Scholarships to Study in the Netherlands for International Students
Finding the right scholarships to study in the Netherlands for international students is the first step toward experiencing world-class education in one of Europe’s most innovative hubs.
Scholarships to study in the Netherlands for international students have become increasingly vital as the country continues to rank as a top destination for those seeking English-taught programs and a high quality of life.
Whether you are aiming for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD, the financial landscape of Dutch education offers a variety of avenues to reduce costs. From government-backed grants to university-specific excellence awards, the opportunities are vast.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every major funding option, the application secrets that successful candidates use, and how to navigate the 2026/2027 academic cycle.
Why Consider the Netherlands for International Scholarships?
When searching for scholarships to study in the Netherlands for international students, you are not just looking for a way to pay for university; you are opening a door to one of the world’s most sophisticated and forward-thinking educational landscapes.
The availability of scholarships to study in the Netherlands for international students serves as a strategic invitation from the Dutch government and universities to attract the brightest minds from across the globe.
Beyond the financial relief, the Dutch academic experience is designed to transform how you think, work, and collaborate. Here is a deep dive into why this small European nation should be at the top of your list.
World-Class Education with Global Recognition
The primary reason to pursue scholarships to study in the Netherlands for international students is the sheer quality of the institutions.
The Netherlands consistently punches above its weight in global rankings, with nearly all of its research universities featuring in the top 200 of the Times Higher Education and QS World University Rankings.
Whether you are interested in civil engineering at TU Delft or international law at Leiden University, a degree from a Dutch institution carries immense weight with employers worldwide.
The education system is rigorously monitored by national accreditation bodies, ensuring that the high standard of teaching and research remains consistent across the board.
Pioneering the English-Taught Movement
While many European countries are only recently increasing their English-taught offerings, the Netherlands was a pioneer in this area. It currently offers over 2,100 programs taught entirely in English, making it the largest provider of English-taught higher education in non-Anglophone Europe.
This accessibility is a massive draw for those seeking scholarships to study in the Netherlands for international students, as it eliminates the immediate need to be fluent in Dutch to succeed academically.
Furthermore, approximately 95% of the local population is fluent in English, meaning your life outside the classroom, from grocery shopping to social networking, is seamless and inclusive.
Innovative “Problem-Based Learning” (PBL)
One of the most unique aspects of Dutch education is its pedagogical approach. Most universities utilize Problem-Based Learning (PBL), a system that moves away from traditional, passive lectures and instead focuses on small-group discussions and real-world case studies.
As a student, you are trained to analyze complex problems, collaborate with diverse teams, and defend your ideas in a critical yet respectful environment.
This hands-on, interactive style is exactly what modern global employers look for, making the graduates of Dutch programs exceptionally “job-ready” compared to those from more theoretical systems.
The “Gateway to Europe” Location
The Netherlands is strategically positioned at the heart of Europe, making it an ideal base for students who want to explore the continent.
With world-class transport links, you are only a few hours away by train or a short flight from major cultural hubs like Paris, Berlin, London, and Brussels. This geographic advantage isn’t just for tourism; it facilitates international internships and networking opportunities with pan-European organizations.
For those on scholarships to study in the Netherlands for international students, the proximity to various international markets and institutions significantly enhances the value of their degree.
Post-Study Career Opportunities: The Orientation Year
Perhaps the most practical benefit of studying in the Netherlands is the “Zoekjaar” or Orientation Year visa. This policy allows international graduates from Dutch universities to stay in the country for up to one year to find a job or start their own company.
If you secure a job as a “highly skilled migrant” during this time, your employer can easily sponsor your residence permit.
With the Netherlands hosting giants like Philips, ASML, Shell, and Unilever, as well as thousands of innovative tech startups, the career trajectory for international talent is remarkably clear and supported.
A High Quality of Life and Safety
The Netherlands consistently ranks among the top 10 happiest and safest countries in the world. For international students, this translates to a peaceful, well-organized, and secure environment.
The country is famous for its “cycling culture,” with thousands of kilometers of dedicated bike paths that make commuting affordable, healthy, and environmentally friendly.
Additionally, the Dutch value a strong work-life balance and social tolerance, creating a welcoming atmosphere where students from all backgrounds can feel at home and focus on their studies without fear of discrimination.
Scholarships to Study in the Netherlands for International Students
Securing scholarships to study in the Netherlands for international students is more than just a financial relief; it is a gateway to one of the most prestigious labor markets in Europe.
