The Netherlands is one of Europe’s most popular destinations for international students, particularly those looking for high-quality education in an international and English-speaking academic environment. Dutch universities are well known for programs in business, engineering, technology, social sciences, environmental studies, arts, and many other fields.
For international students, the cost of tuition and living expenses can be a major consideration. Fortunately, there are several scholarships in the Netherlands for international students offered by the Dutch government, universities, research institutions, and international organizations.
Although completely fully funded opportunities are relatively competitive, students can find scholarships that provide tuition fee reductions, living allowances, or other financial support. The most important options include the NL Scholarship, university-specific awards, and funding opportunities for master’s and PhD students.
This guide explains the best scholarships in the Netherlands, eligibility requirements, benefits, application procedures, and practical tips for international applicants.
Why Study in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands has a strong reputation for innovative teaching, internationally oriented universities, and a large selection of English-taught programs.
International students choose the country because of:
- High-quality universities
- Many English-taught degree programs
- International academic environment
- Strong research opportunities
- Excellent infrastructure
- European career opportunities
- Diverse student communities
Scholarships can make this experience more affordable by helping students manage tuition and living expenses.
1. NL Scholarship for International Students
The NL Scholarship is one of the best-known scholarship opportunities for international students planning to study in the Netherlands.
The scholarship is intended for students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who want to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree at participating Dutch higher education institutions.
The award is currently €5,000 and is generally provided during the first year of study. It is important to note that the NL Scholarship is not a full-tuition scholarship. (studyinnl.org)
Participating institutions determine their own selection criteria and application procedures, so students should check the requirements of their chosen university.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants generally need to:
- Be from outside the EEA
- Apply for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s program at a participating institution
- Meet the institution’s specific admission requirements
- Meet the scholarship’s nationality and application conditions
Because individual universities may establish additional criteria, applicants should carefully read the scholarship information provided by the institution.
2. Leiden University Scholarships
Leiden University offers several scholarships and funding opportunities for international students.
One notable option is the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS), which has been associated with talented non-EEA students applying for eligible master’s programs.
Depending on the award, financial support may involve a reduction in tuition fees rather than complete coverage of all study and living expenses.
Applicants should carefully check the current availability of the scholarship and the eligible master’s programs before applying.
3. University of Amsterdam Scholarships
University of Amsterdam provides various scholarships and financial support opportunities for international students.
Available funding can differ according to faculty, degree program, and nationality.
Some awards are aimed at academically outstanding students, while others may be connected to particular academic disciplines.
Students interested in studying at the University of Amsterdam should review scholarship opportunities alongside the admission requirements for their intended program.
4. TU Delft Scholarships
Delft University of Technology is one of Europe’s leading technical universities and is particularly attractive to students interested in engineering, technology, architecture, and applied sciences.
TU Delft offers scholarships for selected international master’s students. Some awards can provide significant financial support, potentially covering tuition and contributing toward living expenses depending on the specific scholarship.
The Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarships are among the university’s prominent opportunities for outstanding international master’s applicants.
Applicants should review the latest scholarship requirements and deadlines because funding conditions can change between academic years.
5. Maastricht University Scholarships
Maastricht University offers scholarships for international students enrolled in selected master’s programs.
The Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship is designed for talented students from outside the European Union and can provide substantial financial support.
The scholarship can cover several expenses associated with studying in the Netherlands, depending on the current scholarship package.
Because it is highly competitive, applicants should demonstrate strong academic performance and a clear motivation for pursuing the selected program.
6. Radboud University Scholarships
Radboud University provides scholarships for selected international master’s students.
The Radboud Scholarship Programme can provide a substantial reduction in tuition fees and may include additional support for certain costs.
The program is designed for academically strong international students and is available only for eligible master’s programs.
Applicants should check the university’s latest scholarship conditions and ensure that their chosen degree qualifies.
7. Utrecht University Scholarships
Utrecht University offers funding opportunities for talented international students.
The Utrecht Excellence Scholarship has historically supported selected outstanding international students applying for eligible master’s programs.
However, scholarship availability and program conditions can change. Students should therefore check the current university scholarship portfolio before planning their finances around a particular award.
8. Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
International students interested in studying in the Netherlands can also explore Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programs.
These programs are organized by international university partnerships across Europe and may include Dutch universities as participating institutions.
Selected Erasmus Mundus scholarships can provide extensive financial support, potentially including participation costs, travel support, and living allowances.
The exact benefits depend on the individual master’s program, so applicants should search for specific Erasmus Mundus programs rather than assuming every program offers identical funding.
Scholarships for Master’s Students
The Netherlands has particularly strong scholarship opportunities for master’s students.
International master’s applicants can investigate:
- NL Scholarship
- University excellence scholarships
- Faculty-specific scholarships
- Erasmus Mundus
- Research-related funding
- Country-specific awards
Academic excellence is often important for competitive master’s scholarships. Applicants should also demonstrate a strong connection between their previous education, chosen program, and future career objectives.
Scholarships for Bachelor’s Students
Scholarships for international bachelor’s students are generally more limited than those for master’s students, but opportunities do exist.
