Explore golden opportunities with scholarships in Netherlands for international students. Unlock your academic potential and pursue your dreams in one of Europe’s leading education hubs. Discover funding options, eligibility criteria, and application tips for a transformative educational experience. Your journey to success begins with the right scholarship – seize it now!
Scholarships in Netherlands for International Students
With a good number of globally recognized universities and research institutions, the Netherlands has become an increasingly attractive destination for students worldwide. Additionally, the Netherlands consistently produces graduates that Dutch companies highly sought after. This post will explore the best scholarships in Netherlands for international students.
You can use this information if you intend to study in the Netherlands. The Netherlands has a good number of universities that have a lot of English-taught programs so that you can apply even as a native English international student. Carefully go through the scholarships to understand their dynamics, requirements, and level of coverage.
5+ Scholarships in Netherlands For International Students
1. NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship)
The NL scholarship (formerly Holland) is one of the best scholarships in Netherlands for non-EEA international students applying for a bachelor’s or master’s program. It is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science and several Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences.
The scholarship offers a one-time grant of €5,000, providing valuable financial support to offset the costs of tuition, living expenses, and other associated study-related costs. The aim is to attract bright and ambitious students worldwide to experience the Netherlands’ high-quality education and diverse cultural environment.
Level of Study: Undergraduates and Masters
How to Apply: Check with the specific university you are applying to for details on how to apply.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Your citizenship falls outside the European Economic Area (EEA).
- You must apply for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s program at a Dutch higher education institution that is part of the scholarship program.
- You fulfill the particular criteria set by the institution you are interested in, and these requirements are accessible on the institution’s official website.
- You must not possess a degree from an educational institution within the Netherlands.
2. Netherlands Fellowship Program (NFP)
The Netherlands Fellowship Program (NFP) is a significant initiative sponsored by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is aimed at mid-career professionals who are nationals of and working and living in an NFP country. The scholarships are available for short courses, master’s programs, and PhD studies.
The program promotes sustainable development by empowering individuals with the appropriate knowledge to contribute effectively to their home countries.
Level of Study: Short courses, Masters and PhD
How to Apply: Contact any participating Dutch University or center of higher education that offers the NFP-eligible course you want to study.
Eligibility Criteria:
- You must be nationals and residents of NFP-eligible countries.
- You should have relevant work experience in your field of expertise.
- You must be nominated or supported by their employers.
- You are expected to demonstrate a strong motivation for applying and a clear commitment to applying the acquired knowledge to the development goals of your home country.
- You should possess the required educational background and meet the academic prerequisites of the participating Dutch higher education institution.
- You must provide proof of English language proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
3. Orange Knowledge Program (OKP)
The OKP is one of the best scholarships in Netherlands for international students. It offers a complete financial package, covering 100% of the tuition fees and related expenses for short courses, master’s programs, and advanced courses at Dutch higher education institutions.
Like the Netherlands Fellowship Programs (NFP), the OKP often requires applicants to secure employer support or nomination. The main priority areas of this scholarship include Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Food and Nutrition Security, Security and Rule of Law, Water Management, and Private Sector Development.
Eligible countries include Congo (DRC), Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Colombia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, South Sudan, Tanzania, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Tunisia, Vietnam and Yemen.
Level of Study: Short Courses, Master’s Programs, and Advanced Courses
How to Apply: Check with the specific university you are applying to for details on how to apply.
Eligibility Criteria:
- You must be a national of and residing in an OKP-eligible country.
- You must have substantial work experience in your field.
- Many OKP scholarships require candidates to be nominated or supported by their employers.
- Your proposed study must fall within the priority areas of the scholarship.
- You must exhibit English language proficiency through recognized tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.
- You must meet the admission requirements at the specific university or higher institution you want to study in.
4. The World Citizen Talent Scholarship (WCTS)
The World Citizen Talent Scholarship (WCTS) is one of the most notable scholarships in Netherlands for international students offered by The Hague University of Applied Sciences.
If you consider yourself a global citizen with intelligence, talent, and ambition, you can apply for one of the three (one-time) scholarships, each valued at EUR 5,000, to prospective Master’s students annually.
Level of Study: Masters
How to Apply: Apply for the master’s program via the online application tool, complete the essay assignment, and email it to masters-admission@hhs.nl.
Eligibility Criteria:
- You must originate from outside the Netherlands and are not currently residing in the country.
- You are enrolling in The Hague University of Applied Sciences Pro for the first time.
- You have never applied for this scholarship previously.
- You have received conditional acceptance to join your program for the upcoming academic year on or before March 31.
5. University-specific Scholarships
Many Dutch universities offer scholarships for international students. These may be based on academic merit, specific programs, or other criteria. Here are some university scholarships.
a) Leiden University Excellence Scholarship
Leiden University Excellence Scholarships offers one of the best scholarships in Netherlands for international students outside non-EU/EEA students pursuing MA, MSc, and LL.M programs at Leiden University. The scholarships are offered in various forms, including €10,000, €15,000, or coverage of the total tuition minus the home fee.
b) Maastricht University’s High Potential Scholarships
Maastricht University’s High Potential Scholarships cater to talented students outside the EEA, supporting any UM master’s or graduate program (excluding the School of Business and Economics). Annually, it offers 24 full scholarships worth € 30,000 (including a monthly stipend and tuition fee waiver). These scholarships cover tuition fees, monthly living expenses, insurance, and visa costs.
c) Radboud University Scholarship Programme
Radboud University Scholarship Programme offers selected prospective academic outstanding non-EEA students a chance to pursue an English-taught Master’s degree at Radboud University Nijmegen. The scholarship includes a partial tuition waiver equivalent to an EEA student and visa coverage, health insurance, residence permit, and liability insurance.
d) Utrecht University Excellence Scholarships
Utrecht University Excellence Scholarships are designed for outstanding prospective students pursuing Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees in selected fields. Recipients will receive the scholarship as tuition fees or a combination of tuition fees and a living expenses allowance of €11,000.
e) Erik Bleumink Scholarships
The University of Groningen offers the Erik Bleumink Scholarships to outstanding students pursuing one or two years of Master’s degree programs. The grant covers tuition fees, international travel costs, subsistence, books, and health insurance.
f) TU Delft Excellence Scholarships
TU Delft Excellence Scholarships, including the Justus & Louise van Effen scholarship, aim to financially support excellent international MSc students at Delft University of Technology. This full scholarship covers tuition fees and provides a monthly allowance for living expenses.
g) University of Twente Scholarships (UTS)
University of Twente Scholarships (UTS) are available for excellent students applying for both undergraduate and graduate programs (MSc). The scholarship amounts range from €6,000 to €25,000 for one year. It is open to both EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA students.
h) VU University Amsterdam Fellowship Programme (VUFP)
VU University Amsterdam Fellowship Programme (VUFP) offers talented prospective students from outside the EU/EEA a unique chance to pursue a Master’s degree at VU University. The fellowship awards €15,000 to students, covering the tuition fee for non-EEA students.
Conclusion
As an international student outside the EU/EEA country, you have a lot of opportunities to gain a scholarship to study in the Netherlands. In applying for a scholarship, ensure you understand what is required of you, and the program should be English-taught. Endeavor to meet the specific university requirements to gain admission into them. This is because most of the scholarships require you to have an admission offer as part of your eligibility criteria.