Are you searching for fully funded opportunities to study in Europe? Netherlands Government Scholarships offer exceptional support to international students aiming to pursue higher education in Dutch universities.
Netherlands Government Scholarships are financial awards provided by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, along with several Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. These scholarships help international students cover tuition fees, living costs, and other study-related expenses.
Key Features:
Funded by the Dutch government
Available for bachelor’s and master’s programs
Offered by over 30 Dutch higher education institutions
Includes full or partial tuition fee waivers
Monthly living allowance provided
Additional travel and insurance support
Available for non-EEA international students
No age restrictions
Applications open annually, usually in October
Emphasis on academic merit and motivation
Types of Netherlands Government Scholarships
Different scholarship programs exist under the Netherlands Government initiative, each with its own criteria and benefits. These opportunities cater to diverse academic backgrounds and countries.
Main Scholarship Programs:
Holland Scholarship: For non-EEA students; €5,000 for the first year
Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP): Fully funded short courses and master’s degrees
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees: Joint international study programs with full scholarships
MENA Scholarship Programme: For professionals from the Middle East and North Africa
StuNed Scholarship Programme: For Indonesian mid-career professionals
NN Future Matters Scholarship: For master’s students in finance-related fields
TU Delft Excellence Scholarships: Full scholarships for top engineering students
University of Twente Scholarships (UTS): Merit-based aid for master’s degree applicants
Leiden University Excellence Scholarships (LExS): Tuition support for master’s programs
Maastricht University Holland High Potential Scholarship: Full funding for master’s students
Who Can Apply for Netherlands Government Scholarships?
Eligibility for Netherlands Government Scholarships varies depending on the specific program, but general criteria are similar across most.
Common Eligibility Criteria:
Must be a non-EEA or non-EU national
Applying for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s program in the Netherlands
Meet academic admission requirements of chosen university
Hold a valid passport at the time of application
Demonstrated academic excellence
Strong motivation and study plan
Good command of English (IELTS/TOEFL scores)
No prior study experience in the Netherlands (for most scholarships)
Willingness to return home after completion (in some cases)
Professional experience (for mid-career programs like OKP)
Top Dutch Universities Offering Government Scholarships
Many Dutch institutions participate in government-funded scholarship programs, offering world-class education in a variety of fields.
You must compile a complete application package to be considered for a scholarship. Missing documents often lead to disqualification.
Essential Documents:
Completed online application form
Academic transcripts and diplomas
Valid passport copy
English language test scores (IELTS/TOEFL)
Motivation letter
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Recommendation letters (usually 2)
Proof of admission (if already received)
Research proposal (for some programs)
Work experience documents (for OKP or MENA)
Deadlines for Netherlands Government Scholarships
Scholarship deadlines vary by program and institution, but most follow the academic calendar, with applications opening in the fall.
Scholarship Program
Deadline (Approximate)
Holland Scholarship
February – May
Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP)
October and March rounds
Erasmus Mundus
December – February
MENA Scholarship Programme
February and May
StuNed Scholarship (Indonesia)
March
University-Specific Scholarships
December – May
Tips for a Successful Application
Scholarship applications are competitive, so a well-prepared and personalized submission significantly boosts your chances.
Best Practices:
Start preparations at least 6 months in advance
Choose programs aligned with your academic goals
Tailor motivation letters to each university
Highlight leadership and community impact
Ensure all documents are certified and translated
Practice English tests to achieve high scores
Seek feedback on your application materials
Keep track of deadlines and requirements
Follow up with universities when necessary
Stay positive and persistent
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for more than one scholarship in the Netherlands?
Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships, but make sure to meet the criteria for each and avoid duplicate funding.
Is the Holland Scholarship renewable?
No, the Holland Scholarship is a one-time grant of €5,000 for the first year of study.
Do I need to know Dutch to study in the Netherlands?
No, many programs are fully taught in English. However, learning basic Dutch can enhance your daily life experience.
Can I work while studying on a Netherlands Government Scholarship?
Yes, international students are allowed to work part-time with a student work permit.
Are PhD programs covered under these scholarships?
Most Netherlands Government Scholarships are for bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Some universities offer PhD funding separately.
Is there an age limit for applying?
Generally, there is no strict age limit, but some programs like OKP may prioritize mid-career professionals.
Do I have to return home after my studies?
For certain scholarships like OKP or MENA, returning home is part of the agreement.
How competitive are these scholarships?
Highly competitive due to global interest. Strong academic records and motivation letters are essential.
Are scholarships available for all fields of study?
Most fields are eligible, but some programs prioritize STEM, sustainability, or development-related disciplines.
Can I stay in the Netherlands after graduation?
Yes, you can apply for an orientation year visa to seek employment after completing your degree.
Conclusion
Studying through Netherlands Government Scholarships opens the door to world-class education and a global future. With full support for tuition and living costs, your academic journey in the Netherlands can begin without financial barriers.
We help you here
Free students tools, Recommendation letter Writing Service, Motivation Letter Writing Service, Intent Letter Writing Service