Top 14 Netherlands Scholarships for International Students 2024

Studying abroad in the Netherlands is a dream for many international students. Netherlands attracts students from around the world due to its innovative economy, English-taught programs, and high quality of life. Fortunately, a number of excellent scholarships are available to help make studying in the Netherlands affordable.

In this article, we will explore the top 14 fully-funded and partially-funded Netherlands scholarships available for international students in 2024. Whether you are interested in pursuing your bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, or even an MBA in the Netherlands, this article will highlight key scholarships you can apply for.

Fully-Funded vs Partially-Funded Netherlands Scholarships for International Students

Scholarships aimed at international students fall into two main categories – fully-funded and partially-funded.

• Fully-funded scholarships cover your entire cost of study, including tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, visa fees, flights, and more. These are the most generous scholarships that essentially enable you to study for free in the Netherlands.
• Partially-funded scholarships cover a portion of your expenses, usually the tuition fees. You may need to self-fund the rest of your living costs.

While more challenging to obtain, full scholarships remove the financial barrier entirely and should be your first choice when applying to universities in the Netherlands.

Holland Scholarship 2024 – Start Your Study in the Netherlands with the Holland Scholarship

14 Netherlands Scholarships for International Students

Here is an overview of some of the best Netherlands scholarships available for international students with their coverage, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines.

1. Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarships, TU Delft

• Coverage: €30,000 per year
• Eligibility: High academic achievement, enrolled in TU Delft Master’s program
• Deadlines: 1 February and 1 May annually

Application process

Step 1: Check eligibility criteria listed on the TU Delft scholarships website

Step 2: Prepare required documents – transcripts, CV, motivation letter

Step 3: Complete online application form before the deadline (1 Feb or 1 May)

Step 4: Appear for scholarship interviews if shortlisted

Step 5: Await final decisions which are announced by email

2. Orange Knowledge Programme Scholarships

• Coverage: Full tuition fees, monthly stipend, health insurance, flights, visa fees
• Eligibility: Demonstrated academic & leadership abilities, enrolled in eligible Master’s program
• Deadlines: Varies by university

Application process

Step 1: Choose an eligible Dutch university and Master’s program

Step 2: Obtain admission letter from the university

Step 3: Initiate your Orange Knowledge scholarship application on the official portal

Step 4: Submit all required documents before the deadline

Step 5: Wait for results which are sent by email after selection process

3. Netherlands Government Scholarships

• Coverage: Tuition fees, living stipend, health insurance, visa fees, flights
• Eligibility: Nationals from 58 emerging economies, enrolled in Master’s or Short Courses
• Deadlines: 1 February annually

Application process

Step 1: Determine your eligible country and field of study

Step 2: Prepare motivation letter, transcripts, passport copy, other documents

Step 3: Submit complete online application before 1 Feb deadline

Step 4: Sign contract if selected and apply for visa

Step 5: Make travel arrangements to start your program in Netherlands

4. Erasmus University MBA Scholarship

• Coverage: Up to 50% of MBA tuition fees
• Eligibility: Strong academic and professional background
• Deadlines: Rolling basis

Application process

Step 1: First apply for the Erasmus MBA program before 15 Jan

Step 2: Indicate in MBA application your interest in the scholarship

Step 3: Submit additional motivation letter and documents

Step 4: Attend scholarship interview if shortlisted

Step 5: Accept scholarship offer and admission by deadline.

5. Eric Bleumink Scholarships, University of Groningen

• Coverage: Tuition fees, flights, living costs, health insurance
• Eligibility: Non-EEA students starting Master’s program
• Deadlines: 1 April and 1 October annually

Application process

Step 1: Apply for admission to an eligible Master’s program

Step 2: In the application indicate you want to be considered for the scholarship

Step 3: Submit separate scholarship application before 1 April or 1 Oct

Step 4: Provide letters of recommendation, transcripts, motivations, and other documents

Step 5: Accept the scholarship and confirm enrollment if selected

6. Utrecht Excellence Scholarship

• Coverage: Full tuition fees + €11,000 stipend
• Eligibility: Non-EEA students starting eligible Master’s program
• Deadlines: 15 January annually

Application process

Step 1: First apply for an eligible Utrecht University Master’s program

Step 2: Simultaneously apply for the scholarship before 15 January

Step 3: Submit all supporting documents like transcripts, resume, essays

Step 4: Attend scholarship interview if chosen as a finalist

Step 5: Formally accept the scholarship offer if selected.

