Types of Scholarships in Netherlands
There are several funding opportunities available to help students pay for their studies in Netherlands, depending on their nationality, chosen program, and academic profile. Major scholarships are divided into three types: national, university-based, and international opportunities.
Government and National Scholarships
Government and national scholarships are supported by Dutch public institutions and typically aim to attract talented international students to eligible programs at participating institutions.
- NL Scholarship
- Orange Knowledge Program
University-Specific Scholarships
There are numerous universities that provide scholarships for their students. Most of the universities provide scholarships only for students who perform well in their studies, have a foreign nationality, are eligible for the program, or are motivated.
- Radboud Scholarship Program
- Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship
International Scholarships
Students from abroad can receive scholarships through international funding programs, in addition to the scholarships that are offered by the individual Dutch universities.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Scholarships
- Erasmus+ Grants
Top Scholarships in Netherlands for International Students
So far, the types of scholarships described involve a range from fixed grants and tuition reductions to comprehensive awards that cover major study and living expenses.
If you are planning to study in Netherlands, several scholarships are worth exploring. They range from fixed grants and tuition reductions to comprehensive awards that cover major study and living expenses. Therefore, understanding the basic details of each scholarship can help you direct your research in a better way.
NL Scholarship
Previously known as the Holland Scholarship, this is a funding opportunity for talented students from non-European countries who are applying to eligible Bachelors or Masters programs in Netherlands.
- Study level: Bachelor's and Master's
- Eligibility: Students from outside the EEA
- Award: EUR 5,000 (approximately INR 5.51L)
- Duration: First year
- Coverage: Partial financial support; it does not cover the full tuition fee
- Application: Through the participating institution
- Deadline: Varies by university and program
It's an initiative by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science in collaboration with the participating higher education institutions in Netherlands.
Radboud Scholarship Program
The Radboud Scholarship Program is designed for highly qualified students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) countries, who have applied for admission to one of the Master's programs in English offered at Radboud University.
- Study level: Master's
- Target group: Non-EEA students
- Maximum scholarships in 2026-27: 33
- Tuition fee: Reduced to EUR 2,694 (approximately 2.94L)
- Additional coverage: Visa, residence permit, health insurance and liability insurance
- Living expenses: Not covered
- Selection: Based on academic excellence, motivation and overall applicant profile
This is a highly selective scholarship, so applicants need to demonstrate more than simply meeting the minimum admission requirements.
Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship
For students looking for a scholarship for masters in Netherlands with substantial financial coverage, Maastricht University's NL-High Potential Scholarship is one of the strongest options to consider.
- Scholarships: 18 per academic year
- Study level: Master's
- Nationality: Non-EU/EEA
- Academic requirement: Equivalent GPA of 7.5/10 or higher
- Living expenses: EUR 20,150 (approximately INR 22.22L) for a 13-month program
- Living expenses: EUR 38,750 (approximately INR 42.73L) for a 25-month program
- Insurance: EUR 700 (approximately INR 77,200)
- Tuition fees: Covered at cost
- Visa costs: Covered at cost
- Pre-academic training: Covered at cost
- 2027-28 application period: 1 October 2026 to 1 February 2027
The competition for the position is very high; only about 2% are awarded this scholarship.
Utrecht University NL Scholarship
The Utrecht University NL Scholarship aims to provide financial support to outstanding students who have been admitted to one of the eligible Master's programs and are studying these programs in a country outside the EEA (European Economic Area).
- Study level: Master's
- Program for: Students from outside the EEA
- Award: EUR 5,000, EUR 10,000 or EUR 15,000 (approximately INR 5.51L, INR 11.10L or 16.54L) depending on the program
- Duration: First year
The student should refer to a particular Masters program since the scholarship is not offered in all the programs available at Utrecht University.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Scholarships
Erasmus Mundus scholarships in Netherlands are particularly useful for students interested in international Master's programs that involve studying at universities in multiple countries.
In particular, Erasmus Mundus scholarships are useful when the student wishes to study on international Master's programs that require them to study in a number of countries as well.
- Study level: Master's
- Learner's workload: Approximately 1-2 academic years
- Consortium: 3 or more institutions, from 3 or more countries
- Travel, visa and living costs can be paid: Participation costs and contributions towards travel, visa and living expenses.
- Scholarship amount: Up to EUR 1,400 (approximately INR 1.54L) per month for the scholarship period
- Typical application deadline: October-January for the next academic year
It would be better to add a note that Erasmus Mundus Scholarships in Netherlands do not come under the Dutch government. In some Erasmus Mundus programs, universities are part of an international consortium.
Other University Scholarships
In addition to the more well-known awards, there are a few scholarships available for international students at universities in Netherlands, the funding and eligibility are different for each university and program.
Since these awards can change from one intake to another, check the university's official scholarship page for the latest eligibility criteria, funding and deadlines.
- Leiden University: The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship is a tuition-fee reduction for selected, non-EEA students who apply for admission to a Master's program at Leiden University.
- TU Delft: The Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarships are available for outstanding international applicants for Master's programs; the scholarships can include tuition fees and a living allowance.
- University of Groningen: The Eric Bleumink Fund offers scholarships to some international Master's students and finances significant study expenses.
- Wageningen University & Research: Offers scholarships for talented international students, including scholarships that are related to academic excellence and specific Master's programs.
- University of Twente: Excellent Master's students from non-EU/EEA countries are offered a scholarship of approximately EUR 3,000-22,000 (approximately INR 3.3L-24.26L) at the University of Twente.
- European Institute of Technology (Eindhoven): Provides scholarships for selected and selected funded international Masters students of the university.
Note: The awards may vary from intake to intake, so please see the University's official scholarship page for updated eligibility, funding and deadlines.
Suggested Read: Fully Funded Scholarships in Netherlands
