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Scholarship information

Finding funding is one of the challenges faced by students wanting to study at KIT. Below are a few suggestions which may be useful.

Explore different options and apply early!

It is important to explore different options and apply to as many different scholarship agencies as possible. Most agencies offer just a few scholarships each year, so applying to several will improve your chances of receiving a scholarship. Finding a scholarship requires motivation, time and inventiveness. It is very important to start applying to funding bodies well in advance, as it often is a lengthy process.

Be creative: Many options are not listed anywhere but are worth investigating. Suggestions: governments, universities and employers, a.o.

For your convenience we have listed below a number of funding agencies that may be prepared to sponsor candidates needing financial support, and links to other fellowship pages. This page can be used as a starting point for your search for funding.

Funding possibilities for Students from:

Around the world

  • MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP)

    The MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP) aims to build bridges through knowledge by offering opportunities for capacity building within organisations in the Middle East and North Africa.
    Update 27 September 2024:

    Eligible courses round 15 October 2024:• Feminist Edge, Professional Development programme for Gender Trainers
    Countries:Algeria • Egypt • Iran • Iraq • Jordan • Lebanon • Libya • Morocco • Syria • Oman • Tunisia • Sudan • Mauritania
    (Syria: Syrians can apply for a scholarship if they are living and working in one of the other countries listed above)
    More information:Details on the MENA MSP scholarship differ per country. Please visit the Nuffic website and click on your country to find all details per country. Here you will also find instructions on extra forms you have to prepare. We advise you to start up this process already as it may take some time.

    You have to apply for academic admission to KIT first, if you are admitted you will receive a link to a link to Delta, the online system, where you can apply.
    Attention: application deadline academic admission is 7 October 2024

    Nuffic website: MENA scholarship (MSP)
    Information en francais:Unfortunately there is no separate information on this scholarship in French.
    Application deadlines:Scholarship application period to be confirmed: deadline 15 October 2024
    Academic admission deadline 7 October 2024

  • Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Programme

    KIT is on the list of eligible institutes of the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGS programme) . This programme awards scholarships to individuals from World Bank member countries to undertake graduate studies at universities renowned for their development research and teaching. It is vehicle for knowledge sharing and capacity building in the developing world. 

    Eligible courses:Master of Science in Public Health and Health Equity (MPH-HE)
    Countries:Follow link for the list of Countries eligible for scholarship 2025 (mostly middle-low income countries)
    Additional option for nationals from Japan. See additional info under Asia subtitle below)
    More information: Visit our worldbank page for up to date information and application instructions.
    Application period: Registration for pre-selection will be closed Monday 6 January 2025 8.00 Dutch local time. After this day and time it is no longer possible to apply.

    Please note that we are under Application Window#1, under Vrije Universiteit/KIT Royal Tropical Institute. Only applicants with academic admission to KIT can apply.

  • Rabbani Foundation Scholarship

    This Scholarship is intended for students  from arab countries interested in pursuing their education in The Netherlands.

    KIT has received students with a Rabbani Scholarship. We strongly encourage health professionals from Arab countries to explore this option.

    Application period: 1 January – 31 March 2024

    For more information about eligible countries and application process, visit the Rabbani Foundation website.

    Applicants should have academic admission to the masters programme of their choice, so if you want to apply, please do so as soon as possible.

    This scholarship consists of 15.000 Euro (which is not enough to cover the entire studies at KIT.
    Should you not be able to cover the remaining part we encourage you to also apply to the partial scholarship from KIT Scholarship Fund. Please indicate in your application that you have also applied to the Rabbani Scholarship)

  • UAF

    UAF offers refugees in the Netherlands the opportunity to develop further in terms of study and work. UAF helps them on their way with advice, guidance, financial support and by using the organization’s network. More information on the UAF website.

  • UNESCO – L’Oréal, For Women in Science

    The L’Oréal National Fellowship with the support of the UNESCO National Commissions is granted annually for female researchers in the field of life sciences.

  • UNESCO Study Abroad

    Prospective students may wish to consult Study Abroad, UNESCO’s international guide to higher-education study opportunities and training.

    Information on scholarships and financial assistance is provided, as well as details on living expenses in various countries.

  • Rotary Foundation

    The Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarships Programme will be continued by the Global Scholarship Program. The purpose of the Ambassadorial Scholarships programme is to promote international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries.

