MastersFully Funded

Erasmus Excellence Scholarship for Urban Management and Development

The Erasmus Excellence Scholarship offers highly talented prospective students the opportunity to pursue an MSc in Urban Management and Development at the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS). This prestigious scholarship aims to attract students with exceptional academic backgrounds and a strong commitment to urban development.

Provider: Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS), Erasmus University Rotterdam
Host country: Netherlands
Region: Europe

Official source

Topics

Fully funded scholarships

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Erasmus Excellence Scholarship for Urban Management and Development is open to African students applying to study in Netherlands at the Masters level, with fully funded funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: Masters · applicants for Netherlands
Funding: Fully Funded
Study level: Masters
Deadline

Key eligibility criteria

Applicants must have an excellent academic record, demonstrate leadership potential, and be able to contribute to the diversity of the IHS program. Specific requirements include a Bachelor's degree, proof of English proficiency, and a motivation to study urban management and development.

What the fully funded award covers

Accommodation
Health insurance
Visa & residence costs

About the Erasmus Excellence Scholarship for Urban Management and Development (2026)

## Overview The Erasmus Excellence Scholarship, provided by the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS) at Erasmus University Rotterdam, is designed for highly talented international students wishing to pursue the Master of Science (MSc) in Urban Management and Development. This scholarship underscores IHS's commitment to fostering a new generation of urban professionals and leaders dedicated to addressing global urban challenges. The program aims to provide students with a deep understanding of urban development issues and equip them with the skills needed to create sustainable and inclusive cities. ## Benefits While the exact financial benefits can vary, the Erasmus Excellence Scholarship is generally a fully funded opportunity. This typically covers all or a significant portion of tuition fees, along with potential allowances for living expenses, health insurance, and visa costs. The scholarship aims to alleviate financial burdens, allowing recipients to focus entirely on their studies and research within the rigorous academic environment of IHS. ## Eligibility To be considered for the Erasmus Excellence Scholarship, applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic merit and a clear potential for future leadership in urban development. Key eligibility criteria usually include: * **Academic Excellence:** A strong academic background, evidenced by excellent grades in a relevant Bachelor's degree program. * **Leadership Potential:** Demonstrated leadership qualities and involvement in extracurricular activities or professional experiences related to urban development. * **English Language Proficiency:** Non-native English speakers must provide proof of proficiency, typically via IELTS or TOEFL scores, meeting the university's minimum requirements. * **Motivation:** A compelling motivation to study urban management and development at IHS, outlining how the program aligns with their career aspirations and how they intend to contribute to the field. * **Nationality:** The scholarship is primarily aimed at international students who are not nationals of the Netherlands. ## Required Documents Applicants for the Erasmus Excellence Scholarship, alongside their application for the MSc program, generally need to submit the following documents: * **Academic Transcripts and Certificates:** Official copies of all academic records and degree certificates. * **Curriculum Vitae (CV):** A detailed CV highlighting academic achievements, work experience, and any relevant volunteer activities. * **Motivation Letter:** A personal statement explaining why the applicant is interested in the Urban Management and Development program and how they meet the scholarship criteria. * **Letters of Recommendation:** Two academic or professional letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant's capabilities and potential. * **Proof of English Proficiency:** Valid IELTS or TOEFL score report. * **Copy of Passport:** A clear copy of the applicant's passport. ## How to Apply The application process for the Erasmus Excellence Scholarship is integrated with the application for the MSc in Urban Management and Development program at IHS. Prospective students typically need to: 1. **Submit an Online Application:** Complete the online application form for the MSc program through the Erasmus University Rotterdam admissions portal. 2. **Indicate Scholarship Interest:** Ensure to indicate interest in the Erasmus Excellence Scholarship within the application form or through a separate scholarship application section, if provided. 3. **Upload Required Documents:** Upload all necessary supporting documents as specified in the "Required Documents" section. 4. **Adhere to Deadlines:** Submit both the program and scholarship applications within the stipulated deadlines. It is crucial to carefully review the specific instructions on the IHS website for the most accurate and up-to-date application procedures. ## Key Dates Unfortunately, the specific deadline for the Erasmus Excellence Scholarship for the upcoming academic year is not available on the provided page. Applicants are strongly advised to regularly check the official IHS website for updates regarding scholarship opening and closing dates. Typically, scholarship application deadlines coincide with or precede the program application deadlines. ## Selection Criteria Candidates for the Erasmus Excellence Scholarship are selected based on a holistic review of their application, with particular emphasis on: * **Academic Merit:** The strength of the applicant's academic record. * **Motivation and Vision:** The clarity and compelling nature of their motivation letter, demonstrating a genuine interest in urban development and how the program aligns with their future goals. * **Leadership Potential:** Evidence of leadership skills and relevant professional or extracurricular experience. * **Contribution to Diversity:** The potential to contribute to the diverse learning environment at IHS. * **Overall Fit:** The alignment of the applicant's profile with the mission and values of IHS and the Erasmus University Rotterdam. ## Tips * **Start Early:** Begin preparing your application well in advance of the deadline, especially gathering recommendation letters and preparing for English proficiency tests. * **Tailor Your Application:** Customize your motivation letter to specifically address why you are interested in the IHS Urban Management and Development program and how you meet the excellence scholarship criteria. * **Highlight Achievements:** Clearly articulate your academic achievements, leadership experiences, and any relevant work or volunteer experience. * **Proofread Thoroughly:** Ensure all application materials are free from errors and professionally presented. * **Check Official Website Regularly:** Scholarship details and deadlines can change, so always refer to the official IHS website for the most current information. ## Official Source For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the Erasmus Excellence Scholarship and the MSc in Urban Management and Development program, please refer to the official website of the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS) at Erasmus University Rotterdam: [https://www.ihs.nl/en/education/master-urban-management-and-development/scholarships](https://www.ihs.nl/en/education/master-urban-management-and-development/scholarships)

