Scholarships for International Students in Netherlands

The Netherlands, renowned for its high-quality education system, innovative research, and international outlook, is an increasingly popular destination for students from all over the world. However, the cost of living and tuition fees can be a significant barrier for many aspiring scholars. Fortunately, a diverse range of scholarships and funding opportunities are available to international students who wish to pursue their academic dreams in the Netherlands. This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with detailed information about the various scholarships, eligibility criteria, application processes, and tips to increase your chances of securing funding for your studies.

Why Study in the Netherlands?

Before delving into the scholarship options, it’s essential to understand why the Netherlands attracts so many international students. Several factors contribute to its appeal:

High-Quality Education: Dutch universities consistently rank among the top institutions globally, offering a wide array of programs taught in English across various disciplines.

International Environment: The Netherlands is a diverse and multicultural society, with a large international student population. This creates a welcoming and stimulating environment for students from all backgrounds.

Innovation and Research: The Netherlands is a hub for innovation and research, with strong links between universities and industries. Students have ample opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research and contribute to advancements in their fields.

Career Opportunities: The Dutch economy is thriving, and there is a high demand for skilled professionals. International graduates have good prospects of finding employment in the Netherlands after completing their studies.

Strategic Location: Situated in the heart of Europe, the Netherlands offers easy access to other major European cities and cultural attractions.

Overview of Scholarships in the Netherlands

Scholarships for international students in the Netherlands can be broadly categorized into the following:

• Government Scholarships: Offered by the Dutch government and designed to promote academic excellence and international cooperation.
• University Scholarships: Awarded by individual universities to attract talented students from around the world.
• Privately Funded Scholarships: Provided by private organizations, foundations, and companies to support specific fields of study or target specific groups of students.
• European Union Scholarships: Programs like Erasmus Mundus offer funding for students pursuing joint master’s programs across European universities, including those in the Netherlands.

Government Scholarships

The Holland Scholarship

The Holland Scholarship, financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences, is a prominent scholarship for international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who want to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the Netherlands.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a national of a country outside the EEA.
• Must not have previously studied at an educational institution in the Netherlands.
• Must be accepted into a full-time bachelor’s or master’s program at a participating Dutch university.
• Must meet the specific requirements of the chosen institution.

Benefits: A one-time grant of €5,000. Note that this scholarship is not a full scholarship and is intended as a contribution towards the cost of living and tuition fees.

Application Process: Apply directly to the Dutch university offering the program you are interested in. Each university has its own application procedures and deadlines for the Holland Scholarship.

Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP)

The Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP), funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aims to contribute to sustainable and inclusive development by offering scholarships to professionals from selected developing countries. The OKP focuses on strengthening the knowledge and skills of individuals and organizations in areas crucial for economic and social development.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a national of and working in one of the eligible countries (check the Nuffic website for the latest list).
• Must be a professional with relevant work experience (typically at least two years).
• Must be nominated by your employer.
• Must be admitted to a course or program at a participating Dutch institution that is part of the OKP.
Must meet the specific requirements of the chosen course or program.

Benefits: The OKP covers tuition fees, living expenses, visa costs, insurance, and return travel to the Netherlands.

Application Process: Apply for a course or program at a participating Dutch institution. If you are eligible for the OKP, the institution will nominate you for the scholarship. Nuffic, the Dutch organization for internationalisation in education, manages the OKP.

University Scholarships

Many Dutch universities offer their own scholarships to attract talented international students. These scholarships vary in terms of eligibility criteria, benefits, and application procedures. It is crucial to research the specific scholarships offered by the universities you are interested in and carefully review the requirements.

University of Amsterdam Scholarships

The University of Amsterdam (UvA) offers a range of scholarships for international students, including:

Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS)

The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS) is a scholarship for excellent students from outside the EU/EEA who are pursuing a master’s program at the University of Amsterdam.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a national of a country outside the EU/EEA.
• Must have an excellent academic record.
• Must be admitted to a full-time master’s program at the University of Amsterdam.
• Must not be receiving another full scholarship.

Benefits: A tuition fee waiver, potentially covering the full tuition fee or a portion of it.

Application Process: Apply for the master’s program and indicate your interest in the AMS in your application. The faculty will assess your eligibility based on your academic performance.

Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship (AES)

The Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship (AES) is a prestigious scholarship awarded to outstanding master’s students from outside the EU/EEA. It is a highly competitive scholarship.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a national of a country outside the EU/EEA.
• Must belong to the top 10% of graduates in your field.
• Must have excellent academic results and strong motivation.
• Must be admitted to a select master’s program at the University of Amsterdam.
• Must not be receiving another full scholarship.

Benefits: A full scholarship covering tuition fees and living expenses for the duration of the master’s program.

