The Netherlands has become one of the most popular destinations for international students seeking high-quality education in Europe. With its innovative teaching methods, globally recognized universities, and English-taught programs, the country offers a wealth of opportunities for higher education. While tuition fees for international students can be significant, a growing number of scholarships in the Netherlands cover not only tuition but also living costs, making it more accessible for students from around the world.
This guide explores the top scholarships in the Netherlands, eligibility criteria, benefits, and tips to secure funding that can cover both tuition and living expenses.
Why Study in the Netherlands?
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High-Quality Education:
Dutch universities are recognized globally for their academic excellence and research output. Institutions like University of Amsterdam, Delft University of Technology, and Leiden University consistently rank among the top universities in Europe. -
English-Taught Programs:
Over 2,000 programs in the Netherlands are available in English, particularly at the master’s level. This allows non-Dutch speakers to pursue degrees in fields like engineering, business, law, social sciences, and the arts. -
Multicultural Environment:
With thousands of international students each year, Dutch universities offer a vibrant multicultural community, fostering cross-cultural learning and global networking opportunities. -
Strong Career Prospects:
The Netherlands has a strong labor market, especially in technology, engineering, business, and healthcare sectors, allowing graduates to secure internships and employment after graduation.
Major Scholarships Covering Tuition and Living Costs
While many scholarships in the Netherlands provide partial tuition support, a select few cover both tuition and living expenses. These scholarships are highly competitive but offer full financial support for deserving candidates.
1. Holland Scholarship
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Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA students applying for a bachelor’s or master’s program at a Dutch university
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Coverage: €5,000 for the first year of study; can be combined with other scholarships to cover living expenses
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Highlights: Encourages international talent to study in the Netherlands; often combined with university-specific grants
2. Orange Tulip Scholarship Program (Nuffic Neso)
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Eligibility: Students from selected countries in Asia, Latin America, and Africa applying to participating Dutch universities
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Coverage: Full tuition and sometimes additional living costs depending on the host university
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Highlights: Administered by Nuffic Neso offices; provides networking events and career guidance alongside financial support
3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD)
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Eligibility: International students from anywhere in the world applying to specific Erasmus Mundus programs
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Coverage: Tuition, travel, insurance, and a monthly living allowance of approximately €1,000–€1,500
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Highlights: Students study in multiple European countries; includes top Dutch universities like the University of Groningen and TU Delft
4. University-Specific Scholarships
Many Dutch universities offer generous scholarships covering tuition and living costs for international students:
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University of Amsterdam (UvA) Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship:
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Full tuition coverage plus €1,000–€10,000 per year for living expenses
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Open to top-performing international students
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Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) Excellence Scholarships:
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Covers tuition and living costs for master’s programs in engineering and technology
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Targeted at high-achieving non-EU students
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Leiden University Excellence Scholarships:
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Full tuition and living allowance for selected international master’s students
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Based on academic merit and leadership potential
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Typical Coverage of Full Scholarships
Scholarships that cover both tuition and living costs typically include:
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Tuition Fees: Covers full program fees, which may range from €8,000–€20,000 per year for master’s programs
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Living Expenses: Monthly allowance of €800–€1,200 for accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses
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Travel Allowance: Some scholarships provide funds for flights or transportation between the student’s home country and the Netherlands
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Insurance and Miscellaneous Costs: Certain programs include health insurance, visa support, and administrative fees
By covering both tuition and living expenses, these scholarships allow students to focus entirely on their studies without financial stress.
Eligibility Criteria
While criteria vary by scholarship, most full scholarships in the Netherlands share common requirements:
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Academic Excellence: Strong GPA, excellent grades, and relevant academic achievements
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English Proficiency: IELTS or TOEFL scores for non-native speakers
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Leadership and Extracurricular Activities: Demonstrated leadership, volunteering, or research experience
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Motivation and Personal Statement: A compelling essay explaining why the student wants to study in the Netherlands and how it aligns with their career goals
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Nationality Requirements: Some scholarships target students from specific countries or regions
Meeting these criteria is essential for success, as competition for full scholarships is high.
Application Tips
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Start Early: Scholarship deadlines are often 6–12 months before program start dates.
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Tailor Your Application: Highlight academic achievements, leadership qualities, and career goals.
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Secure Strong References: Letters of recommendation from professors or employers can strengthen applications.
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Research Multiple Scholarships: Apply for both government-funded and university-specific scholarships to increase chances.
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Demonstrate Financial Need (if required): Some programs prioritize students who can show genuine financial need alongside academic excellence.
Alternative Funding Options
Even if a scholarship doesn’t cover all costs, students can explore additional funding:
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Part-Time Work: Non-EU students can work up to 16 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during holidays. Average pay ranges from €10–€15 per hour.
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Grants and Fellowships: Nuffic and other Dutch foundations offer grants for research, internships, and thesis projects.
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Student Loans: Some countries provide international student loans to cover tuition and living expenses abroad.
Combining partial scholarships with part-time work or grants can help cover remaining costs effectively.
Conclusion
The Netherlands offers international students a combination of high-quality education, English-taught programs, and numerous scholarship opportunities that cover both tuition and living costs. Scholarships such as the Holland Scholarship, Erasmus Mundus, and university-specific excellence programs provide financial support that allows students to focus on their studies without financial stress.
Eligibility is generally based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and a strong motivation to study in the Netherlands. By researching available scholarships, preparing a strong application, and considering additional funding sources such as part-time work or grants, students can access world-class education while minimizing expenses.