International students are more and more interested in studying in the Netherlands because the country has high-quality schools, degrees that are recognised around the world, and many programmes taught in English. But students from other countries may find that tuition and living costs are high. The Dutch government, universities, and international groups offer a lot of scholarships to help bring in smart students from all over the world.
These scholarships help international students at all levels of study, from undergraduate to master’s to, in some cases, PhD programmes. Some scholarships pay for all of your tuition, while others only pay for part of it or give you money to live on.
This guide tells you about the main scholarships in the Netherlands for international students, including who can apply, what the benefits are, and how to do so.
Why Get a Scholarship to Study in the Netherlands
Before looking into specific scholarships, it’s important to know why so many international students choose the Netherlands as a place to study.
People know that the Netherlands has a unique education system, a strong research environment, and a multicultural academic setting. There are many universities in the country that teach programmes entirely in English, which makes it easy for students from all over the world to come here.
Another good thing is that Dutch universities are highly ranked around the world and have ties to businesses in other countries. This makes it easier for people who have graduated to get jobs in Europe or other parts of the world.
Scholarships help students in the Netherlands pay for school by lowering their financial stress. Some funding programmes pay for tuition, living expenses, travel costs, or research help.
Also, people who get scholarships often get to join academic networks, get help from mentors, and take part in professional development programmes that can help them get better jobs.
NL Scholarship (formerly the Holland Scholarship)
The NL Scholarship is one of the most well-known scholarships in the Netherlands. The Dutch Ministry of Education and Dutch universities pay for it, and it used to be called the Holland Scholarship.
This scholarship is for students from outside the European Economic Area who want to study in the Netherlands.
Value of the Scholarship
Depending on the university and programme, the NL Scholarship can give you a grant of about €5,000 to €15,000. Most of the time, it is given out in the first year of school.
It doesn’t usually pay for all of the tuition, but it does help international students pay less.
Requirements for eligibility
To be eligible for the NL Scholarship, applicants usually need to:
- Be citizens of a country that is not in the EEA
- Apply to a full-time bachelor’s or master’s programme in the Netherlands.
- Meet the academic standards of the university you choose.
- Show that you know how to speak English
This scholarship is usually not available to students who have already studied in the Netherlands.
Institutions that are taking part
The NL Scholarship programme is open to many Dutch universities, including research universities and universities of applied sciences.
Each university has its own way of handling applications, and the amounts of money or deadlines they offer may be different.
Scholarship for Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees scholarship is another well-known way to get money for school. The European Union pays for this programme, which helps international students who are studying in collaborative master’s programmes at several universities in Europe.
A number of Dutch universities take part in Erasmus Mundus programmes.
Benefits of Scholarships
The Erasmus Mundus scholarship is one of the best ways for international students to get money to study abroad.
It usually has:
- Full coverage of tuition fees
- Monthly money for living
- Costs of travel
- Installation allowance for moving to Europe
This means that students can finish their master’s degree without too much financial stress.
Requirements for Eligibility
To be eligible, students must:
- Submit an application for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Program.
- Meet the requirements for academic admission
- Show that you do well in school
- Send in all the necessary paperwork before the deadline.
Any student from any country can apply, which makes this one of the most competitive international scholarships out there.
Scholarship for Orange Tulips
Another well-known scholarship programme for international students who want to study in the Netherlands is the Orange Tulip Scholarship.
Dutch schools and partner universities work together to run this scholarship, which is meant to bring in smart students from certain countries.
Coverage of Scholarships
The amount of money that is available varies by university and programme. Some Orange Tulip scholarships pay for all of a student’s tuition, while others only pay for part of it or give them money for living expenses.
Who can apply
Often, requirements include:
- Being a citizen of a country that is eligible
- Getting into a Dutch university that is part of the programme
- Showing that you are a great student
- Writing a strong personal statement
There may be other requirements for each university.
Universities that are taking part
The Orange Tulip Scholarship programme includes more than fifty Dutch universities and other schools.
This is one of the biggest networks of scholarships for international students who want to study in the Netherlands.
The Maastricht University NL High Potential Scholarship
The NL-High Potential Scholarship at Maastricht University is one of the best ways for students to get a fully funded master’s degree.
Value of the Scholarship
This scholarship gives a select group of students a full funding package worth about €34,000.
The money usually pays for:
- Costs of tuition
- Costs of living
- Insurance for health
- Costs of visas
Requirements for eligibility
People who want to apply must:
- Get into a master’s programme at Maastricht University
- Have a great academic record
- Be a citizen of a country that is not in the EU
This scholarship is very competitive because it covers all of the costs and requires strong academic performance.
The University of Twente Scholarship
The University of Twente has scholarships just for international students who want to get a master’s degree.
Value of the Scholarship
Depending on their academic performance and financial need, recipients can get between €3,000 and €22,000.
