Scholarships in Netherlands for Indian Students

The NL Scholarship, previously known as the Holland Scholarship, gives non-EEA students a one-time grant of €5,000 (around ₹5.38 lakh) in their first year of a Bachelor's or Master's program in Netherlands. It's funded jointly by the Dutch Ministry of Education and participating Dutch universities, and is open to Indian students.

Beyond the NL Scholarship, students can also look at Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees for fully funded opportunities across European institutions, and university-specific programs like the TU Delft Excellence Scholarship or the University of Twente Scholarship for institution-level funding.

The sections below cover the top scholarships available, eligibility criteria, how to apply, deadlines, and tips to strengthen your application.

Top Scholarships in Netherlands and Their Types

Scholarships in Netherlands come from three main sources: the Dutch government, individual universities, and international organisations. Some cover everything, some cover tuition only, and some give a one-time grant toward first-year costs. Here's a breakdown:

Government and National Scholarships

These scholarships are either government-backed or internationally funded and cover a range of academic levels and fields.

Scholarship Name	Who Can Apply	Scholarship Benefits and Coverage
NL Scholarship	Non-EEA students applying to participating Dutch universities	€5,000 (around ₹5.38 lakh) as a one-time grant for the first year of study
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees	Students from around the world holding a bachelor's degree	Full tuition fee waiver, travel allowance, health insurance, and a monthly living stipend
Orange Tulip Scholarship	Previously available for students from NESO countries; discontinued in 2024	No longer accepting applications
Orange Knowledge Programme	Working professionals from eligible OKP countries	Tuition fees, travel expenses, and living costs covered

University-Specific Scholarships

These are merit-based programs offered directly by Dutch universities and are generally tied to your admission application.

Scholarship Name	Eligibility	Award Coverage
PhD Positions	Master's graduates with research experience	Monthly salary plus full benefits
MSCA Fellowships	Researchers from any nationality	Full research funding plus mobility allowance
University PhD Grants	Varies by university and department	Salary plus travel and research budget

Research and PhD Opportunities

PhD positions in Netherlands are employment contracts rather than scholarships, meaning they come with a monthly salary and full benefits rather than a tuition waiver.

Scholarship Name	Who Can Apply	Scholarship Benefits and Coverage
PhD Positions	Master's degree holders with relevant research experience	Monthly salary, full employee benefits, and funded doctoral research position
MSCA Fellowships	Researchers of any nationality meeting the programme requirements	Full research funding, mobility allowance, and additional family or research allowances where applicable
University PhD Grants	Eligibility varies by university, faculty, and department	Monthly salary or stipend, along with travel, research, and conference funding

Note: PhD positions in Netherlands are employment contracts rather than scholarships, which means they come with a monthly salary and benefits rather than a tuition waiver.

Also Read: Top Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students

Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships in Netherlands

To qualify for scholarships in Netherlands, Indian students need to meet specific academic, language, and personal criteria. Here's a breakdown:

Academic Requirements

Most scholarships require a strong academic background, often with a minimum GPA or class ranking.

• Bachelor's degree for Master's programs, Master's degree for PhD positions
• Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or equivalent, with competitive scholarships often expecting top 10% of your batch
• Academic transcripts from recognised institutions, translated if not in English
• Some programs require specific subject expertise relevant to the chosen field

Strong academic performance is usually the first filter in any Dutch scholarship selection.

Language Proficiency

Dutch universities require proof of English proficiency for international applicants. Here are the accepted tests and minimum scores:

English Language Test	Minimum Score Required	Accepted By
IELTS	Overall 6.5 to 7.0	Most universities in Netherlands
TOEFL iBT	90 to 100	Master's and PhD programs at Dutch universities
Cambridge English	C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency	Selected universities and higher education institutions in Netherlands

Some scholarships waive language tests if your previous degree was taught in English.

Motivation Letter and Statement of Purpose

A strong motivation letter or Statement of Purpose can genuinely make or break a scholarship application in Netherlands. It should:

• Explain your academic goals, career plans, and reasons for choosing Netherlands
• Be written specifically for each scholarship or university, not a generic version
• Highlight any leadership, community work, or research experience you have

This document often plays a decisive role at the final selection stage.

Work Experience and Research Background

Some scholarships, especially research-based or PhD-level programs, expect relevant experience.

