VUFP/OTS South Africa & Holland Scholarship Programme

The VUFP/OTS South Africa and Holland Scholarship Programme is a collaborative initiative that aims to strengthen academic ties between South African institutions and universities in the Netherlands. It provides fullyfunded scholarships for postgraduate studies, research exchanges and shortterm mobility, giving talented students and scholars the chance to broaden their expertise, develop crosscultural competencies and contribute to knowledge exchange between the two regions.

What the Programme Offers

1. Master's Scholarships

Full tuition waiver, travel allowance, monthly living stipend and health insurance for a oneyear Masters programme in a Dutch university that matches the applicants field of study.

2. PhD Scholarships

Funding for up to three years of doctoral research, including tuition, research costs, a yearly stipend and travel grants for conference attendance.

3. ShortTerm Mobility Grants

For South African scholars to attend a 3 to 6month research visit, internship or specialised training at a Dutch partner institution.

Eligibility Criteria

• South African citizenship (or permanent residency) and a valid South African university degree.
• Minimum academic standing: 70% overall grade for a Masters, 75% for a PhD entry.
• English proficiency (IELTS6.5 or TOEFL90) Dutch language is not required for most programmes.
• Demonstrated motivation to contribute to SouthAfricaNetherlands academic collaboration.
• Applicants must not hold a currently funded scholarship for the same period of study.

Application Process

1. Find a Host Institution Browse the partneruniversity list on the VUFP/OTS website and identify a programme aligned with your research interests.
2. Secure a Supervisory Agreement Contact a potential supervisor in the Netherlands and obtain a letter of intent confirming his/her willingness to host you.
3. Prepare Application Documents Include a CV, academic transcripts, a research proposal (max 1500 words), two academic references and proof of language proficiency.
4. Submit Online Upload all documents to the VUFP portal before the deadline (usually 30April each year).
5. Selection & Interview Shortlisted candidates are invited for a video interview with the selection panel.
6. Notification Results are announced by 31July. Successful applicants receive a formal award letter.

Funding Details

Benefits Beyond Money

• Academic Network Access to worldclass Dutch faculty, labs and libraries.
• Career Advancement International experience is highly valued by employers in academia, industry and NGOs.
• Cultural Immersion Opportunities to live in a multicultural environment and develop intercultural competencies.
• Alumni Community Join a growing network of VUFP/OTS scholars who collaborate on research projects and policy briefs.

Partner Universities in the Netherlands

Selected institutions include:

• University of Amsterdam (UvA)
• Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
• Erasmus University Rotterdam
• Radboud University Nijmegen
• Utrecht University
• Leiden University

Success Stories

Thandiwe M. MSc Environmental Science (2022)
Thandiwe completed her masters at TU Delft, publishing a joint paper on waterscarcity solutions for the Cape Town region. She now leads a research unit at the South African Department of Water and Sanitation.

Samuel K. PhD Chemistry (2021)
Samuels doctoral work on renewable polymer synthesis, carried out at Utrecht University, resulted in a patented technology now commercialised by a South African startup.

How to Get Started

Visit the official programme portal at vufp-ots.org.za for a complete list of eligible programmes, detailed guides, and contact information for the South African coordinating office.

Take the first step towards an internationally enriched academic careerapply now and become part of a vibrant South AfricaNetherlands scholarly community.