Are you planning to pursue a master’s degree in the Netherlands but need financial support to make your study plans possible? The Erasmus Trustfonds Scholarship 2027–2028 at Erasmus University Rotterdam could be an opportunity worth considering.
Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) offers the Erasmus Trustfonds Scholarship to academically excellent prospective master’s students from European Economic Area (EEA) and non-EEA countries. For the 2027–2028 academic year, the university lists a maximum scholarship value of €17,500.
The scholarship is intended for eligible students starting their first year of a master’s programme and who can demonstrate that financial assistance would improve their opportunity to study at Erasmus School of Economics.
The university’s current scholarship page identifies three eligible master’s programmes: Accounting, Auditing and Control; Econometrics and Management Science; and Economics and Business.
Applications are scheduled to open on December 1, 2026, and close on January 31, 2027, at 23:59. Applicants should note that the university plans to update the scholarship’s amount and payment information in the third week of November 2026.
This guide explains the scholarship benefits, eligibility requirements, application process, required documents and important dates for prospective applicants.
Erasmus Trustfonds Scholarship 2027–2028 at a Glance
- Scholarship name: Erasmus Trustfonds Scholarship
- Academic year: 2027–2028
- Host institution: Erasmus University Rotterdam
- Participating school: Erasmus School of Economics
- Study level: Master’s degree
- Study mode: Full-time
- Eligible nationalities: EEA and non-EEA countries, subject to the programme requirements
- Maximum listed award: €17,500
- Eligible programmes: Accounting, Auditing and Control; Econometrics and Management Science; Economics and Business
- Application opening date: December 1, 2026
- Application deadline: January 31, 2027, at 23:59
- Expected notification date: By March 13, 2027
- Study destination: Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Official scholarship page: https://www.eur.nl/en/ese/education/master/fees-and-scholarships/scholarships-and-grants/erasmus-trustfonds-scholarship
Source: Erasmus School of Economics, Erasmus University Rotterdam. Applicants should consult the official page for any subsequent updates.
What Is the Erasmus Trustfonds Scholarship?
The Erasmus Trustfonds Scholarship is a financial support programme established through the Erasmus Trustfonds to support education and research associated with Erasmus University Rotterdam.
The scholarship helps academically strong students pursue master’s studies by reducing some of the financial barriers associated with studying at the university.
For the 2027–2028 academic year, the Erasmus School of Economics scholarship is intended for prospective first-year master’s students who meet the academic, admission and financial requirements.
Unlike a scholarship restricted exclusively to international students, the ESE programme considers eligible applicants from both EEA and non-EEA countries.
However, the scholarship is competitive. Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee an award because the number of applicants exceeds the number of scholarships available.
It is also important to understand that Erasmus University Rotterdam has other scholarships administered by different faculties.
Their eligibility requirements, eligible programmes and application deadlines may differ from those of the Erasmus School of Economics award discussed in this article.
Benefits of the Erasmus Trustfonds Scholarship 2027 – 2028
The university currently lists a maximum scholarship value of €17,500. Its published information describes the award as a combination of tuition-fee support, a living allowance, a personal allowance and, where applicable, an immigration-fee waiver.
The university has announced that it will update the amount and payment section in the third week of November 2026. Therefore, the following breakdown reflects the figures currently displayed on the official page and should be reconfirmed before applying.
1. Tuition Fee Support
The scholarship includes a tuition-fee waiver for eligible recipients.
The university’s currently published breakdown states that the scholarship covers the applicable statutory tuition fee. For non-EEA students paying the institutional fee, the university describes a contribution toward tuition costs, with the remaining amount covered by the school under the stated arrangement.
This can significantly reduce the cost of studying at Erasmus University Rotterdam.
Applicants should not assume that every tuition-related charge is automatically covered. The exact arrangement for 2027–2028 should be confirmed when the university updates the scholarship terms.
2. Monthly Living Allowance
The current scholarship page lists a living allowance of €1,200 per month, amounting to €14,400 over one academic year.
This allowance is intended to help recipients manage living expenses while studying in Rotterdam.
Depending on individual circumstances, students may need to budget for accommodation, food, transportation, insurance, study materials and other personal expenses.
