Imagine receiving your university admission letter, only to realise the financial burden could stand between you and your dream of studying in Europe. For non-EU/EEA students, tuition in the Netherlands can reach €9,000–€20,000 a year for bachelor’s programmes and €12,000–€30,000 for master’s programmes, according to Study in NL. That cost, alongside accommodation, living expenses, visa requirements and application fees, can make studying abroad feel out of reach. Thankfully, Scholarships for International Students in the Netherlands can help talented students reduce or even cover some of these financial pressures.
Finding the right funding, however, comes with its own challenges. You may struggle to know which scholarships accept international applicants, whether your nationality qualifies, which universities offer funding, what documents you need, when applications close, or whether a scholarship truly covers tuition, living costs and other expenses. Some opportunities only cover part of your tuition, while others target specific nationalities, programmes or academic backgrounds. Missing one requirement or deadline could also mean losing an opportunity you spent months preparing for.
So, how do you identify the right scholarship, check your eligibility, prepare a strong application and avoid wasting time on opportunities that do not match your profile? This guide brings the answers together. We explore Scholarships for International Students in the Netherlands, explain what each opportunity can offer, highlight key eligibility requirements and show you practical steps to make your scholarship search more focused and successful.
What Do Fully Funded Scholarships in the Netherlands Cover?
Fully funded scholarships can significantly reduce the financial pressure of studying in the Netherlands, but the exact benefits depend on the scholarship and programme. Some awards may cover tuition fees and provide money for living expenses, while others can contribute towards travel, visa costs and accommodation.
For example, Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters offers full scholarships to selected students worldwide. The scholarship can contribute towards participation costs, travel, visa and living expenses, making it one of the strongest funding options for international master’s students. Applications go directly to the institution running the selected programme.
Other scholarships provide substantial financial support without covering every expense. The NL Scholarship, for instance, offers €5,000 to eligible non-EEA students in their first year, but Study in NL clearly states that it does not cover full tuition.
Before applying, check exactly what each scholarship pays for, which costs you must fund yourself, whether your programme qualifies and whether you need admission before submitting your scholarship application.
Top Scholarships for International Students in the Netherlands
International students can find funding through Dutch universities, the Dutch government and European scholarship programmes. However, each opportunity comes with different eligibility requirements, funding levels and application procedures.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters offer full scholarships to selected students from around the world. These programmes typically involve studying at multiple universities in different countries, with scholarships contributing towards participation costs, travel, visa and living expenses. Students apply directly to the consortium running their chosen programme.
Apply for Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship
Maastricht University offers the NL-High Potential Scholarship to highly talented non-EU students admitted to participating master’s programmes. The university describes it as a full scholarship that includes a tuition fee waiver and a monthly stipend. For the 2027/28 intake, the university lists 18 scholarships and notes that the award remains highly competitive.
Apply for the Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship
VU Fellowship Programme
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers the VU Fellowship Programme to talented prospective non-EU/EEA master’s students. The VUFP provides a tuition fee waiver, while eligible students may also combine it with the NL Scholarship, which contributes towards living costs.
Explore the VU Fellowship Programme
University of Twente Scholarship
The University of Twente Scholarship supports excellent non-EU/EEA students applying for eligible master’s programmes. Awards range from €3,000 to €22,000 for one year, although the university clearly states that the scholarship does not constitute full funding and students must cover remaining costs themselves.
Apply for the University of Twente Scholarship
Fully Funded Scholarships in the Netherlands for Master’s Students
Master’s students have access to some of the strongest scholarship opportunities in the Netherlands. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters should receive particular attention because selected programmes offer full scholarships to students worldwide, with support that can include participation costs, travel, visa and living expenses. Most Erasmus Mundus applications typically run between October and January for programmes beginning the following academic year, although each programme sets its own deadline.
University-specific opportunities can also provide substantial support. Maastricht University’s NL-High Potential Scholarship offers full scholarships, including tuition fee waivers and a monthly stipend, for selected non-EU students admitted to participating master’s programmes.
