Dreaming of cruising through the cobbled streets of Utrecht on your bike , or getting a top-notch education in a state-of-the art lab in Delft, but the cost is getting in the way? Moving to the Netherlands can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it’s also no secret that the financial side can be a real challenge. The good news is the Dutch government & universities are pretty keen to attract talented folk from around the world. Whether you’re after a student scholarship to help cover the cost of tuition or just a bit of financial support to help make ends meet when living in the Netherlands, there are a whole bunch of funding options that are specifically designed to help people in your shoes.
In this guide, we’ll be breaking down some of the most prestigious programs. We’ll also be tackling the top 10 most populair degrees and more practical side of things, like actually finding a place to live without breaking the bank.
🎓 Why should you study in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands stands out as one of the world’s most sought after destinations for international education. With a staggering 2,100+ programs taught entirely in English on the table, it attracts students from all over. But let’s be blunt: for a lot of people, scholarships for international students are the only way they’ll actually be able to make it happen.
The financial aspect is for sure a huge obstacle if you don’t know where to start looking. Sure, EU applicants can generally afford the tuition fees, but for non-EU students these can be eye-watering and your only hope is to nail down a decent scholarship. And it’s not just about covering the costs, getting your hands on a prestigious award is a huge feather in your cap: it shows academic merit and adds serious weight to your CV long after you graduate.
🧠Did You Know? : The Netherlands was actually the first non-English-speaking country to offer higher education programs in English. That’s why it’s such a massive hub for international education.
🇳🇱 Best Dutch scholarships for international students
Finding the right funding for 2025-2026 academic year can be an absolute nightmare – like searching for a needle in a never-ending stack of hay, that is . But dont’ worry we’ve got the lowdown on the most popular programs so you can save yourself some of the hassle. We’ve figured out how to break them down for you into groups, so you can quickly see what’s worth applying for.
The NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship)
The NL Scholarship is probably the most well known of all the programs for non-EU students coming from outside the EEA. It’s co-funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education and several of the Netherlands’ top universities.
- Amount: €5,000, all yours in your first year.
- Target Group: It’s aimed at non-EEA students going for a Bachelors or Masters degree.
- Goal: The goal is to help with the initial costs of getting settled and managing living expenses in the Netherlands.
Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS)
Now the Orange Tulip Scholarship works a bit differently. It’s overseen by Nuffic Neso offices specifically in countries like India, Indonesia & China & also South Africa. What it does is target students from emerging markets that show real potential. Funding can cover a big chunk of your tuition fees, but the amount will depend on the school you’re applying for.
🏛️ University-specific excellence programs
Loads of universities have their own schemes for fully-funded and partial funding to bring in top researchers.
- TU Delft excellence scholarship: One that covers full tuition and gives students a monthly allowance to get by.
- Radboud scholarship programme: Specifically for non-EU students it gives you a sizeable cut on your tuition fees.
- Maastricht University NL-High potential: This one’s aimed at Master’s students and offers a generous package including a monthly stipend and health insurance.
📊 Comparison of top scholarship programs
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Typical Amount | Degree Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL Scholarship | Non-EEA Students | €5,000 | Bachelor/Master |
| Orange Tulip | Specific Countries | Partial Tuition Waiver | Bachelor/Master |
| Erasmus+ | EU and Partners | Monthly Stipend | Exchange/Internship |
| TU Delft Excellence | Global Applicants | Full Tuition + Stipend | Master only |
| Leiden Excellence | Global Applicants | €10,000 to €15,000 | Master only |
📝 The scholarship application process
Don’t leave your student scholarship application for the last minute. Most programs require you to have already applied, or even been accepted, to a university before you can even ask for money.
- Find your program: Use the Study in NL portal or university sites.
- Check the deadlines: Many scholarship deadlines fall between December and May for a September start.
- Prepare your docs: You’ll need a motivation letter, CV, transcripts, and proof of English (IELTS/TOEFL).
- Apply for admission first: You can’t get a scholarship if you haven’t been accepted yet!
💡Tips : Start your motivation letter early. Highlight your academic merit but also explain how you’ll actually contribute to the Dutch academic community. Mention specific research projects at the university that align with your goals.
