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How to Secure a Scholarship to Study in the Netherlands as an International Student

The Netherlands is quickly becoming one of the most popular destinations for international students looking to study abroad. With a strong academic reputation, world-class universities, a wide array of courses taught in English, and a relatively low cost of living, it’s easy to see why. However, funding your studies abroad can be a challenge, especially for international students. Fortunately, there are various scholarships available to help ease the financial burden.

If you are planning to study in the Netherlands, here is a list of some scholarships you can apply for, along with some additional tips on finding other opportunities.

Government Scholarships

  1. Holland Scholarship
    Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science, this scholarship is available to international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who are pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree. The scholarship offers a one-time grant of €5,000, paid in monthly instalments during the first year of study. Applicants must not have a previous degree from a Dutch university.

  2. HAN University of Applied Sciences Grants
    HAN offers grants to international students, with €12,500 available for bachelor’s students and €5,000 for master’s students. These grants aim to support students studying at HAN University of Applied Sciences, one of the prominent Dutch institutions.

Nuffic Scholarships

Nuffic is a non-profit organisation that supports the internationalisation of education in the Netherlands and collaborates with Dutch institutions and the government to provide a variety of scholarships to international students:

  1. Orange Knowledge Programme
    This scholarship offers funding to mid-career professionals from 38 eligible countries to study short courses or master’s programmes at Dutch institutions. The scholarship covers travel, visa, insurance costs, and up to 95% of tuition fees. To apply, candidates must first select a course at a participating Dutch university and then have that institution nominate them.

  2. Orange Tulip Scholarship
    The Orange Tulip Scholarship supports students from countries like Indonesia, South Korea, Russia, South Africa, and Vietnam. The level of financial support varies depending on the university and course.

  3. DIKTI-LPDP-STUNED Joint Scholarship Programme
    Specifically for Indonesian students, this scholarship supports those pursuing a master's degree in water management, sustainable fishing, maritime sciences, or international development.

  4. StuNed Scholarships
    Designed for Indonesian professionals with at least two years of work experience, this scholarship offers funding for master’s degrees in sustainable entrepreneurship, water management, security and rule of law, or horticulture.

  5. MENA Scholarship Programme
    This programme supports young professionals from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to study short courses (2 to 13 weeks) at participating Dutch universities.

  6. NN Future Matters Scholarship
    This scholarship offers €5,000 grants for international students pursuing a master’s degree in risk management, economics, data science, entrepreneurship, or IT at participating Dutch research universities. Eligible countries include Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Japan, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, and Turkey.

  7. NRF-Nuffic Programme South Africa
    Provides funding for South African students to study full-time in the Netherlands, including opportunities for joint doctoral programmes between Dutch and South African institutions.

  8. Sino-Dutch Scholarship
    For Chinese students in their third year of bachelor’s studies, as well as master’s and PhD students, this scholarship provides €16,113 per year for study or research in the Netherlands.

  9. Desmond Fortes Scholarship
    This scholarship supports professionals from Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia who have an interest in green finance and are employed within the FMO network, a Dutch entrepreneurial development bank.

Other Scholarships

  1. Erasmus+
    Erasmus+ offers funding to EU students who wish to study in other EU countries, including the Netherlands. This scholarship provides between €370 to €420 per month and also supports recent graduates for internships.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

In addition to the above-listed scholarships, many universities in the Netherlands offer their own funding opportunities, and there are additional scholarships available from private foundations and organisations. Be sure to research scholarships specific to your field of study or university and contact your chosen institution for more details.

The Netherlands offers a wealth of opportunities for international students, both academically and financially. By exploring these scholarships, you can reduce the financial burden of studying abroad and focus on making the most of your educational experience in this vibrant and innovative country.