The ECHO Awards are for talented individuals with a non-Western background who stand out because of their academic excellence, leadership skills, active social involvement and constructive approach to challenges related to exclusion. Below you will find information about the eligibility criteria, application procedure and process.
Even if you do not meet all criteria, we encourage you to apply.
- Social impact: making tangible contributions that lead to positive change, both within and outside the educational institution, on socially relevant issues.
- Policy and systemic change: being engaged in initiatives focused on policy-related and/or systemic issues aimed at addressing structural inequalities, and demonstrating a clear vision and strategy in doing so.
- Leadership qualities: demonstrating inspiring leadership and the ability to mobilize and motivate others in processes of social change.
Even if you do not meet all criteria, we encourage you to apply.
- The student is part of an underrepresented group, with a specific focus on Dutch students with a non-Western background or refugee background.
- The student has excellent study results (guideline: an average of 7.5 or higher);
- The student has an excellent proficiency of the English language;
- The student is available for the ECHO Ambassadors Academy which takes place on the September 19th, 2026;
- The student is available for an interview with the ECHO Award jury on October 29th, 2026;
- The student is available to attend the ceremony of the ECHO Awards on December 10th, 2026 (date is subject to change).
Furthermore, ECHO is aware of the changing social context and the challenges involved in defining the target group. Even though this definition appears to be no longer tenable, nonetheless as a driver for positive societal impact EUR still encourages students to apply.
Selection process
- Interested students can submit their full applications until May 8th, 2026;
- Applicants can expect to hear back about their application status in the following days. Selected applicants will be invited for an interview with IDEA Center representatives between May 12-28th, 2026;
- IDEA Center makes an internal selection by June 2nd, 2026;
- The final list of nominees is approved by the Executive Board and submitted to ECHO by June 16th, 2026.
Application
The following information is required of students when completing the application form for the ECHO Award 2026 nomination. Tip: it is helpful to have these items ready before starting the application form, see below.
- Personal details (see form questions);
- Three motivational statements from your contact person at EUR – it could be your professor, tutor or another staff member who supports your nomination (see the download section below);
- A personal motivation letter from the candidate; candidates are asked to structure their personal motivation letter using the following guidelines:
- Provide a concrete description of your societal impact, including examples of measurable results, collaborations, or sustainable changes you have achieved;
- Reflect on the challenges and opportunities you have encountered in your engagement with communities of colour;
- Explain how receiving the ECHO Award could support you in expanding your impact.
- A curriculum vitae from the candidate;
- Optional: a video pitch (maximum 3 minutes) in which the candidate presents their vision and societal impact.