Ladoscholar: TU Delft is one of Europe’s best technical universities, and the Netherlands isn’t cheap for non-EU students. The van Effen scholarship is built to fix that.
It’s financed by the legacy of Justus and Louise van Effen. Mr. van Effen studied at TU Delft in the 1940s and believed technological developments would help solve societal issues. The scholarship exists to support excellent international MSc students who want to study at TU Delft.
The scholarship is substantial, it cover tuition and a contribute to living costs. Only two scholarships are available per faculty, which means only the strongest applications win.
Eligibility
- Admission: You’re an excellent international applicant admitted to a 2-year regular TU Delft MSc programme, not an International Joint Education Programme.
- Academic level: As an indication, you’re among the top 10% of graduates in your previous programme, though proof of ranking isn’t required. Think of it as a signal of how competitive this is.
- New students only: You can’t be a TU Delft bachelor’s student, and you can’t have already started your MSc at TU Delft.
- Complete MSc application: You must submit a complete MSc application before the scholarship deadline.
How to Apply
The scholarship application runs inside your MSc application. There’s no separate application, so everything must be ready at once.
1. Choose a 2-year regular MSc programme. Check that it’s not an international joint programme.
2. Start your MSc application early. Your scholarship is considered only if your admission application is complete.
3. Complete the scholarship application form. Upload the Scholarship Application Form together with the MSc application.
4. Request your two reference letters. Reference letters won’t be accepted after the scholarship deadline. You can upload them combined in one PDF, or request them from referees through the system.
5. Upload your English language certificate. Include the test result before the scholarship deadline.
6. Submit everything at once. After submission, no additional documents can be uploaded.
How to stand out:
- Show excellence beyond grades: research, projects, leadership or real-world impact.
- Choose referees who know your work well and can give specific examples.
- Explain why this specific programme and TU Delft fit your goals.
- Link your ambitions to real technical or societal problems. That matches the spirit behind the scholarship.
Key Dates
- 1 December 2026, 23:59 CET: Deadline for the 2027 intake.
- End of March 2027: TU Delft informs successful applicants by email.
- September 2027: Studies begin.
Documents Needed
TU Delft lists the scholarship application form, two reference letters and your English language certificate. You’ll also submit the documents for your MSc admission:
- Scholarship Application Form
- Two reference letters
- English language certificate
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts
- CV
- Motivation letter, if your application requires it
- Passport or ID
- Any programme-specific documents
Tip: Programme requirements differ, so check yours early.
Sample Motivation Statement
Use this for structure, not wording. It’s specific, evidence-based and tied to the programme.
“In my final year of civil engineering, I led a team that designed a flood-resilient drainage system for a neighbourhood that floods every rainy season. Our prototype reduced water-logging in simulation by 45%, and the local council has since asked to pilot it.
That project showed me that engineering solutions need both strong modelling and an understanding of how cities actually work. TU Delft’s MSc in Hydraulic Engineering is the ideal place to develop both, particularly through its work on water management and climate adaptation, which closely matches my interests.
After graduating, I plan to work on resilient infrastructure in my home region, using what I learn in Delft to design systems that serve communities long-term. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to focus fully on my studies and make the most of the research opportunities available.”
To get full understanding of how to write a good motivational letter, check this blog post: How To Write A Winning Scholarship Essay 2026
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing the deadline. Late reference letters or incomplete files aren’t accepted.
- Forgetting your English test. The certificate must be uploaded before the scholarship deadline.
- Choosing an ineligible programme. Joint programmes and non-regular programmes don’t qualify.
- Weak or generic references. A vague letter from a famous name is less useful than a detailed one from someone who knows you.
- Writing a generic motivation statement. Name the programme, courses or research groups that fit you.
Application Link
- Official TU Delft scholarship page:
- Scholarship Application Forms: Submit the form along with your master’s application
Who This Is Best For: Top-performing international graduates who want a two-year MSc at TU Delft and have the grades, references and motivation to compete for one of its flagship scholarships. Not for students who have already started at TU Delft, or for people who’ve only just started thinking about applying and need a lot of preparation time.