    The programme sponsors several types of scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students as well as qualified professionals pursuing vocational studies. Applications should be made through local Rotary offices.

  • Netherlands Education Support Offices (NESO)

    Netherlands Education Support Offices (NESOs) are the overseas representative offices of Nuffic. Their main tasks are the generic promotion of Dutch higher education and the enhancement of cooperation between higher education institutions in the Netherlands and institutions in the NESO regions. The NESO offices provide information about scholarships and grants for study in the Netherlands. Please contact for more detailed information:

  • Wellcome Trust

    This scheme offers nationals of low- and middle-income countries the opportunity to receive training at Master’s degree level. Application deadlines are twice a year. Check the Wellcome trust website for detailed information. 

    Application deadlines are usually March and October.

  • HIV Research Trust

    The HIV Research Trust is a charitable foundation that provides financial support for researchers in resource – poor countries working in the field of HIV infection. The support is in the form of scholarships awarded annually.

    These are designed for the research worker to travel to another research unit to learn techniques that will be of value when he or she returns. All aspects of research are eligible including clinical care, epidemiology, psychological and societal aspects, basic and applied biology.

    The Scholarships, which are usually for a few months duration, cover travel, living expenses and consumables. They are awarded competitively based on a peer-review process. Applications for scholarships are requested annually from early September for approximately seven weeks.
    See: http://www.hivresearchtrust.org.uk

  • KIT Scholarship Fund

    KIT Fund offers scholarships to talented health professionals from low-income countries to study a Master’s programme at KIT Institute. The aim being that with what they learn they will contribute to improving the health care situation in their country and/or around the world.

    Eligible courses: Our Master programmes
    Countries:The scholarship is available for applicants from low- and middle-income countries.
    Every year the fund offers a number of partial scholarships and full scholarships.
    More information: Visit our KIT Fund page for up to date information, application deadlines, eligible courses.

  • Orange Knowledge programme

    This programmes aims were to advance the capacity, knowledge and quality of both individuals and institutions of higher and vocational education.
    Update 25 October 2024: Unfortunately the OKP programme has ended and at the moment there are no prolongations foreseen.

    Eligible courses: Master of Public Health and a wide range of short courses
    Countries:The scholarship is available for applicants from 30 countries (countries changed January 2023)
    More information: ATTENTION: The programme ended.
    Information en francais: L’Orange Knowledge Programme
    Application deadlines:The programme ended.

  • Bilateral Development Agencies

    To identify unilateral or bilateral donor agencies which might support your studies, we suggest you contact embassies with a donor presence in your own country. Below you will find a number of agencies:

    • United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID)
    • Danish International Development Aid (DANIDA)
    • Norwegian Agency for International Development (NORAD)
    • Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA)

  • Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship programme

    The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme aims to support gifted, outstanding students from developing countries, who have no other means of financing their studies, to pursue full-time postgraduate studies at reputable higher education institutions of their choice.

    Open for applicants from:
    Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada*, Egypt, France*, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Portugal*, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Uganda and the USA*. [*Note: in Canada, France, Portugal and the USA, applications are accepted from those who are originally from one of the above developing countries, are interested in development-related studies and who have no other means of financing their education.]

    Application period
    For academic year 2025-2026 the application period opens in January 2025. Interested students must contact the local office for application forms, deadline dates and application requirements, as these may vary by country. Visit the The Aga Khan Foundation website for all details.
    Apply as soon as possible for academic admission to KIT to have your acceptance letter when the Aga Khan application period opens.

Asia

  • Japan/ Worldbank scholarship for Japanese nationals

    KIT is on the list of eligible institutes of the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGS programme) . This programme awards scholarships to Japanese nationals studying a study related to development. (And to individuals from World Bank member countries to undertake graduate studies at universities renowned for their development research and teaching. It is vehicle for knowledge sharing and capacity building in the developing world). 