Scholarships to study in the Netherlands for international students provide a unique opportunity to gain a world-class degree while positioning yourself for high-earning roles in sectors like technology, sustainability, and international law.
Below are some of the most prominent scholarship programs available for the 2026/2027 academic cycle, expanded to help you understand their scope and long-term value.
1. The NL Scholarship (Formerly Holland Scholarship)
The NL Scholarship is the flagship program for non-EEA students and is one of the most widely recognized scholarships to study in the Netherlands for international students.
Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, this grant offers a one-time payment of €5,000 to first-year Bachelor’s or Master’s students to help offset the initial costs of relocation and tuition.
While it is not a full-ride scholarship, its prestige acts as a powerful signal to future employers. Graduates who have held this scholarship often find themselves in high demand within the Dutch “Top Sectors,” such as High Tech Systems and Materials or Life Sciences, where starting salaries for international talent are quite competitive.
The application process is integrated into the university admission cycle, requiring a strong academic background and a motivation letter that highlights how you will contribute to the international community in the Netherlands.
2. Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarship (TU Delft)
This is arguably the most prestigious engineering award among all scholarships to study in the Netherlands for international students. Hosted by TU Delft, it is a fully-funded program that covers full tuition fees and provides a monthly living allowance for the duration of a two-year Master’s degree.
Because TU Delft is ranked among the top technological universities globally, recipients are often recruited by multinational giants like ASML, Philips, or Tesla before they even graduate.
The scholarship seeks “future-makers”, students who demonstrate not just academic brilliance with a GPA in the top 10%, but also a clear vision for solving global societal challenges.
The rigorous selection process includes a detailed research proposal and two high-level recommendation letters, making it a highly competitive but life-changing opportunity for aspiring engineers and architects.
3. Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship
Maastricht University offers one of the most comprehensive scholarships to study in the Netherlands for international students, targeting highly talented individuals from outside the EU/EEA. This scholarship is worth approximately €30,000 annually, covering tuition, living expenses, insurance, and visa costs.
Maastricht is famous for its Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model, which prepares students for leadership roles in business, health sciences, and international relations. Because the scholarship focuses on “high potential” candidates, the selection committee looks for evidence of leadership, social engagement, and a high GPA (typically 7.5/10 or higher in the Dutch system).
Graduates often transition into roles within international NGOs or European administrative bodies, where their ability to work in multicultural teams, honed during their time in Maastricht, is highly valued.
4. Radboud Scholarship Programme
The Radboud Scholarship is a unique entry among scholarships to study in the Netherlands for international students because it offers a significant tuition reduction rather than a standard cash grant.
For the 2026 cycle, successful applicants see their tuition fees reduced to the much lower “statutory” rate, often around €2,600 compared to the standard €16,000+ for non-EU students. The program also covers the costs for your visa, residence permit, and health insurance.
Radboud University is known for its strong focus on research and social responsibility, making this an ideal choice for students in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
The long-term career outlook for Radboud scholars is bright, with many staying in the Nijmegen region to work in the growing “Health Valley” or pursuing research-heavy PhD positions that pay competitive salaries.
5. University of Twente Scholarship (UTS)
Targeting the most innovative minds in STEM and social sciences, the UTS is a standout among scholarships to study in the Netherlands for international students.
The award ranges from €3,000 to €22,000 for one year, and students who perform exceptionally well in their first year may be eligible for a second year of funding.
The University of Twente is self-branded as a “High Tech, Human Touch” institution, and the scholarship reflects this by seeking students who can bridge the gap between technology and society.
Whether you are studying Robotics, Geo-information Science, or Business Information Technology, the UTS provides a financial cushion that allows you to engage in the university’s vibrant startup ecosystem.
Twente graduates are particularly successful in the Dutch tech sector, where the demand for specialized talent keeps entry-level salaries significantly above the national average.
6. Eric Bleumink Fund (University of Groningen)
The Eric Bleumink Fund provides fully-funded scholarships to study in the Netherlands for international students specifically from developing countries. This all-inclusive grant covers tuition, travel, subsistence, and books for a 1-year or 2-year Master’s program.
The University of Groningen is one of the oldest and most respected research universities in Europe, offering a vast array of programs from Space Studies to International Business.
This scholarship is particularly transformative because it targets students who might otherwise lack the means to study abroad but possess the intellectual capacity to excel at the highest level. Because it is a “nomination-only” scholarship, students must first be admitted to the university with exceptional grades.
