• Can I apply for the MSR scholarship if I plan to study outside the Netherlands?

No. The LRF awards scholarships exclusively to Arab nationals pursuing graduate studies (Master’s or PhD) at an accredited university in the Netherlands.

• Which Dutch universities are eligible for the MSR Scholarship?

Any accredited university or higher education institution in the Netherlands is eligible for the MSR Scholarship, provided your program is equivalent to a Master’s or PhD. This includes WO research universities, HBO universities of applied sciences, and specialized academies (such as music, arts, or film institutes). If you are unsure whether your institution or program qualifies, please email us at scholarships@rabbanifoundation.org for verification.

• Do I need to submit an English proficiency test for any of the Master’s Scholarships?

No. We do not require a separate English proficiency test. As long as you fulfill your host university’s English requirements, your language level is considered sufficient. If your acceptance is conditional pending proof of English, you must meet that condition to receive full university admission and claim your scholarship award.

• Can I apply to a Master’s Scholarship if I haven’t graduated from my Bachelor’s yet?

Yes. You may apply prior to graduating if you are in your final year of Bachelor’s studies. Simply provide your current academic transcripts and an official university letter confirming your expected graduation date. Proof of degree completion will be required before the scholarship is officially awarded.

• Can I apply for an LRF scholarship if I have other funding sources?

Yes, our scholarship does not exclude applying for additional funding from other sources.  

• Can I apply for both the MSR Scholarship and a Partner Scholarship using an acceptance letter from a partner university?

  No, you cannot apply for both. An acceptance letter from a partner university automatically places you in consideration for that specific Partner Scholarship, which is exclusively reserved for students attending that institution. To ensure fair funding opportunities across all Dutch institutions, the MSR Scholarship is reserved for applicants attending non-partner universities in the Netherlands.

• When do scholarship applications open and close?

For our Master’s Scholarships (MSR & Partner Scholarships), applications open annually on December 1st until March 31st at 23:59 CEST.

For our Travel Grants, we offer four application windows per year. Please refer to our Application Windows & Deadlines Table to find the specific opening and closing dates and identify the appropriate application cycle based on your intended travel date.

For in-person scholarships for Summer and Winter Courses, please apply directly through the Hague Academy of International Law website following their official deadlines. For online scholarships, application dates and deadlines will be published when the opportunity is officially announced.

• When will selection decisions be announced?

All applications are evaluated following their respective deadlines. Decision timelines vary by scholarship type:

Master’s Scholarships: You will receive a direct notification regarding your selection status and expected decision date after applying.

Travel Grants: Decisions are announced according to the schedule published in our Application Windows & Deadlines Table.

Vreede Scholarships: Decisions for in-person attendance are communicated directly by the Hague Academy of International Law, while timelines for online courses are shared with applicants after application submission.

•  Can I submit an application after the deadline passes? 

Our deadlines are strict and cannot be extended.

If you encounter exceptional circumstances, please reach out to us directly. Whether your host university acceptance is delayed or an urgent travel opportunity arises outside an open travel grant window, please contact us immediately at scholarships@rabbanifoundation.org or via our Contact Form. We also strongly advise contacting your academic institution right away to address any university-side delays.

•  Can I submit my application for a Master’s Scholarship with a conditional acceptance letter?

Yes, a conditional acceptance letter is sufficient. Kindly explain in your motivation letter the circumstances under which it is conditional.  

•  What if my acceptance letter is an email rather than a PDF?

If your university are unable to send you an official PDF document confirming your acceptance, attaching a copy of the acceptance email is sufficient.  

• What if I have been accepted into two different Dutch universities?

In the case you have been accepted into two or more Dutch universities, you may upload both acceptance letters to your single application, and then let us know of your choice later on.  

• What should I include in my motivation letter?

While there are no word limits or rigid guidelines, your motivation letter should be an authentic reflection of your personality—avoid generic templates and text. Be sure to explain your motivation, highlight the skills that make you a strong candidate, outline your future academic goals, and explain how your journey will support LRF’s goal of promoting Euro-Arab dialogue.

• Does an online university brochure work as a course description?

Yes, as long as the brochure can be submitted as in a PDF format.

• Who qualifies as an academic or professional referee?

Suitable referees include university lecturers, academic supervisors, or workplace managers who know you well enough to speak in detail about your abilities. Your chosen referees should be able to highlight your academic strengths, professional skills, and personal qualities that make you a strong candidate for an LRF scholarship.

• Can my referees email their reference letters directly?

They may, as long as you inform us beforehand that your reference letter(s) will be sent directly to scholarships@rabbanifoundation.org. 

• 1. What key criteria does the Selection Committee use to evaluate applications? Applications are evaluated holistically across four primary pillars:

Academic Excellence: Prior academic transcripts, achievements, and host university acceptance.

Financial Need: Demonstrated necessity for financial support to pursue graduate studies.

Personal Motivation & Leadership: Clear vision, personal initiative, and self-development potential.

Mission Alignment: Your potential to contribute to the Foundation’s goal of enhancing Euro-Arab dialogue and mutual understanding.

• Is academic excellence given more weight than financial need or motivation?

No single criterion guarantees selection. While strong academic performance is required, equal importance is placed on financial need, personal resilience, and your motivation to foster Euro-Arab exchange. A candidate with average grades but exceptional drive, clear vision, and demonstrated financial need can be just as competitive.

• Does the selection process include an interview stage? Evaluation procedures vary by scholarship track:

Master’s & LUF-LRF Scholarships: Selection is primarily based on the written application package. However, the Committee will invite shortlisted candidates for a virtual interview during the second stage of selection. Candidates who do not make it through the first round will be notified of this.

Travel Grants & Vreede Scholarships: Decisions are made exclusively through document review by the Selection Committee.

• Who reviews and evaluates the scholarship applications?

All submitted applications undergo a thorough multi-stage review process by an independent Selection Committee appointed by the Foundation’s Board of Directors. To maintain fairness, applications are assessed using standardized scoring rubrics to evaluate eligibility, document authenticity, academic merit, and candidate potential.

•  Can I receive individual feedback if my application is not selected?

Due to the high volume of applications received during each application cycle, the Foundation is unable to provide personalized feedback or detailed scoring breakdowns to candidates.

• Can I appeal a Selection decision?

No. All decisions made by the Selection Committee are final and not subject to appeal. Due to the high volume of applications and the competitive nature of our scholarship programs, we are unable to reopen application files, re-evaluate submissions, or provide personalized feedback. However, unselected candidates who remain eligible are welcome to reapply during a future application cycle.

Answer 4

Answer 5

• What documents do I need to submit to the Foundation after graduating?

• Am I required to return to my home country after completing my studies?

• How should I acknowledge LRF funding in my thesis, publications, or research?

• How do I join the official LRF Alumni Network?

• Can I mentor incoming scholars or speak at Foundation events?

• Does the Foundation offer career support or networking opportunities for alumni?

• Can alumni apply for additional LRF grants or funding in the future?