9 Scholarships for International Students to Study in Netherlands

These scholarships cater to diverse fields of study and are offered by various institutions, governmental bodies, and private organizations. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria, application process, and benefits, making it essential for prospective students to explore and understand their options thoroughly.

Among the prominent scholarships are the Holland Scholarship, which aims to attract talented non-EEA students with a €5,000 grant for their first year of study; the Erasmus+ Programme, providing funding for students and staff to study or train abroad; and the Orange Knowledge Programme, offering scholarships to professionals from selected countries for short courses and master’s programs.

Additionally, specific universities in the Netherlands, such as Leiden University and Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, offer scholarships tailored to international students based on academic merit, financial need, or both.

Navigating these opportunities requires careful planning and research. This guide highlights nine scholarships that are instrumental in facilitating international students’ aspirations to study in the Netherlands, empowering them to excel academically while embracing the enriching cultural experience the country offers.

Why Study in the Netherlands?

Studying in the Netherlands offers unparalleled benefits for international students. Renowned for its high-quality education system, the Netherlands boasts several top-ranked universities consistently featured in global rankings. These institutions provide a diverse range of programs taught in English, ensuring accessibility for international students.

Moreover, the Netherlands is celebrated for its multicultural environment, welcoming students from all corners of the globe. This cultural diversity not only enriches the learning experience but also fosters international friendships and networks.

Innovative teaching methods further enhance the educational landscape, emphasizing interactive learning, critical thinking, and practical application of knowledge. Many programs include hands-on projects, internships, and collaborations with industry, preparing students for successful careers in their respective fields.

Overall, studying in the Netherlands offers not just academic excellence but also a chance to immerse oneself in a progressive society known for its tolerance, innovation, and global outlook.

9 Scholarships for International Students to Study in Netherlands

1. Holland Scholarship

The Holland Scholarship is a prestigious award aimed at attracting international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) to pursue Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees in the Netherlands. Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science, this scholarship provides financial support amounting to €5,000 for the first year of study. Its primary goal is to encourage talented students to choose the Netherlands as their study destination, contributing to the internationalization of Dutch higher education.

Applicants are selected based on academic excellence, extracurricular achievements, and motivation to study in the Netherlands. The scholarship is available at participating research universities and universities of applied sciences across the country, covering a wide range of disciplines.

One of the key advantages of the Holland Scholarship is its flexibility, allowing recipients to use the grant towards tuition fees, living expenses, or other educational costs. This financial assistance not only reduces the financial burden on students but also enables them to fully focus on their academic pursuits and cultural experiences in the Netherlands, fostering a truly enriching educational journey.

Eligibility: Applicants must be applying for a bachelor’s or master’s program at participating Dutch universities.

Application Process: Typically requires a separate application to the university of choice.

Deadline: Varies by university.

2. Erasmus Mundus Scholarships

Erasmus Mundus Scholarships are prestigious EU-funded awards designed to support international students pursuing joint master’s or doctoral degrees across European countries, including the Netherlands. These scholarships aim to promote excellence in higher education and foster international cooperation through joint programs offered by consortia of European universities.

Offering full financial coverage, Erasmus Mundus Scholarships typically include tuition fees, travel expenses, monthly living allowances, and insurance costs. They provide an unparalleled opportunity for students to experience diverse academic environments, multicultural settings, and interdisciplinary approaches to learning.

Applicants are evaluated based on academic merit, professional experience (where applicable), and motivation. Each Erasmus Mundus program has its own specific eligibility criteria and application process, which often involves applying directly to the consortium offering the joint degree program.

By facilitating mobility and collaboration among institutions across Europe, Erasmus Mundus Scholarships not only support individual academic pursuits but also contribute to building a more interconnected and knowledgeable global community of scholars.

Eligibility: Depends on the specific Erasmus Mundus program, usually requires academic excellence and specific criteria set by the program.

Application Process: Apply directly through the Erasmus Mundus Joint Program’s website.

Deadline: Varies by program.

3. Orange Tulip Scholarship

The Orange Tulip Scholarship is an initiative funded by Dutch higher education institutions, multinational companies, and government agencies aimed at attracting talented students from specific countries to study in the Netherlands. This scholarship program offers financial support to international students pursuing Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degrees across various fields of study.

The primary objective of the Orange Tulip Scholarship is to strengthen educational ties between the Netherlands and participating countries while promoting international exchange and collaboration. It provides opportunities for outstanding students to access high-quality education in Dutch universities and gain valuable international experience.

Criteria for the Orange Tulip Scholarship vary depending on the sponsoring institution or company, but typically include academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to contributing to society. Recipients may receive coverage for tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational costs, making it an attractive option for students seeking financial assistance to pursue their academic aspirations in the Netherlands.

Eligibility: Specific eligibility criteria based on nationality and academic merit.

Application Process: Apply directly through the participating Dutch higher education institutions.

Deadline: Varies by institution.

4. Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship (AES)

The Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship (AES) is a prestigious merit-based award offered by the University of Amsterdam to exceptionally talented students from outside the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA). This scholarship aims to attract outstanding international students who demonstrate academic excellence and potential for leadership.

