The Netherlands is a top study destination for international students due to its high-quality education and numerous scholarship opportunities. Scholarships in Netherlands help students from around the world access world-class education without financial strain. This guide provides a comprehensive list of scholarships available for the 2025-2026 academic year, including eligibility criteria, benefits, application process, and required documents.
Apply for fully funded scholarships and fulfill your dream of studying at world top universities like Delft University of Technology, RSM Erasmus University, University of Groningen, Utrecht University, Radboud University, Maastricht University, University of Amsterdam, University of Twente, Leiden University and many more.
List of Scholarships in Netherlands for International Students 2025-2026
1. NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship)
- Host Institutions: Participating Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences.
- Program Level: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
- Scholarship Duration: One academic year
- Deadlines:
- Bachelor’s: February 1 2026
- Master’s degrees: May 1, 2025
Benefits
- One-time grant of €5,000.
Eligibility Criteria
- Non-EEA nationality.
- Applying for a full-time Bachelor’s or Master’s program.
- Not previously studied in the Netherlands.
How to Apply
- Apply to a participating institution.
- Indicate interest in the NL Scholarship during application.
Documents Required
- Completed application form.
- Passport/ID.
- Academic transcripts.
- Motivation letter.
- Proof of English proficiency.
2. University of Twente Scholarships (UTS)
- Host Institutions: University of Twente.
- Program Level: Master’s degree.
- Scholarship Duration: One year (renewable for a second year).
- Deadlines: February 1, 2026.
Benefits
- €3,000 to €25,000 per year.
Eligibility Criteria
- Admitted to a qualifying Master’s program.
- Excellent academic performance.
- Not eligible for a Dutch study loan.
How to Apply
- Apply for admission to a UT Master’s program.
- Apply for UTS separately.
Documents Required
- Admission letter.
- Academic transcripts.
- CV.
- Motivation letter.
- Reference letters.
3. Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarships
- Host Institutions: Maastricht University.
- Program Level: Master’s degree.
- Scholarship Duration: 2 year.
- Deadlines: February 1, 2026.
Benefits
- Full tuition fee waiver.
- Monthly stipend.
- Health insurance.
- Visa costs.
Eligibility Criteria
- Non-EEA nationality.
- Applying to an eligible Master’s program.
- Excellent academic background.
How to Apply
- Apply for admission at Maastricht University.
- Apply for the scholarship separately.
Documents Required
- Academic transcripts.
- CV.
- Motivation letter.
- Reference letters.
4. Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)
- Host Institutions: Leiden University.
- Program Level: Master’s degree.
- Scholarship Duration: 2 year.
- Deadlines: February 1, 2026.
Benefits
- Partial to full tuition fee reduction.
Eligibility Criteria
- Non-EEA nationality.
- Excellent academic record.
How to Apply
- Apply for a Master’s program at Leiden University.
- Apply for the LExS via the university’s scholarship portal.
Documents Required
- Admission letter.
- CV.
- Academic transcripts.
- Motivation letter.
5. TU Delft Excellence Scholarships (Justus & Louise van Effen Scholarship)
- Host Institutions: TU Delft.
- Program Level: Master’s degree.
- Scholarship Duration: 2 year.
- Deadlines: December 1, 2025.
Benefits
- Full tuition coverage.
- Living expenses stipend.
Eligibility Criteria
- Excellent academic performance.
- Admitted to a TU Delft Master’s program.
How to Apply
- Apply for admission to TU Delft.
- Submit a scholarship application.
Documents Required
- Admission letter.
- Motivation letter.
- Academic transcripts.
- CV.
6. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD)
- Host Institutions: RSM Erasmus University
- Program Level: Master’s degree.
- Scholarship Duration: 2 year.
- Deadlines: Program-specific deadlines.
Benefits
- Full tuition fee waiver.
- Monthly stipend.
- Travel costs.
- Insurance coverage.
Eligibility Criteria
- Non-European nationality.
- Excellent academic record.
- Applying to an eligible Erasmus Mundus program.
How to Apply
- Apply through the Erasmus Mundus program website.
Documents Required
- Academic transcripts.
- CV.
- Motivation letter.
- Letters of recommendation.
- English proficiency proof.
7. Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS)
- Host Institutions: Various Dutch universities.
- Program Level: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
- Scholarship Duration: Varies by program and university.
- Deadlines: University-specific deadlines, typically between February and May 2026.
Benefits
- Partial or full tuition fee coverage.
- Possible additional financial support for living costs.
Eligibility Criteria
- Non-EEA nationality.
- Applying for a full-time Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a participating university.
- Strong academic performance.
How to Apply
- Apply for admission to a participating university.
- Submit an OTS application via the Nuffic Neso office in your home country.