What the Fully Funded Erasmus Excellence Scholarship for Urban Management and Development covers

The award components below were extracted from the sponsor's published description. Always cross-check the exact figures, ceiling amounts and conditions on the official site before you budget around them.

Accommodation
Health insurance
Visa & residence costs

Erasmus Excellence Scholarship for Urban Management and Development eligibility for Netherlands applicants

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Applicants must have an excellent academic record, demonstrate leadership potential, and be able to contribute to the diversity of the IHS program. Specific requirements include a Bachelor's degree, proof of English proficiency, and a motivation to study urban management and development.

Documents required for the Erasmus Excellence Scholarship for Urban Management and Development application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Research proposal or statement of purpose (500–2,000 words for PhD)
Published or unpublished writing sample (PhD and research-led Masters)
Financial-need declaration or family-income statement (sponsor-specific template)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the Erasmus Excellence Scholarship for Urban Management and Development 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open https://www.ihs.nl/en/education/master-urban-management-and-development/scholarships and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "Applicants must have an excellent academic record, demonstrate leadership potential, and be able to contribute to the diversity of the IHS program. Specific requirements include a Bachelor's degree, proof of English prof…". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Apply to the host university or programme first where required, and obtain a conditional admission letter. A growing number of sponsors only fund applicants who already hold an offer.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a 500–1,000-word personal statement and any additional essays the sponsor specifies. Anchor each essay in concrete examples and tie your goals back to the sponsor's mission.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://www.ihs.nl/en/education/master-urban-management-and-development/scholarships, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit at least one week before the deadline
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS), Erasmus University Rotterdam will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

Erasmus Excellence Scholarship for Urban Management and Development deadline & application timeline

The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.

12 months out
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

Visit official site

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Erasmus Excellence Scholarship for Urban Management and Development?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Masters level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS), Erasmus University Rotterdam, and be able to relocate to Netherlands for the duration of the programme.

Is the Erasmus Excellence Scholarship for Urban Management and Development fully funded?+

Funding model: Fully Funded. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is . Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

Guides for this scholarship

Next steps & guides

Pick the guide that matches where you are right now.

Explore related programmes

Long-form sponsor guides, country pages and category pages connected to this scholarship.

Browse by category & country

Related hubs

Open the broader hub pages for every country, destination and field this scholarship touches.

By destination

Study in Netherlands