Faculty of Geo-information Science and Earth Observation (ITC)

UAF: Foundation for Refugee Students

The Foundation for Refugee Students UAF provides financial and other support to refugees and asylum seekers who plan to study in the Netherlands.

The Foundation for Refugee Students UAF provides financial and other support to refugees and asylum seekers who plan to study in the Netherlands. Students must be recognized refugees within the Netherlands. Anyone who can use their knowledge can make a meaningful contribution to Dutch society.

More information is available on the UAF site.

Scholarship value

The UAF does not grant scholarships. The UAF supports its clients in the preparation for and during their studies at Dutch educational institutions. The support usually consists of advisory, intermediary and counselling services; under certain circumstances the UAF also provides financial support for study costs such as tuition fees, books and travel expenses.

Bachelor's programmes
Advanced Technology

Interested in science and technology, but rather not focus on one field? This Bachelor’s combines electrical engineering, mathematics, mechanical engineering, nanotechnology, robotics and more.

Applied Mathematics

Build a strong foundation in mathematics and learn how to apply it to complex societal challenges in areas such as AI, healthcare, logistics, technology, and climate change.

Applied Physics

Understand fundamental laws of physics and apply them to innovations such as chips, quantum technology and sustainable solutions.

Biomedical Technology

Learn to design, develop and improve innovative healthcare technologies such as rehabilitation robots, artificial organs, prostheses and imaging technologies in this Dutch-taught Bachelor’s.

Business Information Technology

Develop expertise in both business and IT to design intelligent systems and drive sustainable innovation in our digital society.

Chemical Science & Engineering

Use chemistry to understand, design and develop new sustainable processes, materials and solutions.

Civil Engineering

Roads, buildings, dikes, bridges: in this Bachelor’s, you learn how to combine technical and non-technical knowledge to design, construct and manage large projects in construction & infrastructure.

Communication Science

Communication is everywhere. In this Bachelor’s, you'll explore the interactions between people, organisations, media and technology to develop effective communication strategies for a better future.

Creative Technology

Explore technology, design and AI to develop smart solutions for societal challenges. Think of flood prevention systems or social robots. Study in either Enschede or Amsterdam.

Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineering lies at the foundation of most technology. In this Bachelor’s, you dive into digital computing, wireless communication, and electronic sensors and systems to design the future.

Health Sciences

Do you want to organise healthcare? In this Dutch-taught Bachelor’s, you will learn all about policy, management and the application of technology for sustainable and futureproof healthcare.

Industrial Design Engineering

Combine your creativity with technology to design and improve products, services and systems that make a real difference.

Industrial Engineering & Management

Are you analytical and interested in maths and business processes? In this Bachelor’s, you'll combine technical know-how, engineering, and management skills to improve business processes.

International Business Administration

Do you want to understand and improve businesses in the global market? In this Bachelor’s, you dive into business strategy, marketing, finance, and management to tackle business challenges.

Mechanical Engineering

From rollercoasters to a robotic hand: in this Bachelor’s, available in Enschede and Amsterdam, you learn to invent, design and improve all kinds of appliances, machines, constructions and processes.

Psychology

Why do people think, feel and behave the way they do? This programme prepares you for a career as a future-focused psychologist who understands the human mind in a world shaped by technology.

Public Administration

This programme teaches you how to apply your knowledge of policy making, legislation, and societal developments to major challenges such as polarisation, immigration, safety, and sustainability.

Technical Computer Science

From programming and databases to networks and systems: use your fascination and talent for computers and technology to impact society and businesses.

Technical Medicine

Do you want to become the doctor of the future? In this Dutch-taught Bachelor’s, you learn to combine medicine and technology to work on diagnostics and treatment methods, and to improve them.

Testopleiding
Master's programmes
Applied Mathematics

Deepen your mathematical knowledge to solve problems in various sectors. This Master’s helps you discover and predict patterns through mathematical models in data science, AI and operations research.

Applied Physics

Deepen your understanding of physics to find technical solutions in areas such as the semiconductor industry, sustainable energy, healthcare, high-tech systems, defense or research and development.

Biomedical Engineering

Technological advances are at the heart of innovation in healthcare. In this Master's, you'll learn to develop medical innovations that contribute to better care, from organ-on-a-chip to exoskeleton.

Business Administration

In today’s evolving world it makes no sense to do business as usual. This Master’s turns you into an innovative, entrepreneurial business leader who prepares businesses for the challenges of tomorrow.

Business Information Technology

Become an expert in IT-based business innovation: learn to use AI and other emerging technologies to design secure intelligent systems and radically improve the way businesses work.

Chemical Science & Engineering

Develop new chemical processes, materials and molecules and contribute to innovations that benefit our society in areas such as health, water, food, environment, and sustainability.