The resulting degree from Groningen carries immense weight in both the public and private sectors globally, often leading to roles in international development, sustainability, and academia.
7. Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)
Leiden University, the oldest university in the Netherlands, offers the LExS for excellent non-EEA students. This is a Tier-1 option among scholarships to study in the Netherlands for international students, providing tuition waivers of up to €19,000.
Leiden is world-renowned for Law, Political Science, and Archaeology, making it a magnet for future diplomats and legal experts. The LExS is awarded based on academic merit, and applicants are expected to be in the top 10% of their graduating class.
Given Leiden’s proximity to The Hague, the international city of peace and justice, scholars have unparalleled access to internships at the International Criminal Court, Europol, and various embassies.
This professional exposure ensures that LExS recipients are among the highest-earning graduates in the fields of policy and international law.
8. VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP)
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) offers the VUFP to highly motivated international students who want to pursue a Master’s degree in the heart of the Netherlands’ business capital.
As one of the most competitive scholarships to study in the Netherlands for international students, the VUFP covers full tuition fees and is often combined with the NL Scholarship for living costs. VU Amsterdam is known for its diverse student body and its focus on “Responsible Innovation.”
The scholarship application requires a powerful motivation letter and proof of academic excellence (equivalent to a Dutch 8.0/10 GPA).
Studying in Amsterdam puts students at the center of the European finance and tech scenes, providing immediate networking opportunities with companies headquartered in the Zuidas business district, which significantly boosts their lifetime earning potential.
9. Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS)
The University of Amsterdam (UvA) provides the AMS to attract the world’s brightest non-EU students to its diverse classrooms. This scholarship is valued at up to €25,000 per year and covers a substantial portion of the cost of living and tuition.
The AMS is particularly prominent in the Faculty of Science and the Amsterdam Law School. To be eligible for this highlight of scholarships to study in the Netherlands for international students, candidates must demonstrate that they are among the top 10% of their peers.
UvA’s global reputation, consistently ranking as the best in the Netherlands, means that AMS recipients are fast-tracked into competitive roles in data science, communication, and finance.
The vibrant, international environment of Amsterdam combined with the financial support of the AMS makes this one of the most sought-after awards in Europe.
10. MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP)
The MSP is a specialized grant among scholarships to study in the Netherlands for international students, aimed at mid-career professionals from the Middle East and North Africa. This program focuses on short courses and specialized Master’s degrees in fields like Water Management, Agriculture, and Urban Development.
Unlike other academic scholarships, the MSP requires an employer’s statement, as it aims to build capacity within the student’s home organization.
However, the expertise gained in the Netherlands, a world leader in water and land management, is so high that many MSP scholars find their market value triples upon completion.
Whether they return home to take on senior leadership roles or transition into international consultancy, the Dutch expertise provided by this scholarship is a massive career catalyst.
11. Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP)
The OKP is a massive initiative funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, providing scholarships to study in the Netherlands for international students from over 50 developing countries.
The program focuses on “priority themes” such as Food and Nutrition Security, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, and the Rule of Law. OKP scholarships are comprehensive, covering tuition, travel, and a monthly stipend.
This scholarship is perfect for students who want to become “change agents” in their home countries. The training provided is highly practical and often involves partnerships with Dutch NGOs and governmental bodies.
Graduates are equipped with a unique blend of Dutch technical expertise and a global network, making them prime candidates for high-level roles in international organizations like the UN or the World Bank.
12. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
While not exclusively Dutch, the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters includes several programs where the Netherlands is a lead partner, making it a premier choice for scholarships to study in the Netherlands for international students.
This is a fully-funded scholarship that covers all participation costs, travel, and a monthly allowance of up to €1,400. Students study in at least two different European countries, often spending a year at a Dutch university like Erasmus University Rotterdam or Wageningen.
The dual-degree or joint-degree status of these programs, combined with the mobility experience, makes these graduates some of the most sought-after individuals in the global workforce.
The salaries for Erasmus Mundus alumni are among the highest for fresh Master’s graduates due to their proven adaptability and specialized international training.
13. Utrecht Excellence Scholarship (UES)
The UES is a prestigious award for non-EU students who have been admitted to a Master’s program at Utrecht University. This is a top-tier option for scholarships to study in the Netherlands for international students, offering either full tuition coverage or a combination of tuition and a €11,000 living grant.
