13 Best Scholarships in the Netherlands for International Students

Built with a strong economy and multicultural population, the Netherlands is an excellent option for studying undergraduate programs, and master’s and doctorate degrees. The Netherlands is located in Western Europe, and it’s bordered by Germany and Belgium. For years, this country has significantly contributed to different fields such as the economy, science, and other industries.

As of today, the Netherlands has colleges and universities with excellent reputations globally. They offer different programs to cater to the educational needs of every learner. If you’re an aspiring international student in the Netherlands, this country provides numerous resources to support your studies. In this article, we will be looking at the best scholarships in the Netherlands for international students.

Top Scholarships in the Netherlands 

1. NL Scholarship (NL Government Scholarship)

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: €5,000
• Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.

The NL Scholarship (formerly known as the Holland Government Scholarship) is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science, and awarded to students from non-European countries. This scholarship is given to incoming international students as it encourages them to study in the Netherlands and is a one-time scholarship.

To start your scholarship application, check if your chosen Dutch university is on the list of participating universities. Then obtain the admission requirements of your university and program. Usually, these include your previous educational attainments, language requirements, and many more.

2. University of Twente Scholarship (University of Twente)

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: €3,000 to €22,000 for a whole academic year
• Eligible Degree/s: Master’s

The University of Twente Scholarship is given to approximately 50 students (European and non-European students) who have an outstanding academic reputation. This scholarship aims to acknowledge and provide financial assistance to graduate students who excel in their respective programs.

There is a separate application procedure for this scholarship program. To be eligible, you must meet all requirements and should be admitted to a graduate program in the university.

All applications are done online, you’ll receive a confirmation once you submit the requirements and complete the application form. Then, the committee will assess your application, and you’ll be notified when the results are out.

3. Amsterdam Merit Scholarship for Undergraduate Students (University of Amsterdam)

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: €6,000 (Economics and Business programs), full tuition (Communication Science program)
• Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s

The University of Amsterdam is a public university in Amsterdam, and it has an outstanding reputation in the country and Europe. This public university offers a merit scholarship for excellent undergraduate international students. These are offered to students taking economics, business, and communication science programs.

Every department has different requirements, selection, and application processes. But usually, they will require you to have excellent academic scores in your chosen program. You can submit your application through the admission portal. Alongside your application, you will also be required to submit documents like GPA, results of the English proficiency test, motivation, and recommendation letters.

4. NL High Potential Scholarship (Maastricht University)

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: €30,000 (tuition fee waiver and a monthly stipend each academic year)
• Eligible Degree/s: Master’s

The Maastricht University‘s NL High Potential Scholarship, one of the best scholarships in the Netherlands for international students, is a combination of the university’s high potential scholarship funded by the Maastricht University and the NL scholarship financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science.

This scholarship program offers 24 full scholarships of €30,000 covering tuition fee waiver and a monthly stipend each academic year to non-EU students admitted to the master’s program at the university.

To qualify for this scholarship, you should meet the specific admission requirements of your chosen program and have excellent academic grades. Start your application by registering in one of the university’s master’s programs online. You’ll be asked to fill out an application form and submit the required documents.

The International Services Desk will decide the selection of the recipients, and you’ll be notified whether your application is accepted, denied, or shortlisted. If accepted, you’ll be required to attend the university’s three-week Pre-Academic Training.

5. CSC-Leiden University Scholarship (China Scholarship Council and Leiden University)

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: €1,350 living allowance including health insurance and a return ticket from China to the Netherlands and vice versa
• Eligible Degree/s: Ph.D. (Chinese nationals)

The China Scholarship Council (CSC) and Leiden University provide scholarships to aspiring Chinese students. This scholarship promotes young professionals or outstanding graduate students who want to continue their Ph.D. degrees at the university. In return, after their studies, these Chinese students would practice and go back to their home country.

To apply for this scholarship, you should be a citizen of the People’s Republic of China, hold or currently studying for a master’s degree at Leiden University, and have a high level of English proficiency. If you meet these requirements, you can process your application at the university. The scholarship provides the detailed process of the scholarship. On the other hand, the selection will be conducted by the university’s team and the CSC.