    Eligible courses:Masters of Science in Public Health and Health Equity. Check the website.
    Countries:Available for nationals from Japan studying outside Japan a study related to development.
    (Also available for nationals from list of Worldbank countries. See title above ‘around the world’ for more information)
    More information: Visit the Worldbank website ‘Japanese Nationals) for all application information. (Application instructions Worldbank for Japanese Nationals. Please follow these very detailed instructions to the letter!) Extra flyer with information
    Application period: For academic year 2025-2026 the application period for Japanese nationals is open from 17 February until 18 April 2025 (noon Washington time). Please note that we are under KIT/ Vrije Universiteit. Only applicants with academic admission to KIT can apply.

  • OKP-LPDP: StuNed Joint Scholarship Programme

    Update 15 February 2024
    We have just been informed that two Master programmes are eligible for the OKP-LPDP StuNed Joint Scholarship Programme. Specially for Indonesia, the Orange Knowledge Programme is cooperating with Indonesian scholarship provider Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (LPDP) to provide Master’s Scholarships for Indonesian mid-career professionals.

    We are waiting for updated information for 2024 and will update this webpage as soon as we know more.

    Eligible courses:Master of Science in Public Health and Health Equity
    Countries:Indonesia
    More information:Please note that citizens from Indonesia should apply for this scholarship and not the regular OKP scholarship. If interested in this opportunity please apply as soon as possible for academic admission to the course of your choice. (Please note that we have just received this news and Nuffic website is not yet updated. Keep an eye on this webpage and Nuffic for the most recent updates and instructions).
    Application period: For academic year 2023-2024 the application period for Indonesian citizens opens on 15 February 2023 and closes 30 March 2023. Applicants need to apply first for academic admission, and accepted applicants will receive a link to apply for the scholarship in Delta and LPDP application platform. (Most of the application process is similar to OKP scholarships). Nuffic page

  • The Education Observer (India)

    This website: provides a list of scholarships available for Indian students by study field and country.

  • Higher Education Commission (HEC)(Pakistan)

    Scholarships possibilities for Pakistani students for foreign study. For more information visit the HEC website.

  • CMB Next Generation Fellowships (China)

    Offer financial support to any qualified Chinese citizens resident in China for international Master’s degree study in the fields of Health Policy and Systems Sciences. KIT has requested to be on ‘list of selected schools’. Students can apply already and ask special permission. For more information, go to the CMB website. Application deadline is most probably end November.

  • Bolashak (Kazakhstan)

    Financed by the Kazakhstan government, the Bolashak programme allows the most talented students from Kazakhstan to specialise at the world’s best higher education institutions. We strongly encourage applicants from Kazakhstan to explore this possibility.

    For more information, visit their website

  • Thai government scholarship

    Thai government is sponsoring excellent  students from Thailand to study abroad and come back to join the civil service.

    More information.

  • Anandamahidol (Thailand)

    For applicants from Thailand: Anandamahidol Foundation is established and funded by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej with an aim to support excellent academic and good moral students to the highest academic opportunity abroad. Although there is no commitment, the awarded students are expected to bring back to knowledge to help developing Thailand in the future.

    For more information, go to their website. 

  • K.C. Mahindra Education Trust (India)

    K.C. Mahindra Education Trust offers interest-free loan scholarships and scholarships to deserving students to pursue post-graduate studies abroad in various fields. Application deadline January. More information on their website.

  • JN Tata Endowment Fund (India)

    The JN Tata Endowment awards loan scholarships to Indian nationals for Postgraduate/PhD/Post doctoral studies abroad. Only those students who have graduated from an Indian university are eligible to apply. Applicants must have a consistently high academic record and other achievements to their credit. View website JN Tata Endowment.

  • EU Fellowships for candidates from ACP countries

    Candidates from African, Caribbean and Pacific countries associated with the European Union through the Lomé Agreement can apply for fellowships from the European Development Fund. Information and application forms can be obtained from the EU diplomatic representative in the candidate’s country. If they are unable to provide information, contact:

    The European Commission
    200 Rue de la Loi
    B-1049 Brussels
    Belgium

  • Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship programme

    The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme aims to support gifted, outstanding students from developing countries, who have no other means of financing their studies, to pursue full-time postgraduate studies at reputable higher education institutions of their choice.

    Open for applicants from:
    Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada*, Egypt, France*, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Portugal*, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Uganda and the USA*. [*Note: in Canada, France, Portugal and the USA, applications are accepted from those who are originally from one of the above developing countries, are interested in development-related studies and who have no other means of financing their education.]

