The Anne van den Ban Fund (ABF) scholarship at Wageningen University & Research (WUR) in the Netherlands supports talented students from low-income and developing countries in pursuing a Master’s degree at WUR. The fund aims to empower graduates to contribute to societal development in their home countries after completing their studies.
About the Anne van den Ban Fund
The Anne van den Ban Fund serves as the largest named scholarship fund within the University Fund Wageningen. It offers partial or full scholarships to promising students from low-income countries, helping them cover tuition and other study-related costs. WUR coordinates these scholarships closely with the WU Fellowship Programme. The selection occurs by invitation only—applicants cannot submit a separate scholarship application.
Why Choose The Anne van den Ban Fund?
The ABF suits students from developing countries who want a high-quality education in a globally recognized research environment. Key benefits include:
- Full or partial financial support for a two-year Master’s degree at a top research university.
- Opportunity to join Wageningen’s international academic community focused on sustainability, agriculture, environment, and life sciences.
- Encouragement to apply acquired skills to solve real-world challenges in your home country after graduation.
Anne van den Ban Fund Summary
- Host Country: The Netherlands
- Host Institution: Wageningen University & Research (WUR)
- Scholarship Name: Anne van den Ban Fund (ABF)
- Study Level: Master’s (Postgraduate)
- Programme: Eligible MSc programmes at WUR
- Coverage: Full or partial scholarship (tuition + financial support depending on award)
- Application Deadline: MSc application by 1 February 2026 (automatic consideration)
- Programme Start: September 2026
- Eligible Applicants: Students from low-income and developing countries with unconditional admission to a WUR Master’s programme
Scholarship Benefits
- Full or partial funding toward a Master’s study at WUR.
- Integration with the WU Fellowship Programme for enhanced academic and professional development.
- Encouragement to return home and contribute to development after graduation.
- Recognition from a long-standing named fund focused on societal impact.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Come from a low-income or developing country.
- Have unconditional admission to a WUR Master’s programme for September 2026.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance and motivation to apply knowledge at home after graduation.
- Be a prospective student; current WUR students cannot receive an ABF scholarship.
Note: WUR automatically considers eligible applicants for the ABF once they apply and are admitted.
Required Documents
To be considered, applicants must prepare:
- Completed MSc programme application via WUR’s admission portal.
- Academic transcripts and a degree certificate.
- Proof of identity and nationality from a low-income country.
- CV/Resume and motivation letter.
- English language proficiency documentation (if required).
- Any programme-specific documents requested by WUR.
The scholarship selection committee reviews your MSc application file and may request additional documents from you.
Application Process & Timeline
- Choose a Master’s programme at Wageningen University & Research.
- Prepare your application materials (transcripts, CV, statements).
- Submit your MSc application by 1 February 2026 to trigger scholarship consideration.
- After unconditional admission, WUR automatically evaluates your eligibility for the ABF.
- WUR typically communicates scholarship decisions in the spring; selected candidates receive award notifications.
- Accept the scholarship and admission offer; prepare for study in the Netherlands, including securing a visa, arranging housing, and making travel arrangements.