VU Amsterdam’s VU Fellowship Programme offers a tuition fee waiver to eligible non-EU/EEA master’s students and may combine with the NL Scholarship for additional financial support towards living costs.
The University of Twente Scholarship can provide up to €22,000 for one year, but it does not cover the full cost of study, so applicants should plan for any remaining tuition and living expenses.
Scholarships in the Netherlands for Bachelor’s Students
Bachelor’s students can also find scholarships in the Netherlands, although fully funded opportunities may prove more limited than master’s-level options. The NL Scholarship provides one route for non-EEA students applying for eligible full-time bachelor’s programmes at participating Dutch higher education institutions. The scholarship provides €5,000 during the first year, but it does not cover full tuition.
Students should therefore search for funding at both the national and university level. Study in NL recommends finding a suitable programme first, checking the scholarship opportunities connected to that programme and contacting the institution directly about additional funding.
For example, Maastricht University lists its UM Global Studies Scholarship among its scholarship opportunities for international bachelor’s students. Eligibility depends on the programme and applicant’s nationality, so students should check the current scholarship conditions before preparing an application.
Maastricht University Scholarship Overview
Scholarships in the Netherlands for Bachelor’s Students
Finding funding for a bachelor’s degree in the Netherlands requires a slightly different approach from searching for master’s scholarships. International undergraduate students can explore scholarships offered through individual universities, national programmes and other funding organisations. However, full funding remains less common at bachelor’s level, so students should check whether an award covers tuition, living costs or only part of their expenses.
The NL Scholarship provides one option for non-EEA students applying for eligible bachelor’s and master’s programmes at participating Dutch higher education institutions. The award currently provides €5,000 for the first year, so applicants should combine it with other funding sources where necessary.
Some universities also run their own undergraduate funding schemes. For instance, Maastricht University provides scholarship information for international students and lists opportunities connected to specific programmes.
Students should therefore avoid searching only for the phrase “fully funded”. Searching according to your university, degree programme, nationality and financial need can uncover opportunities that better match your circumstances.
Who Can Apply for Scholarships in the Netherlands?
Eligibility differs from one scholarship to another, but international students should generally look for these key criteria:
- International students from eligible countries
Many scholarships target students from outside the EU/EEA, while some programmes focus on specific nationalities or regions. - Students applying to an eligible university
Your chosen institution must participate in the scholarship programme where this requirement applies. - Students applying for an eligible programme
Some funding opportunities only support specific bachelor’s, master’s or research programmes. - Students with strong academic records
Competitive scholarships often consider grades, academic achievements and your potential to succeed in your chosen field. - Students who meet the programme requirements
You may need the required previous qualification, English-language proficiency and other admission criteria. - Students who meet scholarship-specific conditions
Some awards consider leadership, professional experience, financial need, research interests or community involvement. - Students who can meet the application deadline
Even a strong candidate can lose an opportunity if they submit after the scholarship’s closing date.
Always check the current requirements on the official scholarship website before applying, as eligibility can change between academic years.
Requirements for Netherlands Scholarships for International Students
Scholarship applications can demand more than strong academic results. Before starting, check the exact requirements for your chosen award and prepare your documents early.
Common requirements can include:
- A valid passport or proof of nationality
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- Proof of admission or an application to an eligible programme
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Motivation or scholarship essay
- Recommendation letters
- Proof of English-language proficiency where required
- Evidence of leadership, achievements or relevant experience
- A study or research plan for certain programmes
- Financial documents where the scholarship considers financial need
Some programmes may impose additional conditions. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, for example, sets eligibility and application requirements through each participating programme rather than through one universal application form.
Always check whether your documents need translation, certification or a particular format. Most importantly, confirm the deadline and submit through the official application channel.
