Are you looking for fully funded scholarships in Netherlands for international students? The Netherlands is now one of the most popular places for international students to study, drawing thousands of students each year. But high quality comes with a price, and for many people, the cost of living and tuition can be a big problem.
Fortunately, fully funded scholarships in the Netherlands for international students are meant to get rid of tuition and other costs. They cover all of your tuition, give you a monthly stipend, health insurance, travel money, and more. Think about going to famous schools like Delft University of Technology or Leiden University without having to worry about money.
In this full guide, you will learn:
The best fully funded scholarships in the Netherlands
Detailed requirements for eligibility and how to apply
Tips from people who have won these scholarships to help you win them too
Useful tips for living and doing well in the Netherlands
By the time you finish reading this article, you’ll have everything you need to make the next big step toward studying abroad, and all of your costs will be covered.
Why you should study in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is a great place to get a higher education because it has a friendly, international atmosphere and high academic standards. This is why thousands of students choose it every year:
Top Universities with International Recognition
Dutch universities are always among the best in Europe and the world. The University of Amsterdam and Delft University of Technology, for instance, are famous for their cutting-edge research and new programs. A degree from a Dutch school can help you get a job or continue your studies anywhere in the world.
A lot of Programs are taught in English.
You don’t have to be fluent in Dutch. There are more than 2,000 programs in the Netherlands that are completely taught in English at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD levels. Students can find good programs that fit their interests in a wide range of fields, from engineering to the arts to business.
Student life is Multicultural and Welcoming
Students from over 160 countries are welcomed in the Netherlands. This diversity makes campus life exciting and multicultural, with lots of chances to meet people from other countries and cultures and make connections that can help you grow personally and professionally.
Cost of living is cheaper than in other Western European countries.
Living in the Netherlands is not too expensive compared to other parts of Western Europe. Depending on where you live and how you live, your monthly costs can be between €800 and €1,200. That’s before scholarships make things a lot easier for you.
Support Service for international students
Dutch universities offer great support services, like language classes, counseling, and help with visas and housing. These services help international students get settled quickly and do well in school.
What You Need to Know About Fully Funded Scholarships in Netherlands for International Students
Before we look at the different scholarships, it’s important to know what “fully funded” means and why these scholarships are so important.
What does it mean to be “fully funded”?
A fully funded scholarship in the Netherlands usually pays for:
Tuition Fees: The full cost of your program’s tuition, which can be anywhere from €8,000 to more than €20,000 per year, depending on the university and course.
Living Allowance: Monthly payments of €500 to €1,000 to help pay for rent, food, transportation, and other personal costs.
Health insurance is important for medical emergencies and is often included or paid for by the scholarship.
Travel Costs: The cost of a round-trip flight from your home country to the Netherlands, which may also cover local travel costs.
Study Materials: Some scholarships also pay for the books, software, and equipment you need for your class.
Visa and permit fees: Sometimes included in the scholarship package.
Why are fully funded scholarships important?
These scholarships allows students from all walks of life get a world-class education without having to worry about money. They make the playing field even, giving talented people all over the world access to education.
Basic Requirements for Eligibility
Even though each scholarship has its own requirements, most of them want:
1. Great grades and a strong academic record
2. Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or something similar)
3. A clear reason for studying and plans for the future
4. Recommendation from referees and employers
5. A career focus from students from certain countries or areas at times
Best Fully Funded Scholarships in Netherlands for International Students
Now, let’s look at the best of the best. There are a number of well-known and highly competitive scholarships that can help you get a world-class education in the Netherlands without having to worry about money. These scholarships pay for more than just tuition. They also pay for living costs, travel costs, and insurance, which means you can fully realize your dream of studying abroad.
We will now go over the best scholarships that you should really think about. Each one has its own set of benefits, requirements and eligibility, and tips for how to apply that will give you the best chance.
1. Holland Scholarship
The Holland Scholarship is one of the most well-known fully funded scholarships in the Netherlands for students from other countries. The Dutch Ministry of Education pays for it, and several research universities and universities of applied sciences support the scholarship too. The scholarship’s goal is to bring talented international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) to the Netherlands to study.
Coverage and Benefits
A one-time grant of €5,000 given out in the first year of study.
