1. Introduction
Are you an African student hoping to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in Europe? The Wageningen University Africa Scholarship Programme 2027 offers talented African students an opportunity to study at Wageningen University & Research (WUR) in the Netherlands.
The programme aims to strengthen capacity across Africa by supporting outstanding students who can use their education and expertise to contribute to development in their home countries.
However, the opportunity is competitive. You must first apply for an eligible master’s programme, satisfy the university’s admission requirements and meet the scholarship criteria.
For the 2027–2028 academic year, your complete master’s application must be submitted before 1 December 2026.
This guide explains the funding benefits, eligibility requirements, deadline, application procedure and practical steps African applicants can take to prepare.
2. Scholarship overview
| Scholarship detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship name | Africa Scholarship Programme (ASP) |
| Funding institution | Wageningen University & Research |
| Host country | Netherlands |
| Study level | Master’s degree |
| Target applicants | Citizens of African countries |
| Programme start | September 2027 |
| Funding duration | Up to 24 months |
| Funding type | Fully funded for selected recipients |
| Application route | Master’s admission followed by invitation-based scholarship selection |
| Application deadline | 1 December 2026 |
About Wageningen University & Research
Wageningen University & Research is a Dutch university and research institution recognised for its work in life sciences, agriculture, food, environmental studies and sustainable development.
Its master’s programmes cover subjects connected to global challenges such as food security, sustainable agricultural production, environmental protection and the responsible use of natural resources.
For African students interested in developing expertise in these areas, studying at Wageningen may provide valuable academic and professional opportunities.
Here is a video tour of the Wageningen campus facilities
3. What does the scholarship cover?
The Wageningen University Africa Scholarship Programme provides comprehensive financial support to selected students. The published benefits include the following.
Tuition fees
The scholarship covers tuition fees for the duration of the eligible master’s programme, up to 24 months.
This removes the tuition-fee burden for recipients and allows them to focus on their studies.
Living allowance
Recipients receive a living allowance for up to 24 months.
This support contributes towards everyday expenses while studying in the Netherlands. The exact allowance amount is not specified on the main scholarship information page, so applicants should consult WUR for further details.
Travel expenses
The programme covers travel to and from the Netherlands, helping selected students manage the cost of travelling to their study destination and returning home.
Visa costs
Visa costs associated with the programme are included in the published scholarship benefits.
Applicants must still follow the university’s instructions and the applicable Dutch immigration procedures.
Health insurance
The scholarship also covers health insurance costs for selected recipients.
4. Eligibility requirements
The Africa Scholarship Programme is intended for talented African students who meet the university’s academic and admission requirements.
Before applying, check that you satisfy the following conditions.
1. Be a citizen of an African country
You must hold citizenship in an African country.
This makes the programme relevant to eligible applicants from countries such as Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and other African nations.
2. Have an excellent academic record
Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of at least 80% or an equivalent First Class Honours result.
If your university uses a different grading system, you will need to contact WUR to ascertain how your qualifications will be assessed. Do not assume that an informal grade conversion will satisfy the requirement.
3. Apply for an eligible master’s programme
You must apply for a master’s programme at Wageningen University & Research that is eligible for the September 2027 intake.
The list of eligible masters courses can be found in section 11 below.
4. Obtain unconditional admission
You must receive unconditional admission to an eligible master’s programme at WUR (see section 11 below for a list of eligible programmes).
This means satisfying the university’s admission requirements rather than relying on an incomplete application or an offer with outstanding conditions.
5. Submit a complete application before the deadline
Your complete master’s application must be submitted before 1 December 2026.
This includes meeting the relevant English-language requirements, providing the required supporting documents and uploading your completed bachelor’s degree diploma.
Official English-language test results must be available in time to be included in your complete application.
6. Have completed your bachelor’s degree
You must have completed your bachelor’s degree before 1 December 2026 and uploaded your bachelor’s diploma as part of your application.
Students who have not yet completed their undergraduate degree should carefully review this requirement before proceeding.