• 1 to 3 years of professional or research experience for mid-career programs
• Published papers or conference participation for PhD applicants
• Internships or volunteer work in related fields add weight to your profile

For most Master's scholarships, work experience is not mandatory but does strengthen your application.

Age Limits and Return Commitments

• Age limits typically range from 35 to 45 years for mid-career and development-focused scholarships
• The Orange Knowledge Programme required a return commitment to your home country — though this programme ended in 2024
• Some bilateral scholarships are tied to development goals and may require a return agreement
• Always check the specific terms and conditions of each scholarship before applying

Also Read: Study in Netherlands

How to Apply for Scholarships in Netherlands?

Applying for scholarships in Netherlands takes planning. Most scholarships require you to first apply for university admission, then separately apply for the scholarship. Here is how the process works:

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for a scholarship in Netherlands usually involves two applications. In most cases, you'll first need to apply for admission to your chosen university. Once that's done, you can submit your scholarship application if you're eligible. While the steps may differ from one university or scholarship to another, the process is generally similar. 

• Research: Identify scholarships that match your academic level, field, and nationality. The official Study in NL portal is a good starting point alongside each university's scholarship page
• Check Eligibility: Go through nationality, academic, and language requirements carefully for each scholarship
• Prepare Documents: Get your academic transcripts, motivation letter, letters of recommendation, CV, and language test scores ready well in advance
• Apply to University: Most scholarships require an active university application first. Submit your program application via Studielink or directly through the university portal
• Apply for Scholarship: Fill out the scholarship form separately or through the university's scholarship portal. Some universities like Maastricht handle both together in one cycle
• Track Deadlines: NL Scholarship and university scholarship deadlines vary by institution. Note key dates for both admission and scholarship applications
• Wait for Results: Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for interviews or asked for additional documentation

Note: Each scholarship has its own process and requirements. Always refer to the official scholarship page of your chosen university before applying.

Required Documents Checklist

Most scholarships in Netherlands require the following:

• Academic transcripts (translated into English if needed)
• Degree certificates or provisional certificates
• Valid Indian passport
• English language test scores (IELTS or TOEFL)
• Motivation letter or Statement of Purpose
• Updated CV or resume
• Letters of Recommendation (usually 2)
• Financial plan or statement of financial resources (required by some universities like Utrecht)
• Research proposal (for PhD applicants)

Note: Make sure all documents are in the correct format and submitted before the deadline. Incomplete or incorrectly formatted applications are rejected without review at most institutions.

Common Deadlines and Timelines 

The application timeline for scholarships in Netherlands depends on the funding provider and university. The table below gives a general idea of when applications typically open and when you can expect the results. 

Scholarship Type	Application Timeline	Result Declaration Timeline
NL Scholarship	November to February (varies by university)	April to May
Erasmus Mundus	October to January	March to April
University Scholarships	November to March	May to June
PhD Positions	Rolling applications, depending on the university or department	Varies by institution

Start early. At several Dutch universities, scholarship consideration is only available to applicants who apply within the first 4 to 6 weeks of the admission window opening, even if the general deadline is later.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

• Tailor your motivation letter to each scholarship separately, mentioning specific programs, professors, or research areas
• Highlight academic achievements and any leadership roles, publications, or awards
• Include relevant internship, work, or research experience where applicable
• Get strong letters of recommendation from professors who know your academic work well
• Apply early for many Dutch university scholarships, applying in the first round significantly improves your chances over applying closer to the general deadline

Also Read: Masters in Netherlands

Top Dutch Universities Offering Scholarships

Netherlands has several globally ranked universities with active scholarship programs for international students. Here is a breakdown of the main ones:

TU Delft

TU Delft is one of Europe's leading engineering and technology universities, and its Justus and Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarship is one of the most competitive awards in Netherlands.

• Scholarship: Full tuition and living expenses
• Level: Master's (MSc)
• Selection: Highly competitive, based on academic merit. Applicants are typically expected to be in the top 5% of their previous program

University of Amsterdam (UvA)

UvA offers the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship for non-EU students applying to Master's programs, with awards ranging from €2,000 to €25,000 (around ₹2.15 lakh to ₹26.90 lakh).

• Scholarship: Partial to full tuition waiver depending on award level
• Level: Master's
• Selection: Academic excellence and motivation

Leiden University

Leiden University provides the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) for outstanding non-EU/EEA students. It comes in three levels from €10,000, €15,000 (around ₹10.76 lakh, ₹16.14 lakh, or higher depending on program), or full tuition minus the statutory fee.