Kingston University Scholarships for International Students 2024-25 (Up £5,000 for the 1st year)

7. Radboud University Scholarship

• Coverage: Reduces tuition fees to €2,209
• Eligibility: High academic achievers from outside EEA starting Master’s
• Deadlines: 1 May annually

Application process

Step 1: First get admission in a Radboud Master’s program

Step 2: Then apply for the university scholarship by 1 May deadline

Step 3: Upload your motivation letter, transcripts, English test scores

Step 4: Wait about 8 weeks for decision on scholarship award

Step 5: Accept scholarship offer and confirm your admission

8. Maastricht University Scholarship

• Coverage: €23,750 stipend + tuition fees, health insurance, visa costs
• Eligibility: Students from underrepresented groups
• Deadlines: 1 April annually

Application process

Step 1: Apply for an eligible Master’s program at Maastricht University

Step 2: Submit a separate online application for the scholarship before 1 April

Step 3: Prepare motivation letter, video, recommendations, transcripts etc.

Step 4: Attend scholarship interview if shortlisted as a candidate

Step 5: Formally accept the scholarship and confirm enrollment

9. University of Amsterdam Merit Scholarship

• Coverage: Between €2,000 – €25,000
• Eligibility: Based on academic excellence
• Deadlines: 15 January annually

Application process

Step 1: First get admission offer for your chosen UvA Master’s program

Step 2: Indicate in admission application your interest in the scholarship

Step 3: Provide supporting documents like transcripts, CV, essay

Step 4: Wait up to 8 weeks after deadline for scholarship application outcome

Step 5: Accept scholarship offer and confirm your admission

10. University of Twente Scholarship

• Coverage: €3,000 – €25,000 annually
• Eligibility: High academic achievement, Master’s students
• Deadlines: 1 May annually

Application process

Step 1: Apply for admission to a UT Master’s program before 1 April

Step 2: Simultaneously submit online scholarship application

Step 3: Upload transcripts, CV, essay, English test scores

Step 4: Attend an interview if shortlisted for final selection round

Step 5: Accept scholarship offer and start your study at UT!

Let me know if you need any other scholarship application step-by-step processes.

11. Holland Scholarship

• Coverage: €5,000 applied against tuition fees
• Eligibility: Students from outside EEA
• Deadlines: May vary by university

Application process

Step 1: First get admission offer from a Dutch university

Step 2: Indicate your interest in the Holland Scholarship in admission application

Step 3: Universities nominate candidates based on academic excellence

Step 4: Await decision from the institution if you are nominated

Step 5: Formally accept Holland Scholarship along with university admission

12. Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LexS)

• Coverage: Around €15,000 per year
• Eligibility: High academic achievers, specific regions
• Deadlines: Varies by Master’s program

Application process

Step 1: Apply for admission to an eligible Leiden Master’s program

Step 2: Submit separate online application for LexS before deadline

Step 3: Prepare motivation letter, transcripts, English proficiency scores

Step 4: Attend scholarship interview round if shortlisted

Step 5: Accept scholarship offer and confirm your Leiden enrollment

13. MEL Scholarship Trust Fund Netherlands

• Coverage: 10-20% reduction in tuition fees
• Eligibility: Financial need
• Deadlines: Varies by university

Application process

Step 1: First get admission to Dutch university Master’s program

Step 2: Apply separately to MEL STF demonstrating financial need

Step 3: Submit income proof, motivation letter, recommendations

Step 4: Sign agreement with MEL STF once scholarship approved

Step 5: Deduct scholarship amount from university tuition fees

14. ISS Scholarship Fund for Excellent Students

• Coverage: 40% of Master’s program tuition fees
• Eligibility: Based on academic merit
• Deadlines: 31 January annually

Application process

Step 1: Apply for admission to a Master’s program at Erasmus University Rotterdam before 1 April.

Step 2: Simultaneously submit an online application for the ISS Scholarship Fund before the deadline.

Step 3: Upload your motivation letter, CV, academic transcripts, English test scores, and other supporting documents.

Step 4: Attend an online interview if you are shortlisted as a scholarship candidate.

Step 5: Accept the scholarship offer if selected and confirm your enrollment to EUR. Sign the scholarship contract sent by email.

The ISS Scholarship Fund has a very comprehensive application process to select the most academically deserving students for the 40% tuition fee award at Erasmus University. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions

Tips for Applying for Netherlands Scholarships

Follow these key tips when applying for Netherlands scholarships:

• Start early

Begin researching scholarships 12 months before your intended start date. Deadlines are usually several months before semester start.

• Focus on eligibility

Carefully evaluate if you meet all academic, regional, language, and other eligibility criteria before applying.

• Prepare strong supporting documents

Awards are competitive so submit outstanding transcripts, resumes, essays/motivations letters.

• Apply to multiple scholarships

Don’t pin all your hopes on a single award. Pursue multiple scholarship opportunities.

• Follow up promptly

Respond within deadlines if contacted by the awarding body for interviews or additional documents.

Conclusion

With abundant funding opportunities through university-specific and government scholarships, the Netherlands provides exceptional options to finance your international education.

If you wish to pursue your bachelor’s or PhD, you can explore the scholarships listed in this article as key launching pads to achieve your study abroad goals and enrich your academic and career prospects for life.