Because living costs vary, prospective applicants should prepare a realistic financial plan rather than assume the allowance will cover every expense.
3. Personal Allowance
The currently published breakdown includes a one-time personal allowance of €249.
This additional support forms part of the scholarship package described by the university.
Applicants should check the updated terms to confirm the final allowance and payment arrangements for the 2027–2028 academic year.
4. Immigration Fee Waiver
The existing scholarship information also lists a waiver of the immigration handling fee, stated as €228 where applicable.
This benefit is relevant to applicants who must complete the applicable Dutch immigration procedure.
Students should still follow all immigration instructions provided by Erasmus University Rotterdam and should not assume that every visa, travel or residence-related expense is covered.
5. Support for International Students
The scholarship is open to eligible prospective master’s students from EEA and non-EEA countries.
This means international applicants, including eligible students from African and Asian countries, can consider applying if they satisfy the academic, admission and financial requirements.
Nationality alone does not determine eligibility. Applicants must also meet the requirements for the specific master’s programme and scholarship.
Eligible Master’s Programmes
For the 2027–2028 academic year, the Erasmus School of Economics lists the following master’s programmes as eligible for this scholarship.
1. Master Accounting, Auditing and Control
This programme is relevant to students interested in accounting, auditing, financial reporting, management control and related areas of business and finance.
It may appeal to graduates who want to strengthen their knowledge of accounting practices and pursue careers in financial management, auditing, consulting or related professional fields.
2. Master Econometrics and Management Science
This programme is suitable for students interested in quantitative methods, mathematical modelling, statistical analysis, optimisation and decision-making.
Students with a strong background in mathematics, statistics, economics or related quantitative disciplines may find this programme particularly relevant.
3. Master Economics and Business
This programme is intended for students seeking advanced knowledge in economics, business and related analytical fields.
It may be suitable for graduates who want to develop their understanding of economic systems, business decisions and the analytical methods used to examine markets and organisations.
Important: Admission requirements differ between programmes. Before applying for the scholarship, check the entry requirements, language requirements and application procedures for your chosen master’s degree.
Official programme and scholarship information is available at https://www.eur.nl/en/ese/education/master/fees-and-scholarships/scholarships-and-grants/erasmus-trustfonds-scholarship.
Eligibility Requirements for the Erasmus Trustfonds Scholarship 2027–2028
Applicants must meet the scholarship requirements established by Erasmus School of Economics.
1. You Must Be Applying for an Eligible Master’s Programme
You must be admitted to one of the three master’s programmes listed by the university:
- Accounting, Auditing and Control
- Econometrics and Management Science
- Economics and Business
Students applying to unrelated programmes should not assume that they qualify for this particular scholarship.
2. You Must Not Have Previously Enrolled in a Full Master’s Degree in the Netherlands
The university states that applicants must never have been enrolled previously as a full-degree master’s student at an educational institution in the Netherlands.
However, an exception allows students who have completed a pre-master’s programme at Erasmus School of Economics to pursue an eligible master’s programme there in 2027–2028.
Prospective applicants with previous Dutch study experience should carefully check how this rule applies to their circumstances.
3. You Must Meet the Academic Excellence Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate excellent academic results from their previous bachelor’s degree.
The current requirement is a minimum final average grade of 7.50 on a Dutch grading scale of 1–10.
If your university uses a different grading system, you should obtain official documentation showing your academic results and GPA. The scholarship page also requires a certified statement from your educational institution confirming your obtained GPA.
Do not assume that a particular percentage or GPA automatically equals 7.50 on the Dutch scale. Follow the university’s instructions for documenting your results.
4. You Must Complete Your Master’s Application
You must register for the eligible master’s programme through Studielink and submit the required documents through the Erasmus University application portal.
The university specifies that the complete programme application must be submitted before February 1, 2027, to be considered for the scholarship.
This includes an English-language certificate where applicable.
Although an admission offer is not required at the moment of scholarship application, only applicants who receive an admission offer will be considered for the award.
5. You Must Demonstrate Financial Need
Applicants must explain why receiving the scholarship would improve their opportunity to study at Erasmus School of Economics.