It helps pay for living costs and tuition, but not all of it.
Gives some financial assistance to help with the costs of starting your studies.
Who can apply and how to do it
You must be an international student who is not from the EEA and is applying for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
You must meet the requirements for admission to a Dutch university.
You don’t have to apply for the scholarship separately; you just send in your application to the university or program you want to attend.
Deadlines are different, so look on your university’s website for the exact dates.
Pro Tip: Apply early and keep up a good academic record because selection is based on merit.
For the most up-to-date information, go to the Holland Scholarship Official Page.
2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees
The Erasmus Mundus program is a fully funded scholarship from the European Union for international students who want to study in certain joint Master’s programs in several European countries, including the Netherlands. These scholarships are very competitive and well-known.
Participating Dutch Universities include:
Delft University of Technology
Groningen University
University of Leiden
Rotterdam’s Erasmus University
Application Tips
Scholarships pay for full tuition, monthly living costs (between €1,000 and €1,100), travel costs, and insurance.
You can only apply through the Erasmus Mundus program portal or the specific joint Master’s program.
In your application, make sure to highlight your academic success, drive, and how well you fit with the program’s goals.
Make a detailed CV and strong letters of recommendation.
Erasmus Mundus gives you a one-of-a-kind chance to study in different countries and meet people from all over the world.
To see the list of programs and how to apply, go to the Erasmus Mundus Catalogue.
3. Orange Tulip Scholarship Program (Nuffic Neso)
The Orange Tulip Scholarship Program is a special program run by Nuffic Neso offices that is only open to students from certain countries, like Brazil, China, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, and South Korea. It helps students who want to study in the Netherlands.
Benefits and Coverage
Waivers of tuition fees (full or partial)
Monthly payments to cover living costs
Housing support in some cases
Cultural programs and mentorship
Deadlines and Steps for Applying
Each country and university has its own deadlines and application processes.
Most of the time, you apply directly to the university or through Nuffic Neso offices in your country.
Get in touch with your local Nuffic office early to find out about opportunities in your country.
4. Excellence Scholarships from the University of Groningen
International students who are applying for Master’s degree programs at the University of Groningen can get the University of Groningen Excellence Scholarships. These are some of the most generous fully funded scholarships in the Netherlands for international students. They are meant to bring the best minds from around the world to the country.
Requirements for eligibility
An excellent academic record, usually a GPA of 7.5 or higher on a 10-point scale.
A clear reason for studying your field and a strong commitment to it.
How to Apply
Send in your scholarship application at the same time as your university application.
Write a good motivation letter that explains your plans for school and your career goals.
Letters of recommendation are very important to help your application.
The scholarship can pay for up to €35,000 in tuition and living costs.
For more information, go to University of Groningen Scholarships.
5. Leiden University Excellence Scholarships (LExS)
Leiden University offers LExS program to outstanding international students with leadership potentials. It is a fully funded scholarship that pays for tuition and also pays €1,000 a month to help with living costs
Tips for Applying
You can apply for both admission and the scholarship at the same time through Leiden University’s online portal.
In your motivation letter, talk about your academic achievements and leadership skills.
Send in strong letters of recommendation from trustworthy sources.
Criteria for Selection
Academic merit and the ability to make a positive difference in the university community.
Love what you do and have clear plans for the future.
The scholarship is very competitive, so make sure your application stands out.
6. Radboud Scholarship Program
Radboud University’s scholarship program is meant to help international students who have been accepted to Master’s programs and have shown exceptional academic ability.
Eligibility and Coverage
The scholarship pays for €10,000 of tuition.
Open to students from outside the EU/EEA.
You need to be accepted into a Master’s degree program at Radboud University.
How to Apply
Before the deadline, send in both your scholarship application and your university application.
Get all the papers you need, like your CV, transcripts, and letter of motivation.
How to Find More Fully Funded Scholarships in Netherlands for International Students
In addition to the scholarships listed above, a lot of colleges and groups offer other funding opportunities. Other means to look for scholarship include:
Official University Websites: Most universities have a separate page for scholarships that lists all of their offers. Keep an eye on these and bookmark them.
The Nuffic Scholarship Database: This is a searchable database of scholarships that is kept up to date by Nuffic, the Dutch organization for internationalization.
