Dutch universities and the Dutch government offer a variety of scholarships to support international students.
Here are some of the prominent scholarships available:
Government Scholarships
Holland Scholarship
- Purpose: The scholarship is intended to support talented international students by providing financial assistance towards their tuition fees for one academic year of study.
Eligibility: You must be a non-EEA international student. You must be applying for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s programme at a participating Dutch higher education institution. Each institution may have additional specific criteria, so it’s important to check with the university or institution where you plan to apply.
- Amount: €5,000 for the first year of study.
Selection Criteria: Selection criteria may include academic merit, motivation, and how well you fit with the chosen programme and institution.Some universities may also consider extracurricular activities and achievements.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
Purpose: Erasmus Mundus Scholarships aim to enhance the quality of higher education in Europe by promoting international cooperation and fostering mobility of students and academics. It is funded by the European Union.
Eligibility: Eligibility criteria vary depending on the specific EMJMD programme. Generally, candidates must be from a country outside the EU/EEA. Candidates must have obtained a first higher education degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) before applying. Proficiency in the language of instruction (English, French, German, etc.) may be required, depending on the programme.
Scholarship Benefits: The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel and installation costs, and provides a monthly subsistence allowance for the entire duration of the EMJMD study programme (usually 1-2 years). The exact amount of the scholarship can vary depending on the programme and the student’s nationality.
Orange Tulip Scholarship Programme
- Purpose: The OTS aims to provide financial support to excellent students from non-EU/EEA countries who wish to study in the Netherlands at selected universities and institutions.
Eligibility: Eligibility criteria vary by university and programme, but generally, applicants must be nationals of one of the participating countries (such as India). They must also meet specific academic requirements set by the university or institution offering the scholarship.
Scholarship Benefits: The scholarship covers partial or full tuition fees for selected bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programmes at participating Dutch universities. In some cases, the scholarship may also cover living expenses, visa costs, and insurance.
Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP)
- Purpose: The OKP aims to contribute to the development of the capacity, knowledge, and quality of individuals and organizations in eligible countries. It focuses on areas where there is a skills shortage and where the scholarship can make a difference.
Eligibility: Indian nationals are eligible to apply for OKP scholarships, provided they meet the specific eligibility criteria set by the programme. Typically, applicants must be employed and nominated by their employer, who commits to supporting the applicant during the application process and upon their return to India.
Scholarship Benefits: The OKP scholarship covers costs such as tuition fees, visa, travel, insurance, and living expenses during the study or training period in the Netherlands. The exact coverage may vary depending on the duration and nature of the course or programme.
University-Specific Scholarships
Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)
- For excellent non-EEA/non-Swiss students enrolling in a master’s program.
- Amount: €10,000, €15,000, or the total tuition fee minus the statutory tuition fee.
University of Twente Scholarships (UTS)
For excellent students from both EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA countries applying for a master’s program.
Amount: €3,000 to €25,000 for one year.
VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme (VUFP)
- For strongly motivated students with excellent study results.
- Full tuition fee waiver.
University of Amsterdam Merit Scholarship
- For talented non-EU/EEA students.
- Full or partial scholarship depending on the faculty.
Radboud Scholarship Programme
- For talented, highly motivated, non-EEA students.
- Partial scholarship covering the tuition fee and costs of visas and health insurance.
Maastricht University Holland High Potential Scholarship
- For highly talented students from outside the EU/EEA.
- Covers tuition fee, living expenses, visa costs, and insurance.
Erasmus University Holland Scholarship
- For excellent non-EEA students.
- Amount: €5,000, €10,000, or €15,000.
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) Excellence Scholarships
- Justus & Louise van Effen Scholarship for excellent international applicants.
- Full tuition fee coverage and contribution to living expenses.
Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) Scholarships
- For excellent international students.
- Various scholarships offering tuition fee waivers and contributions to living costs.
Other Scholarships
NN Future Matters Scholarship
- For international students from selected countries enrolling in a master’s program in the fields of finance, risk management, economics, data science, and entrepreneurship.
- Amount: €5,000.
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
- For students from developing countries with no other means of financing their studies.
- Provides a combination of grants and loans.
These are some of the notable scholarships available for international students in the Netherlands. Each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria and application procedures, so it’s essential to check the respective university or scholarship program’s official website for detailed information.