Documents Required
- Completed OTS application form.
- Academic transcripts.
- Motivation letter.
- CV.
- Recommendation letters.
8. Radboud Scholarship Programme
- Host Institutions: Radboud University.
- Program Level: Master’s degrees.
- Scholarship Duration: One year (with the possibility of extension for a second year).
- Deadlines: The application deadline for 2025 is typically in April.
Benefits
- Full tuition fee waiver.
- Monthly living allowance of €1,200 to cover living costs.
- Health insurance for the duration of your stay.
- Visa and residence permit fees covered.
Eligibility Criteria
- Non-EEA (European Economic Area) nationality.
- You must be admitted to a full-time Master’s degree program at Radboud University.
- Excellent academic performance (minimum GPA requirements may apply).
- Not currently living in the Netherlands.
How to Apply
- Apply to Radboud University for a Master’s degree program.
- After receiving an offer of admission, submit a separate application for the Radboud Scholarship via the university’s scholarship portal.
Documents Required
- Admission letter from Radboud University.
- Proof of academic qualifications (transcripts).
- Motivation letter outlining your academic and career goals.
- CV (curriculum vitae).
- Recommendation letters from academic referees.
9. HAN University Scholarships
- Host Institutions: HAN University of Applied Sciences.
- Program Level: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
- Scholarship Duration: One year (non-renewable).
- Deadlines: The application deadline for 2025 is typically in April and May.
Benefits
- €5,000 scholarship per year.
- Reduced tuition fees for students from non-EEA countries.
- Possible additional support for living costs.
Eligibility Criteria
- Non-EEA nationality.
- Admission to a full-time Bachelor’s or Master’s program at HAN University.
- Strong academic performance.
- Must meet the university’s English language proficiency requirements.
How to Apply
- Apply for a program at HAN University of Applied Sciences.
- Submit a separate application for the HAN University Scholarship.
Documents Required
- Academic transcripts.
- Proof of English proficiency.
- CV (curriculum vitae).
- Motivation letter.
- Recommendation letters.
10. Amsterdam Merit Scholarships
- Host Institutions: University of Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Program Level: Master’s degrees.
- Scholarship Duration: One year (non-renewable).
- Deadlines: The application deadline is in mid-January 2026 for the September intake.
Benefits
- €25,000 total scholarship amount, covering tuition fees and living expenses.
- Partial scholarships may also be offered depending on the applicant’s financial situation.
- International exposure by studying at one of the world’s top-ranked universities.
Eligibility Criteria
- Non-EEA (European Economic Area) nationality.
- Applying to a full-time Master’s program at the University of Amsterdam.
- Excellent academic performance (high GPA and qualifications).
- Demonstrated leadership skills or potential.
- Must not be receiving any other major financial support or funding.
How to Apply
- Apply for admission to a Master’s degree program at the University of Amsterdam.
- Submit an additional scholarship application after receiving your admission offer.
Documents Required
- Academic transcripts.
- CV (curriculum vitae).
- Motivation letter outlining why you are a good candidate for the scholarship.
- Two academic reference letters.
- Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL scores).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the top Scholarships in Netherlands for international students in 2025-2026?
Some top Scholarships in Netherlands include the NL Scholarship, University of Twente Scholarships, and Leiden University Excellence Scholarship, among others.
How can I apply for Scholarships in Netherlands?
To apply for Scholarships in Netherlands, you must first be admitted to a university and then submit a separate scholarship application.
When is the application deadline for Scholarships in Netherlands?
Deadlines vary, but they generally fall between January and May, depending on the scholarship.
What benefits do Scholarships in Netherlands offer to international students?
Scholarships in Netherlands offer financial assistance with tuition fees, living expenses, and sometimes travel costs.
What are the eligibility requirements for Scholarships in Netherlands?
Eligibility typically includes being a non-EEA student, having strong academic qualifications, and meeting specific scholarship requirements.
Are there any fully funded Scholarships in Netherlands for international students?
Yes, scholarships like the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees and TU Delft Excellence Scholarships are fully funded.
Can I apply for multiple Scholarships in Netherlands at the same time?
Yes, you can apply for multiple Scholarships in Netherlands, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria for each.
Can I apply for Scholarships in Netherlands if I already have a Bachelor’s degree?
Yes, you can apply for Scholarships in Netherlands for Master’s programs if you meet the eligibility criteria and hold a relevant Bachelor’s degree.
Are there scholarships in the Netherlands for students from specific countries?
Yes, there are many Scholarships in Netherlands targeted at students from specific countries, such as the Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS), which focuses on certain regions.
Do I need to speak Dutch to apply for Scholarships in Netherlands?
No, most Master’s programs that offer Scholarships in Netherlands are taught in English, so proficiency in Dutch is not required.
