Best 12 scholarships in the Netherlands for African postgraduate students

Unlocking Opportunities: The Best 12 Scholarships in the Netherlands for African Postgraduate Students

The Netherlands, a vibrant and progressive nation known for its world-class education system, innovative research, and multicultural environment, has become an increasingly attractive destination for ambitious African postgraduate students. However, the cost of international education can be a significant barrier. Thankfully, a plethora of scholarships are available to talented individuals from Africa, making their academic dreams in the Netherlands a tangible reality.

This article highlights the 12 best scholarships in the Netherlands specifically designed to support African postgraduate students, offering a comprehensive overview of their eligibility criteria, benefits, and application processes.

1. Holland Scholarship (Funded by Dutch Research Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences)

The Holland Scholarship is a prestigious and widely recognized scholarship jointly funded by Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. It aims to attract highly motivated international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who wish to pursue a master’s degree in the Netherlands.

• Eligibility: Applicants must be from a non-EEA country, have excellent academic records, be admitted to a participating Dutch higher education institution’s full-time master’s program, and not hold a degree from a Dutch educational institution. Specific requirements might vary between institutions.
• Benefits: The scholarship provides a one-time grant of €5,000.
• Application Process: Students must apply directly to the Dutch higher education institution offering the scholarship. The institution will then nominate eligible candidates for the scholarship.
• Website: Consult the website of your chosen Dutch institution for specific Holland Scholarship application details.

2. Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) (Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

The Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) is a Dutch government initiative aimed at contributing to sustainable and inclusive development in developing countries. It offers scholarships and training opportunities to professionals from selected African countries. The OKP prioritizes candidates who are working in key areas for their country’s development, such as water management, agriculture, education, and healthcare.

• Eligibility: Applicants must be nationals of and living and working in a selected African country (check the OKP country list). They must have a minimum of two years of relevant work experience, be nominated by their employer, and meet specific academic and English language requirements. They must also be admitted to a master’s program or a short course offered by a participating Dutch higher education institution.
• Benefits: The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, visa costs, and round-trip travel expenses.
• Application Process: Students apply through the Dutch higher education institution offering the eligible program. The institution then nominates eligible candidates for the OKP scholarship.
• Website: https://www.nuffic.nl/en/subjects/orange-knowledge-programme

3. StuNed Scholarships (Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

StuNed (Studeren in Nederland) is another scholarship program funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aiming to provide opportunities for professionals from developing countries to study in the Netherlands. It is often focused on particular fields aligned with Dutch development cooperation priorities.

• Eligibility: Similar to OKP, StuNed targets professionals from selected developing countries. Applicants must be employed in a relevant field, possess a strong academic background, and be accepted into a master’s program in the Netherlands. The specific requirements vary depending on the specific StuNed program and the participating institution.
• Benefits: StuNed scholarships typically cover tuition fees, living expenses, insurance, visa costs, and travel expenses.
• Application Process: Applicants apply through the Dutch higher education institution offering the desired program. The institution will assess the applicant’s eligibility and, if deemed suitable, nominate them for the StuNed scholarship.
• Website: https://www.nuffic.nl/en/education-systems/netherlands/stuned-scholarships

4. Erasmus Mundus Scholarships (Funded by the European Union)

While not exclusively for students in the Netherlands, the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is a fantastic option for African postgraduate students. It supports students pursuing joint master’s programs offered by a consortium of universities in different European countries, including the Netherlands. These programs are often highly specialized and interdisciplinary.

• Eligibility: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and meet the specific admission requirements of the chosen Erasmus Mundus joint master’s program. Nationality criteria depend on the specific program, but African students are generally eligible.
• Benefits: The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel costs, living allowances, and other expenses related to the program.
• Application Process: Students apply directly to the Erasmus Mundus joint master’s program they are interested in. The program consortium selects scholarship recipients based on academic merit and other criteria.
• Website: https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/scholarships/erasmus-mundus-scholarships_en

5. Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) (Funded by Leiden University)

Leiden University offers the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) to outstanding non-EEA/EFTA students pursuing a master’s program at the university.

• Eligibility: Applicants must have a non-EEA/EFTA nationality, have a bachelor’s degree relevant to the master’s program they are applying to, and demonstrate excellent academic performance. They must also be admitted to a Leiden University master’s program.
• Benefits: The scholarship is available in three amounts: € 10.000 of the tuition fee, € 15.000 of the tuition fee or total tuition fee minus the statutory tuition fee. The LExS is not a full scholarship, so recipients will likely need to find additional funding.
• Application Process: Applicants must apply for admission to a master’s program at Leiden University and indicate their interest in applying for the LExS scholarship during the application process.
• Website: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/scholarships/prospective-students/leiden-university-excellence-scholarship-lexs

6. University of Amsterdam Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS) (Funded by the University of Amsterdam)

The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS) is a competitive scholarship offered by the University of Amsterdam to outstanding students from outside the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA).

• Eligibility: Applicants must be non-EU/EEA nationals, have excellent academic records, be admitted to a full-time master’s program at the University of Amsterdam, and not be eligible for a Dutch study grant or loan.
• Benefits: The scholarship can be a full or partial tuition fee waiver.
• Application Process: Students must apply for admission to a master’s program at the University of Amsterdam and indicate their interest in the AMS scholarship in their application.
• Website: https://www.uva.nl/en/education/master-s/scholarships-tuition/amsterdam-merit-scholarship/amsterdam-merit-scholarship.html

7. Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) Excellence Scholarships (Funded by TU Delft)

TU Delft, a leading technological university, offers several excellence scholarship programs for international students, including those from Africa, pursuing master’s degrees. These programs recognize exceptional academic achievement and potential.