Government Scholarship Portals: The Dutch government sometimes posts information about scholarships on official websites or through embassies.
International Scholarship Platforms: Websites like DAAD have large databases that let you search by country, level, and field.
Scholarship Offices by Country: For personalized scholarship announcements, check with your country’s Dutch embassy or cultural affairs office.
Requirements for International Students to Get Fully Funded Scholarships in the Netherlands
Most scholarships have the same general requirements, even though they may be different for each one:
Academic grades: Usually shown by transcripts, GPA, degrees, and awards. A GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 or 7.5 out of 10 is often required.
Language Proficiency: You need to show that you can speak English well by passing the IELTS (minimum 6.5 or 7.0), TOEFL, or Cambridge tests. Some scholarships don’t require this if you already know English well.
Nationality: Many scholarships are only for students from developing countries, certain regions, or countries that are not in the EEA.
Motivation: You need to write strong, honest letters of motivation that explain why you want to study in the Netherlands and how the scholarship will help you reach your career goals.
Letters of Recommendation: You need at least two academic or professional references to back up your application.
Work experience or extracurricular activities: Some scholarships prefer applicants who have held leadership positions, done volunteer work, or done research.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Fully Funded Scholarships in Netherlands
Are you ready to apply? Here are some tried-and-true ways to help you succeed:
1. Start early: The deadlines for scholarships are often months before the start of the program. Getting ready early lowers stress and raises the quality of your application.
2. Do a lot of research: Know what each scholarship requires and make sure your application meets those requirements. Generic applications don’t win very often.
3. Write a strong personal statement: Tell a story about your background, the challenges you’ve faced, your academic goals, and why this scholarship is so important. Use language that is clear, short, and interesting.
4. Get Strong Recommendation Letters: Pick people who know you well and can talk about your accomplishments and potential in a convincing way.
5. Show off your leadership skills and extracurricular activities. Colleges want students who are well-rounded and do more than just study. Talk about the things you do and how you help your community.
6. Proofread and review: Mistakes can make you look bad and hurt your credibility. Get your friends or mentors to look over your papers.
7. Meet All Deadlines: Applications that are late or missing information are automatically turned down. Keep track of each deadline with a calendar.
Living in the Netherlands as an International Student
Getting a fully funded scholarship is just the first step. There are many exciting things to do in the Netherlands, but there are also some things to think about.
Living Expenses
Monthly costs range from €800 to €1,200 for things like rent, food, transportation, and entertainment.
Different cities: Amsterdam and Rotterdam cost more than smaller cities like Groningen or Maastricht.
Accommodation
University hostels are cheap and social, but not many spots available
Rentals from private owners: apartments or shared flats that cost between €400 and €800 per month
Advice: Start looking early and use the housing services at your school.
Studying and Working
During the school year, students can work up to 16 hours a week.
They are allowed to work full-time during holidays
Working helps pay for personal expenses and get experience in the area.
Health care and insurance
Health insurance is very important and some scholarships cover it.
When you get there, sign up with a local general practitioner (GP).
Common Questions About Fully Funded Scholarships in the Netherlands for International Students
Are there fully funded scholarships for college students?
Yes, the Holland Scholarship and other scholarships cover people who want to get a Bachelor’s degree.
Is it possible to apply for more than one scholarship at a time?
Yes, but make sure to read the terms of each scholarship carefully to see if they are exclusive.
Do I need to speak Dutch?
No, most programs and scholarships are in English, and you don’t have to know Dutch to get them.
How hard is it to get these scholarships?
Because of full coverage, the competition is very high, so a strong application is a must.
Do scholarships have to be renewed every year?
Many can be renewed based on how well you do in school and how quickly you make progress.
Conclusion
Getting one of the fully funded scholarships in the Netherlands for international students is a life-changing chance that removes financial barriers and gives you access to world-class education. The Holland Scholarship, Erasmus Mundus, Orange Tulip, and university-specific awards all have different benefits that are best for students with different needs and backgrounds.
To be successful, you need to be ready, meet deadlines, and turn in a strong, honest application that shows off your academic excellence and passion. You can make your dream of studying in the Netherlands come true soon—fully funded! Start your research today.