Application Process: Apply for the master’s program and submit a separate application for the AES, including a motivation letter and letters of recommendation. The faculty will nominate the most promising candidates.

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) Scholarships

TU Delft is renowned for its engineering and technology programs. It offers several scholarships for international students, including:

Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarships

The Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarships are designed to support excellent international students pursuing a master’s program at TU Delft.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be an international student admitted to a master’s program at TU Delft.
• Must have an excellent academic record.
• Must have a GPA of at least 80% of the maximum scale.
• Must not be receiving another full scholarship.

Benefits: A full tuition fee waiver and a monthly allowance for living expenses.

Application Process: Apply for the master’s program and indicate your interest in the Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarships in your application. TU Delft will assess your eligibility based on your academic performance and motivation.

Leiden University Scholarships

Leiden University offers various scholarships for international students, including:

Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) is awarded to outstanding non-EU/EEA students pursuing a master’s program at Leiden University.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a national of a country outside the EU/EEA.
• Must have an excellent academic record and belong to the top 10% of applicants in your program.
• Must be admitted to a full-time master’s program at Leiden University.
• Must not be receiving another full scholarship.

Benefits: A tuition fee waiver, potentially covering the full tuition fee or a portion of it, as well as a monthly allowance for living expenses.

Application Process: Apply for the master’s program and submit a separate application for the LExS, including a motivation letter and letters of recommendation. The faculty will assess your eligibility based on your academic performance and motivation.

Erasmus University Rotterdam Scholarships

Erasmus University Rotterdam offers several scholarships for international students, including:

Erasmus University Rotterdam Scholarship (EURS)

The Erasmus University Rotterdam Scholarship (EURS) is designed for excellent non-EU/EEA students pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s program at Erasmus University Rotterdam.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a national of a country outside the EU/EEA.
• Must have an excellent academic record.
• Must be admitted to a full-time bachelor’s or master’s program at Erasmus University Rotterdam.
• Must not be receiving another full scholarship.

Benefits: A tuition fee waiver, potentially covering the full tuition fee or a portion of it.

Application Process: Apply for the bachelor’s or master’s program and indicate your interest in the EURS in your application. The faculty will assess your eligibility based on your academic performance.

Maastricht University Scholarships

Maastricht University offers a range of scholarships for international students, including:

Maastricht University High Potential Scholarship

The Maastricht University High Potential Scholarship is a scholarship program designed to attract highly talented students from outside the EU/EEA who wish to pursue a master’s program at Maastricht University.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a national of a country outside the EU/EEA.
• Must have an excellent academic record.
• Must be admitted to a full-time master’s program at Maastricht University.
• Must not be receiving another full scholarship.

Benefits: A full scholarship covering tuition fees, living expenses, visa costs, and insurance.

Application Process: Apply for the master’s program and submit a separate application for the Maastricht University High Potential Scholarship, including a motivation letter and letters of recommendation. The faculty will assess your eligibility based on your academic performance and motivation.

Privately Funded Scholarships

Several private organizations and foundations offer scholarships to international students in the Netherlands. These scholarships often have specific criteria, such as targeting students from particular countries, supporting specific fields of study, or promoting diversity and inclusion.

StuNed Scholarships

Although technically funded by the Dutch government through Nuffic, StuNed (Studeren in Nederland) is often categorized separately. StuNed scholarships are specifically targeted at professionals from Indonesia who want to pursue a master’s degree or short course in the Netherlands.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be an Indonesian national.
• Must be a mid-career professional with relevant work experience.
• Must be admitted to a master’s program or short course at a participating Dutch institution.
• Must meet the specific requirements of the chosen course or program.

Benefits: The StuNed scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, visa costs, insurance, and return travel to the Netherlands.

Application Process: Apply for a master’s program or short course at a participating Dutch institution. If you are eligible for StuNed, the institution will nominate you for the scholarship. The application process is managed by Nuffic Neso Indonesia.

The Anne van den Ban Fund

The Anne van den Ban Fund provides scholarships to students from developing countries who wish to study agriculture or related fields in the Netherlands. The fund aims to contribute to sustainable agricultural development in developing countries.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a national of a developing country.
• Must be admitted to a program related to agriculture, food security, or rural development at a Dutch university.
• Must demonstrate a commitment to contributing to agricultural development in your home country.

Benefits: The scholarship covers tuition fees and living expenses, and may also provide funding for research and travel.

Application Process: Apply directly to the Anne van den Ban Fund. The application process typically involves submitting an application form, academic transcripts, a motivation letter, and letters of recommendation.

Other Private Scholarship Opportunities

Numerous other private foundations and organizations offer scholarships for international students in the Netherlands. These may be more specific in their focus, targeting particular nationalities, fields of study, or underrepresented groups. It is important to conduct thorough research to identify scholarships that align with your profile and academic goals.