7. Preference for applicants without a previous master’s degree
WUR gives preference to applicants who have not already obtained a master’s degree.
This is a selection preference, not a substitute for the other eligibility requirements. Applicants who already hold a master’s degree should consider this when assessing their prospects.
Important: Meeting the requirements does not guarantee a scholarship. Eligible applicants may be invited to the final selection stage, where the university’s selection procedure determines the recipients.
5. Application deadline and study intake
The scholarship is intended for students beginning an eligible master’s programme in September 2027.
| Important date | Details |
|---|---|
| Complete master’s application deadline | Before 1 December 2026 |
| Expected final selection invitations | March–April 2027 |
| Planned scholarship offers | 7 April 2027 |
| Programme commencement | September 2027 |
According to WUR’s published information, some eligible applicants are expected to receive invitations to the final selection stage around March–April 2027.
The university plans to offer the scholarship to selected students on 7 April 2027.
6. Required documents
The documents required depend on your chosen master’s programme and academic background. However, you should prepare the following where applicable:
- Bachelor’s degree certificate or diploma: Evidence that you have completed your undergraduate studies.
- Academic transcripts: Records of your courses, grades and academic performance.
- English-language test results: Official results meeting the requirements of your chosen programme.
- Additional supporting documents: Any documents requested by your master’s programme or the application portal.
- Identification documents: Passport or other identification information, if requested during the application process.
Pay particular attention to the bachelor’s diploma and English-language requirements. WUR requires these to be satisfied by the scholarship application deadline.
Submitting an initial application form alone is not enough if the required documents are missing.
7. How to apply for the Wageningen University Africa Scholarship Programme
The Africa Scholarship Programme does not begin with a separate, open scholarship application. You must first apply for a master’s programme and meet the requirements for possible invitation to the scholarship selection process.
Follow these steps.
Step 1: Choose a suitable master’s programme
Visit Wageningen University & Research’s official website and explore its master’s programmes.
Select a course that matches your previous education, academic interests and career plans.
Check the course content, entry requirements and September 2027 start date.
Step 2: Check your eligibility
Confirm that you are an African citizen, have the required academic record and can meet the admission and English-language requirements.
If you are uncertain whether your qualifications meet the required standard, seek clarification from WUR before submitting your application.
Step 3: Prepare your documents
Gather your bachelor’s diploma, academic transcripts, English-language test results and any additional documents required for your selected programme.
Begin early because obtaining official documents and test results may take several weeks.
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Step 4: Submit your master’s application
Follow WUR’s official application instructions and submit your complete application before 1 December 2026.
Check that all required documents have been uploaded and that your bachelor’s diploma and English-language results are available by the deadline.
Step 5: Obtain unconditional admission
You must receive unconditional admission to the eligible master’s programme.
Remember that admission to the university does not automatically mean that you have been awarded the scholarship.
Step 6: Wait for the scholarship selection process
The WUR Scholarship Selection Committee coordinates the selection process.
If you meet the requirements, you may receive an invitation to the final stage around March–April 2027.
Step 7: Monitor your email
Check your email regularly for official communications from the university.
If you receive an invitation, follow the instructions carefully. If you receive a scholarship offer, review its terms before making travel or financial arrangements.
8. Watch Interviews from Past Scholarship Recipients
Learning from previous scholarship recipients can help prospective applicants understand what it takes to secure the scholarship and how a Wageningen education can translate into academic, professional and community contributions. The following profiles combine interviews with examples of the individuals’ work and achievements.
1. Joshua Akinola– Biotechnology, Scholarship Advice and Student Mentorship
Joshua, from Lagos, Nigeria, shares his experience and advice on how to win the scholarship. Having pursued a master’s degree in Biotechnology, he offers prospective applicants insights that can help them prepare for the application and selection process.
Watch the interview: Joshua – How to Win the Wageningen Africa Scholarship Programme
Research and professional contributions
Joshua’s journey extends beyond securing postgraduate funding for himself. In an account published by Qayers Group, he describes receiving support with scholarship essays and interviews and subsequently becoming involved in helping other prospective graduate students.
