Leiden Observatory is offering Oort Scholarships in Astronomy for international students. The scholarships are meant for students who wish to obtain their MSc degree in Astronomy (Research specialization) at Leiden University.

The Astronomy Research specialization is a two-year program, leading to the MSc degree in Astronomy. It consists of advanced astronomy courses, two research projects in astronomy, and courses on science topics related to astronomy.

Leiden Observatory is a vibrant university astronomy department with a distinguished history. It has both a strong international reputation and is widely known to turn out masters and doctoral students of the highest quality.

Applicants must have proof of sufficient proficiency in English, evidenced by appropriate language test: IELTS: minimum 6.5, TOEFL: internet-based 90 and Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE), minimum grade C.

Scholarship Description:

• Application Deadline: October 1 (for students starting in February) and February 1 (for students starting in September)
• Course Level: Scholarships are available for pursuing MSc program at the Leiden University.
• Study Subject: Scholarships are awarded in the field of astronomy.
• Scholarship Award: The Oort scholarship is for one year, with conditional renewal for a second year upon successful completion of the first year. For a full scholarship, the tuition fee for the Astronomy Research master’s program will be reduced to the amount of the home fee and you will receive an allowance of up to €11,000 per year for living costs. Partial scholarships may also be awarded. The Oort scholarship is paid as a monthly allowance. If you stop your Astronomy master’s studies for whatever reason, the Oort scholarship payments will be stopped directly.
• Number of Scholarships: Not Known
• Nationality: Foreign (i.e. non-Dutch) students
• Scholarship can be taken in the Netherlands

Eligibility for the Scholarship:

• Eligible Countries: The Oort scholarship is only available to non-Dutch students
• Entrance Requirements: You must be a student with a bachelor’s degree (BSc or equivalent) in astronomy or physics with a desire to obtain your master’s (MSc) degree in Astronomy at Leiden University.
• You must be a student with a non-Dutch nationality
• You must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in astronomy or physics
• Your previous study results should be of outstanding academic merit
• You have no other financial support (e.g. scholarships, grants) for your master’s study
• You are planning to obtain your master’s degree in any of the following research specializations: Astronomy Research, Astronomy and Cosmology, Astronomy and Instrumentation or Astronomy and Data Science.
• English Language Requirements: Proof of sufficient proficiency in English, evidenced by appropriate language test:
  IELTS: minimum of 6.5
  TOEFL: internet-based 90
  Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE), minimum grade C

Astronomy Scholarships

Application Procedure:

• How to Apply: Applicants who wish to be considered for an Oort scholarship must do the following before the deadline of October 1 (when planning to start in February) or February 1 (when planning to start in September):
• Apply for admission to the Astronomy master’s program through the online application system. Note that only applications that are completed before the deadline are guaranteed full consideration.
• Write a brief statement motivating why you satisfy the two conditions of a) outstanding academic merit and b) need for financial support. Make sure to include your full contact information and send it to masters-at-strw.leidenuniv.nl.
• Upon submitting your application, you will receive an acknowledgement of receipt. The Board of Admissions will check your admission to the Astronomy master’s program and your application for the Oort scholarship. Within a month after the submission deadline, you will be informed about the outcome.

Online application system

Scholarship Link