Netherlands Fellowship Programme (NFP)
- What is an NFP fellowship?
- For which of KIT master's programmes and short courses can I apply for an NFP fellowship?
- How do I apply for an NFP fellowship?
- Am I eligible for an NFP fellowship?
- How do I first gain academic admission to a master's programme?
- How is an NFP fellowship awarded?
What is an NFP fellowship?
One possibility for obtaining a fellowship is through the Netherlands Fellowship Programme (NFP). The fellowships are designed to meet the need for further training and capacity-building in developing countries.
To maximize their impact on capacity building, NFP-funded training must be linked to the institutional development of organizations. A wide range of governmental, private and non-governmental organizations are eligible. Examples include educational institutions, planning agencies, ministries, community-based organizations and private enterprises.
The Netherlands embassy or consulate can advise prospective applicants on relevant application procedures. Candidates interested in these fellowships are strongly advised to contact the embassy or consulate in their country before applying for a stipend.
For which of KIT master's programmes and short courses can I apply for an NFP fellowship?
NFP fellowships are available for the following master programmes:
- International Course in Health Development / Master of Public Health
- Master of Public Health - Specialization in HIV/AIDS
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NFP fellowships are not yet available for the Master of International Health (MIH).
NFP fellowships are available for the following short courses at KIT:
- Health Systems Research
- Human Resources Development
- Sexual and Reproductive Health including HIV/AIDS
- Dynamics of HIV and AIDS Epidemics and Effective Responses
- Health Sector Responses to HIV
- HIV Politics, Policy, Governance and Planning Mechanisms
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Disease Control Programmes
How do I apply for an NFP fellowship?
Start the application process early!
- For academic year 2011-2012, the applications are closed.
- For academic year 2012-2013, applicants can choose to apply with a paper-based application or an online application.
NFP uses a two-step application procedure. Applicants must first gain admission to the course or programme they have chosen and then apply for a fellowship:
- Applicants must therefore first request academic admission directly from KIT (NOT via Nuffic).
- Applicant can then apply for the NFP scholarship from Nuffic.
Paper fellowship applications
Paper fellowship application forms can be downloaded from the Nuffic website.
A complete application (inluding required documents) must be sent directly to Nuffic by regular mail to the following address: Nuffic, NFP-team, P.O. Box 29777, 2502 LT The Hague, The Netherlands.
- The deadline for paper fellowship application is 1 January 2012
Scholarships online
Candidates can apply via internet throught Scholarships Online (SOL) at www.nuffic.nl/nfp. All fellowship applications are registred in SOL. Candidates that applied for an NFP fellowship online can follow the status of their fellowship application by logging on to SOL.
- The Scholarship Online (SOL) opens on 1 November 2011.
- The deadline for Online Fellowship application is 1 February 2012
The Netherlands embassies and consulates can provide more information about country-specific opportunities and regulations. For this reason, candidates are advised to contact the embassy or consulate in their own country before they start the NFP application procedure.
Am I eligible for an NFP fellowship?
Applicants for the NFP fellowship for a master’s programme must meet the following criteria:
- have been admitted to the International Course in Health Development (ICHD/MPH). This means that the applicant meets all the requirements set out by the Royal Tropical Institute (KIT) / Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA)
- be nationals of and working and living in a country on the NFP Country list
- accept the NFP rules and regulations
- Upload in SOL all mandatory documents: (an employer's statement endorsing the candidates research plans and guaranteeing that while the candidate is absent the salary will continue to be paid and his/her job will be held; a copy of a valida passport or other official identity document; a statement of government authority (if applicable).
- not to be employed by a multinational corporation, UN organisation, IMF, a bilateral or multilateral dondor organisation or a large natonal and/or commercial organisation
- be employed in an area to which the study will make a relevant contribution
How do I first gain academic admission to a master's programme?
The academic application for ICHD/MPH has to be received by KIT at the latest 1 month before the NFP application deadline:
- 1 December 2011 for the paper-based applications
- 1 January 2012 for the online applications
Candidates are advised to start the course application procedure as early as possible.
KIT assesses the application and decides whether or not the applicant’s educational background and other experience meet programme requirements:
- KIT will inform applicants of its decision within 1 month of receiving the application.
- Successful candidates receive a letter indicating that they have been conditionally admitted providing they have suitable funding.
- Candidates are eligible for a NFP fellowship only if they have been admitted to the ICHD/MPH and comply with all the fellowship criteria.
How is an NFP fellowship awarded?
- NFP fellowships, which are granted for the duration of the master’s programme, cover tuition fees plus the costs of international travel, subsistence, books and health insurance.
- Nuffic decides how many fellowships will be available and awards a grant to KIT to cover the fellowship holders’ costs.
- KIT pays each fellowship holder a monthly allowance for the duration of the master’s programme.