You can still study in the Netherlands on a scholarship if your GPA is low (for example, between 2.2 and 2.9 or below 3.0 on a 4.0 scale), but you need to be smart, realistic, and strategic about your choices.
This is the truth.
- Many of the best scholarships in the Netherlands are competitive, looking for students with good grades.
- But not all scholarships need a high GPA.
- Some colleges and universities put more weight on motivation, experience, and potential.
This guide will show you real scholarships you can apply for with a low GPA and how to improve your chances.
Can you get a scholarship in the Netherlands if your GPA is low?
Yes, but there are some rules.
Most scholarships in the Netherlands want a GPA of about 3.0 to 3.5 (or the same).
But:
- Some scholarships don’t have a strict GPA requirement.
- Others contemplate all the factors that affect a person (motivation, leadership, experience).
- Some colleges and universities give out partial scholarships that are easier to obtain
Certain programmes even state that academic potential and motivation outweigh the need for a specific GPA.
This means that your GPA isn’t the only thing that matters.
The best scholarships in the Netherlands for students with low GPAs
These are the most realistic choices you should aim for.
1. The Holland Scholarship (NL Scholarship).
This programme is the most common scholarship for international students who are just starting out.
What it has to offer:
- For the first year, €5,000
- For bachelor’s and master’s degrees
Main benefits:
- In many cases, there is no set GPA requirement.
- Selection is based on the whole profile, not just the GPA.
Who can apply?
- Students with a GPA that is average but with a lot of drive
- People who need money apply to
If your GPA is low, this is the best place to start.
2. Erasmus+ Scholarship (Option for Full Funding)
This is one of the best fully funded chances in Europe.
What it talks about:
- Fees for school
- Monthly payment
- Costs of travel
Why it works for a low GPA:
- Concentrates on:
- Potential for school
- Drive
- Exposure to other countries
Not just based on GPA.
3. Orange Tulip Scholarship (for a specific country).
This scholarship is only for students from certain countries, some of which are in Africa.
What it has to offer:
- Full or partial payment of tuition
Why it’s a beneficial fit:
- Some versions put a lot of emphasis on the following:
- Leading
- Goals for your career
- Impact on national development
Not just grades.
4. Scholarships from the University of Twente (UTS).
The award is a well-known scholarship for students from other countries.
What it has to offer:
- €3,000 to €22,000 a year
The truth is:
- But competitively:
- Strong motivation and experience can make up for it.
- Not every applicant needs a perfect GPA.
5. Scholarships for HAN University
This is one of the easiest scholarships to get.
What it has to offer:
- As much as €12,500
Why it’s good for students with low GPAs:
- Pay close attention to:
- Getting into the programme
- Eligibility in general
You can qualify once you are accepted.
6. Saxion Talent Grant
This scholarship is easier to get than the best ones.
What it has to offer:
- At least €2,500
Important ideas:
- Some programs will accept an equivalent GPA of about 75%, which is more flexible than the top scholarships.
7. The Radboud Scholarship Programme
What it has to offer:
- Partial payment for tuition
- Help with visas and residence permits
Why think about it?
- A lot of attention is on:
- Drive
- Potential for school
- Backstory –
8. Amsterdam’s VU Fellowship Programme
What it has to offer:
- Funding in full or in part
Important:
- It’s hard but not impossible if:
- You have many extracurricular activities.
- You have clear goals for your career.
Scholarships That Are More Likely to Help Students with Low GPAs
To boost your chances, pay attention to these areas:
1. Scholarships that only cover part of the cost
- Easy to get than ones that are fully funded
- Less strict academic standards
2. Scholarships based on Need
- Pay attention to your money situation
- GPA isn’t as important
3. Scholarships for Each Country
- Made for countries that are still developing
- More often than not,
4. Scholarships from the University
- More flexible than scholarships from the government
- Some people contemplate holistic applications.
Things You Still Need
You must still meet the basic requirements, even if your GPA is low:
- Getting into a Dutch university
- Being able to speak English well (IELTS/TOEFL or something similar).
- All the papers you need to apply
- Transcripts from school
- CV
- Letter of motivation
- Letters of recommendation
- Passage
How to Get Scholarships Even with a Low GPA
This is the most important thing.
1. Write a powerful motivation together with the following:
Such an essay can compensate for a low GPA.
Pay attention to:
- Your objectives
- Why did you choose
- What sets you apart
2. Make Work Experience Stand Out
Very important if your GPA is low.
Include:
- Internships
- Work
- Doing volunteer work
3. Show career direction.
Please explain:
- What you want to do
- How will the scholarship help?
4. Apply to colleges of applied sciences
These schools:
- Are they more flexible?
- Concentrate on useful skills
- Have high
5. Apply for
Don’t count on just one choice.
Use:
- At least 5–10 scholarships
6. Look into Pathway Programmes
If your GPA is too low,
- Apply to
- Then move on to a full degree
More Flexible Dutch Universities
These institutions are usually more adaptable:
- HAN University of Applied Sciences
- Saxion University of Applied Sciences
- University of NHL Stenden
- University of Fontys
They:
- Put more emphasis on practical skills
- Have high
- Give out scholarships
Things to Stay Away From
- Only applying to the best universities
- Not paying attention to partial scholarships
- Sending in weak letters of motivation
- Not giving a reason for your low GPA
- Putting off applying
Expectations That Are Realistic
Let’s be honest:
- There is a lot of competition for fully funded scholarships with a low GPA.
- It’s much easier to get partial scholarships.
- You might have to put together the following:
- Part-time job and scholarship
But every year, many
\\ students still do well.
Final Strategy (What You Need to Do)
If your GPA is low, do this:
- Apply to universities that are flexible (applied sciences)
- Scholarships for targets like
- NL Grant
- Erasmus+
- Funding from universities
- Pay close attention to:
- Letter of motivation
- Experience in the workplace
- Apply to a lot of places (at least 5–10)
Last Thoughts
A low GPA doesn’t mean you can’t study in the Netherlands.
The most important thing is to understand this:
- GPA is important, but it’s not the only thing that matters.
- Many scholarships will look at your whole profile.
- Strategy is more important than being perfect.
You can still get money to study in the Netherlands if you apply smartly, tell your story well, and go after the right scholarships.