• Eligibility: Applicants must be admitted to a TU Delft master’s program and demonstrate outstanding academic performance. Specific requirements vary depending on the chosen scholarship program, such as the Justus & Louise van Effen scholarship.
• Benefits: Scholarships can cover full tuition fees, living expenses, and other related costs. The specific benefits depend on the chosen scholarship program.
• Application Process: Applicants must apply for admission to a master’s program at TU Delft and then apply separately for the desired scholarship program.
• Website: https://www.tudelft.nl/en/education/scholarships (Explore the different scholarship options listed on this page)

8. Wageningen University & Research (WUR) Africa Scholarship Programme (ASP) (Funded by WUR)

Wageningen University & Research, renowned for its focus on life sciences, agriculture, and environmental studies, offers the Africa Scholarship Programme (ASP) specifically for excellent students from African countries.

• Eligibility: Applicants must be nationals of an African country, have a relevant bachelor’s degree, and be admitted to a master’s program at Wageningen University. The program generally targets fields relevant to sustainable development in Africa.
• Benefits: The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, visa costs, and travel expenses.
• Application Process: Applicants must apply for admission to a master’s program at Wageningen University and then apply separately for the Africa Scholarship Programme.
• Website: Consult the Wageningen University & Research website for the most up-to-date information on the ASP and application procedures.

9. University of Twente Scholarships (UTS) (Funded by the University of Twente)

The University of Twente Scholarships (UTS) are offered to outstanding students from both EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA countries pursuing a master’s program at the University of Twente.

• Eligibility: Applicants must hold a non-Dutch bachelor’s degree, not be a graduate of a Dutch educational institution, be admitted to a University of Twente master’s program, and meet specific English language requirements.
• Benefits: The scholarship ranges from € 3,000 to € 22,000 for one year.
• Application Process: Apply for admission to a master’s programme at University of Twente and indicate your intention to apply for a UTS during the application process.
• Website: https://www.utwente.nl/en/education/scholarships/scholarships-overview/university-twente-scholarship/

10. Radboud Scholarship Programme (Funded by Radboud University)

Radboud University offers the Radboud Scholarship Programme to talented non-EEA students wishing to pursue a master’s degree.

• Eligibility: Applicants must be non-EEA nationals, hold a bachelor’s degree relevant to their chosen master’s program, and demonstrate excellent academic performance.
• Benefits: The scholarship covers tuition fees, visa costs, health insurance, and provides a monthly allowance for living expenses.
• Application Process: Apply for admission to a master’s program at Radboud University and indicate your interest in the Radboud Scholarship Programme during the application process.
• Website: https://www.ru.nl/en/education/masters/financial-matters/scholarships-grants/radboud-scholarship-programme

11. Maastricht University Scholarships (Funded by Maastricht University)

Maastricht University offers several scholarships for international students, including those from Africa, pursuing master’s programs. These scholarships include the High Potential Scholarship.

• Eligibility: Requirements vary depending on the specific scholarship program. Generally, applicants must be non-EU/EEA nationals and have been admitted to a full-time Master’s program at Maastricht University.
• Benefits: Coverage depends on the scholarship, and may include full or partial tuition fees, living costs, and travel expenses.
• Application Process: Apply for admission to a master’s program at Maastricht University and follow the specific application procedure for the desired scholarship program.
• Website: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/support/money-matters/scholarships

12. Global Minds Programme at KU Leuven (Potentially relevant, check for Netherlands relevance within the program)

While KU Leuven is a Belgian university, it’s geographically close to the Netherlands, and some master’s programs may involve collaborations or study components in the Netherlands. The Global Minds Programme provides scholarships for students from developing countries, including those in Africa.

• Eligibility: Applicants must be nationals of and reside in a developing country, have a relevant bachelor’s degree, and be admitted to a participating master’s program at KU Leuven. You would need to investigate if the specific program you are interested in has connections to Dutch institutions.
• Benefits: The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and travel expenses.
• Application Process: Applicants must apply for admission to a participating master’s program at KU Leuven and then apply separately for the Global Minds Programme scholarship.
• Website: Consult the KU Leuven website for the most up-to-date information on the Global Minds Programme and participating master’s programs.

Key Takeaways and Recommendations

• Start Early: The application process for scholarships and university admissions can be lengthy. Begin your research and application preparations well in advance of deadlines.
• Research Thoroughly: Carefully review the eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines for each scholarship program.
• Tailor Your Application: Highlight your academic achievements, relevant experience, and motivation for studying in the Netherlands and pursuing a specific program.
• Network: Connect with current students or alumni from your home country who have studied in the Netherlands. Their insights and advice can be invaluable.
• Prepare for English Language Proficiency: Most Dutch universities require proof of English language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores.
• Explore Additional Funding Options: Supplement scholarship funding with personal savings, family contributions, or loans if necessary.

Securing a scholarship to study in the Netherlands can be a life-changing opportunity for African postgraduate students. By diligently researching available scholarships, preparing compelling applications, and networking with relevant individuals, you can significantly increase your chances of achieving your academic aspirations and contributing to the development of your home country. Good luck!