His experience highlights the importance of mentorship, sharing knowledge and supporting other students pursuing international education.
Read more: My Path to Wageningen University – Joshua Akinola.
2. Waheed Iyanda – Bioinformatics Research and Data Analysis
Waheed Iyanda, also from Nigeria shares his experience studying Bioinformatics at Wageningen University & Research. His story provides insights into his academic journey, international student experience and exposure to advanced research in bioinformatics.
Watch the interview: Waheed Iyanda – Studying Bioinformatics at Wageningen
Research and professional contributions
Waheed has shared bioinformatics-related analytical projects through his RPubs profile. His work includes projects involving 16S rRNA sequencing, gut microbiota analysis and spatial gene expression.
Explore his work: Waheed Iyanda – Research and Data Analysis Projects.
3. Omobolanle Blessing Kalenikanse – Animal Science and Sustainable Livestock Production
Watch the interview: Omobolanle Blessing Kalenikanse – Her Academic Journey at Wageningen
Omobolanle Blessing Kalenikanse is a recent Wageningen graduate with an MSc in Animal Science. She previously obtained a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria. In this interview, she shares insights into her academic journey and experience studying in the Netherlands.
Research and professional contributions
Omobolanle has continued her academic journey beyond her master’s degree. She is a PhD researcher at Teagasc in Ireland, where her research focuses on developing sustainable nutritional strategies to reduce methane emissions from beef cattle.
She has also contributed to academic research examining the genetic diversity of Andropogon species, an area relevant to plant selection and improvement.
Explore her contributions:
- Research profile and current projects – Teagasc
- Research publication – Genetic Diversity of Andropogon Species
9. Practical guidance for African applicants
If you are considering the Wageningen University Africa Scholarship Programme, these practical steps can help you prepare a stronger and more complete application.
Start immediately
The deadline is 1 December 2026, and the complete master’s application must be submitted before that date.
Begin gathering your academic documents and reviewing admission requirements now. Allow enough time for official transcripts, language tests and admission processing.
Check your academic qualifications carefully
The published requirement is a GPA of at least 80% or an equivalent First Class Honours degree.
If your university uses another grading system, contact WUR for clarification. Do not rely on an informal conversion from another website.
Plan your English-language test
Review the English-language requirements for your chosen master’s programme.
If you need to take a test, arrange it early enough for the official results to be available before the deadline. A future test appointment does not replace the requirement to provide the necessary results on time.
Choose your programme carefully
Select a master’s programme that fits your previous education and future ambitions.
Review the course content, admission requirements and available specialisations before applying. A suitable programme will help you make an informed decision regardless of the scholarship outcome.
Understand the funding conditions
Although the scholarship covers tuition, a living allowance, travel, visa costs and health insurance, confirm the exact funding arrangements with WUR.
Ask about any expenses that may fall outside the award conditions. Avoid making non-refundable travel or accommodation commitments before receiving and reviewing your scholarship offer.
Beware of scholarship scams
Use official university links when applying or checking your application status.
Be cautious of anyone promising guaranteed selection in exchange for payment. The Africa Scholarship Programme uses an invitation-based selection process, and no outside agent can guarantee that you will receive an award.
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11. Official sources and last verified date
The following official resources can help you confirm the requirements and prepare your application.
- Main scholarship information: Wageningen University & Research — Master’s Scholarships
- Master’s programmes : Wageningen University & Research — Master’s Education
Last verified: 28 October 2026.
Scholarship details, admission requirements and deadlines may change. Always check the official WUR website before submitting your application.
Conclusion
The Wageningen University Africa Scholarship Programme 2027–2028 offers eligible African students the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in the Netherlands with substantial financial support.
If you meet the academic and admission requirements, begin preparing your application immediately. Your complete master’s application must be submitted before 1 December 2026.
Remember that meeting the requirements does not guarantee selection. Follow the official application instructions, monitor your email and rely on Wageningen University & Research for the latest information.