Looking for scholarships in the Netherlands for international students? The Netherlands is one of Europe’s top study destinations, offering world-class universities, English-taught programs, and a wide range of scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students.

From government-funded programs like the Holland Scholarship to university-specific and Erasmus+ funding, international students from India and other countries can significantly reduce their tuition fees and living expenses.

This guide covers the best scholarships in the Netherlands, eligibility criteria, benefits, and official application links.

🇳🇱 Holland Scholarship – For Non-EEA Students

One of the most popular scholarships for international students, the Holland Scholarship is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education and participating research universities and universities of applied sciences.

• 💰 Amount: €5,000 (first year only)
• 📚 Eligible Programs: Bachelor’s and Master’s
• 🌍 Eligibility: Students from non-EEA countries
• 🏫 Participating Institutions: TU Delft, UvA, Leiden, Erasmus, and more
• 🔗 Official Link – Holland Scholarship

👩‍🎓 Who Can Apply for Netherlands Scholarships?

• International students from non-EEA countries
• Students applying for Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD programs
• Minimum academic score of 65–75% or equivalent GPA
• English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL required)
• Strong academic or extracurricular profile

🏫 University-Specific Scholarships

Many top Dutch universities offer their own merit-based and need-based scholarships for outstanding international applicants.

• TU Delft Excellence Scholarships (Justus & Louise van Effen): 💰Full tuition + living expenses – 🔗Link
• Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (UvA): 💰Partial to full tuition waiver – 🔗Link
• Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS): 💰Covers Up to full tuition – 🔗Link
• Erasmus University Holland Scholarship:💰 €5,000–€15,000 depending on program – 🔗Link
• VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP): 💰Covers full tuition (excluding living costs) – 🔗Link

💰 Benefits of Studying in the Netherlands with Scholarships

• ✔️ Tuition fee reduction or full coverage
• ✔️ Monthly stipend for living expenses
• ✔️ Travel allowance and visa support
• ✔️ Access to globally ranked universities
• ✔️ Work opportunities during and after study

💸 Cost of Studying in the Netherlands (Without Scholarships)

• Bachelor’s: €6,000 – €15,000/year
• Master’s: €8,000 – €20,000/year
• Living Cost: €10,000 – €15,000/year

📝 How to Apply for Scholarships in the Netherlands?

1. Choose your course and university
2. Check scholarship eligibility criteria
3. Prepare required documents (SOP, LOR, transcripts)
4. Apply through official university or scholarship portals
5. Attend interview (if required)
6. Receive offer and confirm admission

📄 Documents Required

• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
• English proficiency test scores
• Passport copy
• Updated CV/Resume

Scholarships can significantly reduce these costs.

🌍 Orange Tulip Scholarship Programme (OTS)

Administered by Nuffic, this program is specifically for international students from countries like India, Vietnam, Indonesia, China, Mexico, South Africa, Russia, and more.

• 💰 Amount: Varies by institution and program
• 🏫 Available at 25+ Dutch institutions
• 📋 Apply via Neso (Netherlands Education Support Office) in your country
• 🔗 Link – Orange Tulip Scholarship

🌐 Erasmus+ Programmes

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) and other EU-funded mobility programs allow students to study in multiple EU countries including the Netherlands.

• 💰 Full tuition + travel + living stipend
• 📚  Joint or multiple degrees across EU countries
• 🔗 Link – Erasmus+ Programmes

🤝 Other External & Country-Specific Scholarships

• MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP) – Middle East & North Africa – 🔗Link
• StuNed Scholarships – Indonesian professionals – 🔗Link
• LPDP Scholarship (Indonesia) – Applicable at Dutch universities
• Commonwealth & Chevening Scholarships (UK-based) – May support joint programs involving Dutch institutions

📌 How to Apply

• 📆 Timelines vary by institution (typically Oct–May for next academic year)
• 📝 Documents: Academic transcripts, motivation letter, proof of admission, English test scores
• ✅ Apply via university websites or Nuffic/Neso offices depending on the scholarship

💡 Pro Tip

Use the  Study in Holland Scholarship Finder Tool to explore programs and filter scholarships by nationality, level of study, and subject area.

🔗Scholarship Finder Tool

Also explore scholarships in
Germany, Austria, and New Zealand.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I study in the Netherlands for free?

Some scholarships like Erasmus+ and university excellence scholarships can fully or partially cover tuition and living costs.

Is the Netherlands good for Indian students?

Yes, it offers high-quality education, English-taught programs, and strong career opportunities.

What IELTS score is required?

Most universities require an IELTS score of 6.0–7.0 depending on the course.

Are there fully funded scholarships available?

Yes, Erasmus+ and some university scholarships offer full funding including tuition and stipend.

📌 Conclusion

The Netherlands offers excellent scholarship opportunities for international students across various fields. With proper planning and early application, students can significantly reduce their study expenses.

Explore official links, prepare strong documents, and apply early to maximize your chances.