The Netherlands Government offers the Holland Scholarship, which is open to non-EU/EEA students who wish to take their bachelor’s or master’s degree in the country. Financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, & Science, it is available to applicants who wish to major in any of 2,100 programs offered by universities and applied science institutes in the Netherlands.

Awardees are selected according to their academic achievement and extra-curricular activities, though universities may award scholars according to motivation and promise. In this article, we will be looking at the Holland Government scholarships for international students.

Holland Government Scholarship Awards

The Holland Scholarship amounts to a minimum of 5,000 Euros ($6,010). This one-time award is offered during the awardee’s first year of study.

In certain institutions such as Utrecht University and Erasmus University Rotterdam, students may receive a higher amount ranging from 10,000 Euros to 15,000 Euros ($12,020 to $18,030). The final amount is dependent on the faculty or selection committee.

At Maastricht University, the Holland Scholarship is given together with the university-funded High Potential Scholarship. Because of this, selected students may receive a scholarship amount of up to 29,000 Euros ($34,845) plus a monthly stipend for 13 months (1-year Master’s) to 24 months (2-year Master’s). The scholarship also covers health & liability insurance and the cost of visa application.

Check Also: Available Programs for International Students

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Holland Scholarship, you must be a citizen of a non-EU/EEA country and have completed a pre-university degree outside the country. At Radboud University, however, only students of the following countries may be awarded for the Holland Scholarship:

  • Albania
  • Canada
  • Colombia
  • Iran
  • USA
  • Taiwan
  • Turkey
  • Ukraine

Applicants must have never studied in a Dutch university or applied science institute.

More importantly, the student must meet the requirements of the university where he or she wishes to take a full-time, English-taught bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Those who are ineligible to receive support from the Dutch study finance system may freely apply for the scholarship.

In institutions such as Maastricht University, Holland Scholarship applicants must be below 35 years of age.

Check Also: Programs in Europe for International Students

How to Apply to Holland Government Scholarships

Students who wish to avail of the Holland Scholarship may course their applications through their university of choice. Those who wish to apply must follow this application process. However, make sure to check your university’s website as steps may vary according to institution.

1. Write a letter of motivation (maximum 500 words) for the Holland Scholarship

This essay should detail why you deserve the Holland Government scholarship. Here, you need to detail your academic achievements and extra-curricular activities (i.e. volunteer work).

It is important to note that you don’t have to detail your financial status in this letter. Scholars are awarded according to merit, not according to financial need. In Maastricht University, for example, preference is given to students who belong to the top 5% of their graduating class.

Note: Master’s applicants at Utrecht University will need to provide a statement of financial resources stating that the student can ably cover the remaining fees.

2. Choose a program and check its corresponding requirements

At Leiden University, applicants start the admission process by choosing a program. As mentioned, it should be a full-time, English-taught bachelor’s or master’s program covered by the scholarship.

Once you have chosen a program, you need to check the application requirements. A high school diploma equal to a Dutch pre-university diploma is the minimum requirement for undergraduates, while a Bachelor’s degree is mandated from Master’s applicants.

Proof of English proficiency is also needed. Depending on your program, you may need to submit other additional requirements such as a Curriculum Vitae, Academic Transcripts, Referee contact details, etc.

3. Apply online

At Leiden University, for example, students may apply through the Studielink website or the university’s online portal. Whatever path you take, this process will require you to upload the needed documents online.

It’s highly recommended to submit these documents way before the deadline. In most instances, applications to competitive programs close earlier than other degree options.

After paying the application fee (if applicable), you can submit your documents. This will lead you to a portal asking if you want to apply for a scholarship. Make sure to complete this section and upload your motivation letter when asked.

After submitting your application packet, you will receive the decision within 4-6 weeks. In case you are admitted, you must confirm your attendance with the university ASAP. In schools such as the University of Groningen, you may only apply for the Holland Scholarship once you have received an acceptance letter.

Conclusion

While the Holland Government Scholarship is not a full-tuition program unlike other government awards, it is a good way to defray your tuition for your first year of studies. For the rest of your expenses, you may cover them by working. With a Dutch student residence permit, you may work for a maximum of 16 hours a week. As for June to August, you may even work full time.

 

We hope that this article on Holland Government Scholarships was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe!

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hyun is the founder at Global Scholarships. He has received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College as well as $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for his undergraduate degree and has been offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. Read more about his scholarship journey here.

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4 Comments

  1. Hassan zeb - Reply

    My name is Hassan zeb and I am from Pakistan in backward area. I want to study in international university with the help of scholarship. I am a brilliant student in many class but I have a financial problem so I can’t study in our country so I want help a fully funded scholarship in international university. thank you so much

  2. Philip Abenga - Reply

    Thank you greatly!!!

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