• Scholarship: Partial to full tuition waiver
• Level: Master's
• Selection: Merit-based, top 10% of previous program, limited awards per faculty

Utrecht University

Utrecht University offers the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship for international students in graduate programs. It is one of the more complete packages available at a Dutch university.

• Scholarship: Full tuition and a living stipend
• Level: Master's
• Selection: Academic performance and motivation letter

Maastricht University

Maastricht University offers the NL-High Potential Scholarship, which is one of the only truly fully funded options for Indian students in Netherlands. It combines the NL Scholarship with additional university funding.

• Scholarship: €34,000 (around ₹36.58 lakh) covering tuition, living costs, visa, and insurance
• Level: Master's
• Selection: Academic excellence and personal profile

Wageningen University and Research (WUR)

WUR has historically offered scholarships through the Orange Knowledge Programme, which ended in 2024. For the 2026-27 cycle, Indian students should check WUR's website directly for any current bilateral or university-specific awards available.

• Scholarship: Varies so check official WUR scholarship page for current offerings
• Level: Master's and short courses
• Selection: Based on development goals and professional background

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)

TU/e provides scholarships for Master's students through the Amandus H. Lundqvist Scholarship Program, which covers full tuition and a monthly allowance for outstanding candidates.

• Scholarship: Full tuition and monthly allowance
• Level: Master's
• Selection: Academic merit and program fit

Also Read: Top Universities in Netherlands

Living in Netherlands on a Scholarship

A scholarship can cover a big part of your study expenses, but it's still worth planning your monthly budget. Some scholarships only cover tuition fees, while others also provide a living allowance. Knowing what you'll spend each month can help you manage your finances better.

Monthly Living Costs & Coverage

Your monthly expenses will depend on where you live and your lifestyle. Most international students spend around €900–€1,200 (INR 95.8K–127.7K) each month on everyday expenses.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Is It Typically Covered by Scholarships?
Rent and Utilities	€400–€600 (INR 42.5K–63.8K)	Partially or fully covered by select scholarships
Food and Groceries	€150–€250 (INR 15.9K–26.6K)	Sometimes covered through monthly living stipends
Transportation and Other Personal Expenses	€100–€200 (INR 10.6K–21.3K)	Rarely covered; usually paid by the student

Some fully funded scholarships, such as Erasmus Mundus and TU Delft Excellence, also include a monthly stipend. This can help cover a large part of your living expenses.

Housing & Transportation Options

Finding a place to stay should be one of the first things you do after receiving your admission letter. Student housing in many Dutch cities fills up quickly, so applying early is always a good idea. Many universities also help international students find accommodation through trusted housing partners.

• University Housing: Student residences, shared apartments, and studio rooms arranged by the university or its housing partners.
• Private Accommodation: Shared rentals or private apartments, usually at a higher monthly cost.
• Cycling: The cheapest and most common way to travel in Dutch cities.
• Public Transport: Trains, buses, and trams make it easy to travel within cities and across the country.

Applying for accommodation early gives you a better chance of finding a place within your budget.

Student Life & Campus Culture

Netherlands has a large international student community, so it's easy to meet people from different countries and backgrounds. Universities also offer plenty of opportunities to get involved outside the classroom.

You can take part in:

• Student clubs and societies
• International student communities
• Cultural events and festivals
• Career fairs and networking sessions

Many universities also offer English-taught programs and encourage classroom discussions, group work, and practical learning.

Healthcare & Insurance Support

Health insurance is mandatory for international students in Netherlands. The type of insurance you'll need depends on your nationality and whether you're working while studying.

• Students from EU/EEA countries can often use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
• Non-EU students usually need Dutch health insurance or an approved international insurance plan.
• Some scholarships include health insurance as part of the funding.
• Students can access GPs, hospitals, and emergency medical services across the country.

Before you travel, check your university's guidance to make sure you have the right insurance cover.

Conclusion

Studying in Netherlands becomes much more affordable when you receive a scholarship. Whether it's a government-funded award or a university scholarship, financial support can help reduce the cost of tuition and living expenses.

Start looking for scholarships early, read the eligibility criteria carefully, and submit your application before the deadline. A little planning can make a big difference. With well-ranked universities, a welcoming international community, and good career opportunities after graduation, Netherlands remains a popular choice for students from around the world.

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