You will need to provide a detailed financial statement explaining your financial situation and how you intend to finance your studies if you receive the scholarship.
The university also requires a budget plan outlining your proposed sources of funding and expected study costs.
Your documents should present a clear and realistic picture of your financial circumstances.
6. You Must Meet the Enrolment Requirement
Successful recipients must eventually enrol in the eligible programme no later than September 1, 2027.
The scholarship is intended for students who actually begin the programme for which the award was granted.
Changing to a different programme after receiving the scholarship is not permitted under the published terms.
7. You Must Complete the Immigration Procedure Where Applicable
International students who need an immigration procedure must complete the university’s requirements.
The scholarship page states that the immigration procedure must be completed by July 10, 2027, and advises scholarship applicants to submit their immigration application by May 2027 at the latest.
The procedure includes submitting the required immigration documents and transferring the applicable tuition fee, living-cost deposit and Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) handling fee, as instructed by the university.
Applicants should start preparing early and follow the university’s individual instructions.
Required Documents for the Erasmus Trustfonds Scholarship
Preparing the required documents before the application period opens can help you avoid last-minute problems.
The current ESE scholarship page lists the following documents.
1. Motivation Letter
Your motivation letter should explain why you want to study at Erasmus School of Economics and why you deserve consideration for the scholarship.
It should demonstrate your academic strengths and explain how the award would make it more possible for you to pursue the chosen master’s programme.
The published requirements specify a maximum of two A4 pages, using Arial font, size 11.
Your letter should be specific to the programme and scholarship. Avoid submitting a generic statement that could apply to any university.
2. Financial Statement
The financial statement should describe your current financial circumstances and explain why you need scholarship assistance.
The university specifies a maximum of one A4 page, using Arial font, size 11.
Explain the financial challenges that affect your ability to study and how the scholarship would help address them.
Be factual, clear and consistent with the information in your budget plan.
3. Budget Plan
You must prepare a budget plan using the template supplied by the university.
The document should explain how you intend to finance your studies if awarded the scholarship.
Include relevant expenses and identify the funding sources you expect to use. Make sure your calculations are realistic and that the information matches your financial statement.
Use the university’s official template rather than creating an unrelated format.
4. Certified Academic Transcript
Applicants must submit a certified copy of their most recent academic transcript.
According to the university, the document must contain a physical stamp and signature from an authorised school official.
Screenshots from online student portals are not accepted.
If you graduated from a university outside the Netherlands, contact your institution early to arrange the required certified document.
5. Certified GPA Statement
You must also provide a certified statement from your educational institution confirming your obtained GPA.
The university provides a GPA statement template that applicants can use.
A statement from your home university may also be accepted if it contains the same information required by the university’s standard template.
Make sure your transcript and GPA statement are consistent and properly certified.
6. Complete Master’s Admission Documents
In addition to the scholarship-specific documents, you must complete the admissions application for your selected master’s programme.
This may include academic certificates, proof of English-language proficiency and other programme-specific documents.
Check the relevant programme’s admission page for its complete requirements.
How to Apply for the Erasmus Trustfonds Scholarship 2027–2028
Applications are scheduled to open on December 1, 2026. Follow these steps to prepare and submit your application.
Step 1: Visit the Official Scholarship Page
Start by visiting the Erasmus School of Economics scholarship website:
Read the eligibility requirements, award conditions, application dates and latest instructions.
Because the university plans to update the scholarship amount and payment details in November 2026, check the page again before submitting your application.
Step 2: Choose an Eligible Master’s Programme
Select one of the eligible programmes:
- Accounting, Auditing and Control
- Econometrics and Management Science
- Economics and Business
Review the entry requirements to ensure that your previous academic qualifications meet the programme’s standards.
Step 3: Register Through Studielink
Register for your chosen master’s programme through Studielink, the Dutch higher education application and enrolment system.
Ensure that you provide accurate personal and educational information.
Follow the university’s instructions for completing the associated application in the Erasmus University application portal.
Step 4: Complete the Master’s Application
Submit the required admission documents through the EUR Application Portal.
Check whether you need to provide an English-language certificate or other supporting documents.