    Application period
    For academic year 2025-2026 the application period opens in January 2025. Interested students must contact the local office for application forms, deadline dates and application requirements, as these may vary by country. Visit the The Aga Khan Foundation website for all details.
    Apply as soon as possible for academic admission to KIT to have your acceptance letter when the Aga Khan application period opens.

Africa

  • Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship programme

    The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme aims to support gifted, outstanding students from developing countries, who have no other means of financing their studies, to pursue full-time postgraduate studies at reputable higher education institutions of their choice.

    Open for applicants from:
    Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada*, Egypt, France*, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Portugal*, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Uganda and the USA*. [*Note: in Canada, France, Portugal and the USA, applications are accepted from those who are originally from one of the above developing countries, are interested in development-related studies and who have no other means of financing their education.]

    Application period
    For academic year 2025-2026 the application period opens in January 2025. Interested students must contact the local office for application forms, deadline dates and application requirements, as these may vary by country. Visit the The Aga Khan Foundation website for all details.
    Apply as soon as possible for academic admission to KIT to have your acceptance letter when the Aga Khan application period opens.

  • Ghana Education Trust Fund

    Ghana Education Trust Fund, GETFUND, offers scholarships to applicants from Ghana to study abroad. KIT has received several students over the last years. For more information see: https://www.getfund.gov.gh/service/scholarship-programme/

  • EU Fellowships for candidates from ACP countries

    Candidates from African, Caribbean and Pacific countries associated with the European Union through the Lomé Agreement can apply for fellowships from the European Development Fund. Information and application forms can be obtained from the EU diplomatic representative in the candidate’s country. If they are unable to provide information, contact:

    The European Commission
    200 Rue de la Loi
    B-1049 Brussels
    Belgium

North and South America

  • Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship programme

    The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme aims to support gifted, outstanding students from developing countries, who have no other means of financing their studies, to pursue full-time postgraduate studies at reputable higher education institutions of their choice.

    Open for applicants from:
    Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada*, Egypt, France*, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Portugal*, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Uganda and the USA*. [*Note: in Canada, France, Portugal and the USA, applications are accepted from those who are originally from one of the above developing countries, are interested in development-related studies and who have no other means of financing their education.]

    Application period
    For academic year 2025-2026 the application period opens in January 2025. Interested students must contact the local office for application forms, deadline dates and application requirements, as these may vary by country. Visit the The Aga Khan Foundation website for all details.
    Apply as soon as possible for academic admission to KIT to have your acceptance letter when the Aga Khan application period opens.

  • Fulbright Program

    Established in 1946, the Fulbright Program aims to increase mutual understanding between the peoples of the United States and other countries through the exchange of persons, knowledge and skills.

    It is the largest U.S. international exchange program offering opportunities for students, scholars, and professionals to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and teaching in elementary and secondary schools worldwide.

    For more information, visit the Fulbright Program website.

  • FIDERH (Mexico)

    The Mexican National Bank (Banco de México) provides special loans for Mexican students that want to do a postgraduate programme in Mexico or in another country.

    For more information, visit the FIDERH website

  • Becas Magdalena O. Vda. De Brockman (Mexico)

    A grant for Mexican students interested in doing postgraduate studies. You can find more information on their website.

Australia

The Caribbean

  • EU Fellowships for candidates from ACP countries

    Candidates from African, Caribbean and Pacific countries associated with the European Union through the Lomé Agreement can apply for fellowships from the European Development Fund. Information and application forms can be obtained from the EU diplomatic representative in the candidate’s country. If they are unable to provide information, contact:

    The European Commission
    200 Rue de la Loi
    B-1049 Brussels
    Belgium

Middle East

  • Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship programme

    The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme aims to support gifted, outstanding students from developing countries, who have no other means of financing their studies, to pursue full-time postgraduate studies at reputable higher education institutions of their choice.

    Open for applicants from:
    Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada*, Egypt, France*, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Portugal*, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Uganda and the USA*. [*Note: in Canada, France, Portugal and the USA, applications are accepted from those who are originally from one of the above developing countries, are interested in development-related studies and who have no other means of financing their education.]

    Application period
    For academic year 2025-2026 the application period opens in January 2025. Interested students must contact the local office for application forms, deadline dates and application requirements, as these may vary by country. Visit the The Aga Khan Foundation website for all details.
    Apply as soon as possible for academic admission to KIT to have your acceptance letter when the Aga Khan application period opens.

  • MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP)

    The MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP) aims to build bridges through knowledge by offering opportunities for capacity building within organisations in the Middle East and North Africa.
    Update 27 September 2024:

    Eligible courses round 15 October 2024:• Feminist Edge, Professional Development programme for Gender Trainers
    Countries:Algeria • Egypt • Iran • Iraq • Jordan • Lebanon • Libya • Morocco • Syria • Oman • Tunisia • Sudan • Mauritania
    (Syria: Syrians can apply for a scholarship if they are living and working in one of the other countries listed above)
    More information:Details on the MENA MSP scholarship differ per country. Please visit the Nuffic website and click on your country to find all details per country. Here you will also find instructions on extra forms you have to prepare. We advise you to start up this process already as it may take some time.

    You have to apply for academic admission to KIT first, if you are admitted you will receive a link to a link to Delta, the online system, where you can apply.
    Attention: application deadline academic admission is 7 October 2024

    Nuffic website: MENA scholarship (MSP)
    Information en francais:Unfortunately there is no separate information on this scholarship in French.
    Application deadlines:Scholarship application period to be confirmed: deadline 15 October 2024
    Academic admission deadline 7 October 2024

  • Rabbani Foundation Scholarship

    This Scholarship is intended for students  from arab countries interested in pursuing their education in The Netherlands.

    KIT has received students with a Rabbani Scholarship. We strongly encourage health professionals from Arab countries to explore this option.

    Application period: 1 January – 31 March 2024

    For more information about eligible countries and application process, visit the Rabbani Foundation website.

    Applicants should have academic admission to the masters programme of their choice, so if you want to apply, please do so as soon as possible.

    This scholarship consists of 15.000 Euro (which is not enough to cover the entire studies at KIT.
    Should you not be able to cover the remaining part we encourage you to also apply to the partial scholarship from KIT Scholarship Fund. Please indicate in your application that you have also applied to the Rabbani Scholarship)

Netherlands and Suriname

  • Mullerfonds

    Gives scholarships to NL and Suriname students for study abroad or Master programs in the Netherlands. Visit website for more information.

  • Dr LA Buma Stichting

    Gives scholarships to NL students from Friesland. Visit website for more information.

  • Stichting Bekker-La Bastide

    Support to NL students who do not have financial means to study. Visit their website for more information.

  • Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds

    This foundation gives mainly grants on culture and nature preservation. In addition it also gives scholarships to students from the Netherlands to study (minimum 1 year) or do research (minimum 3 months) abroad. This is also the case for research on health related topics. For students (NL nationality) who want to study a Masters at KIT and follow advanced modules, or do research abroad, this could be an interesting option. Visit their website for more information.

  • Fundatie van Renswoude

    For NL and Suriname students. Visit website for more information.

Europe

  • Kosovo Scholarship

    The Young Cells Scheme is the EU Postgraduate Scholarship Programme for Kosovo, aiming to contribute to the creation of an effective, efficient and transparent public administration in Kosovo at all levels. The YCS aims to improve the professional capacity and expertise of civil servants in key sectors of the Kosovo public administration by offering the opportunity to Kosovan graduates to undertake postgraduate masters programme in EU Universities.

    For more information, visit their website.

Other scholarship databases and lists

  • Nuffic Grantfinder

    Nuffic Grantfinder helps international students find scholarships for study in the Netherlands. Nuffic is the Netherlands’ organization for international cooperation in higher education. It promotes Dutch educational institutions abroad and provides up-to-date information about Dutch higher education, including scholarship information. This new search engine is aimed at international students and research staff who are looking for sources of funding for their studies in the Netherlands.

  • International Education Financial Aid (IEFA)

    IEFA is a resource for financial aid, college scholarship and grant information for US and international students wishing to study abroad. View website

  • Scholarship Portal EU

    Find Scholarships to Finance Your Study at the Scholarship Portal.

  • Nuffic Beursopener

    For Dutch students looking for scholarships to study abroad. Can be of interest to Master students who take advanced modules or do research abroad. And look good because some foundations mentioned also give scholarships to study in the Netherlands. Visit Nuffic Beursopener