Students should investigate:
- NL Scholarship
- University merit scholarships
- Faculty-specific awards
- Private foundations
- International scholarship programs
Bachelor’s applicants should begin researching funding at the same time as they search for degree programs.
PhD Funding in the Netherlands
PhD funding in the Netherlands works somewhat differently from many traditional scholarship systems.
In many cases, doctoral candidates are employed by a university as researchers or PhD employees rather than simply receiving a conventional scholarship.
This can provide a salary and employment benefits, depending on the position and institution.
International students interested in doctoral study should therefore search university vacancy portals and research group websites in addition to scholarship databases.
Potential funding routes include:
- University PhD positions
- Research projects
- Research grants
- International fellowships
- European research funding
A strong research profile and suitable academic supervisor can be particularly important when pursuing doctoral opportunities.
Eligibility Requirements
Scholarship requirements vary by institution and program, but common criteria include:
Academic Excellence
Many scholarships are designed for high-achieving students and therefore require strong academic results.
International Student Status
Some scholarships are specifically intended for students from outside the EU or EEA.
University Admission
Applicants generally need to meet the academic and language requirements of the selected degree program.
Language Proficiency
English-taught programs commonly require proof of English proficiency, although specific requirements vary by institution.
Degree-Specific Requirements
Certain scholarships are available only for particular master’s programs, faculties, or fields.
Documents You May Need
Applicants should generally prepare:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Recommendation letters
- English language certificate
- Passport or identification
- University application documents
- Research proposal for PhD applicants
- Additional scholarship forms where required
Some scholarships may request additional essays or personal statements.
How to Apply for Scholarships in the Netherlands
Step 1: Choose Your Program
Start by identifying your desired degree, field, and university.
Step 2: Check University Admission Requirements
Make sure your previous qualifications meet the requirements of the Dutch institution.
Step 3: Research Scholarships
Search Study in NL, university scholarship pages, faculty websites, and international scholarship databases.
Step 4: Check Eligibility
Review nationality, academic, language, degree, and deadline requirements.
Step 5: Prepare Your Documents
Create a strong CV and prepare your motivation letter, transcripts, references, and other required documents.
Step 6: Apply for Admission
Some scholarships require students to complete or begin the university admission process before being considered for funding.
Step 7: Submit the Scholarship Application
Follow the university’s specific procedure. Some awards require a separate application, while others automatically consider eligible applicants.
Step 8: Wait for the Decision
Monitor your email and application portal for scholarship decisions or requests for additional documents.
How to Increase Your Chances of Winning
Maintain Excellent Academic Results
Competitive scholarships often attract applicants with strong academic records.
Write a Customized Motivation Letter
Explain why the specific university and program are important to your career goals.
Highlight Relevant Achievements
Include research, internships, professional experience, publications, leadership, volunteering, or academic awards when relevant.
Research the Scholarship Provider
Understanding what the scholarship is designed to achieve can help you present a more relevant application.
Apply Early
Give yourself enough time to complete both university and scholarship applications.
Are Scholarships in the Netherlands Fully Funded?
Not all scholarships in the Netherlands are fully funded.
Some provide a fixed financial award, while others reduce tuition fees. Certain university scholarships may cover tuition and provide additional financial support, while Erasmus Mundus programs can offer more comprehensive funding.
The NL Scholarship, for example, is currently a €5,000 award rather than a full scholarship covering all expenses. (studyinnl.org)
Students should calculate tuition, accommodation, food, transportation, insurance, and other costs before accepting an award.
How Much Does It Cost to Study in the Netherlands?
The total cost depends on the university, degree program, city, accommodation, and lifestyle.
International students should budget for:
- Tuition fees
- Rent
- Food
- Transportation
- Health insurance
- Books and study materials
- Personal expenses
- Visa and travel costs
Amsterdam and other major cities can be particularly expensive, making scholarships and careful budgeting important.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these mistakes when applying for scholarships:
- Applying without checking eligibility
- Missing deadlines
- Submitting incomplete applications
- Using a generic motivation letter
- Ignoring university-specific funding
- Assuming every scholarship is fully funded
- Failing to research living costs
- Relying on outdated scholarship information
- Waiting until the last minute to prepare documents
Always verify scholarship details using official university or government sources.
Final Thoughts
The Netherlands offers a strong combination of high-quality education, international programs, and scholarship opportunities for students from around the world. While fully funded scholarships are competitive, there are many ways to reduce the financial cost of studying.
The NL Scholarship, university-specific awards at institutions such as TU Delft and Maastricht University, excellence scholarships, and Erasmus Mundus programs are among the opportunities international students should investigate.
Master’s applicants generally have access to a broader range of scholarships, while PhD students should also look for paid research and doctoral positions.
The key is to start early, identify programs that match your academic profile, and carefully check every scholarship’s eligibility requirements. A strong academic record, customized motivation letter, relevant experience, and complete application can significantly improve your chances of receiving financial support.
With careful planning and research, international students can make studying in the Netherlands considerably more affordable while earning a respected European degree.