How to Apply for Scholarships in the Netherlands
A successful application requires more than finding a scholarship and submitting a form. Follow these steps to make your search more organised:
- Choose your preferred course and university
Start with a programme that matches your academic background and career goals. - Find scholarships linked to your programme
Check your university’s official funding page and other reputable scholarship sources. - Check your eligibility carefully
Confirm your nationality, study level, programme, academic qualifications and other conditions before investing time in an application. - Check what the scholarship covers
Confirm whether the award covers tuition, living expenses, travel, accommodation or only part of your costs. - Prepare your documents early
Gather your certificates, transcripts, CV, motivation letter, recommendation letters and English-language test results where required. - Write a strong motivation letter
Connect your academic achievements, career plans, personal motivation and the scholarship’s objectives instead of submitting a generic statement. - Complete the application correctly
Follow the scholarship provider’s instructions and upload documents in the requested format. - Submit before the deadline
Do not wait until the final hours. Some scholarship deadlines differ from university admission deadlines. - Keep your application records
Save your submitted documents and monitor your email or application portal for updates. - Prepare for the next stage
Some scholarships may require an interview, additional documents or further assessment before making a final decision.
How to Find Scholarships That Match Your Study Programme
Finding a scholarship should start with your study programme, not simply with a search for “fully funded scholarships”. Different universities and programmes offer different funding opportunities, and some scholarships only support specific fields of study or institutions. Study in NL recommends selecting your programme first, then checking the scholarships available for it and contacting the institution for additional opportunities.
Follow these steps to narrow your search:
- Choose your preferred study programme
Decide what you want to study and identify the Dutch universities offering the programme. - Check the programme’s scholarship options
Visit the university’s official website and look for scholarships linked to your programme, faculty or study level. - Search by your study level
Separate bachelor’s, master’s and other funding opportunities because eligibility can differ significantly. - Filter by your nationality
Some scholarships target international students generally, while others accept applicants from specific countries or regions. - Compare the funding package
Check whether the scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, travel or only part of your costs. - Check the deadline alongside admission
Scholarship and university deadlines may differ, so record both dates before starting your applications. - Contact the university directly
Ask whether additional institutional scholarships exist beyond the opportunities listed on major scholarship platforms.
A useful starting point comes from the Study in NL Studyfinder, which lets students explore programmes and filter available scholarship opportunities.
Tips for Winning a Scholarship in the Netherlands
A scholarship can attract hundreds of qualified applicants, so meeting the minimum requirements may not prove enough. Your application should make a clear case for why you deserve the opportunity and what you plan to do with it.
- Apply for scholarships that genuinely match your profile
Focus your effort on opportunities that fit your nationality, academic background, programme and career goals. - Start early
Give yourself enough time to prepare documents, request recommendation letters and improve your motivation statement. - Make your motivation letter specific
Explain why you chose the programme, what you have achieved, where you want your career to go and how the scholarship supports that journey. - Connect your goals to the scholarship
Research what the scholarship or university values, then demonstrate how your experience and ambitions align with those objectives. - Show evidence of achievement
Mention academic results, projects, leadership, professional experience, community involvement or other achievements that strengthen your application. - Avoid generic applications
Copying the same motivation letter for every scholarship can make your application feel disconnected from the opportunity. - Follow every instruction carefully
Check document formats, word limits, references and submission requirements before sending your application. - Submit before the deadline
Dutch institutions set their own deadlines, and Study in NL advises applicants to confirm the exact deadline with their chosen institution. - Keep a scholarship tracker
Record each scholarship’s deadline, eligibility criteria, funding, required documents and application status so you don’t miss an opportunity. - Have a financial backup plan
Even when you target fully funded opportunities, competition can prove intense. Study in NL recommends creating a financial plan that considers expenses alongside scholarships and other possible sources of funding.
For students who need additional guidance, this creates a natural opportunity for the education brand to position itself as more than a scholarship-listing website: helping students identify suitable programmes, understand funding options, prepare stronger applications and make informed decisions about studying in the Netherlands.