The Netherlands has become one of the most attractive study destinations in Europe for international students. Known for its high-quality education system, innovative teaching methods, and wide range of English-taught programs, Dutch universities consistently rank among the best in the world. In addition, the country offers a safe, multicultural environment and strong career opportunities after graduation.
However, studying abroad can be expensive, especially when considering both tuition fees and living costs. Fortunately, the Netherlands provides several scholarship programs that can significantly reduce or even fully cover these expenses. Some scholarships are partially funded, while others are fully funded, covering tuition fees, living allowances, travel costs, and insurance.
This article explores the major scholarships in the Netherlands that cover tuition and living costs, eligibility requirements, benefits, and application tips for international students.
Why Study in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is one of Europe’s leading education hubs, with more than 2,000 English-taught programs available at bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels. Universities such as the University of Amsterdam, Delft University of Technology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, and Leiden University are globally recognized for academic excellence.
Another major advantage is affordability compared to countries like the United States or the United Kingdom. While tuition fees exist, they are relatively moderate, and scholarships can significantly reduce financial pressure.
The Netherlands is also known for its strong job market, especially in fields such as engineering, business, data science, agriculture, environmental studies, and social sciences. Many graduates find employment opportunities in international companies based in the country.
Cost of Studying in the Netherlands
Before exploring scholarships, it is important to understand the general cost structure.
Tuition Fees
- EU/EEA students: approximately €2,500 per year
- Non-EU/EEA students: approximately €6,000 to €20,000 per year, depending on the program
Living Costs
International students typically spend:
- €900 to €1,400 per month, including accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses
Cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht are more expensive, while smaller cities such as Groningen or Eindhoven may be more affordable.
Because of these costs, scholarships that cover both tuition and living expenses are highly valuable.
Holland Scholarship
The Holland Scholarship is one of the most well-known scholarships for international students who want to study in the Netherlands. It is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science in cooperation with Dutch universities.
Coverage
- One-time grant of €5,000 in the first year of study
While it does not fully cover tuition and living costs, it significantly reduces the financial burden and can be combined with other funding sources.
Eligibility
- Non-EEA international students
- Applying for a bachelor’s or master’s program in the Netherlands
- Meeting academic requirements of the chosen university
This scholarship is widely available across many Dutch institutions.
Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP)
The Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) is a fully funded scholarship aimed at professionals from developing countries. It is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Coverage
This is one of the most comprehensive scholarships and includes:
- Full tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Travel costs
- Visa fees
- Health insurance
- Study materials
Eligible Fields
OKP focuses on professional development areas such as:
- Water management
- Agriculture
- Sustainable development
- Public health
- Governance and law
Eligibility
- Applicants must be from selected developing countries
- Must have relevant work experience
- Must be admitted to an eligible short course, master’s, or training program
The OKP is one of the few scholarships that can fully cover both tuition and living costs.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD)
The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships in Europe. Many Dutch universities participate in Erasmus Mundus programs, making the Netherlands an important study destination under this scheme.
Coverage
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance (around €1,000 per month)
- Travel costs
- Installation allowance
- Insurance coverage
Key Advantage
Students often study in multiple countries during their degree, including the Netherlands, giving them international exposure.
Eligibility
- Bachelor’s degree for master’s programs
- Strong academic performance
- English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Motivation letter and recommendation letters
Erasmus Mundus is fully funded and highly competitive but extremely rewarding.
University-Specific Scholarships in the Netherlands
Many Dutch universities offer their own scholarships that can cover tuition fees and sometimes living costs.
1. University of Amsterdam Scholarships
The University of Amsterdam offers several merit-based scholarships for international students. One of the most notable is the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS).
Coverage
- Partial to full tuition fee coverage
- In some cases, additional living support
2. Delft University of Technology Scholarships
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) offers the Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarships.
Coverage
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance
- Contribution to insurance and living expenses
This is one of the most generous scholarships in the Netherlands, especially for engineering and technology students.
3. Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)
Leiden University offers the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) for outstanding students.
Coverage
- Partial or full tuition fee coverage
- In some cases, contribution toward living costs
4. Erasmus University Rotterdam Scholarships
Erasmus University offers several scholarships for international students in business, economics, and social sciences.
Coverage
- Tuition fee reduction or full coverage
- Limited living cost support depending on the program
5. University of Groningen Scholarships
The University of Groningen offers the Eric Bleumink Fund, which is one of the most generous scholarships.
Coverage
- Full tuition fees
- Living costs
- International travel
- Health insurance
This scholarship is highly competitive and awarded to outstanding students from developing countries.
Nuffic Scholarships and Other Government Programs
The Netherlands Organization for International Cooperation in Higher Education (Nuffic) supports various scholarship programs and partnerships between Dutch universities and international institutions. These programs often provide partial or full funding depending on the agreement.
Eligibility Requirements for Scholarships in the Netherlands
Although each scholarship has different criteria, most require:
Academic Excellence
Strong academic performance is essential for merit-based scholarships.
English Language Proficiency
Most programs require IELTS or TOEFL scores, especially for English-taught degrees.
Motivation Letter
A well-written motivation letter explaining academic goals and career plans is often required.
Recommendation Letters
Universities and scholarship bodies often request references from teachers or employers.
Nationality Requirements
Some scholarships are limited to students from specific countries, particularly developing nations.
How to Apply for Scholarships in the Netherlands
The application process generally includes:
- Choosing a university and program
- Applying for admission to the university
- Checking scholarship availability and deadlines
- Submitting scholarship applications separately (if required)
- Uploading documents such as transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and language test results
- Attending interviews if shortlisted
Students are advised to apply early, as deadlines for scholarships are often earlier than admission deadlines.
Tips to Increase Scholarship Success
To improve chances of winning scholarships in the Netherlands:
- Apply early and carefully follow instructions
- Maintain strong academic results
- Write a compelling motivation letter
- Highlight leadership, volunteering, or research experience
- Apply to multiple scholarships
- Choose programs aligned with your background
A well-prepared application can significantly increase success rates.
Conclusion
The Netherlands offers a wide range of scholarship opportunities for international students, many of which can cover tuition fees and living costs. Programs such as the Orange Knowledge Programme, Erasmus Mundus Scholarships, Holland Scholarship, and university-specific awards provide strong financial support for talented students.