Some resources for finding private scholarships include:

• Scholarship websites: Websites like ScholarshipPortal, GrantFinder, and StudyPortals offer comprehensive databases of scholarships for international students.
• University websites: Check the websites of the universities you are interested in for lists of scholarships offered by external organizations.
• National funding agencies: Contact the funding agencies in your home country to inquire about scholarships for studying abroad.
• Embassies and consulates: Embassies and consulates of the Netherlands in your home country may have information about scholarships and funding opportunities.

European Union Scholarships

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees are prestigious, integrated study programs delivered by a consortium of universities from different European countries, including the Netherlands. These programs offer full scholarships to outstanding students from around the world.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Must meet the specific admission requirements of the chosen Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree program.
• Must not have previously received an Erasmus Mundus scholarship for the same level of study.

Benefits: The Erasmus Mundus scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and insurance.

Application Process: Apply directly to the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree program you are interested in. The application process typically involves submitting an application form, academic transcripts, a motivation letter, letters of recommendation, and proof of English language proficiency.

Tips for a Successful Scholarship Application

Securing a scholarship can be a competitive process. Here are some tips to increase your chances of success:

Research Thoroughly: Identify scholarships that align with your profile, academic goals, and nationality. Carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements for each scholarship.

Meet the Eligibility Criteria: Ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements before applying for a scholarship. Applying for scholarships you are not eligible for is a waste of time and effort.

Start Early: Scholarship applications often have deadlines that are several months before the start of the academic year. Start your research and application process early to avoid missing deadlines.

Prepare a Strong Application: Your application should be well-written, error-free, and tailored to the specific scholarship. Highlight your academic achievements, research experience, extracurricular activities, and leadership skills.

Write a Compelling Motivation Letter: The motivation letter is your opportunity to explain why you deserve the scholarship and how it will help you achieve your academic and career goals. Clearly articulate your passion for your field of study, your motivation for studying in the Netherlands, and your future aspirations.

Obtain Strong Letters of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation should be written by professors, mentors, or employers who know you well and can attest to your academic abilities, personal qualities, and potential for success. Provide your recommenders with sufficient information about the scholarship and your achievements to enable them to write a strong letter of support.

Proofread Carefully: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. A well-presented application demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism.

Be Honest and Authentic: Be honest and authentic in your application. Do not exaggerate your achievements or fabricate information. Scholarship committees are looking for students who are genuine, passionate, and committed to their studies.

Follow Instructions Carefully: Carefully follow the instructions provided in the scholarship application guidelines. Failure to follow instructions may result in your application being disqualified.

Apply for Multiple Scholarships: Increase your chances of securing funding by applying for multiple scholarships. However, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for each scholarship and tailor your application accordingly.

Navigating the Dutch Higher Education System

Understanding the Dutch higher education system can be beneficial when applying for scholarships. The system is broadly divided into:

Research Universities: These universities focus on academic research and offer academically oriented programs, typically leading to master’s and doctoral degrees.

Universities of Applied Sciences: These institutions focus on practical training and offer professionally oriented programs, typically leading to bachelor’s degrees. Some universities of applied sciences also offer master’s programs.

When applying for scholarships, consider the type of institution and the program you are interested in. Some scholarships may be specifically targeted at students attending research universities or universities of applied sciences.

Cost of Living in the Netherlands

The cost of living in the Netherlands can vary depending on the city and your lifestyle. On average, international students can expect to spend between €800 and €1,200 per month on living expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses.

Accommodation is typically the largest expense. Student housing is available in many cities, but it can be competitive. It is advisable to start looking for accommodation well in advance of your arrival.

Scholarships may cover living expenses, but it is important to have a realistic understanding of the cost of living in the Netherlands and to plan your budget accordingly.

Visa and Residence Permit Requirements

International students who are not citizens of the EU/EEA or Switzerland need to apply for a visa and residence permit to study in the Netherlands. The application process can be complex, so it is important to start early and to follow the instructions provided by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).

The university where you are admitted will typically assist you with the visa and residence permit application process. However, it is your responsibility to ensure that you meet all the requirements and to submit the necessary documents.

Scholarships may cover visa application fees, but it is important to confirm this with the scholarship provider.

Conclusion

Studying in the Netherlands is an excellent opportunity for international students seeking a high-quality education and an international experience. While the cost of studying and living in the Netherlands can be a challenge, a wide range of scholarships and funding opportunities are available to support aspiring scholars. By researching thoroughly, preparing a strong application, and following the tips outlined in this guide, you can increase your chances of securing funding for your studies and realizing your academic dreams in the Netherlands. Good luck!