Civil Engineering & Management

Do you want to work on future-proof solutions in the construction, water and/or transport sector? Learn to manage civil engineering projects with an eye for both technical and non-technical aspects.

Communication Science

Are you interested in human behaviour, social change and communication? In this Master's, you will learn to develop communication strategies for brands, governments and other organisations.

Computer Science

Become an expert computer scientist and learn to solve the biggest challenges of our digital society by designing and developing more secure, sustainable and efficient ICT systems.

Construction Management & Engineering

Become an expert in managing large-scale, complex construction projects in an increasingly digitised industry, using an innovative, integral approach.

Educational Science & Technology

Do you want to promote learning and development in organisations and education? As an educational scientist, you will design, improve, and research learning pathways for people of all ages.

Electrical Engineering

Design smart and sustainable electronics and advanced chips for applications such as biomedical technology, autonomous vehicles, computer vision, nanotechnology and the energy transition.

Embedded Systems

Become an expert in designing the software and hardware of complex embedded systems in vehicles, pacemakers and chipsets, amongst others.

Environmental & Energy Management

The one-year, English-taught Master's in Environmental & Energy Management will equip you to lead, manage and govern socio-technological change processes related to energy, water and the environment.

European Studies

Managing Europe is a complex challenge. This Master’s gives you the expertise to operate in this fascinating environment where various levels of government come together.

Health Sciences

Do you want to contribute to the future of healthcare? In this Master’s, you’ll learn how to use policy, management, and technology to create accessible, affordable, and sustainable care.

Industrial Design Engineering

Do you want to design innovative products that improve daily life and address today’s challenges? In this Master’s, you combine design and engineering to enhance both products and product development.

Industrial Engineering & Management

Combine technical expertise with management skills to analyse, improve, and future-proof complex business processes in (international) organisations.

Interaction Technology

Delve into the field of human-computer interaction and design and develop intelligent and interactive technologies that are meaningful to people and society.

Mechanical Engineering

Become an expert mechanical engineer who focuses on the futureproof design, analysis and maintenance of machinery, structures, products and production processes.

Nanotechnology

Tackle big challenges on the tiniest scale: become an expert in nanotechnology and develop smart, innovative solutions for major societal issues in healthcare, ICT and sustainability.

Philosophy of Science, Technology & Society

How does technology shape our lives and the world we live in? Learn to understand the role of modern technology in our society from a philosophical perspective.

Psychology

Understanding our world starts with understanding people. Learn how to influence human behaviour, from promoting mental health to preventing criminal behaviour.

Public Administration

Do you want to understand the role of governments in themes like climate, healthcare, security, and sustainability? Learn to address today’s key political, societal, and technological challenges.

Science Education

Share your knowledge of science subjects in school! This Dutch-taught teacher education programme will equip you to become a teacher in secondary (Dutch) education.

Spatial Systems & Society

Natural disasters, poverty, food shortages, epidemics, and climate change: learn to tackle society’s complex challenges through urban planning, socio-economic insights and spatial data.

Sustainable Energy Technology

Work towards the energy transition! In this Master's, you will learn to conceive, develop and apply sustainable energy solutions for a future without fossil fuels.

Technical Medicine

This Dutch-taught Master's equips you to use AI, medical imaging and smart sensors to improve diagnoses, personalise treatments and safely apply technology in clinical practice.

Water Technology

Water scarcity, pollution and waste are pressing global challenges. In this Master’s, you will learn to develop sustainable solutions using microbiology, chemistry and engineering.

Application requirements

To qualify for this support, applicants must fulfill the following requirements:

  • You have a Dutch residence permit because you applied for ayslum
  • Your received your residence permit less than five years ago (date of decision),
  • Or you have applied for asylum in the Netherlands and an asylum procedure is ongoing
  • Your preparatory training is sufficient to study in higher education: University or University of Applied Sciences (hbo/hogeschool). You must provide a certificate of enrolment and a certificate of admission to a programme. The UAF can also help you when you want to study at MBO level 3 and 4.
  • You speak English or Dutch at an intermediate or high level, or you are following a Dutch language course (level B1)
  • You attended school in your country of origin. Your level of education is comparable to the Dutch Havo 5 level or 12 years or preliminary education, or you have completed prior education in your country of origin comparable to the Dutch Havo 5 level or 12 years of previous education
  • You have completed at least 11 years of education
  • You have not yet graduated at a Dutch University or University of Applied Sciences.
  • You speak English or Dutch at an intermediate level (B1 or higher)
  • You are willing to refund part of the payments you received to finance your studies.

Deadline for application

This programme has no deadline for application. You can apply all-year-long.

How to apply

UAF: Foundation for Refugee Students