Requirements for Eligibility
People who want to apply must:
- Get into a master’s programme at the university
- Show that you do well in school
- Meet the requirements for English language
The scholarship may also be renewed for the second year of study based on how well the student does in school.
Scholarship for Merit in Amsterdam
The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship is another well-known way to get money.
This scholarship helps outstanding international students in Amsterdam who want to get a master’s degree.
Benefits of Scholarships
The amount of the scholarship depends on the faculty and programme, but it usually covers a large part of the tuition costs.
What you need
To get this scholarship, students must:
- Get into a master’s programme
- Do very well in school
- Send in a strong letter of motivation and letters of recommendation.
The scholarship is very competitive, and only the best students usually get it.
The Radboud Scholarship Programme
The Radboud Scholarship Program helps smart international students who want to get their master’s degrees in the Netherlands.
Coverage of Scholarships
The scholarship could give:
- Partial tuition discount
- Help with getting a visa and a place to live
- Insurance for health care
This programme is for students who are very motivated and have good grades.
Other Dutch Scholarships
International students can get money from a lot of different sources, not just the big scholarships listed above.
These are:
- Scholarships for specific faculty members offered by universities
- Government-funded exchange programmes
- Grants for research in other countries
- Scholarships that come from private groups or foundations
Many colleges and universities also offer partial tuition waivers or merit-based scholarships to students who do well.
What You Need to Do to Get Scholarships in the Netherlands
There are some requirements that most students must meet, even though each scholarship programme has its own rules for who can apply.
Qualifications for School
Most of the time, students need to have done well in school before. Some scholarships require you to have a certain GPA or proof that you are a good student.
Being able to speak English well
Since many programs teach in English, applicants must demonstrate their proficiency in the language by taking tests like the IELTS or TOEFL.
- The IELTS
- TOEFL
- Other English tests accepted
Getting into a Dutch University
Most scholarships require students to gain admission to a recognised Dutch university.
Your scholarship application will only be considered if you are accepted for a program.
Letter of Motivation
A strong letter of motivation explaining why you want to study in the Netherlands and how the scholarship will help you reach your goals is often needed.
Letters of Recommendation
Some scholarships ask for letters of recommendation from professors or employers who can vouch for your academic skills and potential.
What You Need to Apply for a Scholarship
When applying for scholarships in the Netherlands, applicants usually have to fill out paperwork.
Some common documents are:
- Transcripts from school
- Certificates of degree
- Results of the English language test
- Resume (CV)
- Letter of motivation
- Copy of passport
- Letters of recommendation
If you turn in complete and well-prepared documents, your chances of getting a scholarship increase.
How to Boost Your Chances of Getting a Scholarship
It’s imperative to get ready before applying for scholarships in the Netherlands because many are very competitive.
Here are some useful tips.
Please consider submitting your application early.
Every year, many scholarships have deadlines between February and May. Applying early ensures you don’t miss out on significant chances.
Pick the Right Programme
Choose a program that fits your educational and career goals. Scholarship committees often look at how well your goals fit the program.
Write a letter of strong motivation
Your letter of motivation should clarify:
- Why you picked the Netherlands
- Your interests in school
- Your career plans in the long run
Your application will stand out if you tell a clear and compelling story.
Keep up good school grades
Many scholarships are awarded to students who have high grades and accomplishments.
Get experience that matters
Your scholarship application will be stronger if you have done volunteer work, internships, research, or leadership activities.
Cost of Studying in the Netherlands Without Financial Aid
Knowing how much it costs to study in the Netherlands helps show how critical scholarships are.
International students usually pay between
- €6,000 to €15,000 a year for undergraduate programmes
- Master’s programs cost between €8,000 and €20,000 a year.
Depending on the city and lifestyle, living costs can be anywhere from €800 to €1,200 a month.
Scholarships cut these costs drastically, making it easier to study abroad.
Advantages of Studying in the Netherlands
Scholarships do more than just help with money. Studying in the Netherlands has many benefits.
Students have access to world-class education, cutting-edge research facilities, and a global learning environment.
Graduates in fields like technology, engineering, business, and sustainability can also find excellent jobs in the country.
Many universities work with big companies around the world to give students chances to get internships and advance in their careers.
The Netherlands is also known for being a safe place to live, having a high quality of life, and being friendly to international students.
Last Thoughts
International students who want a high-quality education in Europe can apply for many scholarships in the Netherlands. There are many ways for students to lower the cost of studying abroad, from government-funded programs like the NL Scholarship to well-known international awards like Erasmus Mundus.
The Orange Tulip Scholarship, university merit awards, and special funding programs are just a few examples of other scholarships that help talented students around the world pay for school.
Getting ready is the key to obtaining these scholarships. A strong academic record, a clear motivation letter, and applying early all greatly improve your chances of getting in.
The Netherlands is still one of the most popular places for students to study in Europe. With the right scholarship, students from other countries can get a degree that is recognised all over the world. They can also make useful professional connections and find job opportunities around the world.