Utrecht University is a member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU) and is renowned for its high-impact research in Geosciences, Sustainability, and Veterinary Medicine.
The scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate “international orientation” and a commitment to solving complex global problems.
Graduates of Utrecht are highly regarded for their critical thinking skills, often finding lucrative careers in the European sustainable energy sector or in high-level research and development roles.
Key Factors for Considerations when Applying
When you decide to pursue scholarships to study in the Netherlands for international students, the journey involves much more than just filling out a form. The Dutch selection process is uniquely focused on a blend of “Excellence” and “Ambition.”
To successfully secure scholarships to study in the Netherlands for international students for the 2026/2027 academic year, you must align your profile with several critical factors that selection committees prioritize.
Here is an expansion on the key factors you must consider to ensure your application stands out in a highly competitive pool.
Academic Excellence and the GPA Threshold
The cornerstone of almost all scholarships to study in the Netherlands for international students is a stellar academic record. Most high-value grants, such as the LExS (Leiden) or the Radboud Scholarship, require you to be in the top 10% of your graduating class.
In the Dutch grading system, this typically translates to an average grade of at least 8.0 out of 10. Selection committees don’t just look at your final certificate; they scrutinize your entire transcript for consistency, especially in subjects that are “core” to your intended Master’s or Bachelor’s program.
If your university doesn’t use a 10-point scale, providing an official “Ranking Certificate” or a WES evaluation can help the Dutch admissions officers understand just how exceptional your performance was.
The “Non-EEA” Residency Requirement
A major administrative factor for scholarships to study in the Netherlands for international students is your nationality and residency status. The majority of prominent grants, including the flagship NL Scholarship, are strictly reserved for students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Surinam.
If you hold dual nationality and one of them is from an EU/EEA country, you will likely be ineligible for these specific funds (though you would benefit from much lower EU tuition rates).
It is vital to prove that you are not only a non-EEA national but that you have also never previously obtained a degree from a Dutch educational institution, as many scholarships are designed specifically to bring “fresh” talent into the country.
English Language Proficiency Certification
Since the Netherlands offers the highest number of English-taught programs in non-Anglophone Europe, proof of language proficiency is non-negotiable for scholarships to study in the Netherlands for international students.
Even if your previous degree was taught in English, many scholarships still require a formal IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT score.
The standard requirement is usually a 6.5 or 7.0 for IELTS and at least 90 for TOEFL. Some technical universities, like the University of Twente, also look at sub-scores, specifically requiring a high score in the “Speaking” component to ensure you can participate in their intensive, group-based Problem-Based Learning (PBL) sessions.
The “Golden” Motivation Letter and Ambition
Dutch universities value transparency and “Ambitie” (Ambition). Your motivation letter is the only place where you can transform from a list of grades into a living, breathing candidate.
For scholarships to study in the Netherlands for international students, your letter must answer three things: Why this specific classroom program in the Netherlands? How does your background make you an asset to their international? And, more importantly, what is your long-term plan to give back to society?
The Dutch system is highly social and innovation-focused; they want to invest in students who see their education as a tool for global change rather than just a personal career move.
Financial Sustainability and the “Funding Gap”
It is a common misconception that all scholarships to study in the Netherlands for international students cover everything. In reality, many (like the NL Scholarship) offer a one-time grant of €5,000, which barely covers a third of the annual tuition for a non-EU student.
You must demonstrate to the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) that you have the “financial means” to support yourself, which is currently around €1,200–€1,500 per month in addition to tuition.
When applying, you must calculate your “Funding Gap”, the difference between your scholarship and the total cost of living, and have a clear plan (savings, family support, or secondary grants) to bridge it.
Strategic Timing and the “First-Come” Principle
Timing is perhaps the most underrated factor when seeking scholarships to study in the Netherlands for international students. Most major Dutch scholarships have deadlines between January 1st and February 1st for the September intake.
However, because you usually need an “Admission Letter” or at least a “Student Number” to apply for the scholarship, you must start your university application as early as October or November of the previous year.
Waiting until the scholarship deadline to start your university application is a recipe for disqualification, as the university admission process can take up to eight weeks.
Conclusion
Securing scholarships to study in the Netherlands for international students is an attainable goal if you are organized and proactive. The Dutch education system prizes critical thinking and collaboration, so ensure your application reflects these values. By combining government grants with university excellence funds, many students find that studying in the “Gateway to Europe” is not only an academic triumph but a financially viable reality.
