Tilburg Uni sharpens criteria for scholarship

The name Tilburg University Scholarship Program (TUSP) changes to Tilburg University Scholarship for Academic Excellence. This was announced by rector Philip Eijlander in his welcome speech to the international students that received a Tilburg scholarship this academic year.

Not only the scholarship’s name has changed, but also the criteria to be considered for it. Until now, excellent international students who were admitted to a master’s program at Tilburg University were automatically considered for the scholarship.

As from next academic year, this is no longer the case. International students have to put more effort in their application. Only students with an average grade equivalent to a Dutch 8 or higher can be granted the Tilburg University scholarship. The application also has to include a scholarship motivation letter.

The new motivation criteria were clearly present with this year’s students. Almost all of them expect to graduate within one year. This became clear from question game ‘Cross the line’ that the organizers of the welcome meeting came up with, a short ice-breaking game to help the new students to get to know each other.

“It is really nice to meet the new students”, says Derya Demircay (24, research master language and communication) from Turkey, who received the scholarship for her first and second year. But she would like to make a critical remark. “How can it be that I can not continue Dutch for international students? There is no level 2 course this year. It is cancelled. Suddenly I am asked to pay 1000 euros for an intensive language course instead. I am not pleased with that.”