6. Africa Scholarship Programme (Wageningen University & Research)

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: full tuition waiver and living allowance (24 months), visa costs, travel, and other academic costs
• Eligible Degree/s: Master’s

Africa Scholarship Programme at Wageningen University & Research is a financial assistance for excellent students from Sub-Saharan Africa who are interested in pursuing a master’s degree at the university.

The program aims to contribute to the long-term development of Sub-Saharan Africa by supporting its most talented students, who will return home after graduation and help strengthen their home countries’ economies and societies.

It offers full tuition fees and living expenses for 24 months, visa costs, travel costs, and other academic expenses. The scholarship is sponsored by the Ministry of Education Culture and Science (OCW) and Wageningen University & Research.

7. Radboud Encouragement Scholarship (Radboud University)

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: full tuition fee, living stipend, visa costs, residence permit, health insurance, and liability insurance
• Eligible Degree/s: Master’s

The Radboud Encouragement Scholarship is offered to international students currently enrolled in the university’s graduate programs in the English language. Yearly, 16 recipients are selected for this full-funding scholarship.

This scholarship is highly selective, and the university chooses the recipients based on their academic performance and financial needs. There is a separate application for this scholarship. Applicants are required to submit a CV, scholarship motivation letter, and two reference letters.

8. Zuyd Excellence Scholarship (Zuyd University of Applied Sciences)

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: €3,600 net discount on tuition fees
• Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s

The Zuyd Excellence Scholarship is a scholarship for international students to study at the Zuyd University of Applied Sciences in Maastricht. This scholarship was established to help full-paying international students who show excellence but cannot afford to pay the full tuition fees.

This financial aid is open to students who are applying to one of these English-track programs: European Studies, Hospitality Management, Interdisciplinary Arts, International Business, Music, and Interior Architecture.

9. Master’s Utrecht Excellence Scholarships (Utrecht University)

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: full-tuition and cash award
• Eligible Degree/s: Master’s

The Master’s Utrecht Excellence Scholarship is a program that provides financial assistance to students who meet specific criteria. Applicants must come from a non-EU/EEA country and be among the top 10% of their class.

This is intended for graduate students who have applied for a September start date. However, not all master’s programs participate in this scholarship program. Check out each program if it will offer such financial assistance.

10. VU Fellowship Programme (Free University of Amsterdam)

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: full tuition
• Eligible Degree/s: Master’s

The VU Fellowship Programme is one of the best scholarships in the Netherlands. It is open to international students studying for a master’s degree at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

This partial funding fellowship will cover full tuition. For those interested, one must be admitted to a master’s program that would be starting on a September opening and must have a GPA equivalent to Dutch 8 to be eligible.

11. Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarships (Delft University of Technology)

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: full tuition waiver and living stipend
• Eligible Degree/s: Master’s

The Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarships at the Delft University of Technology are awarded to Dutch and international students with excellent academic backgrounds.

The scholarships are awarded to university students who have been accepted for a full-time or part-time master’s degree course. The scholarships cover tuition fees and a living stipend.

12. Eric Bleumink Fund Scholarship (University of Groningen)

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: Tuition fee, costs of international travel, and health insurance
• Eligible Degree/s: Master’s

The Eric Bleumink Scholarship at the University of Groningen is an excellent option for international students who are in their graduate studies and are in need of financial assistance. This fund will cover tuition costs, air travel, books, allowance, and health insurance.

However, there is no separate application process for this type of fund, rather, this scholarship is done through a nomination process. Applicants who have received an unconditional offer will have a high chance of being nominated.

13. World Citizen Talent Scholarship (The Hague University of Applied Sciences)

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: €5,000 every year
• Eligible Degree/s: Master’s

The World Citizen Talent Scholarship is one of the scholarships offered at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. This is eligible for first-time students who will be enrolling at the university.

You can start your scholarship application as you apply to one of the school’s master’s programs. An additional essay assignment is required and must be emailed separately. A dedicated committee will evaluate all the submitted essays and candidates will only be awarded once you have been admitted and have met all the requirements and conditions.

The Netherlands promotes a world-class higher education as it is home to renowned scientists, inventors, and other professionals who created a massive impact on the world’s advancement. This country has produced outstanding results and continues to deliver by producing graduates in various educational and research fields.

We hope this article on the Netherlands’ best scholarships was helpful in your future educational journey! If you want to learn more, make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe and Guide to Studying in the Netherlands sections!