Dear all,

I am planning to apply for several LLM programs available at Dutch universities. The only option for me to study (if admitted) will be to receive a scholarship.

As my google-fu shows, decisions on awarding scholarships are usually made way after admission (in May or even later). What is the best strategy for me to get enrolled to a program with a scholarship?

I am thinking of accepting all the offers I get (if any) and then, after getting info about scholarships, drop those which didn't offer a scholarship. Is it ok, or am I misunderstanding something?

Thanks a lot!

[Edited by neodyme on Sep 17, 2019]

Yes, it's ok, unless the schools you are looking for have a deadline to commit to the LLM before the scholarship decisions are made (I don't know how likely that will be to happen, though. If you've committed to a program and pay a deposit and then drop out though, you may lose your deposit.

In general you'll be more likely to get scholarships (or more scholarship money) from schools there you're over-competitive. That is, the schools will interested in having you on based on things like your undergraduate GPA, work experience, etc. because it makes their class' stats look better.

Probably the best thing to do in this situation would be to apply as early as possible.

Hi Clark,

Many thanks!

Do I understand your point correctly - the real legally binding acceptance of the university offer only happens when prospective student pays a deposit or makes other payments to the university? The offer acceptance which universities often require to make within 10 days of receiving an offer is thus only preliminary, could be revoked or given to several different programs if needed?

Thanks again and regards,
Zakhar

Hi Clark,

Many thanks!

Do I understand your point correctly - the real legally binding acceptance of the university offer only happens when prospective student pays a deposit or makes other payments to the university? The offer acceptance which universities often require to make within 10 days of receiving an offer is thus only preliminary, could be revoked or given to several different programs if needed?

Thanks again and regards,
Zakhar