 months ahead |
| Assuming full costs are covered | Running out of funds mid-study | Budget conservatively and identify backup funding |
| Weak SOP / generic narrative | You won’t stand out in a competitive pool | Use specifics — lab, project, supervisors, region relevance |
| Not applying for admission first | You cannot apply for UTS without student number | Ensure conditional admission before scholarship application |
| Ignoring renewal criteria | Scholarship may not be extended | Know required GPA, performance, credit completion |
FAQs (Concise but Helpful)
Q: Is UTS fully funded or partial?
A: It’s often partially funded — scholarship amounts vary and may not cover every cost. But in some cases the scholarship can cover a substantial portion of tuition and living expenses.
Q: Can I skip IELTS or TOEFL?
A: Possibly. UT provides English exemptions in certain cases (e.g. prior degree in English). But default policy requires English proficiency.
Q: How many scholarships are awarded?
A: Usually around 50 scholarships are available each year for Master’s non-EU/EEA applicants.
Q: What are the deadlines for 2026?
A: Based on past calls, deadlines are likely Round 1: February 1, Round 2: May 1 for September intake.
Q: Can scholarship be renewed in second year?
A: Yes, if you meet performance and credit requirements. Many calls support renewal for second year in two-year programmes.
Q: Am I eligible if I already studied at UT before?
A: Usually, no — you should not have graduated from a UT program previously to qualify for UTS.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The University of Twente’s scholarship schemes offer a meaningful route for bright non-EU/EEA students to pursue masters in technology and innovation fields. Though the scholarships are not always “full ride,” if you secure one (especially in the higher range of €22,000), you can significantly ease your financial burden. The possibility of an IELTS waiver adds flexibility for qualified applicants, though it is not guaranteed.
To prepare for the 2026 cycle:
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Begin gathering your documents and test proof (or evidence for waiver)
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Choose your master’s programme and apply early (before scholarship deadline)
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Draft your SOP with clarity and regional relevance
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Monitor UT’s official scholarship finder and announcements
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Apply in Round 1 if possible and aim for the highest merit
“Innovation grows where opportunity is funded — let UT scholarship be the launchpad for your technology ambitions.”