The AES provides recipients with financial support for pursuing a Master’s degree program at the University of Amsterdam. It covers tuition fees and offers an additional allowance for living expenses, making it possible for talented individuals to focus on their studies and fully engage in the academic and cultural life of Amsterdam.

Applicants for the AES are evaluated based on their academic achievements, the quality of their previous education, and their motivation and potential to contribute to their field of study and society at large. The scholarship is highly competitive, with a limited number of awards granted each year to the most deserving candidates.

Eligibility: Outstanding academic record, relevant achievements, and extracurricular activities.

Application Process: Apply during the master’s application process at the University of Amsterdam.

Deadline: Usually early in the academic year.

5. University of Groningen Talent Grant

The University of Groningen Talent Grant is a partial scholarship program specifically designed for non-European Union (EU) and non-European Economic Area (EEA) students who wish to pursue Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programs at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. These scholarships aim to attract talented international students and support them financially during their studies.

The grants typically cover a portion of the tuition fees, reducing the overall cost burden for recipients. They are awarded based on academic merit, taking into consideration the applicant’s academic achievements, motivation, and potential for future success in their chosen field of study.

The University of Groningen Talent Grant is competitive, with limited awards available each year. It provides an opportunity for deserving students from diverse backgrounds to access high-quality education and benefit from the university’s vibrant academic environment and research opportunities.

By offering these scholarships, the University of Groningen reinforces its commitment to internationalization and academic excellence, fostering a global community of scholars and contributing to the educational and cultural diversity of its campus.

Eligibility: Based on academic excellence and specific eligibility criteria set by the university.

Application Process: Apply through the University of Groningen scholarship application portal.

Deadline: Varies by program.

6. TU Delft Excellence Scholarships

TU Delft Excellence Scholarships are prestigious awards offered to outstanding international students who are applying for Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programs at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Netherlands. These scholarships aim to attract talented individuals from around the world and support them financially during their studies at one of Europe’s leading technical universities.

The scholarships are available in both full and partial forms, covering either the full tuition fees or a portion thereof. They are awarded based on academic excellence, taking into account the applicant’s academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and potential to contribute to their field of study and the TU Delft community.

The TU Delft Excellence Scholarships are highly competitive, with a limited number of awards granted each year to the most deserving candidates. They provide recipients with the opportunity to pursue their educational aspirations in a dynamic and innovative academic environment known for its cutting-edge research and engineering programs.

Eligibility: Academic excellence, specific criteria vary by program and nationality.

Application Process: Apply through the TU Delft scholarship application portal.

Deadline: Typically before the start of the academic year.

7. Utrecht Excellence Scholarships

The Utrecht Excellence Scholarships are prestigious awards designed for outstanding prospective international students who wish to pursue Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programs at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. These scholarships aim to attract talented individuals from around the world and support them financially during their studies.

Offered in the form of tuition fee waivers or grants towards living expenses, the Utrecht Excellence Scholarships are highly competitive and awarded based on academic merit. Applicants are assessed for their academic achievements, the quality of their previous education, and their potential to contribute to their field of study and the university community.

Recipients of the Utrecht Excellence Scholarships not only receive financial assistance but also gain access to Utrecht University’s extensive academic resources, research opportunities, and vibrant international community. This enriching environment fosters personal growth, cross-cultural understanding, and prepares students for successful careers in their chosen fields.

Eligibility: Academic excellence, specific criteria vary by program.

Application Process: Apply during the Utrecht University admission process.

Deadline: Varies by program.

8. Leiden University Excellence Scholarships (LExS)

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarships (LExS) are prestigious merit-based awards offered to outstanding non-European Union (EU) and non-European Economic Area (EEA) students who wish to pursue Master’s degree programs at Leiden University in the Netherlands. These scholarships aim to attract talented individuals from around the world and support them financially during their studies.

LExS scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, taking into consideration the applicant’s academic achievements, motivation, and potential to contribute to their field of study and society at large. They cover varying amounts of tuition fees, depending on the program and the applicant’s financial need.

Recipients of the LExS scholarships benefit not only from financial support but also from the opportunity to study at one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the Netherlands. Leiden University offers a wide range of Master’s programs taught in English, providing students with access to high-quality education, cutting-edge research facilities, and a diverse international community.

Eligibility: Academic excellence, relevant achievements, and extracurricular activities.

Application Process: Apply during the master’s application process at Leiden University.

Deadline: Typically early in the year.

9. Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) Scholarships

The Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) offers a variety of scholarships aimed at international students applying to their Bachelor’s or Master’s programs. These scholarships are designed to attract talented individuals from around the world and provide them with financial support during their studies.

RSM scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, although specific eligibility criteria may vary depending on the scholarship. Generally, applicants are evaluated for their academic achievements, leadership potential, extracurricular activities, and motivation to contribute to their field of study and the RSM community.

The scholarships offered by RSM cover various aspects of financial assistance, such as tuition fee waivers, partial tuition scholarships, or grants towards living expenses. They aim to make education more accessible to deserving students and to promote diversity within the student body.

Application Process: Apply through the RSM scholarship application portal.

Deadline: Varies by scholarship.

These scholarships offer opportunities for international students to study in the Netherlands, covering a range of disciplines and academic levels. Each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria and application processes, so it’s important for students to carefully review the details on the respective websites of the universities or scholarship providers.