Netherlands Scholarships: How to Apply & Qualify

The Netherlands is a top destination for international students due to its high-quality education system, diverse course offerings, and numerous scholarship opportunities. This guide covers the top scholarships available, eligibility criteria, application processes, and maximum funding students can receive.

 

1. NL Scholarship

(Formerly Holland Scholarship)

Eligibility Criteria:

• Open to non-European Economic Area (EEA) students.
• Must have secured admission to a full-time bachelor’s or master’s program at a participating Dutch university.
• Must meet the institution-specific requirements.

Maximum Funding:

• One-time grant of €5,000.

Application Process:

1. Apply for admission to a participating university.
2. Check the specific scholarship application requirements at the university.
3. Submit the scholarship application along with documents such as proof of admission, academic transcripts, CV, and motivation letter.

Participating Universities:

• Leiden University
• Utrecht University
• University of Groningen
• Eindhoven University of Technology
• Delft University of Technology
• Erasmus University Rotterdam

Programs Covered:

• Engineering
• Business & Economics
• Humanities
• Sciences

 

2. University of Twente Scholarship (UTS)

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must have (provisional) admission to a UT master's program.
• Must not be eligible for Dutch student finance.

Maximum Funding:

• Between €3,000 - €22,000 for one year.

Application Process:

1. Apply for a master's program at the University of Twente.
2. Receive (provisional) admission.
3. Apply separately for the scholarship.

University Offering:

• University of Twente

Programs Covered:

• Engineering
• Social Sciences
• Business & Management

 

3. Erasmus University Holland Scholarship

Eligibility Criteria:

• Open to non-EEA students.
• Applied for a full-time bachelor's or master's program at Erasmus University.

Maximum Funding:

• €5,000, €10,000, or €15,000 depending on the faculty.

Application Process:

1. Apply for a bachelor's or master's program at Erasmus University.
2. Check faculty-specific scholarship procedures.
3. Submit documents such as academic records, CV, and motivation letter.

University Offering:

• Erasmus University Rotterdam

Programs Covered:

• Business & Economics
• Law
• Humanities

 

4. Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)

Eligibility Criteria:

• Open to non-EEA/non-EFTA students.
• Applying for a master’s program at Leiden University.
• Must have excellent academic results.

Maximum Funding:

• Covers full or partial tuition fees.

Application Process:

1. Apply online for a master’s program at Leiden University.
2. Indicate interest in the LExS scholarship.
3. Upload required documents (academic transcripts, motivation letter, etc.).

University Offering:

• Leiden University

Programs Covered:

• Law
• Sciences
• Humanities

 

5. Utrecht Excellence Scholarship

Eligibility Criteria:

• Open to top 10% of graduating class.
• Non-EU/EEA passport holders.
• Applying for a master’s program at Utrecht University.

Maximum Funding:

• Covers full tuition fees and may include living expenses.

Application Process:

1. Apply for a master’s program at Utrecht University.
2. Apply for the scholarship via Osiris Online Application.
3. Submit documents including proof of academic excellence and motivation letter.

University Offering:

• Utrecht University

Programs Covered:

• Social Sciences
• Natural Sciences
• Business

 

6. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees

Eligibility Criteria:

• Open to students worldwide.
• Must have a bachelor's degree or be in the final year of undergraduate studies.

Maximum Funding:

• Covers tuition fees, travel costs, installation costs, and subsistence allowance.

Application Process:

1. Search for Erasmus Mundus programs in the Erasmus+ catalog.
2. Contact the program consortium for application details.
3. Submit the application with necessary documents.

Universities Offering:

• Various universities across Europe, including Dutch institutions.

Programs Covered:

• International Business
• Environmental Science
• Engineering

Tips for Securing a Scholarship

• Start early: Many scholarships have strict deadlines.
• Meet all requirements: Ensure you qualify before applying.
• Write a strong motivation letter: Highlight your achievements, career goals, and why you deserve the scholarship.
• Gather necessary documents: Academic transcripts, CV, and references are often required.

 

By securing one of these scholarships, international students can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying in the Netherlands while gaining access to world-class education. Apply now and take a step closer to your academic goals!