OpenFieldWageningen University Excellence Fellowship Programme (Full Tuition & Living Allowance)
Prestigious all-inclusive scholarship awarded to highly talented non-EEA students pursuing a full-time Master's degree at Wageningen University.
Wageningen University & Research (WUR)
Established in 1876 in the historic town of Wageningen, Wageningen University & Research (WUR) is universally celebrated as the world's premier institution for agricultural, biological, and environmental sciences. Consistently ranked #1 globally in Agriculture and Forestry by QS and #1 in Ecology by ShanghaiRanking, WUR forms the scientific nucleus of the 'Food Valley'—Europe's leading agritech and food innovation cluster. WUR doctoral candidates are employed as salaried staff members under Dutch university agreements with zero tuition fees. Explore verified academic courses, scholarship packages, and faculty leadership.
Verified degree programs and opportunities
Review checked academic pathways and funding options below:
WUR Salaried Doctoral Position (PhD) in Plant Breeding and Genome Editing
Four-year salaried doctoral research appointment at the Department of Plant Sciences investigating climate-resilient crop breeding, pathogen resistance genes, and targeted genome engineering.
WUR Master of Science (MSc) in Biotechnology
Two-year research-intensive Master's degree specializing in Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology, Bioprocess Engineering, and Marine Biotechnology.
WUR Master of Science (MSc) in Climate Studies
Two-year curriculum examining the physical-chemical climate system, greenhouse gas atmospheric monitoring, climate-smart agriculture, and global adaptation strategies.
WUR PhD in Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management
Four-year salaried doctoral research appointment investigating tipping points in freshwater ecosystems, lake restoration bio-manipulation, and microplastic transport.
WUR Wageningen Food & Biobased Research Summer Traineeship
Six-week research placement in the Food & Biobased Research institute developing plant-based protein texturization, precision fermentation, and bio-based barrier packaging.
WUR Senior Researcher in Circular Agrosystems & Nitrogen Governance
Full-time research position at the Plant Production Systems group designing circular agricultural frameworks to drastically reduce ammonia and nitrate losses across European farms.
Admissions, language requirements & application process
- Master's admission eligibility
- Recognized Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in an aligned discipline with high academic standing (Dutch grading equivalent 7.0/10 or international GPA 3.2+/4.0).
- Doctoral admission eligibility
- Recognized Master's degree (or equivalent 120 ECTS postgraduate degree) in an aligned discipline with demonstrable thesis research capability.
- Language proficiency
- Academic IELTS 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in speaking) or TOEFL iBT 90 (minimum 20 in speaking); higher for environmental policy (IELTS 7.0/TOEFL 100).
- Research statement / Proposal
- For doctoral candidates, an extensive 3 to 5-page research plan detailing theoretical context, research questions, experimental design, and prospective WUR faculty mentors.
- Application fee
- €100 handling fee for non-EU applicants with non-Dutch diplomas via Studielink (reimbursed upon registration).
- Required documentation
- Certified university transcripts, degree certificates, detailed curriculum vitae, letter of motivation, and two academic recommendation letters.
Tuition fees and verified scholarship systems
In the Netherlands, PhD candidates are not students but university employees ('promovendus') hired on salaried contracts governed by the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU). Doctoral salaries start at €2,770/month gross in year 1 and rise to €3,539/month gross in year 4, plus an 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus (zero tuition charged). For Master's programs, the Wageningen Africa & International Excellence Fellowships provide full tuition waivers and living stipends.
Verified faculty profiles and research leaders
Distinguished researchers and laboratory heads at Wageningen University & Research:
Dr. Marten Scheffer
Distinguished Professor of Aquatic Ecology & Spinoza Prize Laureate; specializing in Complex Systems, Tipping Points, Ecosystem Resilience.
Dr. Ton Bisseling
Professor of Molecular Biology & Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences Member; specializing in Symbiosis, Root Nodule Formation, Rhizobium.
Dr. Rik Leemans
Professor of Environmental Systems Analysis & IPCC Co-Author; specializing in Global Environmental Change, Ecosystem Services, Earth System Modeling.
Important verification note
Facts reflect official Wageningen University & Research documentation reviewed 2026-10-14. Degree admissions, scholarship awards, and employment positions are subject to formal university review. OpenField does not charge students application fees.
Reviewed 2026-10-14 · Editorial standards · Report an issue