🏆 Top 10 most popular degrees in the Netherlands
- Psychology Consistently one of the most popular choices for both Dutch and international students. It’s often a numerus fixus program (meaning there is a selection process) due to its high demand.
- International Business (or Business Administration) This is the absolute favorite for international students. It offers a global perspective and excellent career opportunities in the Dutch corporate landscape.
- Law (Rechtsgeleerdheid) Extremely popular among Dutch students. International students often choose the “European and International Law” variant.
- Medicine (Geneeskunde) Always at the top of the list for local students. It’s highly competitive and almost exclusively taught in Dutch at the Bachelor’s level.
- Engineering (Various fields) With world-class technical universities like TU Delft and Eindhoven (TU/e), fields like Mechanical, Civil, and Aerospace Engineering are massive draws.
- Computer Science & AI The fastest-growing field in terms of popularity. Programs in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science are especially trendy right now.
- Economics & Econometrics The Netherlands is famous for its strong foundation in economics, with Erasmus University Rotterdam being a world leader in this field.
- Biomedical Sciences For students who love biology and science but don’t necessarily want to become a medical doctor, this is a top-tier alternative.
- Criminology A “hype” study that has remained consistently popular over the last few years, focusing on the sociology and psychology behind crime.
- Communication & Media With the rise of digital media, programs like “Communication Science” (especially at the University of Amsterdam) have become international hotspots.
🏠 Managing the cost of living and housing
Even with a solid grant or bursary, the Netherlands isn’t exactly cheap. A major challenge for scholarships for international students is that they rarely cover 100% of your costs. You need a real plan for your student housing Netherlands needs.
Cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht are in the middle of a housing shortage. Accommodation support from universities is limited and usually only lasts for your first year. You need to take control of your search.
⚠️Prevention/Warning : Scammers often target international students searching from abroad. Never pay a deposit before seeing the property in person or via a verified video call. If a deal feels too good to be true, it likely is.
🌍 Exchange and mobility programs
Not looking for a full degree? You might prefer exchange programs or short-term mobility options. The Erasmus+ program is basically the go-to scheme for EU students, it gets you a monthly allowance to study abroad in one of the partner countries. If you’re not from Europe, then look for global scholarship programs like the Sino-Dutch Scholarship, these tend to include some travel money and insurance which makes a world of difference when you’re trying to make the leap to a new country.
❓ FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about student scholarship
How to apply for a student scholarship?
You usually apply through the university’s online portal after submitting your application for admission.
What are the scholarship requirements for international students?
Most require a non-EEA nationality, great transcripts, and an admission letter from a Dutch university.
Are there scholarships for EU students in the Netherlands?
Yes, EU students can get Erasmus+ grants and might qualify for Dutch government loans (DUO) if they work.
What are the scholarships for non-EU students Netherlands provides?
The big ones are the NL Scholarship, the Orange Tulip Scholarship, and various university awards.
Can I find fully funded student scholarships?
They are rare and very competitive. Programs like the Maastricht University NL-High Potential are some of the few that cover almost everything.
What are the best scholarships for international students in Europe?
Besides Erasmus+, the Dutch NL Scholarship and the German DAAD are among the best for accessibility.
What are the Dutch government scholarships 2025 like?
The 2025 NL Scholarship provides a one-time €5,000 contribution to help non-EEA students get started.
Are there university scholarships offers directly?
Yes, most major schools, from Wageningen to Groningen, have their own funds for top global talent.
Is there a scholarship for housing costs?
Most are general grants, but some premium university packages include a specific contribution to living expenses.
How does student financial aid Netherlands work?
For locals and some EU citizens, it involves DUO loans: for most internationals, it’s about external scholarships.
What are the scholarship vs bursary differences?
Scholarships are usually based on academic merit, while bursaries are often based on financial need.
🎯 Conclusion: Making your move
Getting your hands on a student scholarship is no simple feat. It takes some serious patience and ahead-of-the-game planning. Whether its a tidy €5,000 NL Scholarship or a full ride, every little bit will help you stay focused on what really matters: the future. And don’t let the state of the housing market scare you off, use tools like Renthunter.nl to find a place that fits your budget.
The Netherlands has world-class opportunities waiting for you. Start that application today!