The university states that the programme application must be complete before February 1, 2027, to qualify for scholarship consideration.
Do not wait until the final day to upload your documents.
Step 5: Prepare the Scholarship Documents
Prepare your motivation letter, financial statement, budget plan, certified transcript and certified GPA statement.
Check each document against the official instructions, including the required formatting and certification.
Ensure that your motivation letter clearly explains your academic achievements, your interest in the programme and your need for financial assistance.
Step 6: Submit Your Scholarship Application Through Osiris
Once you have gathered the required documents, submit the scholarship application online through the Osiris student system as instructed by Erasmus School of Economics.
The university provides a guide explaining how to apply for a scholarship in Osiris.
Follow the current application instructions carefully and make sure all required documents are included before submission.
Step 7: Monitor Your Email
The university states that applicants will be informed of the outcome by email by March 13, 2027.
Check your inbox and spam folder regularly after submitting your application.
If selected, follow the instructions in the nomination email and respond within any specified timeframe.
Step 8: Prepare for Enrolment and Immigration
If you receive the scholarship, complete all remaining admission and enrollment requirements.
International students who need immigration support should begin the relevant procedure early, following the university’s deadlines and payment instructions.
Recipients must enrol in the same programme for which the scholarship was awarded, no later than September 1, 2027.
Erasmus Trustfonds Scholarship 2027–2028 Deadline
The official Erasmus School of Economics page provides the following application schedule:
| Application stage | Date |
| Scholarship applications open | December 1, 2026 |
| Scholarship application deadline | January 31, 2027, at 23:59 |
| Complete master’s application deadline for scholarship consideration | Before February 1, 2027 |
| Expected scholarship decision notification | By March 13, 2027 |
| Recommended latest timing for immigration application | May 2027 |
| Immigration procedure deadline | July 10, 2027 |
| Latest enrolment date | September 1, 2027 |
Applications received after the scholarship deadline, or applications that are incomplete, will not be considered according to the published rules.
Applicants should also distinguish between the scholarship deadline and the admissions deadline for their chosen master’s programme. Check the specific programme page in case additional requirements or earlier deadlines apply.
Important Terms and Conditions
Before applying, prospective candidates should understand the conditions associated with the scholarship.
The scholarship is awarded for one academic year. It is not a guarantee of funding throughout the entire duration of the master’s degree.
Recipients can receive the scholarship only once. Students should plan their finances for any study period beyond the scholarship year.
You must enrol in the programme for which you receive the award. Changing programmes after the scholarship has been granted is not permitted under the published terms.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection. The number of applicants exceeds the number of available awards, making the scholarship competitive.
Multiple scholarship applications may be possible, but awards cannot be combined under the stated ESE terms. The university says only one type of scholarship will be awarded to an individual applicant.
The university may withdraw the award if its conditions are not followed. Successful applicants should read their nomination instructions and comply with all requirements.
Is the Erasmus Trustfonds Scholarship Fully Funded?
The Erasmus Trustfonds Scholarship is a substantial financial support opportunity, but applicants should be careful about describing it as fully funded.
The university currently lists a maximum award of €17,500, combining tuition-fee support and living-related benefits under the published arrangement.
However, the scholarship is awarded for one academic year, and the exact financial breakdown for 2027–2028 is scheduled for an update in November 2026.
Students should therefore calculate their expected tuition, accommodation, food, insurance, transport and other costs using the latest university information.
Do not assume that the award will cover every expense associated with studying in the Netherlands.
Can African Students Apply for the Erasmus Trustfonds Scholarship?
Eligible applicants from African countries can consider this scholarship because the ESE programme is open to qualifying students from both EEA and non-EEA countries.
However, applicants must satisfy the same academic, admission, financial and other applicable requirements.
For example, an applicant from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa or another African country should:
- Confirm eligibility for one of the three master’s programmes.
- Check the minimum academic performance requirement.
- Prepare certified academic records and GPA documentation.
- Explain their financial need clearly.
- Complete the university’s admission and scholarship application procedures.
- Review the immigration requirements that apply to their circumstances.
Admission to a master’s programme and selection for the scholarship are separate considerations. Applicants should not assume that admission automatically guarantees funding.
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