Top 20 Fully Funded Scholarships in the Netherlands for International Students 2025
The Netherlands, a land of windmills, tulips, and a rich academic tradition, has become a highly sought-after destination for international students seeking quality education. Its universities consistently rank among the world’s best, offering a diverse range of programs taught in English. However, the cost of studying abroad can be a significant hurdle. Thankfully, the Netherlands offers a plethora of fully funded scholarships to deserving international students, making their academic dreams a reality.
This article delves into the top 20 fully funded scholarship opportunities available for international students in the Netherlands for the academic year 2025, providing detailed information about each scholarship, eligibility criteria, application process, and crucial deadlines. Let’s explore these pathways to academic excellence:
1. Holland Scholarship (Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and Dutch Research Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences):
- Description: The Holland Scholarship, formerly known as the Netherlands Fellowship Programmes (NFP), is a prestigious scholarship aimed at international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who wish to pursue bachelor’s or master’s degrees at participating Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences.
- Eligibility: Non-EEA nationals, excellent academic record, acceptance into a participating Dutch higher education institution, no previous degrees from a Dutch educational institution.
- Coverage: €5,000, which can be used towards tuition fees. While not fully funded in the strictest sense, it significantly reduces the financial burden. Participating institutions often offer additional funding options to complement the Holland Scholarship.
- Application Process: Apply directly to the participating Dutch university offering the desired program. The university will nominate eligible candidates for the Holland Scholarship.
- Website: https://www.studyinnl.org/finances/holland-scholarship
2. Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) (Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs):
- Description: The OKP is a comprehensive scholarship program targeting professionals from developing countries. It aims to advance their knowledge and skills through short courses and master’s programs in the Netherlands.
- Eligibility: Nationals of specific developing countries (check the OKP country list on their website), employed and nominated by their employer, relevant work experience, and admission to a participating Dutch educational institution for an OKP-eligible course or program.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, living expenses, visa costs, return airfare, and insurance.
- Application Process: Apply for an OKP-eligible course at a participating Dutch institution. The institution will guide you through the application process for the scholarship.
- Website: https://www.nuffic.nl/en/subjects/orange-knowledge-programme
3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (Funded by the European Union):
- Description: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees are prestigious, integrated study programs delivered by a consortium of universities from different countries, including Dutch institutions. These programs offer a unique international learning experience.
- Eligibility: Open to students from all over the world with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Each program has its specific eligibility requirements.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, living allowance, travel costs, and insurance.
- Application Process: Apply directly to the specific Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree program you are interested in. Visit the Erasmus Mundus catalogue to find available programs.
- Website: https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/scholarships/erasmus-mundus-scholarships_en
4. University of Amsterdam Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS):
- Description: The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS) is a scholarship awarded to excellent students from outside the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) who are admitted to a Master’s program at the University of Amsterdam.
- Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA nationals, excellent academic record, and admission to a eligible Master’s program at the University of Amsterdam.
- Coverage: Full or partial tuition fee waiver. Some faculties offer additional allowances for living expenses.
- Application Process: Apply for the Master’s program at the University of Amsterdam. If eligible, you can apply for the AMS separately.
- Website: https://www.uva.nl/en/education/master-s/scholarships-and-tuition/amsterdam-merit-scholarship/amsterdam-merit-scholarship.html
5. Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarships:
- Description: The Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarships aim to financially support excellent international MSc students wishing to study at TU Delft.
- Eligibility: Excellent international students admitted to a MSc program at TU Delft. Specific GPA and academic performance requirements apply.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, living expenses, and contribution towards travel costs.
- Application Process: Apply for a MSc program at TU Delft. Selected students will be invited to apply for the scholarship.
- Website: https://www.tudelft.nl/en/education/scholarships/justus-louise-van-effen-excellence-scholarships
6. Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS):
- Description: The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship Programme (LExS) is open to outstanding non-EU/EEA students pursuing a Master’s degree at Leiden University.
- Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA nationals with excellent academic records admitted to a Master’s program at Leiden University.
- Coverage: €10,000, €15,000, or the full tuition fee amount, depending on the faculty. Some faculties also offer an additional allowance for living expenses.
- Application Process: Apply for a Master’s program at Leiden University. Indicate your interest in the LExS scholarship in your application.
- Website: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/scholarships/prospective-students/leiden-university-excellence-scholarship-lexs
7. Maastricht University High Potential Scholarship:
- Description: The Maastricht University (UM) High Potential Scholarship is a scholarship program designed to reward talented students from outside the EU/EEA who have been admitted to a Master’s program at UM.
- Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA nationals admitted to a Master’s program at Maastricht University and demonstrating excellent academic achievements.
- Coverage: Full tuition fee waiver, living expenses (€12,750 for 13 months), health insurance, and visa costs.
- Application Process: Apply for a Master’s program at Maastricht University and indicate your interest in the UM High Potential Scholarship in your application.
- Website: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/support/coming-maastricht/financial-matters/scholarships/maastricht-university-scholarships-0
8. Radboud Scholarship Programme:
- Description: The Radboud Scholarship Programme offers talented prospective non-EEA students the opportunity to receive a scholarship to study for a complete English-taught Master’s program at Radboud University.
- Eligibility: Non-EEA nationals with excellent academic records admitted to a English-taught Master’s program at Radboud University.
- Coverage: Full or partial tuition fee waiver, plus living expenses, visa costs, and insurance.
- Application Process: Apply for a Master’s program at Radboud University. If eligible, you can apply for the Radboud Scholarship Programme separately.
- Website: https://www.ru.nl/en/education/masters/financial-matters/scholarships-grants/radboud-scholarship-programme
9. University of Twente Scholarships (UTS):
- Description: The University Twente Scholarship (UTS) is a scholarship for excellent students from both EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA countries, applying for a graduate program (Master) at the University of Twente.
- Eligibility: Excellent students applying for a Master’s program at the University of Twente. Specific academic requirements apply.
- Coverage: Varies, up to €25,000 per year for two years. Covers tuition fees and some living expenses.
- Application Process: Apply for a Master’s program at the University of Twente and indicate your interest in the UTS scholarship.
- Website: https://www.utwente.nl/en/education/scholarships/university-twente-scholarship/
10. Wageningen University & Research (WUR) Africa Scholarship Programme (ASP):
- Description: The Africa Scholarship Programme (ASP) offers talented and motivated students from Africa the opportunity to pursue a Master’s programme at Wageningen University & Research.
- Eligibility: Nationals of specific African countries admitted to a Master’s program at Wageningen University & Research.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and visa costs.
- Application Process: Apply for a Master’s program at Wageningen University & Research. Indicate your interest in the ASP scholarship in your application.
- Website: https://www.wur.nl/en/education-programmes/master/scholarships.htm
11 – 20: (Listed below, each deserving equal consideration, but without the full detail due to word count limitations. Research each via their respective websites!)
- 11. VSBfonds Scholarships: (Website: https://www.vsbfonds.nl/) – Supports Dutch students studying abroad but also supports specific programs within the Netherlands for international students. Focus on social sciences and humanities.
- 12. The Hague World Forum Scholarship Programme: (Website: Varies by organizing institution – research based on program) – Tailored scholarships tied to specific programs held at The Hague World Forum, often related to international law, peace, and security.
- 13. Neso Scholarship Programmes (Country-Specific): (Website: Check Neso offices in your country of origin) – The Netherlands Education Support Offices (Neso) in various countries offer scholarships specifically for students from their respective regions.
- 14. StuNed Scholarships (Indonesia): (Website: https://www.nesoindonesia.or.id/) – Specifically for Indonesian students looking to study in the Netherlands.
- 15. Rotary Scholarships: (Website: https://www.rotary.org/) – Local Rotary clubs offer scholarships for international study. Contact your local Rotary club for more information.
- 16. Ford Foundation International Fellowships Program: (Website: Search “Ford Foundation International Fellowships” as programs vary) – While the main program has ended, some related initiatives may still exist. Focus on social justice and development.
- 17. Orange Tulip Scholarship Programme: (Website: https://www.studyinnl.org/scholarships/orange-tulip-scholarship-programme) – A scholarship program specifically for students from specific countries in Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Check eligibility requirements.
- 18. Holland Alumni Scholarship Programme (HASP): (Website: Through participating Dutch institutions) – For alumni of Dutch higher education institutions who wish to return to the Netherlands for further studies or training.
- 19. UNESCO/Netherlands Fellowships Programme (NFP): (Website: Through UNESCO or participating Dutch institutions) – Offers fellowships in specific fields relevant to UNESCO’s priorities.
- 20. Individual University-Specific Scholarships (Varies): (Website: Check the scholarship section of the specific university’s website) – Many Dutch universities offer their own internal scholarships for international students, beyond the larger named programs. Thoroughly research the scholarship offerings of each university you are considering.
Key Takeaways and Application Tips:
- Start Early: The application process for scholarships can be lengthy and competitive. Begin your research and application preparations well in advance of the deadlines.
- Meet the Eligibility Criteria: Carefully review the eligibility requirements for each scholarship and ensure that you meet all the criteria before applying.
- Craft a Strong Application: Pay close attention to the application instructions and submit a well-written and compelling application that highlights your academic achievements, research experience, and motivation for studying in the Netherlands.
- Obtain Strong Letters of Recommendation: Secure strong letters of recommendation from professors or employers who can attest to your abilities and potential.
- Proofread Your Application: Thoroughly proofread your application for any errors in grammar, spelling, or formatting.
- Contact the Scholarship Providers: If you have any questions or require clarification, don’t hesitate to contact the scholarship providers directly.
Studying in the Netherlands can be a transformative experience. By exploring these fully funded scholarship opportunities and diligently preparing your applications, you can significantly increase your chances of securing financial support and pursuing your academic aspirations in this vibrant and innovative country. Remember to regularly check the official websites for the most up-to-date information on deadlines, eligibility criteria, and application procedures for the 2025 academic year. Good luck!